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1997-09-23 Regular MeetingA regular meeting of the Kodiak Island Borough Assembly was held September 23, 1997, in the Assembly Chambers of the Kodiak Island Borough Building, 710 Mill Bay Road. The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. The invocation was given by Pastor Earl Clark of the Community Baptist Church, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. There were present: ROLL CALL Wayne Stevens, Presiding Tom Abell Tuck Bonney Bob Johnson Mike Milligan Gary Stevens Absent: Robin Heinrichs comprising a quorum of the Assembly; and Jerome Selby, Mayor Donna Smith, CMC /AAE, Clerk Judi Nielsen, CMC, Deputy Clerk Linda Freed, Community Development Director Assemblymember Heinrichs was out of town attending the Alaska Coastal Policy Council Meeting in Anchorage and asked to be excused. G. STEVENS, seconded by JOHNSON VOTE ON MOTION TO EXCUSE MOTION CARRIED Unanimous voice vote Regular Assembly Meeting September 23, 1997 KODIAK ISLAND BOROUGH Regular Assembly Meeting September 23, 1997 moved to excuse Assemblymember Heinrichs. REGULAR MEETING Volume XXIII Page 92 APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA MILLIGAN, seconded by BONNEY moved to approve the agenda and consent agenda. Clerk Smith read the item for consideration under "Consent Agenda ". VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE MOTION CARRIED Unanimous voice vote APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. K.I.B. Assembly Meeting of September 4, 1997. G. STEVENS, seconded by JOHNSON VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE Regular Assembly Meeting September 23, 1997 moved to approve the minutes of September 4, 1997. Mayor Selby presented to Karleton Short, Borough Finance Director, the Award of Financial Reporting Achievement from the Government Finance Officers Association. Director Short accepted the award. He said the Finance Department staff worked well as a team, and he was proud of their outstanding work. Mayor Selby proclaimed September 30, 1997 U. S. Coast Guard Cutter Storis Day in Kodiak, urging all citizens to pay tribute to the dedicated crew and distinguished service of this great vessel, known as "the Queen of the Fleet ", and to welcome many successful future missions. Mayor Selby would present the proclamation to the crew of the Storis on September 30, 1997. APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA APPROVAL OF MINUTES MOTION CARRIED Unanimous voice vote AWARDS AND AWARDS AND PRESENTATIONS PRESENTATIONS A. Finance Award FINANCE AWARD B. Proclamation PROCLAMATION Volume XXIII Page 93 CITIZENS' COMMENTS A. Agenda Items Not Scheduled For Public Hearing and General Comments. None. COMMITTEE REPORTS Assemblymember Milligan reported that the Hospital Advisory Board received a report from the nursing department on their performance evaluation at the hospital. He said the statistics were compiled from 54 hospitals nationwide. He thought the final cost on the hospital asbestos abatement would be less than anticipated. He reported that Economic Development Committee members, including Senator Mackie, Representative Austerman, and village representatives from Akhiok, Karluk, Larsen Bay, and Old Harbor, met September 7. At the meeting, John Pfeifer, Chamber of Commerce economic development specialist, reported on efforts to provide a microwave link between Kodiak and the mainland. Also discussed were foreign fishing limits and the 300 million middle class residents in China that could represent a huge market for fish products. Assemblymember Johnson said the September 27 Town Meeting would focus on the community -wide education system. He said the meeting was important to the community, and he hoped for a large turnout. Assemblymember Abell attended the Southwest Alaska Municipal Conference (SWAMC) in Dutch Harbor. He attended a public safety workshop on enforcement and regulations and a workshop on tourism. He understood that Alaskan prisoners housed in Arizona prisons had to be returned to Alaska prior to release. Assemblymember Abell said that during the tourism workshop it was noted Akutan had only one visitor this summer. He added that six cruise ships would visit Kodiak next summer and it was important that tourists saw what they wanted to see. Regular Assembly Meeting September 23, 1997 CITIZENS' COMMENTS COMMITTEE REPORTS Volume XXIII Page 94 Deputy Presiding Officer W. Stevens also attended SWAMC. He said two highlights were the southwest region transportation needs study and inshore/ offshore allocation issues. In response to his statement, Mayor Selby clarified that SWAMC passed a resolution in support of continuing the allocation in the Gulf of Alaska, continuing the Community Development Quota (CDQ) program, and preparing an in -depth analysis of the allocation in the Bering Sea between the inshore and offshore processors. Assemblymember Johnson noted that a SWAMC resolution acknowledged that the Permanent Fund corpus was inviolate and could not be utilized without a vote of the public; however, the interest earnings were not subject to that same limitation. The resolution further urged the legislature to use the interest earnings to support state programs. PUBLIC HEARING PUBLIC HEARING All ordinances and resolutions presented at this meeting were introduced by title only and copies made available to the public. A. Ordinance No. 97 -17 Amending Kodiak Island ORDINANCE Borough Code of Ordinances Title 17 Zoning NO. 97 -17 Chapter 17.02 Comprehensive Plan to Adopt Revisions to the Lakeside Subdivision /Safeway Subarea Land Use Plan Originally Adopted in November 1991. (Generally Located Between Bartel Avenue and Island Lake Road and Mill Bay Road and Beaver and Dark Lakes) Presented for consideration was Ordinance No. 97 -17 that, if adopted, amended the Kodiak Island Borough Code by adopting revisions to the Lakeside Subdivision /Safeway Subarea land use plan. JOHNSON, moved to adopt seconded by G. STEVENS Ordinance No. 97 -17. Regular Assembly Meeting September 23, 1997 Volume XXIII Page 95 Mayor Selby deferred to Linda Freed, Community Development Director. Director Freed said the Assembly set the Commission's task to redevelop the area. The plan had substantial changes: the backside of Beaver Lake and Dark Lake were identified for open space; the area along Selief Lane was changed to low density and medium density residential; the remaining residential on Selief Lane was proposed for medium density residential; and the area along Selief Lane and Von Scheele Way was proposed for retail business to allow for future development. There was a recreational site in the area that the Plan recognized as a major facility. The Plan also recommended that land be identified and developed for an interconnecting trail system. Responding to Assemblymember Milligan, Director Freed said the Plan was conceptual, and zoning recommendations would examine the exact uses of the Plan to determine what was most appropriate. In response to Assemblymember Abell, Director Freed said the Plan set the direction and recommended zoning consistent with the Plan. It was appropriate to consider the consequences of maintaining industrial zoning in a retail business zoning area. Code allowed property owners to continue to use the property in the same manner until that use was discontinued. At Assemblymember Bonney's inquiry, Director Freed said the Plan did not change zoning but recommended future development. Assemblymember Bonney was concerned that property owners could not sell their property for the same use and asked if this was an "illegal takings ". Director Freed said that could be answered with an attorney's opinion. She added that zoning was a local government power, and the Commission recommended that new development be retail business with mixed residential. At Assemblymember Johnson's question about public use and natural use zoning, Director Freed said the type of use and development in natural use zoning was more Regular Assembly Meeting September 23, 1997 Volume XXIII Page 96 restrictive. Natural use permitted non - structure development, fish and wildlife enhancement, and recreation. Public use allowed a wide variety of uses including public office buildings, landfills, and fire stations. The Plan identified the use of land, and the zoning defined how the land was used. Assemblymember G. Stevens noted that the Commission held public hearings and recommended adoption. In response to Deputy Presiding Officer W. Stevens, Director Freed said gear storage was permitted in industrial and business zoning districts. She noted that the Commission focused on retail business which did not permit gear storage. Deputy Presiding Officer W. Stevens opened the public hearing. Kathy Colwell appreciated the efforts to establish a framework for a good Plan. She felt this brought together the needs and characteristics of the area. Ellen Cloudy spoke in support of the Plan. She had concern about preserving the land along Beaver Lake. Lee Russell favored most of the Plan; however, he was affected by the retail business zoning because he owned property around Selief Lane and Von Scheele Way that he used as business. He said the Brechan property was the only other property in the area zoned industrial and would not be for sale in the future. He wanted that portion of the Plan removed. Ken Lester phoned to point out that it was just a plan and that industrial zoning would remain until the zoning was changed. Curtis Horning, Von Scheele Way and Selief Lane property owner, favored the most of the Plan, but he wanted to retain the opportunities allowed in industrial zoning. Deputy Presiding Officer W. Stevens closed the public hearing and reconvened the regular meeting. Regular Assembly Meeting September 23, 1997 Volume XXIII Page 97 Responding to Assemblymember Milligan, Director Freed said it was a change in the way the area was viewed for the future, and the Commission discussed the value of leaving properties industrial or changing the area and the value around it. She said there was concern about potential activity and industrial/ recreational use. She noted that the Plan was a vision and a guide for the future. Assemblymember Bonney was concerned that rezoning property that was sold for industrial use would threaten the storage of fishing gear. Assemblymember Johnson felt the plan could be adopted and an exception made for property owners. In response to Assemblymember Bonney, Director Freed said Assembly approval was needed to rezone property. Mr. Russell's property was not recommended for rezoning. The Plan would not change zoning but would provide a vision for future use. If the property was not rezoned, all property rights would be retained. In response to Assemblymember Abell, Director Freed said rezones would be in the form of an ordinance and the Plan would set the guidelines. At Assemblymember Milligan's inquiry, Director Freed said the property was zoned for general business and when offered for auction, it did not sell. Assemblymember Milligan felt that since the area was evolving, the Plan was thorough and would protect property owners. Director Freed added that the Alaska Supreme Court determined that the importance of a plan was to allow the framework for regulations. VOTE ON MOTION TO ADOPT Ayes: Noes: Bonney Absent: Heinrichs Regular Assembly Meeting September 23, 1997 Abell, Johnson, Milligan, G. Stevens, W. Stevens Volume XXIII Page 98 MOTION CARRIED 5 Ayes, 1 No B. Ordinance No. 97 -18 Rezoning Portions of Areas ORDINANCE Subject to the Lakeside Subdivision /Safeway NO. 97 -18 Subarea Land Use Plan to Implement Recent Revisions to the Plan. (Blocks 1 and 3, Lakeside Subdivision and Portions of U.S. Surveys 3468 and 3467 on the Front Side of Beaver Lake) Presented for consideration was Ordinance No. 97 -18 that, if adopted, rezoned property to ensure development consistent with the Lakeside Subdivision /Safeway Land Use Plan. MILLIGAN, moved to adopt seconded by JOHNSON Ordinance No. 97 -18. At the deferral of Mayor Selby, Director Freed said this rezone would implement the Plan adopted by Ordinance No. 97 -17. She identified the properties presented for rezone. Deputy Presiding Officer W. Stevens opened the public hearing. Lee Russell understood that his property was not part of the rezone, and he did not disapprove of the Plan. Curtis Horning was concerned that industrial zoning would be changed without providing industrial zoning elsewhere. Mayor Selby said there was industrial property on Near Island within the City's limits. Ken Lester phoned. At his inquiry, Director Freed said the front side of Beaver Lake zoned public use was proposed for natural use and a small strip fronting Beaver Lake zoned natural use was proposed for residential. Mr. Lester was concerned that the rezoned property would be removed from the tax rolls and that would affect residential property taxes. Ellen Cloudy supported this as a plan for the future. Regular Assembly Meeting September 23, 1997 Volume XXIII Page 99 Kathy Colwell supported and appreciated the Commission's sensitivity. Deputy Presiding Officer W. Stevens closed the public hearing and reconvened the regular meeting. Assemblymember Abell was concerned that the rezone would reduce the value of the property. Deputy Presiding Officer W. Stevens re- opened the public hearing. Len Grothe phoned. He felt this would reduce the value of his property on the corner of Selief Lane and Von Scheele Way. Deputy Presiding Officer W. Stevens closed the public hearing and reconvened the regular meeting. JOHNSON, seconded by Abell moved to amend Ordinance No. 97 -18 by excepting Lots 1 and 2 of Block 3. Assemblymember Johnson felt this was a good -faith effort to retain property values. In response to Assemblymember Abell, Director Freed recommended deleting Section 3 of the ordinance. JOHNSON, seconded by Abell Assemblymember Bonney said the amendment alleviated his concerns. VOTE ON MOTION TO AMEND THE AMENDMENT Ayes: Regular Assembly Meeting September 23, 1997 moved to amend the amendment by replacing the words: "excepting Lots 1 and 2 of Block 3" with the words: "deleting Section 3 ". Bonney, Johnson, Milligan, G. Stevens, Abell, W. Stevens Volume XXIII Page 100 Noes: None Absent: Heinrichs MOTION CARRIED Unanimous VOTE ON MOTION TO AMEND AS AMENDED Ayes: Noes: None Absent: Heinrichs MOTION CARRIED Unanimous VOTE ON MOTION TO ADOPT AS AMENDED Ayes: Johnson, Milligan, G. Stevens, Abell, Bonney, W. Stevens Noes: None Absent: Heinrichs MOTION CARRIED Unanimous C. Ordinance No. 97 -19 Rezoning Tract A, U.S. ORDINANCE Survey 2538 A and Portions of U.S. Surveys 3467 NO. 97 -19 and 3468 (Zoning Map Dated August 20, 1997) From RR -1 -Rural Residential One and PL- Public Use Lands To NU- Natural Use. (Generally Located North of the Residential Lots Adjacent to Selief Lane and North of Horseshoe Lake and Beaver Lake) Milligan, G. Stevens, Abell, Bonney, Milligan, W. Stevens Presented for consideration was Ordinance No. 97 -19 that, if adopted, rezoned property to ensure development inherently consistent with the Lakeside Subdivision /Safeway Land Use Plan and the 1968 Comprehensive Plan. Regular Assembly Meeting September 23, 1997 Volume XXIII Page 101 JOHNSON, moved to adopt seconded by Abel Ordinance No. 97 -19. At the deferral of Mayor Selby, Director Freed referred to a map in the packet while describing the steep, unstable slope conditions on the property and the Comprehensive Plan designated swamp area. The recommendation was to rezone the area to natural use. She presented additional wording to provide for a trail system. G. STEVENS, seconded by MILLIGAN moved to amend Ordinance No. 97 -19 by adding the following: "WHEREAS, the Kodiak Island Borough has been working with the City of Kodiak to develop a comprehensive trail system for the Kodiak urban area; and WHEREAS, portions of the area to be rezoned may be identified in the trail plan as the best route for either motorized or non - motorized travel; and WHEREAS, the proposed zoning district for this area, NU- Natural Use, provides for pedestrian trails and trail systems as permitted uses and provides for roads and utility installations as conditionally permitted uses." Assemblymember G. Stevens saw the need for access to the area for a trail system. Assemblymember Milligan felt the amendment was well - written. VOTE ON MOTION TO AMEND Ayes: G. Stevens, Abell, Bonney, Johnson, Milligan, G. Stevens Noes: None Regular Assembly Meeting September 23, 1997 Volume XXIII Page 102 Absent: MOTION CARRIED Heinrichs Unanimous Deputy Presiding Officer W. Stevens opened the public hearing. Kathy Colwell supported the ordinance; however, she was disturbed that the amendments allowed motorized vehicles that would impact the wetlands area. Deputy Presiding Officer W. Stevens closed the public hearing and reconvened the regular meeting. Responding to Assemblymember Milligan, Director Freed said that in a significant wetlands area, a road building project would be an expensive undertaking. Assemblymember G. Stevens felt the amendment provided access for four - wheelers that already used the area. Director Freed said this was non - invasive and the code provided for conditional use. Deputy Presiding Officer W. Stevens re- opened the public hearing. Ken Lester phoned. He felt the useable property on Beaver Lake should be placed on the tax rolls and that funds should not be spent to restore the area. Deputy Presiding Officer W. Stevens closed the public hearing and reconvened the regular meeting. Mayor Selby clarified that the backside of Beaver Lake had very little useable land without impacting wetlands. In response to Assemblymember G. Stevens, Mayor Selby said the number of official wetlands had not been identified. Assemblymember Milligan felt this was a good ordinance and appreciated Director Freed's efforts. Regular Assembly Meeting September 23, 1997 Volume XXIII Page 103 VOTE ON MOTION TO ADOPT AS AMENDED Ayes: Noes: None Absent: Heinrichs MOTION CARRIED Unanimous Abell, Bonney, Johnson, Milligan, G. Stevens, W. Stevens After a ten minute recess at 9:32 p.m., Deputy Presiding Officer W. Stevens reconvened the regular meeting. MESSAGES FROM THE BOROUGH MAYOR MESSAGES FROM MAYOR Mayor Selby thanked the Assembly, Commission, and staff for working to establish a good Comprehensive Plan. He was pleased that John Pfeifer's report that bank deposits were at an all -time high reflected an overall positive economic picture in the community. The next to the last billing for the hospital energy loan was submitted, and the Borough should receive a $481,000 check, bringing nearer to payoff the $4 million hospital loan. The renovation was near to completion except for receipt of the final energy equipment that was on delay from the manufacturer. The cost of asbestos removal at the hospital was $175,000. Removal of asbestos in the boiler room would cost an additional $50,000. The asbestos flooring in the extended care unit, with a remaining useful life of 15 years, would not be replaced because its safety was ensured with strictly adhered to guidelines for maintenance. The strategic planning committee meeting discussion focused on Providence's future plans for the hospital and defining the Hospital Advisory Board's role. Regular Assembly Meeting September 23, 1997 Volume XXIII Page 104 He was pleased that the new ferry, the MV Kennecott, was launched for sea trials prior to delivery. He would meet with Kodiak National Wildlife representatives to discuss federal funds to start developing a trail system through Anton Larson. Mayor Selby was charged to manage the principles of the personnel system to meet federal and state statutes. Job descriptions, developed by department heads and reviewed by employees, assigned specific duties and there was a need to provide equal opportunity and equal pay for equal work. He concluded that the Borough had an executive personnel manager system so the title /terminology was changed administratively since there was no significant change in duties that needed reevaluation by the Personnel Board. He noted that seven recent staff changes resulted in the down - grading of two positions for an overall adjustment to the salary schedule that netted a savings of $35,000 per year. He was aware of the budget constraints; however, the need was to accomplish the work and to provide equal pay for equal work. He anticipated a reduction in personnel costs for the fiscal year 1999 budget. Mayor Selby expressed concern at the two instances of intentional sabotage at the Near Island Research Facility. If necessary, a watchman would be hired. He asked residents to be involved and report anyone involved in the instances before there were injuries. He reported that the hospital continued to do an excellent job. There would be $181,000 in excess revenues for the Borough at the end of August. The village all spill equipment was approved by ADEC. He recognized SeaLand for offering to transport the equipment at half price. The Mental Health Center transfer to Providence Kodiak Island Medical Center date was advanced to January 1, 1997, to meet their internal requirements. Providence met with employees to discuss salaries and job descriptions. Regular Assembly Meeting September 23, 1997 Volume XXIII Page 105 He reviewed the Town Meeting agenda and encouraged residents to participate. He said the meeting would focus on how to improve the already excellent education system in Kodiak and how to pay for it. He was working with the state and local agencies regarding the human resources development council to secure jobs to maximize opportunities to get people to work. There were four aides at the high school, the city was recruiting five people to work as crossing guards, and the FITC was also looking for people to work. Representatives from the Oceanic Institute in Hawaii visited to discuss the joint shrimp research projects. He submitted a request to the Exxon Valdez Trustee Council for acquisition of Leisnoi property in Chiniak. He distributed copies of Senator Stevens letter on salmon aid packages to North Korea. He reported that the Coast Guard received initial funds for renovations of Hangar 3 on the base. The Southwest Alaska Municipal Conference (SWAMC) was excellent. He was looking forward to working on a transportation plan that would meet Kodiak's needs and the efforts on inshore /offshore issues. Responding to Assemblymember G. Stevens, Mayor Selby said there was direct competition with regard to the roll of the MV Kennecott when the MV Tustumena was out -of- service. Southeast wanted to utilize the vessel so Kodiak would have to fight for its use. He agreed that an ocean -going ferry was not needed for the inside passage. There was a need to develop Southwest Alaska, so it would be an aggressive fight. OLD BUSINESS OLD BUSINESS None. Regular Assembly Meeting September 23, 1997 Volume XXIII Page 106 NEW BUSINESS NEW BUSINESS A. AWARDS AWARDS None. B. RESOLUTIONS RESOLUTIONS Presented for consideration was Resolution No. 97 -41 that, if adopted, stated the Borough's intent to use the alternative allocation method for the fiscal year 1998 Shared Fisheries Business Tax program. G. STEVENS, moved to adopt seconded by MILLIGAN Resolution No. 97 -41. Mayor Selby said this program was designed to provide funding to villages that home ported fishing vessels but did not have processing plants. He hoped this would become an open- ended, permanent allocation that would not require future resolutions. Assemblymember Milligan thanked Mayor Selby, whom he felt was at the forefront of fish tax issues in the state. VOTE ON MOTION TO ADOPT Ayes: Noes: Absent: 1. Resolution No. 97 -41 Adopting an RESOLUTION Alternative Allocation Method for the NO. 97 -41 Fiscal Year 1998 Shared Fisheries Business Tax Program and Certifying that this Allocation Method Fairly Represents the Distribution of Significant Effects of Fisheries Business Activity in the Kodiak Island Borough. Regular Assembly Meeting September 23, 1997 Bonney, Johnson Milligan, G. Stevens, Abell, W. Stevens None Heinrichs Volume XXIII Page 107 MOTION CARRIED Unanimous 2. Resolution No. 97 -42 Retaining Legal RESOLUTION Counsel for the Kodiak Island Borough. NO. 97 -42 Presented for consideration was Resolution No. 97 -42 that, if adopted, retained the law firm of Jamin, Ebell, Schmitt and Mason to represent the Kodiak Island Borough in matters of law for a reimbursement rate of $150 per hour unless otherwise specified. JOHNSON, moved to adopt seconded by BONNEY Resolution No. 97 -42. Mayor Selby reported that this resolution would retain legal counsel for three years. BONNEY, seconded by G. STEVENS Regular Assembly Meeting September 23, 1997 moved to amend Resolution No. 97 -42 by reducing the agreement from three years to one year. Assemblymember Bonney felt the need to evaluate this firm and other firms through the bid process. Assemblymember Milligan spoke against the amendment. He felt this firm offered more than other firms would offer. Assemblymember Johnson had no problem with the firm's performance. Assemblymember G. Stevens felt it was important to review the contract yearly; however, he had no objections to representation from this firm. In response to Assemblymember Abell, Mayor Selby said a request for proposal would provide a comparison of the services offered by other law firms. Although Assemblymember Abell supported the amendment, he felt another attorney in the firm could be used if needed. Assemblymember Bonney said he was only questioning the process, not the firm's ability or ethics. Volume XXIII Page 108 Assemblymember Johnson said the Assembly could still review the firm annually. Assemblymember G. Stevens said it was odd that the Assembly hired the attorney but the mayor had more contact. He did not see a conflict of interest but felt an annual meeting would be beneficial. VOTE ON MOTION TO AMEND Ayes: Milligan, G. Stevens, Abell, Bonney Noes: Johnson, W. Stevens Absent: Heinrichs MOTION CARRIED 4 Ayes, 2 No Assemblymember Bonney wanted the Assembly to be informed on current issues. VOTE ON MOTION TO ADOPT AS AMENDED Ayes: Noes: Absent: MOTION CARRIED C. ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION Milligan, W. Stevens, Abell, Bonney, Johnson, W. Stevens None Heinrichs Unanimous 1. Ordinance No. 97 -20 Amending Kodiak Island Borough Code of Ordinances Title 2 Administration and Personnel Chapter 2.45 Architectural /Engineering Review Board to Reflect Changes to Responsibilities. Presented for consideration was Ordinance No. 97 -20 that, if adopted, amended the Kodiak Island Borough Code to enhance the value of the Architectural/ Regular Assembly Meeting September 23, 1997 ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION ORDINANCE NO. 97 -20 Volume XXIII Page 109 Engineering Review Board by clarifying the Board's responsibilities. Ordinance No. 97 -20 was advanced to public hearing on October 2, 1997, under "Consent Agenda ". D. OTHER ITEMS OTHER ITEMS 1. Mental Health Center Board Member MHCAB Resignation. RESIGNATION JOHNSON, seconded by BONNEY A. MINUTES OF OTHER MEETINGS MINUTES OF OTHER 1. Service District No. 1 Board Special MEETINGS Meeting of August 19, 1997 and Regular Meeting of June 4, 1997. 2. Fire Protection Area No. 1 Board Meeting of August 5, 1997. B. REPORTS None. C. OTHER None. Regular Assembly Meeting September 23, 1997 move to accept, with regret, the resignation of Lauri Whiddon from the Mental Health Center Advisory Board and to direct the clerk to advertise the vacant seat per borough code. Mayor Selby appreciated the services of Ms. Whiddon and all who served on boards and committees. VOTE ON MOTION MOTION CARRIED Unanimous voice vote INFORMATIONAL INFORMATIONAL MATERIALS (No action required) MATERIALS REPORTS OTHER Volume XXIII Page 110 CITIZENS' COMMENTS None. ASSEMBLYMEMBER COMMENTS Assemblymember Milligan felt that democracy worked, and he encouraged testimony on public issues. Assemblymember Bonney spoke of new positions at the Borough. Mayor Selby said the personnel director title was changed to the human resources director title, in anticipated that the Borough would receive grant funds because of the change. He added that there would be no additions to staff. He said that when fire chief Earl Smith, retired he would be replaced an employee in the assistant fire chief position so there would be no increase in personnel or salary. Assemblymember G. Stevens noted that the municipal election was on October 7. He saw important issues on the city ballot. Clerk Smith said voters could vote absentee in the Clerk's office through October 6. Assemblymember Johnson encouraged residents to speak to important issues. The Town Meeting would provide an atmosphere that would create comfortable discussion. He encouraged residents to vote. Assemblymember Abell noted that there was significant tourism in Alaska but most of that by- passed Kodiak. He felt the ferry was important to the community. Deputy Presiding Officer W. Stevens said that Jack McFarland traveled to Moss Point to view the launching of the MV Kennecott and reported that there was no representation from Southwest Alaska; however, two large delegations from Southeast Alaska attended to enhance the importance of the vessel to Southeast communities. Regular Assembly Meeting September 23, 1997 CITIZENS' COMMENTS ASSEMBLYMEMBER COMMENTS Volume XXIII Page 111 Deputy Presiding Officer W. Stevens announced that the Assembly would meet in a work session on Thursday, September 25 at 7:30 p.m. in the Borough conference room and a regular meeting on Thursday, October 2 at 7:30 p.m. in the assembly chambers. Members of the Assembly would travel to Old Harbor and Port Lions on Friday, September 26, weather permitting. Absentee ballots were available in the Borough clerk's office, room 123, in the Borough building. There being no further business to come before the ADJOURNMENT Assembly, the meeting adjourned at 10:50 p.m. ATTEST: onna F. Smith, CMC /AAE Borough Clerk Regular Assembly Meeting September 23, 1997 Robin Heinrichs Presiding Officer Approved: 11/06/97 Volume XXIII Page 112