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1999-06-03 Regular MeetingKODIAK ISLAND BOROUGH Regular Assembly Meeting June 3, 1999 A regular meeting of the Kodiak Island Borough Assembly was held June 3, 1999 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. There were present: ROLL CALL Mayor: Gary L. Stevens Assemblymembers: Tom Abell Scott Arndt Tuck Bonney Pat Branson Robin Heinrichs Wayne Stevens Greg Spalinger comprising a quorum of the Assembly; and Thomas J. Manninen, Manager Donna Smith, CMC /AAE, Clerk Patti Kirkpatrick, Assistant Clerk Karl Short, Finance Director Linda Freed, Community Development Director Pat Carlson, Assessor Perry Page, Management Information Systems Director APPROVAL OF AGENDA BRANSON, moved to approve the seconded by SPALINGER agenda. VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE MOTION CARRIED Unanimous voice vote APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. Kodiak Island Borough Assembly Regular Meeting of May 20, 1999. Regular Assembly Meeting June 3, 1999 REGULAR MEETING APPROVAL OF AGENDA APPROVAL OF MINUTES Volume XXV Page 92 BONNEY, moved to approve the seconded by SPALINGER minutes of May 20, 1999. VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE MOTION CARRIED AWARDS AND PRESENTATIONS Unanimous voice vote A. Employee of the Month Manager Manninen presented the June Employee of the Month Award to Debra Rippey, system operator I in the management information systems department. B. Special Commendations Manager Manninen presented special commendations for service over and above the job description and call of duty to Pat Carlson, Linda Freed, Bud Cassidy, Donna Smith, Karl Short, and Chris Lynch. C. Proclamation Mayor Stevens proclaimed the week of June 6 -12, 1999 as Filipino- American Heritage Week urging all citizens to join in the festivities celebrating the rich heritage and traditions of the Philippine Islands. Jesse Vizcocho accepted the proclamation on behalf of the Filipino community. He said the Filipino community's theme was family togetherness. He invited the community to attend the various functions planned during the week of June 6, 1999. CITIZENS' COMMENTS A. Agenda Items Not Scheduled For Public Hearing and General Comments. Mike Milligan favored using a portion of the permanent fund dividend to pay for health care. He proposed establishing a health care pool and eliminating welfare. He said it was important for health insurance to be available for all Alaskans. Regular Assembly Meeting June 3, 1999 AWARDS AND PRESENTATIONS EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH SPECIAL COMMENDATIONS PROCLAMATION CITIZENS' COMMENTS Volume XXV Page 93 COMMITTEE REPORTS Al Burch, senior member of the advisory panel to the North Pacific Fishery Management Council ( NPFMC), spoke of his recent trip to Washington, D.C. regarding the Steller sea lion hearings. He said the congressional members were very impressed with the efforts of the group representing Kodiak. Staff members would attend the NPFMC meetings occurring the week of June 6 in Kodiak. Mr. Burch complimented Mayor Stevens on his diplomacy during meetings with Congressman Young and the National Marine Fisheries Services (NMFS) members. He asked the assembly to provide a resolution supporting no further closures until proof of the benefits to the NPFMC. Kate Wynne, Research Associate Professor, stated she was not directly involved in the sea lion caucuses; however, she had been asked to testify by Congressman Young. She advised that the NMFS continued to study the ecological and human impact to Alaskan fishing grounds. She noted the future for the Kodiak NMFS office was improving, citing the potential for a study on sea lion diet, seasonal information, and tagging on haul -outs and rookeries. She appreciated the support of the Borough and City and would provide updates. Chris Blackburn, director of Alaskan Groundfish Data Bank, provided a brief history on the pollock population. She pointed out that closing the remaining three haul -outs would effectively shut down pollock fishing, which would have an adverse affect the community. In response to Mayor Stevens, Ms. Blackburn said the health of the pollock was sporadic. Currently, the 1994 stock was larger than normal; however, there had been many lean years which had previously affected the community. She pointed out there was not enough information available on sea lions to make accurate decisions. She was concerned with the trickle -down effect to the community in lost fishing revenues due to haul -out closures. Regular Assembly Meeting June 3, 1999 COMMITTEE REPORTS Volume XXV Page 94 Ron Accarregui, local business owner, felt not enough scientific research had been received to make an informed decision on haul -out closures. He was concerned with how the closures would affect the community in the long term. Mayor Stevens expressed his appreciation to the group who represented Kodiak in Washington, D.C. He thought Mr. Burch did an excellent job of explaining the Alaskan situation. He said it was a very effective trip and thanked everyone for their support. Manager Manninen reported that Brad Gilman, Washington, D.C. lobbyist, said the Kodiak delegation was first -class and had seized the attention of congressional leaders who were biased towards Alaskans. 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. 99 -10 Levying Taxes on All Taxable ORDINANCE Real and Personal Property Within the Kodiak NO. 99 -10 Island Borough for the Expenses and Liabilities of the Kodiak Island Borough for the Fiscal Year Commencing on the First Day of July 1999 and Ending on the Thirtieth Day of June 2000. (2000 Fiscal Year Budget) STEVENS, moved to adopt seconded by HEINRICHS Ordinance No. 99 -10. BONNEY, seconded by BRANSON Regular Assembly Meeting June 3, 1999 moved to amend Ordinance No. 99 -10 by substitution. Assemblymember Arndt opposed amending the ordinance by substitution. He said the new copier was not discussed during budget work sessions, and he felt it was inappropriate to include it in the substituted version. Volume XXV Page 95 Mayor Stevens responded that the substituted version provided a clean budget document. It was the direction of the Assembly to include the copier purchase in the budget. VOTE ON MOTION TO AMEND BY SUBSTITUTION Ayes: Abell, Bonney, Branson, Heinrichs, Spalinger, Stevens Noes: Arndt MOTION CARRIED 6 Ayes, 1 No Manager Manninen provided a brief overview of the amended ordinance and breakdown of the changes. Mayor Stevens pointed out that it had been difficult to prepare a balanced budget. He said that if the Assembly amended the budget, they should consider using the fund balance as the adjustor. Mayor Stevens opened the public hearing. Mike Milligan asked that non - governmental services be explained carefully. Jennie Day- Petersen, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) representative, was concerned with the reduction of staff in the (MIS) Department. She felt the reduction could exacerbate the relationship with the school district. Responding to Mayor Stevens, Manager Manninen stated he was directed by the Assembly at the May 11 work session to reduce the MIS department to 4.25 employees. He reiterated that despite reduced funding, the Borough would continue to provide the best service possible to the school district. Norm Wooten, school board member, appreciated the additional funds for the school district; however, that still left the school district short $526,893 of their budget request. He stated the school district Regular Assembly Meeting June 3, 1999 Volume XXV Page 96 would be applying a portion of their fund balance for a shortage of $56,893. He said using the fund balance was a one -time use and there was concern about budget shortfalls for fiscal year 2001. Lorna Arndt thought the Borough had too many employees and favored more cuts. She wondered if the borough paid 100% of employee benefits. She noted the school district could save funds by conducting local graduation ceremonies in each village. In response to Mrs. Arndt, Manager Manninen clarified that the borough paid 100% of employees' health care insurance, and employees pay a portion of dependants insurance. Betty Walters, school superintendent, thanked the Assembly for their time and efforts in preparing the budget. Mayor Stevens closed the public hearing, and reconvened the regular meeting. Assemblymember Arndt did not feel the budget had enough funds to cover maintenance costs. He was surprised to find the new xerox copier in the budget. ARNDT, seconded by SPALINGER moved to amend Ordinance No. 99 -10 by removing the $10,230 for a one year lease on a xerox copier and placing the $10,230 into the fund balance. Assemblymember Arndt felt the copier should have been discussed in a budget work session and that it was appropriate to delay discussion on the copier until further back -up documentation could be provided. In response to Assemblymember Branson, Manager Manninen stated this was a three -year lease agreement effective July 1, 1999. He said the funding request was the same as previously provided to the assembly. Regular Assembly Meeting June 3, 1999 Volume XXV Page 97 Assemblymember Stevens reminded the Assembly that they were establishing the budget, not entering into a binding contract. Assemblymember Arndt stated his intent was to postpone discussion on the copier until the budget was decided. VOTE ON MOTION TO AMEND Ayes: Arndt, Bonney, Spalinger, Abell Noes: Branson, Heinrichs, Stevens MOTION CARRIED 4 Ayes, 3 Noes Assemblymember Heinrichs questioned why the funds for the high school roof repair were not included in the budget. Manager Manninen stated there would be major design work done this year with roof replacement phased over the next three years. HEINRICHS, seconded by STEVENS Assemblymember Heinrichs noticed that Chris Lynch, Engineering /Facilities Department director, advised that was the number one priority. He pointed out there were enough funds in the fund balance to replace the high school roof. VOTE ON MOTION TO AMEND Ayes: Noes: MOTION CARRIED Regular Assembly Meeting June 3, 1999 moved to amend Ordinance No. 99 -10 by reducing the fund balance by $22,000 and applying the funds to the high school roof repair. Bonney, Branson, Heinrichs, Spalinger, Stevens, Abell, Arndt None Unanimous Volume XXV Page 98 Mayor Stevens reminded the Assembly that their goal was to retain $86,160 in the fund balance. Director Short indicated the fund balance was at $107,920 which was $21,760 over their goal. ARNDT, seconded by ABELL Assemblymember Arndt said the current EMS funding had previously been increased $50,000 and reduced funding would leave the city with $65,000. He felt this would not have an adverse impact on the city. Assemblymember Branson was disappointed that this had not been previously discussed with the city. Assemblymember Arndt indicated he spoke with city manager Bill Jones regarding reduction in EMS funds. Assemblymember Branson felt the Assembly had not discussed reducing EMS funds, and it was inappropriate to do so now. VOTE ON MOTION TO AMEND Ayes: Spalinger, Abell, Arndt, Bonney Noes: Branson, Heinrichs, Stevens MOTION CARRIED 4 Ayes, 3 Noes ARNDT, seconded by SPALINGER Regular Assembly Meeting June 3, 1999 moved to amend Ordinance No. 99 -10 by reducing emergency medical services (EMS) to the City of Kodiak by $30,000 and to apply those funds to the fund balance. moved to amend Ordinance No. 99 -10 by eliminating $33,000 from economic development and moving those funds to the fund balance. Volume XXV Page 99 Assemblymember Arndt felt the Borough's needs had changed due to budget shortfalls and thought this would reduce expenses. Assemblymember Stevens pointed out that the Chamber of Commerce's economic development director had played an important role for the Assembly during bond refinancing. He would vote against the amendment. Assemblymember Branson felt it was important to keep in mind the ramifications of Assembly actions and how they affected the community. Assemblymember Abell noted that the city supported the economic development director funding. He would vote against the amendment. VOTE ON MOTION TO AMEND Ayes: Arndt Noes: Heinrichs, Spalinger, Stevens, Abell, Bonney, Branson MOTION FAILED 1 Aye, 6 Noes ARNDT, seconded by SPALINGER Regular Assembly Meeting June 3, 1999 moved to amend Ordinance No. 99 -10 by decreasing all travel and training in the borough by one - half and place those funds into the fund balance. Assemblymember Arndt said he wanted the funds to go towards maintenance. Assemblymember Heinrichs was concerned that federal and state mandated training for certification would be eliminated with reduced travel /training funding. He felt this would impair employee performance and the quality of service provided to the community. Volume XXV Page 100 Assemblymember Bonney spoke in favor. He indicated employees could come before the Assembly and request additional funds for travel and training. Assemblymember Branson spoke against the motives. She felt it would place an undue burden and strain on employee job performance and services provided to the community. In response to Assemblymember Abell, Director Short indicated that travel and training costs had arbitrarily been reduced in the FY 2000 budget except for the Assembly which was increased $10,000. Assemblymember Arndt clarified that his motion excluded the Assembly. He did not favor eliminating all employee travel and training; however, he felt the Assembly would want to exercise more control over unnecessary travel and training expenditures. Assemblymember Stevens spoke against the motion. He noted that Director Short had indicated the FY 2000 budget reflected a decrease in travel and training of 15% to 20 %. He strongly opposed the Assembly micro - managing. Assemblymember Branson was willing to discuss the reductions at a future work session. She noted the budget was a working document and further amendments could be made at a later date. Mayor Stevens requested clarification that the motion to amend to reduce travel and training excluded the legislative body. ARNDT, seconded by SPALINGER VOTE ON MOTION TO AMEND THE AMENDMENT Ayes: Noes: Regular Assembly Meeting June 3, 1999 moved to amend the amendment to exclude the legislative body. Spalinger, Arndt Stevens, Abell, Heinrichs , Bonney Branson, Volume XXV Page 101 MOTION FAILED VOTE ON MOTION TO AMEND Ayes: Noes: BRANSON, seconded by BONNEY Regular Assembly Meeting June 3, 1999 3 Ayes, 4 Noes Arndt, Bonney, Spalinger Stevens, Abell, Branson, Heinrichs MOTION FAILED 3 Ayes, 4 Noes After a ten minute recess, Mayor Stevens reconvened the meeting at 9:35 p.m. Director Short clarified that $51,750 was available in the fund balance. moved to amend Ordinance No. 99 -10 by reducing school district funding by $57,770 and increasing non - profit funding by $57,770. Assemblymember Branson felt it was important that the burden of cuts be shared equally. She noted that many non - profit organizations worked closely with the school district. Assemblymember Bonney favored increasing funding to non - profits as they were an important part of the community that could not survive reduced funding. In response to Mayor Stevens, Assemblymember Branson stated that fiscal year 1999 non - profit funding was $321,614 and that increasing funding by $57,770 would total $330,330 to non - profits in fiscal year 2000. Assemblymember Abell opposed increasing funding to non - profits; however, he favored reducing the school district funding by $57,770 and placing the monies into the fund balance. Assemblymember Arndt was disappointed that a school district appropriation resolution was being considered. Volume XXV Page 102 Assemblymember Branson feared non - profits would not receive additional funding. Mayor Stevens wanted a fixed dollar amount for non- profits and then a resolution to dedicate the funds. Director Short clarified there was $51,760 available in the general fund. He noted there was no impact to the fund balance with the reduction to the school district. VOTE ON MOTION TO AMEND Ayes: Noes: MOTION CARRIED ARNDT, seconded by SPALINGER Regular Assembly Meeting June 3, 1999 Bonney, Branson, Heinrichs, Stevens Abell, Arndt, Spalinger 4 Ayes, 3 Noes moved to amend Ordinance No. 99 -10 by deleting the funding for the draftsman position and place the funds into the fund balance. Assemblymember Arndt said that the position in the original budget was part -time. He noted the position was vacant, which would allow the Borough time to assess a need for a full -time draftsman. He thought it would be economically feasible to contract with local businesses for any drafting needs. Manager Manninen thought it would not be economically feasible to reduce the position to part -time. He was concerned that contract employee funding would exceed the funding of a part -time employee. Assemblymember Arndt disagreed that contracting would cost more because no benefits were paid. Volume XXV Page 103 Assemblymember Branson opposed the amendment and urged the Assembly to leave the day -to -day management of the Borough to the manager. Assemblymember Stevens opposed the amendment. He felt that with a potential fall land sale, it was not appropriate to reduce staff and contract for services. Assemblymember Arndt pointed out that the manager had previously brought the draftsman position before them as part -time. VOTE ON MOTION TO AMEND Ayes: Arndt Noes: Bonney, Branson, Heinrichs, Spalinger, Stevens, Abell MOTION FAILED 1 Aye, 6 Noes ARNDT, seconded by SPALINGER moved to amend Ordinance No. 99 -10 by eliminating the assistant clerk position and place $39,450 into the fund balance. Assemblymember Arndt wanted the position to be shared to allow a half -time position in assessing and a half -time position in the clerk's office. Assemblymember Spalinger opposed reducing the clerk's office staff. He noted that with the added duties of passports and the mayor, three full -time position were needed. Assemblymember Stevens agreed. He said there would be more work with fewer employees and the minutes, work session notes, and daily work still had to be completed in a timely manner. Regular Assembly Meeting June 3, 1999 Volume XXV Page 104 Assemblymember Bonney spoke in opposition as the passport service was an excellent program to provide to the community. Assemblymember Branson opposed reducing the clerk's office staff. She again urged sticking to policy decisions to allow the manager to do the job. Assemblymember Bonney felt that discussing these amendments provided the community with an idea of how their government works. He said that sometimes management was unable to make the reductions and it fell to the Assembly to reduce. Assemblymember Branson pointed out it was part of the job to be aware of the role the Assembly played during budget, which was to set policy and the budget, not to micro - manage. Mayor Stevens knew the clerk's office work load had increased with the mayoral duties, passports, elections, and proposed petitions and a reduction in staff would be a disservice to the Borough and community. Assemblymember Arndt clarified that he was following the original proposed budget. VOTE ON MOTION TO AMEND Ayes: Arndt Noes: Bonney, Branson, Heinrichs, Spalinger, Stevens, Abell MOTION FAILED 1 Aye, 6 Noes ARNDT, seconded by ABELL Regular Assembly Meeting June 3, 1999 moved to amend Ordinance No. 99 -10 by reducing the Management Information System (MIS) Department from 4.25 positions to Volume XXV Page 105 4.0 positions, which was the one - quarter position of the MIS director, for a savings of $26,470 to be placed in the fund balance. Assemblymember Arndt opposed paying additional retirement contributions to the MIS director and felt it was appropriate to reduce the funding. He understood that reducing funds effective July 1 would have no adverse affect on the employee's retirement benefits. Assemblymember Abell opposed reducing MIS funding based on the June 3 attorney's opinion. He wanted to avoid potential litigation. Manager Manninen stated the attorney's opinion reinforced his original advice to the Assembly He pointed out it was the attorney's opinion that since the employee chose October 1 to retire, the retirement date should not be changed. Assemblymember Arndt asked for a clarification on the two attorney opinions received. Manager Manninen stated that the attorney revised his opinion of June 1 after further discussion with the payroll department and the employee. It was the attorney's opinion that changed, not the benefits available to the employee. Assemblymember Arndt noted that the primary reason for a Retirement Incentive Program (RIP) was to reduce personnel. Had the employee chose to retire effective July 1, his benefits would have been reduced by the loss of the 2% pay increase. A benefit was still being paid to the employee as the cost for RIP was being paid by the Borough. This would not affect the employee's investment in PERS. Mayor Stevens stated voluntary retirement could not be changed by an adjustment to the budget. He felt the Borough should honor the employee's request to Regular Assembly Meeting June 3, 1999 Volume XXV Page 106 retire effective October 1 and regard the twenty years put forth in the Borough by ending the relationship positively. Assemblymember Branson opposed the amendment and thought it would be prudent in the future to discuss retirement options with staff prior to approving the budget. Assemblymember Stevens concurred and urged the Assembly to honor its commitment to the employee. Assemblymember Abell felt the Borough was being forced to accept the October 1 retirement date in order to avoid litigation. VOTE ON MOTION TO AMEND Ayes: Spalinger, Arndt Noes: Branson, Heinrichs, Stevens, Abell, Bonney MOTION FAILED 2 Ayes, 5 Noes Assemblymember Arndt thanked the Assembly for allowing all the amendments to reach the floor. Although concerned with the lack of funds for maintenance, he felt the Borough should not obtain bonds to fund maintenance. He thought the funds could come from the next land sale or rents received from borough building tenants. He did not agree with reduced school funding. He said his original intent had been to add $200,000 to the fund balance to apply towards maintenance. In response to Assemblymember Bonney, Director Short noted that $7,247,705 was transferred from the fiscal year 1991 through 1995 debt service funds to capital projects to pay for the hospital. Assemblymember Bonney stressed it was important the public know that their tax dollars were paying for the hospital. He said the voters agreed to a bond to build the hospital; however, the bond funds were Regular Assembly Meeting June 3, 1999 Volume XXV Page 107 placed into the debt service funds which had been used to build the hospital. He was disappointed that the debt service funds had not been used towards schools maintenance and other projects. Assemblymember Stevens stated the Borough had avoided potential litigation with building the new hospital and, therefore, had saved money. Assemblymember Branson reminded the Assembly that they could at anytime amend the budget. Mayor Stevens inquired if there was a plan to appropriate the extra funds placed into the fund balance. Assemblymember Bonney's motion to amend Ordinance No. 99 -10 by adding $51,760 to the school district's budget failed for lack of second. VOTE ON MAIN MOTION AS AMENDED Ayes: Noes: Arndt Abell, Bonney, Branson, Heinrichs, Spalinger, Stevens MOTION CARRIED 6 Ayes, 1 No MESSAGES FROM THE BOROUGH MANAGER MESSAGES FROM MANAGER Manager Manninen advised the fire study report had been provided to the fire departments. He requested policy direction at the next work session. MESSAGES FROM THE BOROUGH MAYOR Mayor Stevens reported on his trip to Washington, D.C. for the Steller sea lion hearings. He noted the representatives proposed to aid in finding funding and seeing that Alaskans were treated fairly. He urged the community to get involved and make time to attend the North Pacific Fishery Management Council (NPFMC) conferences during the week of June 6 at the Westmark Inn in Kodiak. Regular Assembly Meeting June 3, 1999 MESSAGES FROM THE MAYOR Volume XXV Page 108 OLD BUSINESS OLD BUSINESS A. BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT FINDINGS OF FACT on the BOARD OF Granting of an Appeal of the Planning and Zoning ADJUSTMENT Commission's Decision on Case No. 99 -002 FINDINGS OF FACT Granting a Lot Size Variance According to K.I.B.C. 16.40.050.B.1 Allowing the Dividing of an Existing Non - Conforming Lot (ASLS 77 -33) of 4.82 Acres Into Two Lots (one 3.32 Acres, and the Other 1.5 Acres) Both of Which are Less Than the Minimum Five (5) Acres Required by K.I.B.C. 17.13.050.A in the C- Conservation Zoning District. Selief Bay, Raspberry Island. (Applicant: Greg R. Gabriel, Jr.) (Appellant: Peter and Baerbel Guttchen; Agent: Steven P. Gray, Attorney). HEINRICHS, seconded by ARNDT VOTE ON MOTION Ayes: moved to postpone the findings -of -fact on the appeal of the Planning and Zoning Commission Case No. 99 -002 to the next regular meeting on June 17, 1999. Spalinger, Stevens, Abell, Arndt, Bonney, Branson, Heinrichs Noes: None MOTION CARRIED Unanimous NEW BUSINESS NEW BUSINESS A. CONTRACTS CONTRACTS None. B. RESOLUTIONS RESOLUTIONS None. Regular Assembly Meeting Volume XXV June 3, 1999 Page 109 ORDINANCES FOR C. ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION Ayes: Noes: 1. Ordinance No. 98 -10D Amending Ordinance No. ORDINANCE 98 -10 1999 Fiscal Year Budget to Reflect NO. 98 -10D Amendments. STEVENS, seconded by BONNEY VOTE ON MOTION MOTION CARRIED STEVENS, seconded by HEINRICHS VOTE ON MOTION TO CONFIRM Regular Assembly Meeting June 3, 1999 moved to adopt Ordinance No. 98 -10D in first reading to advance to public hearing on June 17, 1999. Stevens, Abell, Arndt, Bonney, Branson, Heinrichs, Spalinger None Unanimous D. OTHER ITEMS OTHER ITEMS 1. Appointment to the Airport Advisory AIRPORT ADVISORY Committee. COMMITTEE APPOINTMENT moved to confirm the mayoral appointment of Commander James Poyer as an ex- officio /non- voting member on the Airport Advisory Committee; and to confirm the appointment of Commander Donald LaChance as an alternate for Commander Poyer. MOTION CARRIED Unanimous voice vote Volume XXV Page 110 INFORMATIONAL INFORMATIONAL MATERIALS (No action required) MATERIALS A. MINUTES OF OTHER MEETINGS MINUTES OF OTHER MEETINGS 1. Service District No. 1 Area Board Meeting Minutes of April 14, 1999. 2. Providence Kodiak Island Medical Center Community Strategic Planning Committee Meeting Minutes of May 12, 1999. 3. Kodiak Emergency Services Meeting Minutes of March 4, 1999. B. REPORTS REPORTS 1. Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Program Update for 1998 to 1999. 2. Kodiak Island Borough School District Financial Reports for March and April, 1999. 3. Kodiak Island Borough School District's Meeting Summary of May 24, 1999. C. OTHER None. CITIZENS' COMMENTS Mike Milligan appreciated the Assembly's ability to keep their motions and amendments simple and clear for the general public's understanding. Norm Wooten was chagrined at the additional cut to the school district's budget. He noted that the school district funding from the state would be reduced through the foundation formula. He thanked the Assembly for their cooperation, and he would continue to work closely with the Assembly. Betty Walters thanked the Assembly for their hard work and said the school district would continue to work with the Assembly. She stated she would be receptive to community thoughts on how to adjust the school district budget to reflect the loss of funding. Regular Assembly Meeting June 3, 1999 OTHER CITIZENS' COMMENTS Volume XXV Page 111 Geneva Macinko phoned. She wanted to know why the community was in such dire straits if the draggers couldn't fish around Marmot. She suggested that if the community was losing money, that perhaps the Assembly could use funds to buy more King crab to present to NPFMC to save the community. Mayor Stevens pointed out that the state was discussing closure of all haul -outs which would create an entire circle around Kodiak, effectively shutting down Kodiak as a viable commercial pollock fishery. He noted that while Kodiak has always been thought of as a salmon processing port, recent surveys revealed that 50% of the dollar value was from pollock. ASSEMBLYMEMBER COMMENTS Assemblymember Spalinger thought the budget process went smoothly. He enjoyed being a part of the process and valued everyone's opinions. Assemblymember Branson congratulated the employee of the month, the department heads, and the Stellar sea lion group who visited Washington, D.C. She noted this was her first time working with the budget and she wanted to keep a balanced approach to funding. She supported education; however, she felt it was important to keep it fair in light of declining revenues. Assemblymember Bonney felt the budget was well rounded and everyone received a fair share. He urged the community to support all fishing gear types. Assemblymember Stevens congratulated the employee of the month and department heads. He felt this was a painful budget process and thanked staff for their dedication throughout the process. He said the legislature reduced funding to the local government, and he felt the cuts were shared equally. Assemblymember Arndt opposed the decreased funding to the school district. He proposed financing, similar to rents, to increase funding to the school district to allow them to keep the foundation formula intact. He asked that staff be directed to provide the budget adjustment at the next work session for discussion. Regular Assembly Meeting June 3, 1999 ASSEMBLYMEMBER COMMENTS Volume XXV Page 112 Assemblymember Abell enjoyed the budget process. He noted that, while times were tight, the Assembly provided a well rounded budget. He asked for direction to keep the tax cap in place and that the issue be discussed at the next work session. Assemblymember Heinrichs congratulated the employee of the month. He noted the following: 1) Mr. Burch requested a resolution to present to the fisheries council and suggested it would be timely to have the mayor write a letter; 2) he asked to place changes to the building code on the June 17 agenda; 3) he was happy to see the fire departments had received the fire study report and asked for an advanced copy of the report prior to meeting with the consultants; and 4) he was interested in holding a reception for the North Pacific Fishery Management Council. Mayor Stevens said Al Burch asked the Assembly to sponsor a reception for the North Pacific Fishery Management Council (NPFMC) to be held on June 16. The Assembly agreed to fund $200 towards the reception. Mayor Stevens announced the Assembly would meet in a work session on Thursday, June 10, a joint work session on Tuesday, June 15 followed by a work session at 7:30 p.m. in the Borough conference room, and a regular meeting on Thursday, June 17 at 7:30 p.m. in the Assembly chambers. There being no further business to come before the Assembly, the meeting adjourned at 11:9 ,.m. ATTEST: Ju ith A. Nielse CMC rough Clerk Regular Assembly Meeting June 3, 1999 ry L. Stevens, ayor Approved: 07/01/99 ADJOURNMENT Volume XXV Page 113