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1998-02-19 Regular MeetingA regular meeting of the Kodiak Island Borough Assembly was held February 19, 1998 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 Father Paul Smith, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. There were present: ROLL CALL Gary Stevens, Presiding Tom Abell Scott Arndt Tuck Bonney Robin Heinrichs Wayne Stevens Absent: Bob Johnson comprising a quorum of the Assembly; and Jerome Selby, Mayor Donna Smith CMC /AAE, Clerk Judi Nielsen CMC, Deputy Clerk Assemblymember Johnson was out on vacation and asked to be excused. W. STEVENS, moved to excuse seconded by HEINRICHS Assemblymember Johnson. VOTE ON MOTION TO EXCUSE MOTION CARRIED Unanimous voice vote APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA HEINRICHS, seconded by BONNEY Regular Assembly Meeting February 19, 1998 KODIAK ISLAND BOROUGH Regular Assembly Meeting February 19, 1998 moved to approve the agenda and consent agenda. REGULAR MEETING APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA Volume XXIII Page 264 VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE MOTION CARRIED Unanimous voice vote APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. Kodiak Island Borough Assembly Regular Meeting Minutes of February 5, 1998. W. STEVENS, seconded by BONNEY VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE MOTION CARRIED AWARDS AND PRESENTATIONS B. Proclamation moved to approve the minutes of February 5, 1998. Unanimous voice vote A. Student of the Month STUDENT OF THE MONTH Mayor Jerome Selby presented the Student of the Month Award to Eva Bergmann, a senior at Old Harbor School. Mayor Selby proclaimed March 1998 Women's History Month, urging all educators, government officials, businesses, and citizens to recognize the important contributions women have made throughout history. Jan Brenteson, Kodiak Women's Resource and Crisis Center Board member, accepted the proclamation. She presented a poster commemorating women in history. CITIZENS' COMMENTS A. Agenda Items Not Scheduled For Public Hearing and General Comments. Diana Buffington, Alaskans for Tax Reform member, heard that the Borough would pay the sales tax on the Kodiak Area Transit System (KATS) fares. She said the Borough was responsible for maintenance, liable for lawsuits, and she felt the community was misled. Regular Assembly Meeting February 19, 1998 APPROVAL OF MINUTES AWARDS AND PRESENTATIONS PROCLAMATION WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH CITIZENS' COMMENTS Volume XXIII Page 265 Barbara Williams, Island Lake resident, said residents signed a petition to limit the speed of all motor crafts on the lake, not just jet skis, and eliminating jet skis would not solve the problem. Pat Szabo, Island Lake resident, felt jet skis and fast boats were hazardous to swimmers and to those who navigated canoes and non - motorized boats. Jack Ramey phoned. He was concerned about Parks' staff maintaining Kodiak's parks because other people were available to do the work and save money. Phil Cline, Providence Kodiak Island Medical Center administrator, reported that a recent audit noted a $41,000 loss in January that was attributed to low patient volume and a bad debt write -off of $120,000. The Mental Health Center transition was underway and only one position was not filled. The first quarterly report would be out in April. Presiding Officer Stevens acknowledged that students of Mrs. Blott's high school English class were in the audience. COMMITTEE REPORTS Assemblymember W. Stevens, Hospital Advisory Board chair and member of the Providence Service Area Board, heard a presentation on the difficulty of collecting from insurance companies. He expected the hospital budget to show a six percent return, and he commended Mr. Cline and staff for working towards a positive budget. The hospital was in a good position to spend capital project funds. Assemblymember Heinrichs, Planning and Zoning Commission representative, reported that the Commission worked through their plans for the Assembly's list of priorities. PUBLIC HEARING PUBLIC HEARING None. Regular Assembly Meeting February 19, 1998 COMMITTEE REPORTS Volume XXIII Page 266 MESSAGES FROM THE BOROUGH MAYOR MESSAGES FROM MAYOR Mayor Selby said Laidlaw reported that about 200 people rode KATS during the first week of operation, and suggestions from riders were implemented. No Borough funds were spent on KATS; the 18 month pilot program was funded by renewable federal and state grants and other non - profit funding sources. He noted that the schedule was adjusted to accommodate cannery workers. Future reports would be forthcoming. Mayor Selby said the Coast Guard and State Troopers addressed watercraft issues at Big Lake that could help the Borough address Island Lake concerns. The National Association of Counties met in Washington, D.C. to work on items of impact to Kodiak that included welfare reform, community service block grants, Medicaid regulations, endangered species habitat recovery, the National Environmental Policy Act, the Universal Telecommunications and Takings Bill, the Magnusen Act, seafood tariff reductions, and the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Appropriations for 1999 included Payment -in- Lieu -of -Tax, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration lease of the Kodiak Fisheries Research Center, funding for the Coast Guard hangar rehabilitation, funding for the new visitors center at the Bear Refuge. The foreign trade zone should be approved in March. The Human Resources Investment Council met and Kodiak was one of three communities selected for continuance of the homeless housing program. The State Assessors office identified Kodiak as eighth in population in the state, but fourth in per capita costs. That meant the Borough delivered significant services at a low cost. OLD BUSINESS OLD BUSINESS None. Regular Assembly Meeting February 19, 1998 Volume XXIII Page 267 NEW BUSINESS A. CONTRACTS 1. Contract No. 98 -07 Maintenance of the CONTRACT Recreation Facilities Located at the End- NO. 98 -07 of- the -Road in Monashka Bay. HEINRICHS, seconded by W. STEVENS Mayor Selby said staff of the Alaska State Parks developed a proposal to provide maintenance at the new park located at the end of Monashka Bay Road. This was valuable because the staff had expertise in park maintenance. The contract would be in effect through June 30, 1998 at a cost of $5,875. In response to Assemblymember Arndt, Mayor Selby said this would help prevent vandalism. Assemblymember Arndt was concerned that the contract was in effect prior to Assembly approval. He felt vandalism could be handled in a different way. ARNDT, seconded by BONNEY Assemblymember Arndt reiterated his concern about the effective date. He said this did not include per year costs of $2,000 for dumpster service or $4,000 for outhouse dumping so the funding was insufficient. VOTE ON MOTION TO AMEND Regular Assembly Meeting February 19, 1998 moved to approve Contract No. 98 -07 with Alaska State Parks for maintenance of the new recreation facilities located at the end -of- the -road in Monashka Bay. moved to amend Contract No. 98 -07 to change the term of the contract from "February 1 through June 30, 1998" to "March 1 through June 30, 1998 ". Ayes: Abell, Arndt, Bonney, Heinrichs, G. Stevens NEW BUSINESS CONTRACTS Volume XXIII Page 268 Noes: Absent: W. Stevens Johnson MOTION CARRIED 5 Ayes, 1 No In response to Assembly W. Stevens, Mayor Selby clarified that the outhouse and trash dumping services were not included but they were budgeted. VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE AS AMENDED Ayes: Arndt, Bonney, Heinrichs, W. Stevens, Abell, G. Stevens Noes: None Absent: Johnson MOTION CARRIED Unanimous B. RESOLUTIONS RESOLUTIONS 1. Resolution No. 98 -03 Electing to RESOLUTION Participate in the Retirement Incentive NO. 98 -03 Program Chapter 4, First Special SLA 1996, as Amended by Chapter 12, SEA 1997, and Authorizing the Mayor to Enter Into an Agreement With the Administrator of the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) to Fund the Cost of Participation in the Program. Presented for consideration was Resolution No. 98 -03 that, if adopted, adopted the amended State of Alaska Retirement Incentive Program for 1997 to allow eligible Kodiak Island Borough employees to retire by December 31, 1999. W. STEVENS, moved to adopt seconded by HEINRICHS Resolution No. 98 -03. Mayor Selby said this extended Borough participation in the program through 1999. If everyone eligible Regular Assembly Meeting February 19, 1998 Volume XXIII Page 269 took early retirement, there could be significant savings. This would not represent a reduction in service because staffing would remain level. Assemblymember Heinrichs understood the savings were based on hiring new employees at step A. Mayor Selby responded affirmatively adding that some employees were hired at a step C; however, the Assembly had to approve hiring at higher than step C. ABELL, seconded by ARNDT Assemblymember Abell wanted the true cost savings because there would be costs in the learning process. Assemblymember Arndt agreed and asked for more information. VOTE ON MOTION TO POSTPONE Ayes: Bonney, Heinrichs, W. Stevens, Abell, Arndt, G. Stevens Noes: None Absent: Johnson MOTION CARRIED Unanimous 2. Resolution No. 98 -04 Requesting Fiscal Year RESOLUTION 1999 Safe Communities Funding From the NO. 98 -04 State of Alaska Department of Community and Regional Affairs. moved to postpone Resolution No. 98 -03 to March 5, 1998. Presented for consideration was Resolution No. 98 -04 that, if adopted, requested payment from the Safe Communities Program by the Department of Community and Regional Affairs to be spent as required by law. HEINRICHS, moved to adopt seconded by ARNDT Resolution No. 98 -04 Regular Assembly Meeting February 19, 1998 Volume XXIII Page 270 Mayor Selby explained that the resolution was needed to receive funds from the Safe Communities Program. VOTE ON MOTION TO ADOPT Ayes: Noes: None Absent: Johnson MOTION CARRIED Unanimous W. Stevens, Abell, Arndt, Bonney, Heinrichs, G. Stevens 3. Resolution No. 98 -05 Approving a $50,000 RESOLUTION Grant to the Alaska Oceans, Seas, and NO. 98 -05 Fisheries Research Foundation. Presented for consideration was Resolution No. 98 -05 that, if adopted, approved a $50,000 grant for fisheries research critical to the future health of the Kodiak Island fishing industry. W. STEVENS, moved to adopt seconded by HEINRICHS Resolution No. 98 -05. Mayor Selby said the $50,000 was in the fisheries development fund that was created by funds returned from the Chamber of Commerce fish meal experiment that was funded by the Borough. He said this also allowed Kodiak to receive additional research funds. Scott Smiley was called forward. He said the papers for non - profit incorporation were filed but had not yet been received. The foundation was to stimulate receipt of funds for marine research. Presiding Officer Stevens asked about the advantages. Dr. Smiley replied that the accounting rules of the University of Alaska caused private sources to be reserved. This foundation would not be constrained. Regular Assembly Meeting February 19, 1998 Volume XXIII Page 271 W. STEVENS, seconded by ARNDT Assemblymember W. Stevens wanted review and public testimony from the fishing industry and the public. VOTE ON MOTION TO POSTPONE Ayes: Noes: Absent: MOTION CARRIED C. ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION D. OTHER ITEMS None. Regular Assembly Meeting February 19, 1998 moved to postpone Resolution No. 98 -05 to public hearing on March 5, 1998. Heinrichs, W. Stevens, Abell, Arndt, Bonney, G. Stevens None Johnson Unanimous 1. Ordinance No. 98 -01 Amending Kodiak Island Borough Code of Ordinances Title 1 General Provisions Chapter 1.04 General Provisions Section 1.04.030 Definitions to Provide for Additional Definitions Upon the Change to a Manager Plan of Government. Presented for consideration was Ordinance No. 98 -01 that, if adopted, amended Kodiak island Borough code to enact provisions for the reorganization of the municipal executive and administrative functions. Ordinance No. 98 -01 was advanced to public hearing on March 5, 1998 under "Consent Agenda ". ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION ORDINANCE NO. 98 -01 OTHER ITEMS Volume XXIII Page 272 INFORMATIONAL INFORMATIONAL MATERIALS (No action required) MATERIALS A. MINUTES OF OTHER MEETINGS MINUTES OF OTHER 1. Womens Bay Service Area Board Meetings of December 8, 1997 and January 26, 1998. 2. Kodiak Area Transit System Committee Meeting of January 20, 1998 3. Service District No. 1 Board Meeting of January 27, 1998. 4. Personnel Advisory Board Meeting of January 28, 1998. B. REPORTS REPORTS 1. Economic Development Journal for February 1998. C. OTHER None. CITIZENS' COMMENTS None. ASSEMBLYMEMBER COMMENTS Presiding Officer Stevens said there would be many changes to the code during the transition from the mayor to manager plan of government. He appreciated the Clerk's office especially during this busy time. He outlined the schedule of several months that would culminate by hiring a manager in September, 1998. While in Port Lions, he had an opportunity to share information about the Assembly with the students. He also shared that information with Mrs. Blott's English students during a class. At Presiding Officer Stevens' inquiry, Mayor Selby said the KATS Committee held advertised public meetings and could provide complete funding details. Presiding Officer Stevens added that Pat Branson was Regular Assembly Meeting February 19, 1998 MEETINGS OTHER CITIZENS' COMMENTS ASSEMBLYMEMBER COMMENTS Volume XXIII Page 273 the committee chair, and the next meeting was scheduled for Wednesday, February 25. Assemblymember Bonney said the Borough did not subsidize KATS, and he supported KATS because many residents could not afford to own a vehicle. He looked forward to the review in 18 months. He felt retirement incentive did not represent real money. He wanted the budget reviewed to cut costs. In the fiscal year 1998 budget, the personnel officer position was to be cut but funds were found and the position was retitled to human resources director at a higher salary. He was not proud of raising taxes at 37 percent that he felt hurt many residents. Assemblymember W. Stevens congratulated Eva Bergmann as Student of the Month. He said it was exciting to see young people achieve excellence. He commended Kodiak High School principal Mr. Settevendemie for working to provide education opportunities cooperatively with Kodiak college. Assemblymember Arndt expected an interesting budget process. He saw $107,000 less received in severance taxes in the FY 1998 mid -year budget. Assemblymember Abell supported KATS and looked forward to the quarterly report. He saw Kodiak becoming civilized with more restrictions on recreational vehicle riders. He hoped to have the jet- skiers meet with the Assembly. Assemblymember Heinrichs thanked Phil Cline for his reports and looked forward to hearing the Mental Health Center transfer report. Presiding Officer Stevens was proud of the Native arts and crafts in the village schools and the fact that the schools were not vandalized. Presiding Officer Stevens announced the Assembly would meet in a work session on Thursday, February 26, at 7:30 p.m. in the borough conference room and a Regular Assembly Meeting February 19, 1998 Volume XXIII Page 274 regular meeting on Thursday, March 5, at 7:30 p.m. in the assembly chambers. There being no further business to come before the ADJOURNMENT Assembly, the meeting adjourned at 8:47 p.m. ATTEST: it /y7A_ - 11;E . Donna F. Smith, CMC /AAE Borough Clerk Regular Assembly Meeting February 19, 1998 Gary Stevens Presiding Officer APPROVED: 03/05/98 Volume XXIII Page 275