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1996-04-23 Regular MeetingRODIAR ISLAND BOROUGH Regular Assembly Meeting April 23, 1996 A regular meeting of the Kodiak Island Borough Assembly was held April 23, 1996 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 Envoy Craig Fanning of the Salvation Army, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. There were present: Gary Stevens, Presiding John Burt Robin Heinrichs Bob Johnson Jack McFarland Mike Milligan absent: Suzanne Hancock comprising a quorum of the Assembly; and Jerome Selby, Mayor Donna Smith CMC /AAE, Clerk Judi Nielsen, Deputy Clerk Assemblymember Hancock was out of town and asked to be excused. MILLIGAN, moved to excuse seconded by BURT VOTE ON MOTION MOTION APPROVED Unanimous voice vote APPROVAL OF AGENDA MILLIGAN, seconded by HEINRICHS McFARLAND, aca:vuucu by MILLIGAN Regular Assembly Meeting April23, 1996 Assemblymember Hancock. moved to approve the agenda. moved to amend the agenda by moving item 12.B.1 Resolution No. 96 -12 to public hearing. REGULAR MEETING ROLL CALL APPROVAL OF AGENDA Volume 30d Page 93 VOTE ON MOTION TO AMEND MOTION CARRIED Unanimous voice vote VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE AS AMENDED MOTION CARRIED Unanimous voice vote APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. Kodiak Island Borough Assembly Meeting of April 4, 1996. MILLIGAN, seconded by McFARLAND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE MOTION CARRIED AWARDS AND PRESENTATIONS A. Student of the Month moved to approve the minutes of April 4, 1996. Unanimous voice vote Mayor Jerome Selby presented the Student of the Month Award to Jessica LeGrue, a junior at Kodiak High School. B. Proclamations Mayor Selby proclaimed April 25, 1996 National Take Our Daughters to Work Day, encouraging all citizens to support this event by mentoring our daughters and showing them the impressive contributions that women leaders in Kodiak are making to our work places and community every day. Cheryl Bolger, coordinator, accepted the proclamation. Mrs. Bolger thanked Mayor Selby and the Assembly for supporting a unique opportunity for girls. Mayor Selby proclaimed the week of May 1 -7, 1996 Elks National Youth Week, urging all citizens to recognize the present and future contributions of our young people and to support them through community youth services programs. Clay Koplin_ Kodiak Elks Club Exaulted Ruler, accepted the proclamation. Mr. Koplin thanked Mayor Selby and the Assembly for assisting the Elks in supporting youth activities through the aluminum recycling, drug awareness, and Elks scholarship programs. Regular Assembly Meeting April23, 1996 APPROVAL OF MINUTES AWARDS AND PRESENTATIONS STUDENT OF THE MONTH PROCLAMATIONS NATIONAL TAKE OUR DAUGHTERS TO WORK DAY ELKS NATIONAL YOUTH WEEK Volume )Oa Page 94 CITIZENS' COMMENTS John Pfeiffer, Kodiak Chamber of Commerce Economic Development specialist, presented the Assembly with the final draft of the Feasibility and Planning Report on the Outdoor Historical Drama. Cry of the Wild Ram. He said the report was written by Scott Parker of the Institute of Outdoor Drama in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. He felt there was a good potential for success if recommendations were followed. He said it was a valuable project but there was no data available to predict the economic impact. Assemblymember Johnson noted that the team was comprised of three individuals. In response to Assemblymember Milligan, Mr. Pfeiffer said the recommendation was to refurbish the site and for the Outdoor Theater Company to raise the $1.2 million prior to launching the project. Marcia Oswalt, thanked Mayor Selby, the Assembly, and School Board for supporting Take Our Daughters to Work Day. She thanked Cheryl Bolger for taking the time to put together a wonderful program. Ms. Oswalt said she no longer worked for the school district, and had no children in the schools, but she still understood the costs to run schools. COMMITTEE REPORTS Woody Koning, Architectural Review Board chair, said the Board held a quarterly meeting and welcomed Jeff LeDoux as a new member. He thanked Scott Bonney and Gregg Hacker for their expertise and dedication. He noted that one board seat was vacant and encouraged interested persons to contact the Clerk's office. He said the Board toured the hospital project and discussed management structure. He felt the Board should recommend that the Assembly receive clear information on how the management structure worked. Assemblymember Milligan attended the Alaska Municipal League (AML) Conference in Juneau where discussion was on reducing cuts to municipal assistance and revenue sharing. He said Joe Perkins with the Department of Transportation indicated that decreased federal funding caused cuts to road construction. He noted that a marine fuel tax would create funds. Regular Assembly Meeting April 23, 1996 CITIZENS' COMMENTS COMMITTEE REPORTS Volume XXI Page 95 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. 96 -04 Rezoning Lots 14, 14A, 14B, ORDINANCE and 15 (Proposed Lot 15A), Block 3, Leite NO. 96 -04 Addition, From R1-- Single Family Residential TQ R2 - -Two Family Residential. (1619 Mission Road) Presented for consideration was Ordinance No. 96 -04 that, if adopted, rezoned property consistent with objectives of the Comprehensive Plan that designates the area as medium and high density residential. McFARLAND, moved to adopt seconded by MILLIGAN Ordinance No. 96 -04. Mayor Selby said the Planning and Zoning Commission reviewed the rezone and recommended approval. Presiding Officer Stevens announced that 31 public hearing notices were mailed; one was returned in favor. McFARLAND, seconded by MILLIGAN Regular Assembly Meeting April 23, 1996 moved to amend Ordinance No. 96 -04 by adding as the final sentence in Section 3 Findings of Fact: "In addition, this entire single family area will be investigated for rezoning to R - -2, consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and in keeping with the medium /high density residential designation of this area." Assemblymeaber McFarland felt it was the Assembly's responsibility to direct the Commission to review and determine whether the entire block should be R - -2. Presiding Officer Stevens called for public testimony; hearing and seeing none, he reconvened the regular meeting. Volume XXI Page 96 VOTE ON MOTION TO AMEND Ayes: Burt, Heinrichs, Johnson, McFarland, Milligan, Stevens Noes: None Absent: Hancock MOTION CARRIED Unanimous VOTE ON MOTION TO ADOPT AS AMENDED Ayes: Heinrichs, Johnson, McFarland, Milligan, Burt, Stevens Noes: None Absent: Hancock MOTION CARRIED Unanimous HEINRICHS, moved to direct the seconded by MILLIGAN Planning and Zoning Commission to investigate rezoning of R - -1 zoned properties adjacent to Mission Road and northeast of 17th Avenue from R - -1 to R - -2. Assemblymember Heinrichs felt comparable properties should be rezoned in blocks. Assemblymember Burt hoped to not cause inconvenience to others. VOTE ON MOTION Ayes: McFarland, Milligan, Heinrichs, Stevens Noes: Johnson, Burt Absent: Hancock MOTION CARRIED 4 Ayes, 2 Noes Regular Assembly Meeting April 23, 1996 Volume XXI Page 97 B. Resolution No. 96 -12 Approving the Fiscal Year RESOLUTION 1997 Kodiak Island Borough School District NO. 96 -12 Budget and Determining the Total Amount of Funds to be Made Available From Local Sources. Presented for consideration was Resolution No. 96 -12 that if adopted, accepted the fiscal year 1997 Kodiak Island Borough School District budget of $21,044,284 and authorized the appropriation of funds in the Kodiak Island Borough fiscal year 1997 budget. JOHNSON, moved to adopt seconded by MILLIGAN Resolution No. 96 -12. Mayor Selby reported that the School District approved the fiscal year 1997 budget in the amount of $21,440,284 with an in -kind contribution of $4,225,000. He outlined the percentages to specific funds. He deferred to Bruce Johnson, Superintendent of Schools. Jeff Stephan, School Board president, urged the Assembly to support the local appropriation request. He understood that the budget consideration was a collective responsibility. He felt Kodiak had an excellent reputation for providing broad based education and quality teachers and the local contribution would continue to support quality education. Superintendent Johnson shared an updated draft of the budget. He said it was significant that the in -kind service was increased for mental health services and that eliminated an outright expenditure for the school district. He said the foundation formula would support that by $50,000. He reported that federal funding was lost at a rapid pace and an increased local appropriation would soften the blow. He said there was also increased student enrollment that caused a need for additional staff and materials. At questions raised by Assemblymember Milligan, Superintendent Johnson said the foundation formula was established that enabled funding of a large portion of the support. He noted that SB 70 was designed to take money away from rural Alaska and support larger populations. In response to Assemblymember Milligan's inquiry, Superintendent Johnson estimated that 300 -400 students were not in the school system. Regular Assembly Meeting April 23, 1996 Volume XXl Page 98 When Assemblymember Heinrichs expressed his assumption that there was a reduction of 3.5 equivalents, Superintendent Johnson said there was $235,000 in staff reductions but there were incoming funds that were part of the budget. Although Assemblymember Milligan was impressed with what the Budget Review Committee had accomplished, he did not agree with the document. Superintendent Johnson noted that previously there had been three different budgets. He said initially there was a $60,000 deficit that was reduced by administering village schools differently and by natural attrition in that the purchasing supervisor position would not be filled when Gene Sundberg retired. He said the middle school and high school class sizes were small and ten sections could potentially be eliminated. He said Honors English could be included in other classes. He did not want to jeopardize students receiving alternative programs. Assemblymember Milligan referred to a recent article that outlined the optimum to compete was to nationalize education, pay teachers between $30- 50,000 per year, and increase education days from 180 to 220 days. Superintendent Johnson said the average teacher's salary was $48,000 and that included new teachers. He noted the school district had a progressive summer program. He felt there was a need to review salaries and future increases. He said non - personnel funding was not increased so the school district was not frivolous with money. Assemblymember Milligan noted that book costs were up and there was a ten -year pattern where other costs increased dramatically. Superintendent Johnson said the largest increase was salaries. Assemblymember Milligan looked to new buildings and a potential mill increase. At his question on whether it was prudent for the Assembly to increase funding, Superintendent Johnson said he was an advocate for education and the cost was not too high for the education provided. Assemblymember Johnson was a proponent of education and did not want economizing. He felt a task force was needed to review long -range funding. Regular Assembly Meeting April 23, 1996 Volume XXI Page 99 Superintendent Johnson said the formation of a task force was recommended to the School Board. Assemblymember McFarland was pleased that the shortfall was reduced to $70,000. He appreciated input and negotiations to allow the foundation formula to increase. Superintendent Johnson considered that there was great staff behind the School Board. Presiding Officer Stevens opened the public hearing. The following individuals spoke in favor: Cliff Davidson Patty Holmes Nancy Wells (telephoned) Patrick Holmes Cynthia Glen Barbara Rabold Martha McKinney Assemblymember Milligan said mill rates were higher in other areas but Kodiak was diverse in that there was a severance tax. Assemblymember Burt noted that there were $2 million worth of boats in Kodiak that were not taxed. Superintendent Johnson considered the differences between communities vast and incomparable. Assemblymember Burt contended that fisheries were declining and the need was to meld into one pot and ensure that the system worked equitably for all. Cathy Cordry, North Star Elementary School PTA president, encouraged the Assembly to fully fund the school district and she did not feel that eliminating 3.5 teachers at the high school represented that. Assemblymember McFarland clarified that the role of the Assembly was to establish policy and review total expenditures. He said the Assembly could increase or decrease support but did not decide where cuts were made or money spent. Assemblymember Milligan said the perception that the Assembly was responsible for cuts was incorrect. He said a goal of the Assembly was to not raise taxes. Woody Koning held a high regard for the school district. Regular Assembly Meeting April 23, 1996 Volume XXI Page 100 Bill Murdock spoke in favor. Presiding Officer Stevens closed the public hearing and reconvened the regular meeting. Mayor Selby clarified that the figure approved by the school board included an additional $4,045,000 of local appropriations for full funding. in response to Assemblymember Burt, Mayor Selby said the increased in -kind contribution recognized the full cost of mental health services to the school district. Assemblymember Johnson supported the resolution but he had thought to increase funds. He felt the community could afford to provide a first -class education. Assemblymember Milligan wanted to provide the best education possible. He heard complaints about teachers earning too much but he understood high credentials were required. In response to Assemblymember McFarland, Mayor Selby said the budget contained the $250,000 originally requested for mental health services. He noted that would be offset to the fund balance and incorporated into the borough budget. _ Assemblymember Heinrichs served on the budget review committee. His concern was that figures submitted by the committee were increased. He envisioned the budget increasing at a rate not sustainable by property taxes and he did not feel the funding burden should be placed on the shoulders of property owners. He wanted to define the cost of quality education and to establish a funding plan. He supported forming a task force to determine the cost to provide education at a level expected by the community. He did not support adding $50,000 and questioned the process of changing figures developed by the committee. Assemblymember Johnson felt long -range planning was needed. Assemblymember McFarland was concerned about affecting the mill rate. He was uncomfortable with increasing funds and moving closer to the cap. He contended that a review of future funding was needed. Assemblymember Burt felt in -kind services were unclear. Regular Assembly Meeting April23, 1996 Volume XXI Page 101 VOTE ON MOTION TO ADOPT Ayes: McFarland, Milligan, Heinrichs, Johnson, Stevens Noes: Burt Absent: Hancock MOTION CARRIED 5 Ayes, 1 No After a ten minute recess at 10:40 p.m., Presiding Officer Stevens reconvened the regular meeting. MESSAGES FROM MESSAGES FROM THE BOROUGH MAYOR MAYOR Mayor Selby thanked Assemblymember McFarland for securing donations of fish for the Kodiak reception at the AML Conference. He said the reception was a success with approximately 350 people attending, including Lieutenant Governor Ulmer. Regarding the skate board park, he said the group was looking at incorporating as a non - profit. He said a bill in the legislature would protect park directors from law suits. He said the Alaska Coastal Management Grant was in hand to allow for natural habitat analysis. He announced that the Alaska Legislature presented the Borough with a citation for funding sea lion studies. He said the concern was that if sea lions became endangered, fisheries would be shut down. In response to a telephone call, Clerk Smith announced the vote on Resolution No. 96 -12. OLD BUSINTESS OLD BUSINESS None. Regular Assembly Meeting April 23, 1996 Volume XXI Page 102 NEW BUSINESS A. AWARDS 1. Contract No. 96 -08 Construction of Battery Boxes for Recycling Shipments. HEINRICHS, seconded by MILLIGAN Mayor Selby outlined that of the four bids received, Island Tree Service was the low bidder. VOTE ON MOTION TO AWARD Ayes: Noes: Absent: MOTION CARRIED C. ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION 1. Ordinance No. 95 -10C Amending Ordinance No. 95 -10 Fiscal Year 1996 Budget to Reflect Year -End Adjustments. Presented for consideration was Ordinance No. 95 -10C that, if adopted, amended the Kodiak Island Borough Fiscal Year 1996 Budget. BURT, seconded by MILLIGAN Mayor Selby said some capital projects were removed from the revenue side. He noted there was a close- out of funds in the Exxon Valdez Settlement. He outlined the specific changes_ VOTE ON MOTION TO ADVANCE Ayes: Regular Assembly Meeting April 23, 1996 moved to award Contract No. 96 -08 to Island Tree Service of Kodiak, Alaska in an amount not to exceed $5,375. Milligan, Burt, Heinrichs, Johnson, McFarland, Stevens None Hancock Unanimous moved to advance Ordinance No. 95 -10C to public hearing on May 2, 1996. Burt, Heinrichs, Johnson, McFarland, Milligan, Stevens NEW BUSINESS AWARDS CONTRACT NO. 96 -08 ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION ORDINANCE NO. 95 -10C Volume XXI Page 103 Noes: None Absent: Hancock MOTION CARRIED Unanimous D. OTHER ITEMS Ayes: 1. Resignation of Planning and Zoning Commissioner. HEINRICHS, seconded by McFARLAND VOTE ON MOTION TO ACCEPT Noes: None Absent: Hancock MOTION CARRIED Unanimous B. REPORTS None. C. OTHER None. Regular Assembly Meeting April 23, 1996 moved to accept, with regret, the resignation of Jeff Knauf from the Planning and Zoning Commission. Heinrichs, Johnson, McFarland, Milligan, Burt, Stevens Presiding Officer Stevens expressed to Mr. Knauf for serving on the Commission. OTHER ITEMS RESIGNATION OF P & Z COMMISSIONER INFORMATIONAL INFORMATIONAL MATERIALS (No action required) MATERIALS A. MINUTES OF OTHER MEETINGS MINUTES OF OTHER MEETINGS 1. Kodiak Island Borough School Board Regular Meeting of February 19 and Special Meetings of March 4 and April 1, 1996. 2. Personnel Advisory Board Regular Meeting of March 13, 1996. REPORTS OTHER Volume XXI Page 104 CITIZENS' COMMENTS Chuck Barton telephoned to suggest that the Borough hold elections in conjunction with the State election to reduce costs and allow voters easier access to voting. At the request of Presiding Officer Stevens, Clerk Smith stated the election date was set by Borough Code and the Assembly could change that date. ASSEMBLYMEMBER COMMENTS Assemblymember Heinrichs congratulated Jessica LeGrue as Student of the Month. He was continually amazed at the effort and achievement of high school students he felt represented the best of the community Assemblymember McFarland said he was a proponent of education and he respected the school district teachers and staff. He felt, however, that there were problems with a declining fishing industry and clear direction was needed for future funding. Assemblymember Milligan thought school secretaries were unsung heroes and thanked them. Presiding Officer Stevens announced the assembly would meet in a work session on Thursday, April 25 at 7:30 p.m. in the Borough conference and a regular meeting on Thursday, May 2 at 7:30 p.m. in the assembly chambers. MCFARLAND, seconded by HEINRICHS VOTE ON MOTION TO ADJOURN MOTION CARRIED Unanimous voice vote There being no further business to come before the Assembly, the meeting adjourned at 10 pm. ATTEST: 61 7e71$10- bonna F. Smith, CMC /AAE Borough Clerk Approved: 05/16/96 Regular Assembly Meeting April 23, 1996 G ry S evens esiding Officer CITIZENS' COMMENTS ASSEMBLYMEMBER COMMENTS moved to adjourn. ADJOURNMENT Volume XXI Page 105