Good evening, everybody. I will now call this regular meeting of the Anchorage Assembly to order. It's December 16th 2025. It's 05:00:06PM, at a clerk. Would you please call the roll? >> Myers here, member McCormick member Martinez present member both Monday. President member Johnson here Chair Constant here, ICE chip rally here. Number of oland. Happy to be here. Member Silvers member Rivera present member prize for DIA here, State Representative Wilson here. Chair Constant. You have a quorum. Thank you. Mr. Clarke, to please let pledge. >> pledge allegiance to the United States of America to the Republic for which it stands. nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you, Martinez's please read landing Osmond. >> A land acknowledgment is a formal statement recognizing the indigenous people of a place. It is a public gesture of appreciation for the past and present indigenous stewardship of the land that we now occupy. It is an actionable statement that marks our collective movement towards decolonization inequity. The Anchorage Assembly would like to acknowledge that we gather today on the traditional lands of the demand at the baskin's for thousands of years that the 9 to have and continue to be the stewards of this land. It is with great fondness and respect that we recognize the contributions. Innovations and contemporary perspectives of the Upper Cook Inlet. The night. Thank you. Thank you, Mister Martinez. Next. We have minutes of previous meetings. >> And for a regular meeting, November for 2025. is there a motion? second move famous? Probably second, my Mister Meyer's. Any discussion. none. like to ask unanimous consent. Is there any objection to the adoption of the motion? Seeing hearing? No objection item has been adopted are approved. Next. We have the mayor support Madam Mayor. >> Thank you, Mister Chair and good evening, everyone. The holiday season is now fully up on us. And I want to take a moment to acknowledge the incredible spirit of community across the municipality Sunday night I participated insert a Hanukkah, a joyful and beautiful celebration of light that the joy of this event was tempered by the tragedy in Sydney, Australia. My heart goes out to the Jewish community here and across the world for this horrific loss at the municipality. We stand together against violence and anti semitism. >> Tragedies like the one in Sydney brings darkness into all our lives. And that's exactly why coming together to celebrate light joy and community so meaningful as Alaskans, we really embrace the return of daylight and there's a winter solstice festival. >> At Cuddy Park on Friday and weekend events that Kincade hilltop. The Girdwood Nordic Loop and Eagle River Nature Center. Also, let's be sure to support our local small businesses. This season are entrepreneurs are the backbone of our economy and help make our community a unique and vibrant place to live work and visit. So please shop local and enjoy the many festive activities happening across the municipality. I wish everyone joyful holiday celebrations. Any peaceful lead up to the new Year? We've had some big when storms these past few days. Many of our residents and businesses have been dealing with power outages, property damage and some pretty difficult driving conditions. Thank you to the crews at to get electric in Medan use, get electric associations and to our own municipal teams at Anchorage Public works. The fire Department and police department. These dedicated teams worked nonstop often in challenging or dangerous conditions to restore power, clear debris repair damage to public infrastructure and keep our community safe. Their dedication under pressure is truly commendable. Thank you all. Last week I was happy to participate in the annual Alaska Municipal League local government conference. The event brought local leaders from across the state to Anchorage. The conversations as always were robust, productive. Interesting and highlighted the shared challenges and opportunities facing our communities across the state. Last Wednesday we held a ribbon cutting with a CDA at the site of our Mike Arena. It's for recovery. Residences pilot project. It was really incredible to see the micro units lined up it be there in person and to celebrate with so many community partners. Each of the 32. Mike, are you nuts represents a chance at recovery. Instability for real people in our community and I'm excited to launch this project and to test out this low cost low barrier transitional living in treatment model right here in Anchorage. The proposed ordinance to require registration for church or short-term rentals is on tonight's agenda agenda. would establish a basic free and straightforward online registry for short-term rentals. If approved, this registry will be a critical day to gathering tool. We need to better understand the impact of short-term rentals on our housing supply and our economy and develop effective data-driven housing policy. And finally, I want to recognize there were several laid on the table items tonight, given that there is a one month gap between assembly meetings. We have a few time sensitive issues that require action before the next meeting in January. Thank you all. Back to you, Mr. Chair. Thank you. Madam Mayor. >> And next on the agenda is the summit, your report and then we'll start there with the late on the table items. We generally have a policy to be pretty restrictive of laid on the table items. But at this point, we've asked the administration to do as much as possible to get critical time sensitive items to us tonight because we don't want to have to exercise the. The worst option which is meeting next Tuesday at noon for a special meeting. If, in fact, any time critical items arise that have to be passed before the end of the year. don't have any items on that list and we would hope to keep no items on that list so we don't have to can be in one more time before the end of the year because hopefully this is it. So I will note that the solstice is almost upon us, grateful that the light will start to come back. I'll join the mayor in recommending folks come out and celebrate the Parks Department's annual Winter Solstice festival. A county park this Friday, December 19th 05:00PM to 08:00PM free with activities like ice skating in a photo booth with Santa's reindeer as well as cocoa by the fire, encourage everyone to get out and enjoy our uniquely Alaskan solstice experience. As this is the final meeting of the year due to the way the counter falls. Our next meeting won't be for 4 weeks as the mayor noted, I can't remember a time when we had 4 weeks between meeting so please take your time and enjoy it. You've earned it So thanks to the hard work, the manager, the department heads clerk's office, everyone else to get our year-end. Materials all squared away early. Hopefully we don't need that special meeting. So also finally, happy New Year as the New Year approaches. I want to reflect a bit on where we've comments community over the past year. We have had challengers. We have turned those challenges and the opportunities I think upon our friends from western Alaska joined our community. The tropical storm, how long and our school district how the city has taken on the challenge of having year-round shelter in supporting people, how we as a city supported furloughed workers providing as many opportunities and benefits for them to have continuity in their life. And also, of course, the kindness that just exists in our community. That happens. On every day and every small way. This assembly has taken on some pretty complex questions. Question about camping in public in the last round. Not. Dealing with challenges of homelessness approving our response. Public safety challenges in our town, of course, wrestling with the question of how we address our financial situation as cost increase. But revenues do not. As we've learned over the past year, nobody is coming to save us. Her future will be determined by those who love this community and its people. And it's challenging over the 9 years I've been on this body, we have been forced to find efficiencies and kind of engage in the process of picking up the slack where others have luster ability to fund or their willingness to fund their responsibilities in our town. And we have done it. But the challenges increase. We've had to work to support each other. And we continue to do so. So encourage you to join one of the many holiday festivities they offered around town and take time to connect with your neighbors and celebrate the what it means to be part of this really special community at this really. Special time of year and to my colleagues, I I'm glad and look forward to us getting through our agenda tonight because Oxford and hopefully it's the holiday season for the rest of the New year. So with that, I'll just move on to the boiler plate. This is a business meeting were here to do the work. The people, please help create a climate of respect in the chambers. Refrain from personal attacks are speaking of turn, shouting clapping and pacing septic or some clapping is in order to the item. Keep science in half by 11 inches or smaller. Please keep the aisles clear. Except if you're here to testify, lined up. Please also don't approach the dice. But if you have information for the assembly members, please send it to the clerk up front. Please stop. Speaking of point of order is called the chairman rule on the point of order in the record is clear. Fools are followed. The chairman speakers call for compliance. Compliance with rules doesn't occur. The chairman paused the meeting and if there's an actual destruction, the chair with warning destruction persist or happens again, the person may be a sleeve. That said hopefully that's not the nature of tonight. We just get to our business in orderly manner. With that, then we'll move on to the next part of our agenda, which is our committee. And we as a reports will start with you. Mrs. Thank you, Mr. Chairman report. Thank you, Doesn't report. Thank you. Thank Martinez. Thank you. Chair. >> The next meeting of the community and Economic Development Committee will be on Thursday, January 8th. We usually meet on the first Thursday of the month. But as you know, chair the first Thursday of the month of the New Year is the first of the New Year. And we will not be meeting on New Year's Day. Thank you, chair. Thank you. And as modern day, I think from each I think you've spotted Mr. Johnson. >> Yeah, that March Air first, the December meeting of the Legislative committee has been canceled. So we look forward to seeing on January. For the December meeting in the infrastructure Enterprise and utility Oversight Committee of the whole. That will be happening this Thursday, December 18th at 11:15AM, at City Hall. And we're planning on having introduction from at some of the new senior vice president and Alaska, as well as updates from the deputy missile manager regarding the stormwater utility and you waste to energy project. Thank you. And the director for toad is urgent later. >> For an appointment, problem. >> Thanks. Just a quick report. The Budget and Finance Committee will have its last meeting of the year on Thursday as well. Summer 18th from 10 to 11:00AM. We've got several a wrap-up items for the year and just again, continuing to educate members in the public about how our budget process works. And then also as one of our mlas I just also say it was great to attend the conference. Thank you to the mayor for providing that report. One thing that I learned that I would like to share is we we knew that it was ml 75th anniversary, which makes it 9 years older than state. Wouldn't Alaska but also AML and the many communities of one of which was encourage the founder was a key reason Alaska statehood was successful. White. Why move forward? There's a lot of advocacy at the local level and a lot of recognition that having state government would also help local Anyway, great, great history. thank you again to all the folks from across the state. You came to spend time in Anchorage. Thank >> Thank you. probably trouble nothing to report. Thank you. source. >> Nothing to report. Thank you. >> Source the Thank you, Mr. Chair next week's Quality Municipal Services, Ethics and Elections Committee has been canceled. Thank you. Great report, Mr. Verma Thank you, Mr. Nothing report. Thank you. A script, Mister President. Yeah. 2 quick updates. The >> assembly, Public Health and Safety Committee meeting will be meeting on Thursday, December 18th from 2 to 3.30 My co-chair see will will be chairing that that meeting. You can a few items from the average department and the and health, health department and a continuation of the policy review by the Anchorage Police Department. And this policy will be specifically on automated license plate readers. So if you can please join meeting and then the second update is for the Assembly, Housing and Homeless Committee. That will be on Wednesday, December 17th at 10:45AM. at that meeting. We will have an update from health department on to that 3rd tranche of funding as well as a comprehensive update on our shelter system. How that's going and are multi discipline outreach update from mayor's office. So please, if you can attend those meetings, thanks. Thank you. Your member, Allison. Thank you. Chair. I quickly wanted to mention look, local community anchors, community theater is putting on Charlie Brown Christmas. So for anyone who celebrates Christmas service of Cedar. >> I'm really encouraged to go on. There's a lot of kids in the community have put a lot of hard work into it and it's just really awesome. And so I just encourage everyone to go and support their community in that. Thank you. >> Alright, next, before we move on to the dentist, the general take opportunity to fight any students here for their government classes, too. Please come forward and introduce yourselves. Tell us your teacher and what the classes. C'mon forward. And the microphone is off. You just hit the little green button that will turn on. >> Hello, my name's Alexia, Sir. I and I'm part of the South Anchorage government class that I'm taking this year and part of it for junior and also I'm 16 years old. part of Turning Point USA. I'm here that tell you about the class to class is talking about allow to government and tells us what we can do we're older and how we can provide the community when fully adults. Thank you. Thank you. >> students on a comfort, introduce yourself now would be the time. okay. It's not mandatory. The microphone is the other guy. And has happened again. >> he's been water. I and I to die get high school. This is for us government and your current learning about our. Us legislation and the House and represent says and all that. Thank you very much. All right. We're going to move on people are coming down with that. Then we'll move on to the them to the agenda. So but before we get to denim are going to go in and just laid on the table items that we have a handful of them tonight, some of them or acquire a vote. Some of them all rot. So going to read through the supplemental items right now. 10 F information memorandum to 49 dash 2025. A final report for work. The task force to re imagine the Public Safety Advisory Commission. Next 10 9, which is information memorandum. am number 2025. Notice a title. 7 labor for expanding capacity at 1, 1, East 6th Avenue. Next, we have item 10 11 information memorandum numbered answers to some of the questions. We have 13 be 2025, dash, one, 15 us to an ordinance amending Anchorage Municipal Code title 10, 2 out a new chapter, quite Register short-term rentals. Many total, 12 requirements related to tax reporting for hosting platforms meeting title. 21 to explicitly allow short-term rentals and all residential zoning districts. Some commercial districts are moving better practices, separate use type and waving planning and zoning. Next up on the line 14, a 5 information memorandum number to Dish on the will see options exhibit A through E regarding, you know, 2025 Estan ordinance of the Municipality of Anchorage Municipal, somebody amending Angeles. We could section one to adopt a new or from the current corporate seal, municipality. Then we have one note to make on the agenda. That was brought to our attention I am to 43 dash 2025, which is an update to our 2024 dash 3.79 animal control was mistakenly associated a supplemental to 10 G Our 2025 Dash 3.79 trust fund management fees to correct this during the denim to the agenda I'm going I'm not directing clerk to make I am to 43 dash 2025 and its Associated Report. An independent items 10 10. This will mean that if you have questions about and to 43 dash 2025 relating to animal care and control. It's associate report you will need to pull item 10 f 10 and not 10 G 7 casino. handful of new items to go through item 10 B 6 resolution AR 2025. Number resolution of the Anchorage Municipal Assembly extend expand capacity of 200 individuals. 1, 1, one on East 56th Avenue shelter, effective retroactively to December 12 2025. This item is parallel to the item that was passed the emergency meeting on Friday. But this just covers that basis from today as spry move to lay on a table. Second motion's lay on the table. That was probably seconded by Mr. Barnes. Anyone wish to discuss that. Like to ask unanimous consent surge actually decide on the table. have seen of traction laid on the table. Next. We have item 10 D 27, somebody memorandum number 2025. Amendment number 4. It's not uncommon contract the snow in Alaska. Number 4, 4 0 0 0 0 1 4 1 2 providing year-round as road maintenance services and prepares to pronounce road service area for the municipality. Is there a motion? Move to lay on the table? Second motion by miss probably second time fall I would like to ask unanimous consent on the side. Mister Vaughn, I'm just curious that the administration could speak to the timeliness for laying on the table. I see the chair to member Holland. This item is honestly a fairly standard contract amendment. The amount of money remaining on the contract is less than $50,000 at this point and or the amendment is needed in order to continue to find this snow removal services that the contractor provides. >> world where we did not have 4 weeks between meetings. This is something we would have just kicked to the next agenda item magically because it just narrowly missed the on base timeline for submission for this meeting. But because this small service area will effectively be without services at some point the next month if Iran were to get the cost across the line Israel acted too late and the table tonight. Okay. Thank you. Any further discussion. Like to ask unanimous consensus or injection to the motion. >> Seeing hearing no objection. I am has been laid on the table. That's we have item 10 D 28 summary memorandum numbered 2025 approval to intern at the sole source multi-year professional service contract. Thanks. Convention visitors Bureau dba visit Anchorage for the promotion of the tourism industry. That's probably. >> Joanne table. second most probably say he armed. Like to ask unanimous consent this item on the table. Injection. actions items from 8 on the table. Next. We have item 10 D 29, something memorandum number 2025. Authorization the amendment to a hold over at least execution of the new 5 year lease with 5 yours option to extend between community development authority. Less from them probably Turn for the premise. Look at 6th Avenue Park Mall 700 Wessex, 7 of the operation. The public Transportation Department's downtown Transit center, Mr. we want second. Price agreements from farmed like to ask unanimous consent a certain age action. Hearing seen section has been laid on the table. One last supplemental going That's it. And OK, thank you all for your tolerance of the late on the table. Process tonight. Doesn't ask them to get as much as possible in there as we could. So next. And I would like to ask for. A motion to approve excusing emotional corporate the denim U.S. printed and distributed in the late on the table. Adams so moved second. So there's a motion to incorporate by as ball Monday, seconded by probably. Any discussion. Seeing hearing like to ask unanimous consent. Seen here Umoja Action item the. and the late on the table terms of incorporated agenda. And that's we have appearance requests on tonight's agenda. We have no appearance requests. So that takes us next to the consent agenda. So the consent agenda items. To pick our number through 10 gnr typically routine or non-controversial items such as bitter words. New business information reports, ordinances resolutions for introduction. The items on the consent agenda may be sept adopted approved by somebody by single vote on a motion to approve the consent agenda prior to approve items may be pulled by some members for discussion in separate vote on any of those items under the somebody procedure, all ordinances and some resolutions will have an opportunity for public hearing at a future date we'll go ahead and start with Mr. Press for DIA. 10 D 8. And the for thank you, Mr. Chairman the poor. Thank you. Miss Kercher, Mr. Thank you, Mr. Chair 10, a 4. for the service. Thank >> Nothing to pull. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Bond. No items. Thank you. Thank Rob. >> Yeah, 2 items. One is 10 B one on behalf of threat. And then the other is 10 D one. And that's it for me. >> So 10 B and 10 D one from a spry. Mr. Johnson, 10, a 2. to Mister Johnson. >> 10, a 10 Delta, 9.10, Delta, 11. And that thank you. >> All right. So I have pulling 10 a one, 10 D 9.10 to 11. Mr. To U.S. chair has item 10 a tube in full. Right on. Thank you. Thank you, whole thing can cue Mrs. Thank you, Mr. Chairman committee. All right. So I would like to entertain a motion to approve the consent agenda. But let me go through one more time. So 10, a one as well. And a 10 to Mister Johnson. for Mister Rivera. 10 be one us. Probably 10 D one most probably 10 D 8 Mr. President the attendee 9 is bald and 8.11 as bald. And and that is it. So like to ask for a motion to approve the consent agenda minus. Pull that >> Move the consent agenda, including a version of 10 F 7. Thanks. Second. >> All right. So there's a motion to approve the consent agenda, including the a version of 10 of 7 moved by most probably seconded by Mister Vaughn. there any discussion? So I would like to speak briefly to factor. That is not alone. Amazing. We've been asking for for years. There are a number of grants that are being authorized by the health department and are before us today. And they're before us that before the beginning of the year in which the grants are effective 2026, which means all of the recipients of grants will have the funds available to them at the start of the year. Instead of in June or July or September, which was kind of a pattern that had established itself before. And so I just want to give very big thanks to the health Department, administration for getting ahead of the curve this year and making it possible for these dollars to really meaningful hit the ground and do the job intended to do so. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. That then I'd like to ask unanimous consent to certain injections, the adoption of the consent agenda minus pulled items. Hearing and seeing no objections will consider the consent agenda approved. That takes us to a motion to change the order of the day. >> Mr. Chaired like to change the order of the day as follows first in the consent agenda, Mov for after 10, a one. And then move 10 D one after 10, a 2. And then the next for the agenda move 11, D after 13 B. And then lastly, under the licensing of the Fifteens move 15 E after 15, a >> all right. So there's a motion to change the order of the day. Madam clerk, get that. second second. Okay. Moved past by same Mr. Myers mice. As prof. >> Yeah. Just just very briefly. The we're taking up some of the port items including confirmation the director and moving things around there. There request to 11 D to be after 13 be and then the licensing. There's 3. Licenses that are related. And so taking care of the 15 15 eat before we get into that discussion. Thank you. >> there any objection to changing of the day to take them up in that order? Not seeing or hearing objections will consider the agenda has been or the day has been amended. So that brings us now to item 10. We're going proceed 10, a 4 item for this resolution are 2025, dash 3.92 resolution. action possibly recognizing and celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Anchorage Parks Foundation. Mariupol, the Senate. Yes. Move to prove. Motion to approve by Mister Rivera. Same Baldwin Day speak to Mr. Mayor, OK, I'd like to ask unanimous consensus to injection to the adoption of this motion. Seeing hearing no objection. Consider the item past. Mr. Barrett readings probably percent. Thank you, Mr. Chair resolution of the includes Municipal Assembly rivers here to accept coming up. >> Resolution to increase municipal assembly, recognizing and celebrating the 20th anniversary of the encourage Park Foundation, whereas the Anchorage Park Foundation was established in 2005 with a mission to build healthy, vibrant communities im public spaces throughout Anchorage. And whereas in its first 2 decades Think Ridge Park Foundation has partnered with the municipality of Anchorage Community Council's ask native organizations, businesses and volunteers to invest in the public spaces that bring our community together. And whereas Apf has strengthened encourages identity as a trails and parks city by supporting community volunteer efforts and major improvement across the park system, including Neighborhood Park revitalization. Ys, accessible playgrounds, wayfinding trail connections and community designed projects and whereas youth employment and parks program has provided hundreds of local teens with hands-on job experience. Leadership development and stewardship skills that benefit the community fire beyond the summer season. And whereas AP F. As leverage to millions of private philanthropic state and federal dollars to match local public investment through voter approved bond projects and thousands of volunteer hours maximizing the impact each contribution for the benefit of Anchorage residents and visitors. And whereas the Anchorage Park Foundation has played a central role in fostering civic pride, strengthening neighborhoods, encouraging physical activity, improving and promoting a strong sense of place in our northern city. And whereas 2025 marks to encourage Park Foundation's 20th anniversary. So the rating 2 decades of transformative community partnerships, volunteerism and investment in a park and trail system that enhances quality of life for all. Now, therefore, the Anchorage Assembly congratulates the Anchorage Park Foundation and its 20 years of service and leadership improving encourages parks trails and public spaces and expresses gratitude for that condition. Sustained collaboration, community stewardship and commitment to ensuring Anchorage means a place where people of all ages abilities and backgrounds, connect with nature. And each other Patton approved for the Anchorage Assembly, the 16th day of December. 25. ♪ >> Thank you so much. Anchorage Park Foundation is honored to work with our community and have been doing this hard work for 20 years. We've done work in all of your districts with so many of your supporters. And we've hired your teens and your neighbors and we are honored to continue to do the work and we'll see you out in the parks and on the trails for our next challenge. Grant season with your neighbors. Thank you so much. All right. Next up, we have item. 10, >> 21 transition AR 2025 Dash 3.89, a resolution of the Anchorage Assembly recognizing and honoring Diane Bickford on the occasion of retirement. And for more than 35 years of dedicated service to the municipality of Anchorage. And the name shifting port of Anchorage, port of Alaska, done young port of Alaska. So this item was pulled by. Mr. Johnson Johnson. Oh, I'm sorry. This item was pulled by Sorry. Thanks, chair. Move to approve. Move to approve members ball and a seconded by Mr. Borned. A discussion like to ask unanimous consent an injection to the adoption of this motion. Seeing hearing no objections item has been approved. So next we will have as Baldwin de reading, Mr. Grech are presenting this. >> Whereas Diane Pickford began her career with a municipality of Anchorage on August 6, 1990, bringing with her a strong work ethic, a deep commitment to public service and the talent for supporting complex, operational and administrative functions. And whereas Diane spent her entire municipal career serving dying young port of Alaska for money, part of Anchorage and port of Alaska where she became an indispensable part of the ports daily operations, institutional continuity and long-term success. And whereas through more than 3 decades of service, Dianne supported multiple port directors, managers and project teams always offering reliability professionalism and a calm, steady presence during both routine operations and historic port modernization efforts. And whereas Diane's work as executive assistant went far beyond administrative support, she became a trusted source of institutional knowledge, fostered strong working relationships and help ensure the ports mission to safely and efficiently serve the people of Alaska. And whereas Diane's dedication attention to detail and genuine care for her colleagues contributed greatly to a positive work environment and help steer the port through periods of significant change growth and a few earthquakes. And whereas the Anchorage Assembly wishes to express its profound appreciation for Diane's. 35 plus years of commitment to the municipality of Anchorage, its port and the countless individuals who benefited from her work. And whereas Diane Bickford will retire on December 31st. 2025 concluding a remarkable career marked by integrity, loyalty and exceptional public service. Now, therefore, the Anchorage Assembly recognizes and honors Diane Bickford for her extraordinary. 35 plus years of service to the municipality and its port and extends its heartfelt gratitude and best wishes for a well earned retirement filled with joy. Rest and new adventures passed and approved by the Anchorage Assembly. This 16th day of December 2025. If you'd like to speak, the microphone is yours. It's turned off right now. >> someone hit that Green button. Welcome. >> wonderful trip. I have enjoyed I met some wonderful people. And I'm really sorry to go >> I will offer that. I will offer that people across the state of Alaska in. Almost every jurisdiction have no idea. You've touched their lives in 35 years. They can't thank you. But we do on their behalf. Don't go far. Poor people. So next we have Agenda item 10. 82. to is Our 2025 Dash 3.90, resolution of the Anchorage assembly expressing sincere appreciation of Michael It for is outstanding services in from Port director, the misspelled anchors, Port of Alaska. So this item was pulled by Mr. Johnson, Mr. prove second. Moved Johnson. Second VI husband Day. Any discussion. Any objection to the site like to ask unanimous consent. Seeing hearing no objection. This item has been. Adopted unanimously. Mister Johnson reading Mr. Martinez presenting. Whereas Don Young part of Alaska is a critical lifeline for Anchorage and the state of Alaska requiring steady leadership, experienced oversight and the ability to remain calm. Even when the weather, the tides, the schedules. >> And the occasional fenders falling in the water do not cooperate. And whereas Michael Kay Abbott accepted the role interim port director with professionalism. Good humor and unwavering commitment to public service stepping up during a moment of need to ensure continued operational stability and whereas during his tenure Mr. Abbott provided thoughtful guidance and practice leadership supporting staff facilitating continuity and helping the 14 navigate transition transition that much like a container ship require both patients and precise maneuvering. And whereas he demonstrated generalist genuine respect to for the port's work force. Taking time to listen to staff perspectives. Elevating practical solutions and fostering a collaborative environment that strength and both her out to work and even the collective coffee consumption. And whereas Mr, Abbott's leadership upheld the highest standards of municipal service and contributed meaningfully to the ongoing success. Don Young port of Alaska proving that steady hand and positive energy can carry an organization through choppy waters where as in a meaningful acts that will leave a lasting impression on the poor community, Mr. Abbott secured a wild salmon on parade artwork titled 2008 Gold Splat Salmon. A brightly spirit ambassador that will permanently be displayed in the Danya improve Alaska Administration office as a tribute to service and a lasting reminder that indeed Mike was here. Whereas the done young purple staff and stakeholders deeply appreciate his willingness to serve his steady demeanor and the late Harvey good nature. He brought to demanding work. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the municipality of Anchorage and the Danya in purple here by extend their sincere appreciation to Michael Kay at it for his exemplary leadership, dedicated service and steady guidance as interim port director and for the result that this resolution of appreciation is presented with gratitude and respect, recognizing his service to the municipality of Anchorage and his lasting contributions. Both practical and delays. Lee artistic to the success and spirit of the done young port of Alaska passed and approved by the Anchorage Assembly. The 16th day of December 2025. Mr. Abbott. >> Thank you, Mr. thank you members. This is a so a lot of fun to be up here. It's humbling to follow someone like Diane, whose been with the port for 35 years makes my three-month seem a little less significant as it should. I really want to thank the mayor and her leadership team that a trusted me to support the the work at the port for a few months. Well, a new and I'm gonna say excellent candidate for the long term director at the poor was identified. you're going to talk more about that in a few minutes. But I really appreciate the opportunity. I've said this before. Many of you have heard this before. municipality has given me the chance to really have some amazing jobs. I've just been the luckiest guy you can imagine you have these amazing jobs in my hometown. Everybody should have the good fortune. I've had to work with so many great people do so many things for our citizens. Our neighbors really feel honored to have had these opportunities. So with that chairman, thank you very much. Before you go. >> You major word that by the end of the year he would done and I honor a man of his word. But there is a missing section. You know, it's supposed to read. You're fired. We appreciate it. Looking for that for a long time. Thank you so much. Next item on the agenda is item 10 D One. 10 D One is simply a memorandum. 909, dash 2025. executive appointment confirmation hearing. Terry Tom Port director. This item was pulled by Misrata, moved to prove second moved by most. Probably second, my Mister Johnson, sir. Any discussion. Mr. Probably. Yeah. Just say >> Grateful to our new port for director for stepping up. We had a good confirmation hearing work session on Friday. So folks can go back in and tune into that if you're interested. Thank you. >> And I think will allow comments once we've taken the vote in the further discussion. members may proceed to vote. On a vote of 12 to 0 Strom and the youth member votes. Yes, yes, the confirmation is done. Welcome and congratulations. Anything like And to follow Mike Abbott's footsteps. We'll go ahead now from the oath of office. Family can stay. Yeah, absolutely. This is the time to stay. >> Raise hand. I solemnly swear or affirm. >> I solemnly swear. >> That I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States. >> Constitution of the state of Alaska, the coast to shun of the state of Alaska and the charter of the municipality of Anchorage and the charter of the municipality of Anchorage and that I will faithfully perform the duties and that I will faithfully perform the duties of the port director did the best of my ability of the port director to the best of my ability >> It goes without saying a lot of people don't understand. The port is truly the most critical piece of infrastructure in the state of Alaska. In my opinion. Thank you for picking it up. For all of us. And it's a saga. All right. So now that takes us back to. I guess that moves us on to item. 10. The one 10 B one is our 2025 dash 3.88 resolution acres, somebody's son and the compensation for the somebody it's representative for fiscal year 2026. Pulled this item. >> Yeah, I Reserve needs to make a disclosure. Chair. I need to disclose that. I do have financial interest in this item. So we will excuse you from participating in this items. Step around for a minute. We'll have you back in just a moment. Thank you. Thank you. I will move to Once the clerk gets back, we can proceed. We do work without a clerk. So in motion to approve has been made by MS, probably seconded by a spot Monday. discussion. Mr. Problem, y'all just know. Obviously. >> The use representatives had not historically gotten compensation, but we recognize that it's a lot of hours for someone who's in in high school and doing a at least a portion of the work that we do. And so this is intended to be split equally. Among the 3 representatives. And I believe just for folks awareness will will be paid out later in the year. So again, recognizing that they're putting in a lot of time during the school year to participate in and play this role. Thanks. >> At this is not the first time members of Congress, it is spent first last several years and it's in the code. But what the code says they'll be compensated. Essentially the terms set by resolution. And so there has been some discussion internal to the branch that next year, resolution establishes the guidance for multiple years as opposed to just your by here. That is a conversation for another day. But members may see something along those lines to just said it and let it be. But for tonight, this matters before Any further discussion. Seeing hearing none members may proceed. On a vote of 12 to 0 or 2025 dash 3.88 has passed the body. Welcome number back. Can someone find her? All right. Next, we have item 10 D it somebody memorandum 9.22 Dash 2025 recommendation of grand agreements. Multiple organizations for alcohol tax, fun, evidence-based prevention aggression is courage. This item was pulled by Mister President. Thank you. Chair. I'd like to declare a conflict of interest on this item. >> So one of organizations that is being funded in this item is the organization that I And so there's a direct conflict. >> All right. couple questions. The process by which you can to be awarded was at a public and open solicitation. Yes. All right. And you are identified as an awardee under the process. idea you are a musician, brain organization organization I'm still going to find you have an interest fission enough to. Preclude you from participating this item. But it was I just want direct to be clear publicly solicited and publicly responded to. In competition with other organizations. Correct? Thank yous will go in and I to step off and we'll take care of us. As this item was pulled by Mister President. ask what stool the prove the most probably seconded by a small and discussion. Mr. Martinez. Thank you. Chair and I apologize for tardiness of this question. But can someone from the administration? >> Be prepared to answer a question for me. Especially maybe health department, those who are responsible for the operations is. And again, I apologize for that hard. And this is not my intent to kind of cause a moment about at our last meeting. But but that there was a question that was raised to me along the journey. And I appreciate Mister Perez for stepping out with this particular time. There are organizations that do good work in our community that we have previously funded that were funded, less or not at all. In this particular go around. While at the same time, for example, Mister Verde is organization. It is not one that had been previously funded with this particular work. For my knowledge, can you describe? Why some folks who have a track record of doing really good work. We're not prioritized and why some new folks with different projects were. >> Yes, great question. Can really rationed Rachel's apartment through the chair. So it all is based upon the evaluation committee evaluating the proposals that were submitted as so. It all depends on the proposal that was submitted if it was robust enough, if it had. >> All the categories marked off. And so that then they are then ranked orders. And that's why you see that some of them were not fully funded because they're at the bottom of the rank and we try to provide as much funding for each of the entities. So what they requested and then rank order them all the way down until there's number funding left. >> think that's the extent that I can get at this particular meeting. I will just described from my vantage point programs that work need to continue to be supported to do the work. >> When we create expectations around effectiveness programs and folks take the time to build those expectations. It seems to me that we need to create. We need to be able to live up to those expectations, especially when defective programming is happening in our community. And it is an interesting relationship between scoring new program and whether or not we're waiting. The difference between one that has an established track record. I don't know if that's one of the route bricks, but it seems to me that it's kind of frustrating when there are programs that do good work. Want to do more good work and we are having them kind of get back in the line of normal competition with folks that don't necessarily have the same track record. And I think that's that's a challenge for me moving forward that I want to make sure people are really clear of especially considering we have very few operators. It's not like there's a c of operators who are requesting these dollars that they're just following in the cracks. The folks that I'm mentioning today, not by name, but I think there's some degree of some understanding of some of these types of projects. They'll be back again. Because they're still doing that work. We're still going to have this funding. And so. I knew programs, meats, affective running programs I think kind attention that this body has been grappling with. And I just want to put it square on table that it's on my radar as well. Thank you. Appreciate ball today. >> Actor Ashton thank you. curious what our weather. We have a policy of any kind with respect to funding staff positions with. With these grant dollars. Could you talk about that? Just love that. Through that or can you repeat the question? I'm sorry. What is our what is our policy? Our thought process with respect to fundings staff positions with grant dollars. >> Are you asking the awardees them staffing or the health Department staffing. I'm sorry a question. I'm specifically looking at we're to row cap, which is which is to hire for new staff between 2 sites. And I think. Well, perhaps germane to my colleagues comments about continuity. It seems that funding staff positions might actually create. A challenge for organization in the future in the event that they're not awarded the same grant funding in subsequent years. So I'm curious what the thought process was behind funding new staff positions as tough as opposed to funding existing programs things of that nature. So I think really what with alcohol taxes, really the the funding mechanism in which it starts a program. Arts starts an initiative and then really looking at that organization. >> To look long-term as to what they could do. Other funding was so really this just being the the pad to leap off of then really looking at what can they do and how can they self-sufficient moving forward, Israeli that the thought process that goes into making those decisions. >> And our grantees or potential grantees expected to articulate how they intend to become self-sustaining or what other funding they're pursuing for, you know, that long-term county community of programming, yes, the should be. All right. Thank you. >> Any further discussion? Hearing none members may proceed to vote. Mr. Dean don't go far yet. I keep saying that. Hold parks, keep sending its Brian. Don't go far. Brent. Yeah, there's no chief team. And a vote of 11 to 0 tiger of votes. Yes, am 9.22 Dash 2025. Us past body. Yeah. Sorry. Chief Partridge did that against Bryant. I just want to say thank you to you for getting that ad in and then stalled. The chief as well just the 2 weeks interim from our last meeting, it became clear and our last meeting that we did not have a life saving device in this chamber. Pretty much essential. So thank you to the fire service for getting that and up. Now see later, Happy New Christmas. Thank you very much. Could save a life. So next up, we have on the agenda item. 10 9. 29 is and 9.26 Or 2025 amendment one within transporting can bet to provide an increase trips for professional, transparent transit and demand response services pulled by But Monday. Thank you, chairman to approve second most famous pub and a second most well done. Thank you, chair. I'm curious if we have someone from intense it, that could answer a couple of questions. Our public works gay. Welcome back to Rudolph. >> So I I I'm curious about. This. This particular. This particular contract option. It's a pretty significant increase. 23% over dissipated cost of the option period. And I'm wondering if you could share a little bit about what our options are going forward understanding that anchor rise is an extraordinarily important transit option in Anchorage. I'm wondering if there are ways that we could preserve this program and potentially not I'm a situation in the future where we see this kind of increase in operational cost could you share what plans might be in the works or what you would suggest as far as managing cost for this program going forward. >> Sure. Thank you for the question. Berg Rudolph Public Transit director. We right now are at the mercy of a single contractor that can do the work. There's no other contractor in the state of Alaska that can perform this service without a significant lead time talking one to 2 years. So this contract the price was driven largely by wage increases. They just had renegotiate renegotiated. The union contract, the drivers get paid significantly less than an Amazon driver would get paid and they are dealing with our most vulnerable population. So rightfully so that the wages probably to do to increase. But, you know, with this sort of notice, there's not a lot that we can do. We cannot change contractors at this point. The service is federally required. If we do not have this service, we cannot operate our fixed route. People mover but going forward recognizing that we are kind of at the mercy of the single contractor. We are starting a study to see whether or not it would be cost effective to bring the service in house. And we're going to do the study very quickly. It'll take about 3 months so that if it is cost-effective, we can get the service in place before the next contract renewal is up, which the price will increase. They've already given us the prices already. So we'll get the results of that study very soon and see if it makes sense to bring this in-house. >> Excellent of that is all very good news. And I think I would love to preemptively invite you to share results of that study. >> At Prall Transportation Committee meeting. If if that works for you, great. Okay. Thank I know the questions. Anyone further. >> Senior non-members may proceed to vote. I vote of 12 to 0 in number of votes. Yes, yes and 9.26 Dash 2025. U.S. pass the body. Brings us last item on our consent agenda item 10 11 simply memorandum and 9.28 Dash 2025. grant agreements. Multiple organizations for services related to the prevention of domestic phone, sexual assault and interpersonal violence for the Municipality of Anchorage. This item was also pulled a small today. Thank you, chairman approve second. Movement bold and a second by Miss Farms. Fallen. Thank you. >> I have >> questions for health department. Welcome back. Director Ashley, I at. Understanding that emergency Fant financial aid to survivors of. But a nice second violence is absolutely a protective factor. This kind of funding is really critical. I'm wondering what percent this states that some of this is for emergency find financial aid. Some is for support for case managers. And I'm wondering if you can share what percentage breakdown is for each of these 3 and to tease how much of the $55,000 per entity is actually going to do that and emergency financial support for survivors. And how much is allocated supporting case management. To the chair. I would have to get back to you. >> On the breakdown of the percentages, I don't have that in front of me. I will say this comes out of our specific cost center that is actually labeled ATVs. to get back to you. Apologies for spending a question on you without time I would love to get that information separately. >> Certainly doesn't change my I support that. would like to know what that looks like. Thanks. Yeah, thanks. have one additional question. Just can you refresh my memory? So I recall. >> Back on the alcohol tax started. It was around the time that a lot of state grant funding had been lost. And so I remember this program. It can I mean, is is this is same program that used to be funded by the state and then had a funding shortfall threw the chair. Yes, okay. So so we're just essentially continuing the commitment to current funding for this program. Yes, okay. Thank you. Anyone else? >> Handle seeing none members may proceed to vote. So on this case, I'm going to go ahead and ask for unanimous consent or having a bit of a glitch. Normally final actions. They try to get a recorded vote through the system. Is there any objection to the adoption of the motion? seeing objects will consider this item passes unanimously including the first now the buns come up but was called good and have our friends in it come and figure this out. What we adjourn to our regular dinner break out. If you're here for items on the consent agenda, they have all moved and approved. So come back in about half an hour for rest are Jenna, thank you all. ♪ ♪ >> have. ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ and ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ >> I >> think we're about ready. So come back to order. Thank you, everybody. Just a note on our our business tonight. If you are here for any items in the section of 10 on the agenda, those items are all concluded for now on to item 11, a which is 2025 Dash 96, an ordinance of the increase. Somebody submitting qualified voters Think about Proposition amending the home rule charter to authorize a one percent sales tax to fund the pain for progress, Strategic Investment program public hearing was held action postpone from 9, 9, 2025. 10. 21 2025 11, 18 2025. There's no motion before us. What's the will of the body? Move to postpone indefinitely? >> Case second. Mr. Martinez, Moose postponed indefinitely. The second was It's been a day. Mr. Martinez. Thank you. Chair. So first, I want to begin by describing that I'm courage my colleagues. >> To to vote to postpone this and definitely primarily because the environment isn't the right time for this wonderful idea. Chair I speak with both urgency and reflection and I want to step back and give a little history to understand what this what this item is and why it's the right time for a postponement. The origin of this particular item. Penny for progress comes from. >> The work that we all did. >> Some of the colleagues that aren't on this body anymore. Member Rivera was part of that work group around the project. Anchorage. I didn't I brought s version which at that time was a one and a half percent sales tax focused on infrastructure that we don't have resources to pay for today. Identifying the fiscal crises to those challenges. But then chair I step back and recognize in the defeat of Project Anchorage. We were lacking a few elements to help us make better decisions. I stepped back and offered what this body subsequently had approved are 2025 1.59, the Anchorage Economic Development Framework. This was referenced him. The body of the original version of Penny for progress. The reference the framework identifies for pillows that we can use to. Determine good policy and determine good investments. Those colors were stackable return on investment. Preemptive resiliency to mitigate future stocks shocks a commitment to equity. And most and most importantly, truth was one of the core pillars knowing who we are, what we value in, what kind of city we want to be. Those choices cost. So penny for progress was rooted in that framework designed to be intentional strategic and a shared investment tool, not a gimmick, not a Band-Aid, but a way to build around long-term voter approved priorities. What is penny for progress? Penny for progress is a flat one ahead. One percent sales tax. No caps, no exemptions. The original version. There are no property tax giveaways as well. How come chair the reason that printing the original penny has no exemptions because no one here is exempt from the challenges of living here. We all have skin in the game and no one's coming to save us. But along the journey chair. Had he had the opportunity to come before CDC. had the opportunity to meet with community members and different and different groups. And the original penny for progress. Bucket in my mind was around infrastructure. Those infrastructural challenges that we have to take care of, that we don't have the fiscal capacity to take care of. We'll get into that momentarily. Chair. And why it's important to postpone this item. Listening to folk a few things emerged of if we want dedicated revenue. What are the priorities that the community recognizes first. We want infrastructure Rhodes taking care of year-round. We want to make sure that the core infrastructure that keeps our city moving in connected works is not deteriorating is not falling apart. That cost resources. We also have a housing challenge. Mayor, you identified a goal 10,000 housing, but it's the goal is not the thing. the goal represents a target. The target that's says to we can put some numbers that we can focus on. But the reality is we have a housing problem in Anchorage, not just the shortage. We have a decaying marketplace of old units that are falling out of. The ability to be operational. We have new tools to help our municipality deal with these properties. That's how we know there's an issue here. I thought that the bucket of penny for progress should be broken into more than infrastructure may be. The one penny could be broken into more than just one bucket infrastructure. What about a housing bucket? So the housing bucket was established as well. Primarily because again, we have a housing crisis. Young people can't afford to stay here. Workers can't afford to move here and seniors cannot afford to downsize and without housing. There is no workforce. There is no economy. But chair, everywhere we look. We see issues on our streets. Some of these issues parallel unhoused situations. But primarily, I understand when we walk down the streets, a lot of our community members are seeing unmet, behavioral and mental health needs. We are seeing trauma in our streets. I define that as trauma on trauma often. Because we don't have the mechanisms. Robustly enough to deal with the challenges that we have. And we do a really good job with what we have. So I think the mobile intervention team thank the cap to take all of the folks that work with the most vulnerable on our streets. But Cher, I went so far as this year to push this body to review possible legal action against the state or looking at the state for inadequately helping to address the state mental behavioral challenges that fall disproportionately to the hub city of Alaska. Anchorage. So we have the states failed mental and behavioral health challenges happening right on our streets. I thought that was a priority bucket for us. So penny for progress was broken into 3 buckets, housing, infrastructure and behavioral mental health. So one word share off to the side next time. Gubernatorial candidates want to pop in and you want to have a vision of what anchored should be doing, right? How about you have a vision if you want to run for higher office of what you could be doing for Anchorage. How about recognizing the systemic challenges that encourages that Anchorage has as the hub city as hub of Alaska. And so chair. I move forward. In this chamber. As I got closer to this issue, we hear a few catch phrases that I wanted to land on a little bit more firmly. Identifying penny for progress, a fiscal crisis. This body has identified it as well. As I got closer to this issue, we recognize that long-term structural problems are not one time budgetary fixes. But what is the nature of the problem that Penny was seeking to address? Chair? As I got closer to the data I recognize that Anchorage has what we call a special mismatch. We have overextended, our infrastructure footprint without the ability to pay for it. Let me put it little more statistical for chair. The legacy of other people's money building our community no longer serves us. Even the school districts portfolio itself is right-sizing. What does that mean? Chair? The school district has a real estate portfolio that has. Real estate whole in order for school party extended Mr. Martinez, a point of order has been yes, raced out or which ones were. What does this have to do with the motion to postpone? So generally member house broad latitude to speak to their motion. >> So I'm not going to find that there's been a violation of our rules. But what I will do is ask the member to bring it back to the motion to postpone. Chair respectfully on 3, 4, occasions during my particular moment of speaking in testimony, I have brought it back. >> To why this is the moment for a postponement. I will continue. And to my colleague. Hold your horses. The best is yet to come on and they will say that that is. Order right on chair. Appreciate that. So chair identified as we got closer to this, that, in fact, we do have a special mismatch. I put it again for that fine point on it. Asd built a portfolio around those expectations. And right now they are right sizing. They have real estate holdings for schools that will never be built because we will never have that population. But they projected that population at one point in time. Sure. The data also shows with respect to the infrastructure bucket that we have increased Les Miles since 1970, 400% in Anchorage. But our population is only increased by 150%. So sure everywhere we look. We see that there is a need for. This particular proposal. I want to commend the mayor for stepping into this space as well. You've identified buckets that Penny is identified, but we've veered differently with respect to how we approached approach to fiscal cliff. The reason that I'm asking today for my colleagues to respectfully vote to postpone this item indefinitely is because this is the right policy. But it's not the right time. And the reason it's not the right time is it's not because our choices as not because the politics of our environmental too difficult to get through. We have to make difficult choices but shared the reason. I don't believe it's the right time is because the prices are too d*** high. Terrible tariffs of finally landing in full force. As I looked at the CDC, we explored how the Jones Act has had basically created a 30% markup of our all of our goods. Despite the exemptions in the S version of the penny for progress, which are the most progressive exemptions possible. I just can't ignore the fact that. The economic environment has shifted on chair. I also want to recognize again, chair that this framework was built. Penny for progress was built around. Are one a 2025 1.59 And so while stepping back from. This particular item tonight, I do want to propose that we conduct policy audits to the lens of the economic development framework utilizing the shared language of the framework to help us make better decisions. That's why I began this process with that. Framework and bring us back home tonight. I'm asking for you all my colleagues to postpone this item indefinitely. Not because I've lost faith in this idea. Not because the fiscal cliff isn't real. This is not a retreat. This is a strategic regrouping. I also want to send the signal to the administration devalues embedded in penny for progress. Are the right values the way we strategically bring to the voters, something they can approve, something they can see something they can build trust something that cannot be changed unless the voters decide the change. >> I believe those are the right elements for the framework. So let's take this as an educational opportunity. I certainly have following the language of number, Randi Salt, former member Randy. So keeping it short and simple, penny was short and simple. So really good framework. A great idea. The timing is not right. I encourage my colleagues to let this move on tonight and bring back hopefully another time where the framework of penny for progress could advance the interest of our community. Thank you, chair, right. And I'll switch to speak. The motion postponed indefinitely. See no members vaccine And a vote of 12 to 0 in the youth member votes. Yes, you know 2025 dash 96 has been postponed indefinitely. Next up, we have. The clerks Essman old for All right. So she says we can kill. Next up, we have 2025, dash, one 17 ordinance meeting to the qualified voters. The municipality of Anchorage about Proposition amending. The Express will code. She's been increase will charter to adopt a 2% tax to fund public infrastructure and capital improvements to support housing construction cultural and recreational. So these and to provide for approval by majority of the qualified voters voting on a question. This item public hearing was held action was put on 10. 21 25 11 18. There's no motion pending. That's why the body. Move to postpone to the meeting of January 13th. >> Second. >> There's a motion to postpone to generate 13 by most probably second, my Mister Myers. >> This yes, So my recommendation is to postpone this. I know there's another revenue item that will be discussed at that meeting with the public hearing. Still open. But also I will say folks are ready to vote on this than I am also happy to have to bait tonight. So that was my kind of starting move. others are interested in taking up a site. I'm happy to do that as well. >> Any further discussion the motion postponed to January 13. None members may proceed to vote. vote of 12 to 0 news member votes. 2025 Dash one. 17 will be back before us on January. The 13th item 11 C. Which is 2024 dash one. 23, an ordinance authorizing misspelled of encouraging cut water and wastewater utility municipality of Anchorage tried power to execute enter into 3 agreements pertaining to the municipal public water supply in the Putin hydroelectric project Fish and Wildlife program. This item was continued from one. 21. 25 to 11. 25 to 18. 25 in for a 25 public hearings held in referred to the Department of Law on for a 20 to 25 the command that it comes back before time. Money believe they have. Get ready. And so I believe there's also. Also until after present presented it to us at a work session which we had. And there's also S version. Yeah, it's in there. So which is I don't think it's substantively different in the title. So read it. So I don't believe there is a motion before us looks to the body. probably move Perth. Move spry. Second second MRI on this problem. Yeah, oh, yes. 2 previous version. >> Yeah, I would say I am not the most qualified person to speak on this item so I would defer to others. I'm a spot you have some. Yes, Move. Followed a Johnson and then the number one place second. Motion to amend time is called a second by Mister Johnson >> Yeah, thank you so this restricted removes a provision that restricts encourage water ready to ability to make public statements. Which really inappropriate for a public utility. But for 8th, the manager of a public public utility to be prohibited from expressing concern are sharing information with the public, even if that information might be construed as negative about the Fish and Wildlife program. So it seems like the appropriate time to remove that language. And that is the substance of this moment. I request my colleagues support. Any discussion. Mister Myers. >> I'm just curious with the administration feels about this amendment. Threw the chair of the member Myers. supportive of this change. Ok? Thank you. Martinez. Why is this language in code already? Why is there a restriction already was their past? Usually they say codes are written in previous problems so I can speak to that. There is not in the code. It is in the previous agreements that were negotiated earlier phase of >> the 1991 agreement, conversations with the party's relating to water supply. Kind of improvement to support the Fish and Wildlife program. And so there are those who believe it's never been there. There are those who. agree that now is a good time to move it to UN Federer, water utility from be able to speak plainly to us. Any further discussion. none members may proceed to vote. On the amendment. vote of 12 to 0 news member votes. Yes, as the minutes passed a spot on day. >> Thank you, chair move about But Monday, Johnson amendment number 2. 0nd. >> So there's motion to amend fall. And second by Mister Johnson responded. >> This amendment 2 sections to the lab. Section the resolutions and stipulates that the execution of these agreements will be contingent on CA A's support of the restoration of the vote of a municipality. this particular an execution that Fish and Wildlife program. Russia. Now here is where you were implementing a major project here that involves considerable use of public resources, including municipal fines for years into the future and municipality should have a voting stake in these decisions. The 1991 agreement that requires that this work to be completed envisioned municipality of Anchorage participation. And the fact that we currently do not have a vote is the subject of a proceeding before the RCA. And so this amendment. Indicates that this, that these agreements will executed upon support from the other parties to the restoration of a per capita vote for the municipality. Thanks. Yeah, I appreciate this amendment just to be clear. >> The I'm just trying to understand. So the so what would need to happen is that supposed that supported does not require the RCA too decide a certain way. Is there corrective yet? can not compel the RCA to do anything, but we can request that our partners in this work support us in restoring a per capita per capita vote. But yeah, I think as long as it's something achievable and hopefully the other folks will engage in good faith then just wanted to make sure that there's a way that these can become affective. So thank you. >> I'm going briefly speak to that as well. There are 3 things that spelled out here. One is that they commit in writing to support in good faith before the RCA and other entities where it's appropriate. To help the municipality regain a per capita vote. The second part is that we submit they some HP submits a modified request for a per capita vote to the RCA. And then to cash in submit with him. A certain time frame. Support of that request. And so those are the 3 actions that would be required in order for this to become effective. And why that's important is that. Through the entire project over the last many years, a series of unfortunate events has occurred in which at a point after the transaction of the Lmp 2, 2 dash electric. Outside of the terms of that agreement, RCA performed an external action and said that forever you will not have a vote in the management and operation of the Anchorage Hydro Power. Utility. But they didn't actually say you won't have to pay for it, though. And so we actually have to pay for it. And so. Duty as an appropriate or has been consumed by the RCA into this. Deal as it stands. And so in some ways what this will do is at least a line. The parties she got to and encourage tragic part of the municipality and their efforts to undo some of that taking that has occurred, which will hopefully keep us from going to court and find ourselves in an expensive. Litigation posture to retained the authority that you have as legislators and appropriators to Stuart, the Fisk of the public trust. And so I think that that's the ask of this amendment. And I support it. respects devote. And a vote of 12 to see on number of votes. Yes, yes, the Second Amendment passed a vaccum emotions and did. Any further discussion. So from my part, I'm just say thank you to the attorneys for. Being as careful as possible with this process in some ways the adoption of this item. Puts a blessing on the harm that was done a long time ago. And it's not a blessing that I lightly. Move forward on because frankly, it was a taking that was not justified under law. And so this, I believe restores the posture of good faith and fair dealing. Can provide the parties an opportunity to move forward and maintain that as collaborators towards a common goal. So I hope that's what this does. So with that, I ask members to proceed to vote. vote of 12 to 0 and they use member votes. Yes, 2020. 4 dash one, 23 as amended has passed the body. So now we moved up the agenda. It 13 B. Oh, I'm sorry, 0st 13, 13 yeas continue public 2025 dash. 59 of her instincts are still some of the many interest could chapter 3 to 90 access to public records. Nancy Section 3 30 knots or 1, 6, to update the public records response procedures public hearing was a 12, 9, 9, 10, 7 18, 12 too. No motion is pending. A source. >> Motion to postpone indefinitely. Second motion to postpone indefinitely made by summer seconds. Problem solvers. >> And so this has a long process and we've got a lot of collaboration their respective, you know, the other departments that this is going to affect. And at this point in there's been a lot of changes and we believe it's going to be better and easier just to bring back the change version probably in January. >> Now add I grateful to my peers for continuing to put it on there and also to push back on it. Continuing to be there because it has created the crucible in which the project proceed to the point where now it's going to it's and steps before. It's ready for introduction. And so the pressure was very welcome. Anyone else. none members say proceed. The vote to postpone And a vote of 12 to 0 in number of votes. Yes, yes, know, 2025 59 has been postponed indefinitely. That now takes us to item 13, 2025, dash, one, 15, an ordinance amending encourages title tend to add a new chapter requiring owners register short-term rentals ending title 12 requirements related to tax reporting for hosting platforms admitting 21 to explicitly and offshore terminals and all residential zoning districts and some commercial districts moving number his separate used type in waiting planning Zoning Commission review. There's also an version. You know, 2025 dash, one, 15 S. Gotcha. >> An ordinance amending existing code title. 10 at a new chapter requiring owners register tomorrow's meeting town 12 requirements. I think go ahead skip to the an ordinance amending Cotto tend to add a new chapter, quite register structure models. Many total, 12 requirements tax reporting for us and platforms. Manning title 21 to explicitly short terminal. Hotel motels extended stay lodging, hostels and ends at all. Resident resigned districts and some commercial districts. Then finally there is 2 version. And 2025 Dash one, 15 us to an ordinance amending it Municipal Code title tend to add a new chapter. Quite choir. Short-term rentals Manning nursed to register short term rentals in many towns requirements late tax reporting for us to platforms. Amending 21 to explicitly allow short-term rentals and all residential zoning districts and some commercial districts moving better breakfast as a separate used type in waiving planning and zoning Commission review. Okay. So continued public hearing. And so for members of the public who didn't previously testified to come forward and testify now there's a subsequent tax measure coming up. But the public hearing on that item is closed. So this would be the opportunity to speak on anything related to short-term rentals. We ask that you continue to generally speaking the registration and other processes. So the public hearings open again. Anyone wish to be heard. Welcome stretch and speaking on behalf of yourself for Davis. All right. Well, coming up, the cheapest state. Your name apart attorney for my 5 minutes. Thank you. My name is Mike Edgington and co-chair of Code Board of Supervisors and Housing and Economic Development Supervisor. >> So this will support and give us supports the that's I believe that would extend to the U.S. to version as well. Although we haven't explicitly mentioned, basically the motion plus some amendments into which do not change the essence of the the old ones I wish I was standing his 7 years ago or even 5 years ago saying This is cute dog for a community. But the second best time to act is now. So again, I hope that passenger cause tonight this is the hopefully at this pass is this is not the end of the conversation. There are several aspects of the ordinance that I think we need to understand better how it will be implemented. I look forward to the implementation happening and perhaps some adjustments in the near future. One thing that's really important Goodwood We are well beyond the point where registration is adequate, where the point where we have to be discussing how many short term rentals is too many. That's not an easy discussion to have. And some of you may not be on the body when we get to that point. But that is something we need to discuss fairly soon. They will do. We do not have full data. This resolution hopefully will bring in 30 good data. But we have estimates and we have pretty solid estimates that at the moment we estimate that about a quarter of a housing stock active as a short-term rental some point during the year. So court is a lot housing stock that is effectively you know, not ear is I didn't. It's had a huge impact on the long-term rental market our community. It is common with of the result, Gateway communities. it's something that needs to be dealt with all the communities of imposed caps a 10% to 15%, 20% said we're at 25 at the moment. This is a discussion. We have to have a look forward having that. support the U.S. to thank you. All right. Anyone else wish to be heard. Now is your opportunity. Seeing and hearing none public hearings now close with so Mookie S 2 version. >> Second second. >> So there is a motion to approve 2 version by Mr. Hollande. Whose second? As Monday. Thank you, Mister Chair. really appreciate the collaboration. >> Between my co-sponsors members spoke Monday in Johnson as well as with administration. I first went to Ps 2. I hear sort of up for discussion and moved. But I want to make it very clear that. One of the things that this ordinance does. In addition to requiring registration of short-term rentals. Is to explicitly allow them in code. What is already being de facto allowed. Which is allowing commercial activity in strictly residential zones. Some of the public feedback we've received on a related item, which we will take up after this. Has made argument that we should treat hotels. And short-term rentals. The same. In the name of fairness. So for that reason, I would like to invite the conversation. Among my colleagues in order to do that. I'm going to end to conform to the best one person. Second. There is a motion to amend. What does that mean? Moved by Mister Von Second, Miami source. It was a place replaced St with the S So a motion to substitute. Yep. So there is a motion to substitute that 2 version with one. Could you have the floor? Thank you so. What the S one does in addition to explicitly allowing commercial activity in residential zones, be a short-term rentals. It's to also make hotels hostels permitted uses in all residential zones. Our So if we if we should treat this the same. And I guess my question for my colleagues, as do they have the same economic. Harms and benefits. 2 hotels and short-term rentals have the same impacts. 2 neighborhoods. Do they have the same impacts of housing supply? Why or why not? Should we treat short-term rentals and hotels as of the same. Are different. It's I just open it up to my colleagues. Thank you. That's probably. >> Yeah, I take a bite at that. Apple. I think it is an interesting question. And I think I guess one. >> One way to answer it would be to separate a discussion about a product that somebody essentially purchasing or a service that they are renting. setting aside that discussion and thinking about. You know what we what we consider to be or are going and what is the premise of residential zoning. And I would also say there's an interesting question there of scale. The for example, where I used to A is a street that has a a what has a recovery house on it. And it also has a hostile. And so the hostel is a commercial use. I don't I can't speak to how long or if a lot of folks live in in that building here around. So I would assume it's mostly being used, you know, kind of as intended short-term use. But but it is smaller in scale. And this isn't our to Amazon. So I do. I don't know zoning for every parcel on that street. But I know in general, it's it's our 02:00AM. And it's a mixed mixed residential street, obviously, with some commercial there's also downtown. There's a couple of the NBA's that I can think of that are kind of right on the border near a bunch of housing, but also in a commercial area and that's a very small building that looks like a large house versus, you know what we would think of the some of the larger hotels downtown that are towers. And so I think that is interesting question. I think realistically the lot size and kind of what would you physically allowed on properties or if you had to buy a bunch properties and put them together? I think that does change the kind of scale a building that's allowed. And so I think the question would be would anybody build any of those in the middle of a neighborhood or what it simply convert more housing in 2 defense, small hotel or, you know, hostile or something like that. And so I think I think it is interesting question to contemplate. And I guess for my part, I think of kind of land use regulation of certain types of uses or or certain types of activities as distinct from policies in which we are looking early at the revenue the fiscal side. And so I guess. For my part, I would say that the use table in general needs a lot of work that's very specific. I see some folks nodding on the audience have dealt with these table. But I would say that this is maybe not the way that I would approach making those changes at this time. So so I think it is an interesting thought exercise, but I would not argue that these These issues are also distinct. Thanks. Mr. Johnson. I just >> hope people understand the point that is being driven here. We heard some rhetorical flourish from members of the public that. You can't treat. Airbnb is different than hotels. That is literally part of the rhetoric that we heard earlier. So if you hear it again later today, then the argument doesn't hold water. If you. Flip it the other way and look at it, say we could have consolidated properties and its story hotels in our districts. But that's what's happening in the Airbnb framer, the short-term rental frame. And so I think that I want to make sure to underscore. That that thought exercise is about. I also Sherman's from his perspective that I don't support the substitution. And I think that there are separate and distinct uses Mr. Thank March area. I think the point that I really want to make is that. >> We are here extending a privilege to short-term rental owners. To a certain business model that we are not extending to hotels. And so I think I just challenge us to think about what fairness really looks in this instance for sure. I share member probably is I guess, concerned maybe not concern me. That's just trying work. But her. Contemplation. Scale right in neighborhoods. I think we all can recognize Todd. Yeah, I just hope that we we can realize that the playing in different ways between those to different business models. It's not level and I for one don't think that they need to be treated the same for that reason. That said I will withdraw my amendment. Thank you. Mister Chair. We're back on the man. Are there any amendments? A further discussion? Go ahead. just Roker. question clarification that the information that the host of providing that's not public record right. >> Yeah. Maybe will turn that oversee ministration I think we get to squared against our existing public records code. I think there are portions of it which may be whole double under 3.90, but ordinance itself does not say that these are all protected records that cannot be disclosed. So I mean, so there's a scenario where somebody personal information, if they're out their host, could be. >> Discoverable that one otherwise be. Not sure. What exactly one make trying head around it. charter member, good things to be can't. A lot of our other regulated facilities where. >> If you want to know the name of who was operating the marijuana license or the formerly the massage parlor or who property. That is all publicly available information. Monday. >> just wanted to replete briefly what what is contemplated hear, what that the the goal is to create to. On the one hand, say that short-term rentals are unapproved use type in residential zones, which they currently are not. Short-term rentals are not included in our in code at all. And then to say that we expect short-term rental operators to register. For free in a very simple fashion. Their operation with the city. This is not a license. question. It's a question of registration and that registration what it will entail, the kind of data that we need to understand what the true impact of short-term rentals may be. I'm here in the municipality up. So that would be that Eagle Chugiak all the way out to Greg. What? And we what we've attempted to do here is to give sufficient time both for the clerk and it to implement the software changes that are needed in order for this registration to be available online to be easy to access. And then to give a period of time for registration to occur before we begin to assess complaints. So we have. Interface at length both folks in the and who are represented hosting platforms, folks who operate short-term rentals here in town. And also folks the planning Department, too, come to you with this particular proposal. So I would appreciate your support as wood, my colleagues and all of wonderful folks in the administration who have been sorting this out with us weeks and weeks on. thank you. Thanks. Yeah. I understand that. Prior comments the members concerned about. Privacy. But I also know these folks are supposed to be paying our bed tax currently. And so I know there's provisions just liking any tax paying business that that information can be held confidential to a point that also the intent is that that information is generally public. My question is it looks like the I know the effective date was was bounced around a little bit as this ordinance >> moved ahead. So it looks like now it's affective May for some a question of the sponsors or maybe council Oregon where the clerk would so. Anyone who has a short-term rental, what we need to happen by May first, is there a grace period think ever than already. just to be very clear when this would go into effect and then what people would have to do. I think that be helpful. So we've we've been told that the actual >> registration platform itself will be ready to roll out in early January. Hosting platforms have agreed to push that information out to their respective hosts. Let the host know that they will be required. I to input a registration number into their listing. And then as of May, will be expecting compliance with a 30 day grace period to extend to June. The first before we would be doing any kind of. Spot. Checking of registration and whether or not happening. Thanks as helpful and just to say is why know we're not the first community to do something like this. I know the city and borough of Juneau. >> He's had a registration in place and has said it has been working pretty well. And I know we're also not the only community in the United States to do this. And so I'm glad that we have president to look to and also at least that the hosting platforms are used to implementing this kind of policy. Thank you. thank you. Thank you. I just want to make sure this gets in the record. >> It's been several years now. 3, Maryland Ministrations, but we had a treasure named and more who was the sole fiduciary for the municipality, very conservative financial individual. And this question came up in about 2018, like how do we know who's paying taxes to the Muni? Under the short term rental programs. His response absolutely shocked me. response was. We can't we just trust them. They write us big checks. And that was a shocking response to me. And we've been looking for a way to figure out how to close the loop on accountability and insurer. Not only that short-term rental operators should being successful are, in fact, paying that. I believe they are. But are we receiving the actual payments that we're owed in the amounts we are owed? There is no way for us to verify that. And so how do we know we're not losing a dollar off every rental or a penny or anything? There's no way to check. And so this tool, if adopted, will help to provide us an accountability trail that will allow auditors to actually look in and see. Are we collecting and being remitted the payments that are being owed and so I think in some ways it's protective of the operator as well because it will ensure fidelity that the funds go where they're supposed to go. So I do urge your support sellers. >> Yeah, I just want to say, I think as far >> short-term rental registration goes. This is a pretty modest postal. I've been looking at proposals around the state are not a suspect policies around the state, you know, as well around the U.S. and in fact, for example, was if you have a short-term rental in Wasilla, they want to be able to inspect 3 years of your books. And so this is really, modest. I think in comparison with some of the other things that we have going around the state and I support this. >> And anyone else? I'll just note that branch has reserved a certain amount of are investigating. Also, quite an interesting software package. The software package is third-party provided Toole died. Eckerd technology is called rental scape and provides very, very, very thorough information. And so we'll have that conversation coming in the future, Mr. >> Thank you, Mr. Chairs want to clarify the effective date to make sure that wasn't lost. The roughly in the S 2 version is May 1st which does give us time to have registration system go arrive and for platforms to tend to the changes they need to make. And then the Green Street is 90 days. So we're looking at July 31st when registrant's actually have to be in place. All right. Anyone else, senior, none members may proceed to vote. On a vote of 10 to 2 and they get member votes. Yes, yes, 2025 dash, one 15 S to has passed the body which brings us now back to item 11 D. Item. 11 D is 2025 dash 97. An ordinance of the increases somebody submitting qualified voters. The municipality of Anchorage about Proposition amending charter to authorize a tax on short-term rentals. Public hearing was held back and closed action postponed from 9. 23 10. 21 11, 18, 12 too. There is no motion pending. Want to to prove. So there's a motion to approve by Mister Vaughn. Second by us over some strong. Thank you, Mister Chair. So now we have explicitly permitted torture, mental son, all residential zones. So that's the difference between hotels and short-term rentals. I would argue there are additional. difference is I won't I won't speak to this too long at this point another some amendments. But >> I would argue that. And when one of economic benefits of short-term rentals is that it for some people makes housing more affordable and that they may be able to rent out a unit or room in their property. And help subsidize their mortgage or other cost of housing expenses. But I think that short-term rentals can also cause an economic harm. And that is that they removed. Units from the market. They reduced the supply of housing units. And I think that they do have an impact on the cost of housing. We heard from one member of the public who testified before us when we had our public hearing. That the property or the management company that he works for owns and or manages 50 units about 20 of which have been converted from long-term units, not just one member of the public testifying. So we know that there is a properties that are being converted from long-term units. We also know that many of the short-term rentals in Anchorage are not just rooms in-house. They are entire properties that are being rented out and again removed from the market for those who want to truly reside in Anchorage be part of our community long term. So what I'm trying to do with this, and I believe that my co-sponsor. Constand is trying to do with this reframe what can be an economic harm and use it for good used its revenues for long-term housing in support of long-term housing. That being said, I would like to move constant Boland amendment number 2. If I could get a second second. Thank you. What that does second. >> So motion to by Mister Von Second vice over Sky. >> Yeah. So on. One of the sort of right spot and a second one of the economic positives that I mentioned is renting out an additional and house can help people with their own housing affordability. I think a lot of people who are looking to break into the housing market. Are looking at duplexes or properties with use for that reason. So this amendment directs the administration to prepare and implementing ordinance that an owner occupied exemption be included. And so I hope that my colleagues will support. Thank you. ask for a slight amendment. I have myself in the Queue Amendment, the amendment or maybe. >> Mr. Johnson sponsor says change it instead of saying in a building, can we say on a property? So I think that's just more to the point of what I was aiming for. So sponsors and the second don't mind that. The sponsor agrees. Today is the second. Anyone else in the queue. The amendment. Hearing and seeing none members next vote. I vote of 12 to serve on number of votes. Yes, just amendment has been approved. That's correct. Mr. Chairman to move Kerman and 3. Second motion to amend our Seconded by could Thank you, Mr. Chair essentially what this amendment is a five-year sunset and something I've mentioned before. >> And previous work sessions as well as we've talked about revenue mechanisms. The essence of this is that every 5 years from here on out this question would go back to the voters for reauthorization. We hear a lot of sweeping language grand promises every time where being pitched on a new tax and it would be nice to let the voters have that ability to exercise oversight and accountability if in 5 years and hasn't actually delivered on those promise results. So essentially that this amendment, as a son said, if it doesn't, if it doesn't deliver, the results of the voters aren't happy with that. They can make an exit 5 years. >> So I understand the concept of the policy. What I'm wondering is it? If I can get confirmation, this seems to say that there would not be affirmative. Action by the assembly or by petition. It would simply be that the clerk submits this to the voters. Is that correct? Correct. This man. So I'm wondering, is there? Precedent for that? Because I mean, I know generally speaking, you know, most things flow through the assembly, bonds, other issues. There's also the petition process. And so I just wonder if it's a very it's not unique, obviously in the United States. I'm sure, but it's not. But I'm wondering that you need to. And Chris, I just wonder if there's been precedent from the center of council has a perspective on that. >> Well, that's good questions. Sprawl, I'm not sure we have president, you know, charter for second type of process. However, you have a lot of charter requirements that they improvements to simply auction. And I don't think this would be different actually. But a real thought link, which is sort of modeled after over, that's kicks constitution. We strictly to governor to put on the ballot over 10 years question whether there should be a constitutional convention instead of asca. And so actually modeled this language just And so there is precedent. guess from government. >> Okay. Thanks it. So it doesn't what I'm hearing that is it's not something we have done in Anchorage or in the municipality, but it's not prohibited by ruts, not in conflict with some requirement that says it has to be done another way. >> Yes, and noticed pose if this passes and becomes part charter and then in 5 year time frame, it simply doesn't take action to implement to us to reason other that shorter. Okay. Thank you. Mr. Tennis. >> Thank you. Chair to the sponsor of the amendment to go. What is the evaluation tool that you propose utilizing to determine? Whether or not it worked or not? >> The beauty of that Mr. Martinez's it's up to the voters to the voters to decide. So if the voters look at this and go, you know what, I just really I'm not all this new housing that promised. We're going to not CNN. Any of these benefits from this and they get to decide on that. That's it's not determination for you or me. >> So essentially just to follow up on that thought and the question. Which voters get to determine that. So what would this year? Let's say, for example, hypothetically voters today get to vote on a proposal. In 5 years. is it the same people voting on the proposals, a different folks? How do contemplate that? >> Mr. Martinez, it's. You know how elections work. So in 5 years, overs registered and eligible voter in 5 years, they would be able to vote. And that's OK. So thank First, what is your point of order, Mr. Tears. It was a direct request of our comment to me of whether or know if elections work. So I think that in essence, the we have a custom here and which members are able to ask other members questions and I think that. Becoming apparent that what we need to do is if a member has questions, they should ask the questions. And then another member who would respond in the queue to respond because otherwise we get back into these debates that are generally outside of our rules of procedure aren't really very beneficial to the process when it's not in a contentious environment, it seems pretty easy. But when we get more contentious, so I'm going to offer that. I think that. I will stand the point of order, but all parties are essentially. Mr. Chair, I'm a member. Martinez was rude. Comment mind? I apologize. Well, I appreciate the apology. And just just to square off the answer. Essentially. The amendment. Stermon eights some sets the this particular proposal in 5 years or it sends it automatically to the voters for them to reauthorize. And my question was, what is the evaluation tool that would be utilized? >> By both U.S. to determine certain things or whether it's the public. And so essentially shared language, I think is important. >> when thinking about the impact with voters. >> And then also share, I would just suggest that. Elections do work. And so because they work. The voter always has the right to remove the people who voted on things that they didn't want in the first place. So that voter has the right to remove any member of this body or any elected official hoof. They didn't agree with our decision-making. So I just the voter has power and all of these cases but tools of evaluation are important. Thank you, chair. Thank you. Respond. >> Thank you. I can sexually I'm not opposed to this. However, I think based on the amount of the amount of revenue that this tax is expect expected to generate relative to the activities that have been proposed through the. Yet to be developed. Housing fund. Ref mask as we're really only looking at 30 ish million by 2032. If every year as worth of tax revenue was simply deposited into that fund and not touched. And if we're contemplating things like infrastructure loans or property acquisition or commercial. That building conversions. Only just to be cracking the possibility for those types of activities in year 5, maybe all of those are very expensive capital intensive propositions. So I I'm not sure that it's realistic to expect that there would be a visible product from the fund that would be the result of this tax within a five-year period. So well, I I appreciate the the emphasis on allowing voters to decide whether or not a tax is working. I'm not sure that we would have enough capital to even know that before it was back in the hands of voters, which seems like potentially, you know, cutting off possibility at the knees rather than allowing for for real capital development happen. So I think, for for this particular. With this particular revenue structure. And this particular intent. I'm not sure that a five-year sunset is something that I would personally be able to support. Thank you, Mr. Johnson. >> Yeah, I think Mister Chair first. I just like to point out that even without the adoption of this amendment, it's still be a product of the assembly in any given year to contemplate a ballot measure that would put this back before the voters to decide whether or not to sunset or repeal this tax. If we in fact, she's put on the gown is approved this year. So I don't think we in any way, shape or form hands. But I do take issue with this idea that we sort of pre suppose that this is a question for for 2032. You know, I mean, code and the charter even is always subject to review. If if this body approves putting something on the ballot in the voters supported, I don't see why that message showings that happened that somewhat. I would argue arbitrary periods of time. I mean, if does, in fact go into effect, we could find decide next year or the year after. Or 3 for 5.10, years, a future. Somebody could determine that. That is simply the time worse, not achieving desired effect and it should go back to the voters. I don't see why 2032 needs to be the year that we contemplated and I also do not generally like to take the position of I'm going to pre suppose what is the correct action in 2032? I will certainly not be on the spotty at this time. And so I do not want to dictate to future. Some remembers the position that they need to take regarding whether or not it's appropriate to continue a short-term rental tax. And I understand that. We're sort of making the determination for them so to speak here. But I think that would be a better question for them to decide at the time that they're contemplating it, not So for those reasons, disinclined to support this amendment. So current. Appreciate this amendment. I think right now the voters will be basing their decision on very little data. If we're talking about what data we're basing decisions on this is. >> Purely being based on the trust of this body administration, too properly spend this money if they do, if this does pass this overall tax does pass this body moves on to pass by the voters they're doing so with only the trust that we will be able to enact the promises that were saying this, this income will generate. I think it's fair as we just passed. A database to track short-term rentals that than 5 years, we will have more concrete data to look back and say we've implemented a new tax. Did it work? How do we have more available? Long-term housing? So for that reason, I'll be in support of this. Thank you. Anyone else on the amendment. Seeing hearing members proceed the vote. I vote 3 to 9 amendments failed to pass. >> Then the other events. Mr. Johnson. >> Yeah, I think Chair, I move Johnson Amendment number one. Motion to men Mr. Johnson's. Our second. Thanks. Seconded by Paula Day, Mr. Johnson. >> Yeah, thank you, Mr. Chair. So I will just go ahead preview that. I have some concerns about the the underlying ordinance. And so I think my comments to this amendment are not necessarily going to. Reflect where I stand on on the underlying proposal. However, what I will say if it is the will of this body to put this on the ballot and then to consider adopting a short-term rental tax. Then I think this would be a necessary amendment. I mean, the rationale for this tax is that short-term rentals have impacts on the housing market and the housing stock. And therefore, this is a way to raise revenue to address those impacts. And I think when I look at one of the communities I represent Girdwood, which is very unique and distinct and has a very separate, I would ho is necessary in my mind that if we're going to try and address housing as it is impacted, biased ERs them, that is where a portion of those funds I would say proportional portion of those dozens funds should be dedicated. I think if if the intent of this is to collect these funds and then spend the more generally across the border on a capita basis. We'd be failing entirely to achieve the underlying goal and the rational basis for this proposal. So again, I'm not speaking to my. General. Thoughts on the underlying proposal, but I will say I do feel strongly that if if it is in fact, the intense body to try and create a revenue source to effect or improve conditions in the communities that are most impacted, then then Gerd, which should be very much top of mind. And I think it is only fair to say that the revenues generated in that community state and that community for investment. >> All right. Mr. Bolland. Thank you, Mr. I'm torn on this amendment. On on one hand, I do. understand the rationale and appreciate The parts of the our community, the neighborhoods that are most impacted, perhaps they should C benefit. On the other hand, really the underlying goal to me of the ordinance is. To create to help create for the municipality to help create long-term housing where it's feasible to create it. You know, if we're going after, if it's our goal. To align with the mayor on 10,000 units and in 10 years. You know, I know that we're going to have to be able to create that housing at scale. And we're going to have to do it at a certain density. And I don't know that girdwood is necessarily. The community that wants to see high density. You know, song thinking of key sites that could be activated like third-inning grand like the National Archives site like the totem property in East Anchorage. Where can we really build multifamily? Housing, attainable housing for that want to live here. And so I am interested to hear what other colleagues may think about this. Yeah, it's something to contemplate. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. >> So as you all may have noticed, the system crashed in so that soldiers. >> Yeah, I am opposed to this amendment so there was assembly member questions that were sent to the sponsors. And I just want to read the response to one of the questions we could create a strategic guide similar to the one that we created for the alcohol tax, which would help us understand with the greatest needs barriers expenses are when it comes to housing construction and help us prioritize investments in a way that will maximize the impact of the housing fund. This amendment is in putted opposition to the stated goals of this fund, which are to maximize its impact. Instead adds administrative burden and it prevents attacks from being used in the most effective way or how and where it's needed. Most. It takes an already small pot of money and it divides it into even smaller pots. Further discreet saying its effectiveness. I'd like to ask a question you don't actually have to answer it. It's a rhetorical question. But how much of the hlb fund has been appropriated into the Holton health development and is that funding Muni wide or is it area specific? The answer to that is a lot of money from UNI wide funds. And so what this amendment really kind of feels like to me is what's yours is mine. And what's mine is mine. It's not really great feeling looking at that. The impacts of short-term rentals are felt municipality wide. Rising housing costs are felt acutely by residents across the municipality. This amendment says that we are a community divided, not one that is in this housing crisis together. I think that this amendment takes what could be a good policy. And it turns into one that is divisive at unnecessary credit complexity and it uses taxpayer money in a way that is not the most efficient nor impactful. you know, I just want to add also when I'm reading the rationale for this amendment and it says it impacted community should be the community that benefits is a municipality of Anchorage, not one unified community. And should our resources be used most effectively across the municipality? Thank you. >> All right. I think the queues back up for you next, Mr. Bond you're out. So Mr. Tennis. >> It's a question for maybe someone in the administration to help me out. How many housing units or created with the bed tax. >> To the chair to matter much as much. That's an easy question to answer the current bed taxes 12% when Thursday. Okay to convention centers. So no housing is generated by that when Thursday educated to the promotion of tourism. So only in a very, 80 indirect way. Could that be related to housing? The final 3rd 4% goes into general government. So I guess it had to do some dollar tracing to see if there's any reason to say that that 4% went directly to any of the housing support of means. But certainly not in a way that is definitely apples to apples goes directly to be right. And thank you. Appreciate that. And it's not directly linear. And the reason that I raise as because >> the bed tax has been a topic for us as well to discuss into to explore. We're reviewing and potentially approving the visit. Anchorage contract as well. That's related to the bed tax. And so it seems that there's some. Some real important work that is that we could do beyond this particular issue today with respect to the amendment. And the data that we don't have. So I appreciate the answer. Thank you. All right, Mr. Yeah, thank you, Mr. Chair. >> You know, this amendment has been around for a while and when I first saw this amendment, I thought it was an interesting idea. But then the more that I started thinking about it, the more that I think I agree with a lot of the sentence that members so overstated. I do think that this sets a bad precedent. If we look at. Taxation and look at. Jurisdictions which give action should get the tax benefit. you look at property taxes and look at the story that property taxes tell. And if you want to apply that same logic to property taxes me on my. That's a can of worms. I don't think you want to open I would urge that we do not support this amendment, but certainly I think we can look at you know, communities that are seeing negative disproportionately negative impacts from short-term rentals. How we can should this tax measure even get to the ballot and should get approved by the voters. How we can look at. Affecting Particular communities because, you know, it that's a lot of this amendment's really focused on Girdwood. I believe Underwood has made a case that, you know, it's being negatively impacted but short-term rentals. So I think it's worthy discussion to have. But I don't think the format this amendment comes in is the right one to do it. All right. Since you already spoke Mr. First National >> I was going to reiterate what my fellow member represents South Anchorage are saying that I do believe this Well targeted amendment. If we do want to talk about. Property taxes and getting value for dollar with the people who are the 5th largest line item on the budget and south Anchorage in Eagle River. Don't have SL think are just one stop at. So we are paying in for a very large line item budget receive very little to no service from that. And now we're singer was heavily impacted and they would like a cut of that money to to stay there and talking about helping the units impacted. So I think I'm going to be in support of this amendment. >> Mr. Johnson. Yeah, thank you, Mister Chair and all I want belabor these points but want to make too quickly first when it comes to well. I very much and I want to go down the road of relitigating the Holton Hill's experience. And yes, that was a significant investment misspelling may bills. One that was made against my objections and objections, the community of Girdwood. So to suggest that this was the sort of investment that Girdwood was looking for, I think is miss characterized that issue. But I don't think that's necessarily germane to this. This question here before us. I think the argument I would make is that housing anger was not interchangeable with housing bubble, right? I'm not arguing that we should break this down by specific assembly districts because frankly, for most people, whether its affordable housing in South Anchorage used downtown. Those are fairly easy to move within those fears and go where the funds are best deployed. And I think generally that is. Reasonable and terms that we contemplate revenue and how we spend it within the ball. But Girdwood is very much in a different circumstance and we can see that reflected in just the realities of their housing market. Today, a single-family residence in girdwood cost twice. Twice as much as it does in the bowl building more homes in Anchorage does nothing for the community. Girdwood where it is becoming all but impossible for working class families live. I mean, the are severely prohibited there and building a house in east Anchorage or even south Anchorage is not going to do any thing to alleviate that concern. And so I will not belabor it. But yeah, again, I'm not saying that. We. Need to split this down 2 to find categories. If our intent is to meet the need, then Girdwood is where that need is most acute is where most its revenue would be realized and simply saying will build housing and other parts of girdwood is not in any way, shape or form a practical, effective solution for that community. This >> And thank you, chair first, I want to. I want to. Correct my my colleagues statement that People Mover is the 5th largest line item in the municipal budget. It definitely is not the people mover budget is. Actually quite small. Compared to minutes operations, police, fire, cetera. So I I to be sure that we're being accurate when we're talking about municipal budget line items. Secondly, I I think, you going back to the actual volume of funding that's going to be flowing into this theoretical housing fund. Everything that's contemplated. It for weather that is infrastructure investment to whether it is some sort of patient capital, whether it is direct funding to potential home buyers. All of those things require a critical mass of money. And I think the point is well taken that from a practical standpoint, when we're really only talking, we're talking about 1.6 million dollars potentially in the first year, anywhere up to maybe 5 million in the year. Those funds will do more and better work if their aggregate ID as opposed to divide because we you again, having having a nest egg having critical mass of funding is really important to do these larger projects, a scale. So well, I absolutely empathize with the need for additional attainable workforce housing in Girdwood. There's no question about the impact of short-term rentals in girdwood that irrespective of the ordinance we just passed to create a registry. What's happening in Girdwood is clear and also. I think even. I think restricting funds in this fashion. Trunk hates possibility and girdwood because it does not allow for that aggregation of revenue in a way that can then be leveraged efficiently and effectively and certainly nothing about this precludes girdwood from being at to having a project or being a beneficiary or recipient of these funds as they're currently designed. So from strictly practical standpoint, in terms of of pulling revenue together in a way that creates possibility. I don't think subdividing the dollar's into buckets makes a lot of sense that said. I would hope that if this were to pass and if the sun came into being that great put be in line for some kind of project that would make attainable workforce housing possible in their community. So I have myself in the queue, Mr. Constance. 2 things. One, I'll just note also that the People mover budget is funded mainly by federal grants dedicated to purpose of >> delivering bus services and so actual general fund commitments, even though bus service people mover is low on our overall hierarchy of departments funded. It's even lower. If you look at it from a real dollars perspective, a general tax dollars because it comes from the support of the federal government and to move people around generally speaking, who have financial challenge is to get where they need to go to work and live in play. And so Mr. Johnson, I I'm trying to read this language and understand how it's. Drafted. Does it suggest that the money should be spent in the places where it was raised or doesn't say that effectively the money will be divided among these 3 regions because I can't get that from the language. I would just say my intent in crafting this was the former former meaning to be where is raised. it's this conversation is really frustrating for all of us for the lack of data. That's the piece that is making it almost impossible for us to have it. truly fact-based conversation. On this and it's tricky. So I understand the spirit, I think hardwood and actually downtown are the 2 parts of town, Matt Barrett that downtown meeting South Edition areas around where I hear the most complaints from neighbors when they're trying to find a place. I know what happens across the ball because I've looked to see where rentals are available. It's pretty limited impact in other parts of town. And so. For my part, I'm not sure where I land on this amendment and still chewing on it. And I think that. I want the record to be really clear that it means where the revenues generated not there will be an equal distribution or some other way of calculating. And so that's helpful for me. Thank you, Mr. Mccormick. >> I did want to clear the record that I was incorrect in my reading the data up public transportation actually the 4th largest at 40 34 million dollars. So but I it probably not that much money. I digress on the it support of this. Thank you, Mr. Chair. just want to highlight. think I've heard multiple folks here say that they hope this these funds would go towards help help and Underwood. I know how we can guarantee that these funds go to helping out hardwood, which is support this amendment. I urge my colleagues to vote yes. Anyone else on the amendment. Seeing here in a member state proceed to >> On a vote of 5 to 7, the amendment failed to pass. Back on the main motion and the So he's more of Thank you. Thank you. Sorry about that. All right, Mr. Thank you, Mr. Chair so. >> Well, we just passed ordinance that would require registration. It is going to help us procure additional data, more data. But for me that peace was also just as much about compliance. Should should this piece pass that will come in handy to be very useful. That being said, I want to say it is incorrect to say that we have no data. We actually do have information about. Short-term rentals and air DNA. It's a website that provides information about listings on Airbnb and VRBO. According to air DNA. Right now, there are 2,744 total available listings. Just on those 2 platforms. Of those. 85%. Are in an entire homes, not just a private room in someone's house, but an entire home that could be a unit in a multifamily property that could be a single family home. That could be an ad. You. So that is about 2,330 housing units that are being used short-term rentals that could be used as long-term rentals. Also of the current listings. About 90% of those are available for more than 90 days. So we do have some data to inform this policy. And I just want to go back again to 2 comparing hotels versus short term rentals for a moment. We talked about some of the the economic positive of, you know, short-term rental in an honor, occupied situation. Hotels also create. Opportunity for housing. In fact, the assembly, we've had some good success with conversion of hotels to housing. But sometimes hotels are are used by folks for housing independently. When I was not Tom, a tree school your 4th year. You do clinical rotations. And one of those its internal you do it on campus and 3 of the rotations are traveling rotations. So I while my school is located in the Portland, Oregon area, I had a rotation at the Veterans Hospital in Spokane and the most affordable form of housing that I could find at that time was an extended stay hotel with little kitchenette. I don't even think I had an up and it had microwave. And so I think that's also something to consider is here. You have one business model removing. Housing from the market for long-term unit words. You have one potentially providing it. We also as I already touched on, you know, where are we allowing these types of business models? We are in a sense getting preferential treatment to short-term rentals by allowing Dan residential districts but not hotels. And so. Just getting back to that question of fairness. I'll just say, you know, every time that we've had a conversation about. Deregulation and zoning reform and housing reform. And I've been a member that has been very engaged on that issue, whether and try plex 4 plex or form the home initiative changes to heights and B, 3. One of the things I often hear from at least my constituency is why aren't you doing anything about short-term rentals? And so this is me trying to be responsive to that. In a way that I feel does not over regulate what people can do on their private property. I'm not saying You can't have a short-term rental. For my part. I don't really want to go down that path. But I want to reframe the conversation around short-term rentals and say how can we how can we use this if we're going to allow this, how can we use this business model for the good of Anchorage and those who want to be part of our community. Part of our economy. Long term I don't believe that an additional 5%. It's going to cause people not to book short-term rentals and continue to come to encourage. I think we're going to continue to be at the popular tourist destination that we are visiting. Courage is going to help us put that message out. Continue to do that So people are going to keep coming here. They're going to keep booking short-term rentals are going to keep looking hotels. And I think we just have an opportunity here to build a fund overtime as number about Monday's pointed out, it's going to take some time to build up the funds about 5 million a year coming in. We're going to have to save up that kind of money to really, really catalyzed meaningful projects. And I would just, you know, I'd like the opportunity to put something like this before voters and let them make decision. And weigh in on what their feelings are about. The impacts of short-term rentals in our community. Thank you. Mister Chair. Silvers. >> Short-term rentals com with certain impacts to the community. Those in higher housing costs, fewer long-term rentals and more traffic wear and tear and maintenance expense on our neighborhood infrastructure from what is essentially a commercial use. Many localities are currently grappling with these impacts in their local communities. And they're coming up with different policies to help mitigate the impacts. For example, Wasilla has a cap on St ours, which actually has a policy creates expensive secondary market for permits and it interferes with private property rights. So cap is not a direction that I would want to go. I do support this proposal being put on the ballot as a policy choice that really does help mitigate the community-wide impacts of short-term rentals and it helps steer us towards more of what we need, which is long-term rentals. So if you really want the community to do something about the negative impact, so short term rentals across the municipality. This is the policy to do that with if this is a policy that goes further as the speaker from Chiba stated that was needed. So I would like to see this go before the voters to decide. I support this and I ask for your support as well. Thank you. Yeah, I have question for the sponsors because I know >> This has been said before. So is the goal to reduce the number of short-term rentals or simply to increase the price. So I guess can you elaborate? So in general, when you increase the price on something, especially when there's a similar product on the market will push demand to that other products. And so I guess I'm trying to understand. I understand the broad intent. The concern about short-term rentals, there's multiple options we have on the table too further regulate them. But I'm trying to understand why we use tax policy to do that. >> I would offer its a harm reduction approach. And what it's doing is taking resources and applying them to the solution that we're working on, which is housing investment in housing, investment in infrastructure. So it's not limiting the market is providing a venue for the market too support offsetting the impact that it creates an in much the same way as we're funding childcare with marijuana dollars or services that come from the alcohol tax. My intent is not to tell people who drink alcohol. Some people. It is to stop them from drinking. That is not my intent. It's to generate revenue to support services. It's certainly not to tell people to stop smoking marijuana or purchasing marijuana products. It's too offset the impacts with some positive value set. And so it's neither about the revenue for the purpose of having general fund expenditures, nor is it about stopping people from operating these entities within the neighborhoods. It is simply about adding a value off of something that is creating harm. Yeah, thanks for that. >> So I guess. I've thought a lot about this one. And of course, we're in this bigger conversation about how you know, really how to pay for the city that we have, whether maintaining what we have or or being able to expand. And so I think a lot about tax policy and I for my part, I still. don't believe that this is the best tax policy that the city should pursue. And I've been consistent about that. And I would be interested to see as we proceed with the short term rentals kind of what but more we find out granted, we don't have it's not that we don't have data. Is remember, Vaughn said we will have a lot more granular date. I think we're a better picture of what we're looking at but yeah, I guess I'll just conclude by saying Aye, I don't believe this is the most effective tax policy. I know that a lot of the communities that that this policy is based on are ones where there's the state cap on what the bed tax in that state are lodging, tax can even be. And so there as there often are creative workarounds to find other ways, too, to effectuate pot tax policy or red gain revenue when when the default path is not available. so I guess I come to this discussion with skepticism that this is the right move and also given the other kind of revenue discussions. I do wonder if this is the time or if this is the right thing to put before voters given all of the kind of other economic headwinds that we are facing. But that said, I'm very interested here. But other say thanks. Mr. President, thank you. We'll sponsors. Give me an example of what. >> And investment in housing from this fund might look like. Can you give a sense of realize that this may be difficult this point, but if if this is if this is voted approved by the the voters, what what are some of the investments that they might expect? Yeah, thank you for the question. We did discuss that in the work session and we also. one of the things that actually ordinances some responses to some questions number probably had submitted to us. And it details some of those things. But I think there's all kinds of creative things that we could do to pave the way for housing development that could be infrastructure upgrades. So the municipality as a partner could put in a road to a new subdivisions to the developer doesn't have to or a sidewalk. You know, those offside improvements that we hear so often from developers are very costly. It could be utility upgrades that are that are needed to activate key sites. For instance, there is a master plan for 30 grand. That member could cause. constant was very involved in at the time. And this is a few years old now. So we all know costs g plan identifies 2.5 million dollars of needed utility upgrades at that site to create the type of housing that that master plan envisioned. So utilities I also think it could be up public private partnerships. I think we've seen that modeled, for instance, with the the block 96 development downtown. A CDA. So what's help helpful with building some of that the parking garage for that facility you know, potentially working with organizations like to encourage affordable housing and land trust to do commercial to residential conversions. And so I think there's many different things that we could accomplish with us. Thank you. The question that I just want to add sure to that. And that is to say >> that the way that the charter operates is that by ordinance, the assembly going forward after. April. 28, if this were to pass, would be able to set those terms and establish the prerogatives and it could be more along the lines of what poll today said, which is gather these funds until they're generating income and spinning off opportunities that could be spending them in a targeted way. So ultimately that question resolves around what the body with the input of the public opts to do in relationship to solving housing problems. >> appreciate that. I am. I I just want to share that. I. I don't know if I'm I'm in favor of whether this should be approved or not, how I'm gonna vote on it if it goes to the to the public. But I don't know that that's the choice time making today. I'm making the choice as to whether to to put it out there as as a as an option. It's a choice for the voters. And I do believe that it is up her proposal that that's worthy of that choice. And so I'm I'm gonna vote in favor because I because I don't have a strong reason to not. I think it it's a it's a viable op option. I am concerned about the some of the comments that have been shared around multiple tax purposes. Proposals going before the the voters. I'm I'm concerned about the impact that this is going to have on those that that manage short term rentals and on them. So I'll just share that. Those are all things that I have to consider as to whether I'm gonna vote for or not, if this passes But I I do believe that this is a viable proposal and I don't have a strong reason to not vote for at this point. So I'll in favor of voting. thanks. clerk advises me on this motion. You've spoken twice. Thank you, Mister Chair. just want to pick up little bit on a comment from remember, probably I think it's exactly right. And I think it's why. >> This? This ordinance is so offensive to me. I think is that. If increase costs on one sector of this industry, it's going to push people into a different sector of this industry, which is the hotel corporations to Char, you know, largely out of state, multi-billion dollar corporations with all the PACs and the lobbyists and all that good stuff. And in the meantime, the Alaskan host, the people who living here involved in our community by and large, are forced to pick up the tab or the tourists are forced pick up the tab and we're in it. We're gonna. >> Kind of a little bit of a tough out as is we have multiple tax proposals staring that were staring down the barrel on coming up in January. This doesn't seem like a good plan to me at all. I don't think we're going to see any new house and from ordinance at all. I think I think that the the goal here, if we really want to see more housing is more regulation reform. And I applaud member of Al you've been a leader on that. You truly happen. But it takes more time for that to take effect in there. So more do taxing one sector. Of the hospitality industry at a higher rate than another sector and in the industry doesn't solve our problem. The short term things like less than one percent of the housing stock. We're not going we're not going solve the housing problem by going after one percent of the housing stock. It just simply doesn't simply going to work that way. So I am a no vote on the main motion. I appreciate the the conversation. Appreciate. I think the stated goal from from the sponsors of this. I just don't think this is the right tool for this problem. Thank you. Mr. thanks. Similar to what Mr. President the U.S. said, the greatest risk of this question is asking the people their opinion in of in an election. >> That's the greatest risk. And obviously as we go into election season, we've already had illegal lobbyists lobbying us. People who don't register, even though they're corporate lobbyists. So we know where the arguments are going to come rise and fall as the election moves forward. And so it has a high bar to pass the voters anyways. And I do believe that if one is question is along the lines of if this passes, is it a conflict with the other revenue measures that may or may not pass the spotty first? This item is before us now properly and it's a worthy question. And second, again, this is not a revenue question. It is not for the purpose of funding general government in any way. It is a harm reduction proposal that intends to provide some much needed resources to a difficult problem that has been confounding. The policy makers of this municipality for a while. And so I do urge the opportunity to go to the voters and how that more robust conversation over the rest of the next quarter as we come to election, I urge your support, Mr. To Thank you. Chair. Just briefly, I'm not going to be supporting this today because I do want take you up on your word. And I think that >> the opportunity to educate the public is critical to miss the cut to Mister Perez. Verde is point we don't necessarily have to determine. The merits and bringing meritorious ideas to the public is the role of us in terms with good keeping the ballot access. But the reason why I moved away from Penny for progress earlier is because it's not the right time. And but the questions are so salient and they're so poignant there. So. Inflammatory. That I caution us. Of stepping into. Picking winners and losers. Around tax policy. With respect to bringing it to the public. I don't think well vetted and I don't think we have a strong shared language of shared language in our community chair. That's why at Vance all the time are 2025. 1.59, the economic development framework with the hopes that we could begin to see the way we are misaligned. We've been terms of policy and the public and then bring the public along with those pillars. So we have a shared language shared understanding that right now. I just don't think exists at all for this question before us. And so I agree with the stated intentions. I don't see this getting us there and I don't see doing the work to bring the public along. If we move this forward tonight. So thank you, chair. Anyone else. Seeing none members may proceed to vote. On a vote of 4 to 8. You know, 2025 dash, one, 15 s 2 is past the body failed to pass the body. >> And the number of votes. Take a break for 5 minutes. We'll come back and talk our next item. ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ >> Okay. Members time to come back together. exchange for It's welcome back to where now we have item before 2025 dash one. 35 in ordinance. >> about municipal somebody many interest because section one of 40 to adopt a new order from the current corporate municipality public hearing. This item is now open and honest. You heard please come forward. Microphone is off turn There's green button there. You know, welcome, please. State your name. A part of town you're from. have 3 minutes. >> What was that? You said the name and what else? part of town you're from? Please state your name and what part of town you're from, you just breeze live in Rogers Park. First off, I just want to say thanks to requiring trust Facebook updates. That's why I'm here Give me a good snaps us of what happens here in the assembly. We just finishing with listening to weeks of public opposition of the proposed sales taxes. Assembly. You know, I think that we really have a spending problem in this assembly. And what I'm seeing with this is that I understand the background behind it and why we would want to do something like this. But I think that right now the time that we're in and as per the mayor said in the past and assembly person, Martinez said this evening and that we are on a fiscal cliff. And so taking on a new seal right now at this time, I don't think would be in the best of the public interest. And, you know, when inflation is when inflation is up and my wages remain the same, my family has to decide what's needed. What's nice and what's just fluff. And so I urge you as the assembly to make the decision that we keep them seal. Same. And that may be in the future when we have a budget surplus that we table that item to that time. And also Please come forward all come, please state your name, a part of town you're from. You have 3 minutes. >> You just turn it off. >> Sebastien Garber Groupon lived. And in that Valley Rogers Park. A half men. And now girdwood. >> Assembly members. I Sebastian Garber, a great-grandmother. Alexander stuff on from Titanic great grandfather chief Kolo paid for a and ran my native corporation. I now work for some of the largest private. American companies. And I am here trying to be your servant to create an efficient logo, not just one that is. We all agree on one thing, Anchorage has a history. We're all proud of. That ship in our current SEAL, Captain Cook's resolution represents our past. But today I'm not here to talk about history. I'm here to talk about efficiency. Right now. Our logo is inefficient. It has been for 52 years. It's complex. It's an anchor in airplane, a son, a ship and reading. We shrink that down. It becomes smudge. When we embroidered on a uniform, it's costly in. Unclear. In the private sector, no successful brand Apple. Thank you. Dodge uses a logo this cluttered. Why should Anchorage? This isn't a new problem. In fact, the solution comes from a surprising source. Nixon. We often remember Nixon for the legacy of Parks program, bipartisan effort to clean up America's land for the people. But Nixon did something else. And 72. That's very relevant today. He launched the Federal Design Improvement program. Its directive to all federal agencies. He didn't say make things pretty. Make things efficient and clear. He argued that a government. Logo that is messy. Makes the government look messy. If reform is hard to read, the government is failing its citizens. Nixon understood that clarity is a conservative value. Communicates. It communicates. >> Competency. The communicates focus. He demanded that federal symbols be stripped of clutter so that the message of American leadership >> could stand out. We are proposing. I'm proposing and I want this to be clear that I support and I wish that I was brought in. At the very beginning. No horse in the race. I simply want to wear. anchor on my chest. government. There is a question it. Thank you, Mr. Sebastian, thank you so much for the part that you did play in this process as well as all your other efforts are excited about the downtown Wayfinding project and that you can a lot of that work on that well. >> Do have an amendment. intended on moving. But I want to make sure that aligns with your goals to has the artist and that would be to replace the option E which I believe. What's your original submission with the revised? The design that you put forward after the meeting that we had with the native village of a quick leaders that your goal, would you rather see that one go forward or your original design for E? >> Yes, that that reactor that the new perfect. Thank you very much. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Discover anyone else wish to be heard. Please come forward. Welcome, please. State your name. A part of town. You're have 3 minutes. >> Jimmy Lopez CC Yeah, I want say about this. not necessarily forward against piece on the costs involved, but it did happen to briefly scan that work session and there was something quite interesting in thing that came about, which is apparently the results of whatever survey were talking for. Hat workington away. And I don't know if anybody really knows what the result of that thing because you can't verify a piece on IP address anything else. So I guess even if this thing does pass. >> Who does anybody Is it based on design? >> Who likes? Look at that. Or is it just a week to someone we think that we want based on results of So I don't know if anybody wants to talk about that thing, but that that was very interesting video thank you. Anyone else wish to be heard on this item. Anyone at all? public and the side of snow close. What's with about move to previous version? >> There's a motion to approve. Is there a second moved by Mr. Hollande seconded by. Mr. Rivera, Mr. Thank you, Mr. Chairs the first time move V-mon amendment number one. >> Second. And so don't there's a motion to amend for amendment one seconded by Silver's restaurant. >> Thank you, Mister Chair. So as as we just heard from. An artist, too, worked on this project. He submitted a revised design after input from both assembly members and leaders from the native village of could now. And so you have that as the exhibit on the back of the amendment. It moves that. Simplified. Cool design. More internal and the letters outside now in the Outer Circle. So yeah, I got 5 just say as somebody who has worked in the creative industry in the past, folks may not know. But I dabbled is a commercial photographer for a while it I think it takes a lot of humility to listen to a lot of input. And I believe that Sebastian, listen to Only some of members leaders from and the E but also some of the takeaways in the in the survey. But yet takes, I think professionalism and humility to be willing to revise the design in response to that feedback and so she ate. Appreciate him putting this forward and I would like to support it. Thank you. Mister Chair. Mr. President. Thank you. Mister Chair. I wasn't looking forward to This conversation tonight. >> Because I'm not sure that I felt like it was really very important. And and I saw this. I really like it. I think the comment that I want to make is in a difficult time in our country and our state in our city and I think the goal was to try to find something that really represented all of us. And I think that that's that's what I was worried about. I was worried that we were going to bring something forward that would continue to divide us. And and I have to say I really like this. I like the fact that. We learned is that the original seal was simply an anchor. And that that's really the history of of our seal is is is a very simple, incorrect, which has a lot of meaning. I think to a lot of people. I like the fact that this is something that that you can see from a distance. And once it turns into a logo or a pen or whatever, it's very, very clear but I think the main point I want to make is is it's not a lot, but it's a small gesture. And I think I think moving to this symbol is something that I think we can all get behind and and it there's something in it for all of us. Some I will certainly be supporting that this version. Thanks. Thank you, Mr. Johnson. Yeah. Thank you all say that while I welcome and and a lot of ways have enjoyed this conversation, I'm not inclined to support this. >> Proposal here tonight. I think this is a big undertaking are contemplating and I think it's one that I'd be amenable seeing proceed. But frankly, I think before taking on something. So significant, I would expect. And in fact, I think insist on a more robust public process and what we see and we spent a fair bit of time at the work session discussing the poll. And I believe it's not entirely settled whether or not those results. We're we're fair, accurate been manipulated. But I do have the takeaway that I think that process was flawed. And so I do not see even at that most basic step that we really have a clear sense of where the public press on this issue. And so I find that I am acting with incomplete information even on that most basic of steps also say that wall, ideas that been put forward a bit and thoughtful. I think if we're really going to go down this road, that it should be opened up to more folks who might want to put forward their ideas for consideration and not necessarily are officially constrain ourselves to a few that have been for dust, thoughtful and creative as they are. Ultimately. I think if there is an interest doing this and one that, you know, again, I think I could support in the long run. I would want to see a much more involved process. I would ultimately hope that we would have an opportunity for the public to weigh in, share more ideas perhaps start to coalesced around one in particular that we can then decide on because I will say, well, there are. lot of areas of experience and expertise that I think I'm expected to possess as an assembly member. Graphic design is not one of them. So I will say that why look at these various designs and there's one that actually really like there's one that I think is a better seal than what we have today. And I would be excited about it. I don't think I'm into that position or we as a body early in a position to make that move tonight. So I'm not ready to support this ordinance. Information, Mr. Chair Ms Kercher. I just sent just to clarify is this amendment adding this one to the less and then we're going to pick from that or is this? >> The wonder? This would check the box. This in I don't think so. it's okay, Mister Chair, Mr. Ball and as a sponsor and >> and maybe I'm misreading this. But I think what this does is it replaces. Exhibit E. In the original with this design. I don't think it actually checks the box step. So give a different option for because the graphic designer has indicated his wish to replace his original option. Even with this revised version, he so the next step I think would be an amendment to check the box, which willing to make. I don't think this effectuate stat. >> I like this design. I think, you know, as far as history goes, the original seal did not have the ship. I think design is very simple. I think it's inclusive of that great diversity within our community. I think it's recognizable. It a sense of place. I think moving the work inside the circle like that. I think it actually keeps it really close to our current design. And so I think that when you you look at this, there's not, you know, a huge change it. So I think it is respectful of our history and the history of our seal over time, you know which again did not originally start with the ship in the center. Also, guess I just want to point out again that this 0 fiscal note as it will not be a sudden change. It's just going to be a change over sinks need to be replaced. But anyhow, I support the amendment. 2 replace the the this one. I think that this is a it's a good design. Thanks. >> All right. Anyone else on the amendment. Seen here in members may proceed to vote. And a vote of 11 to one and youth number of votes. Yes, yes, the amendment has been adopted. We're back on the main motion was filed. Thank you, Mr. Sheriff. So, yes, I will move to an end. >> underlying item to check the box next to Exhibit E second second. >> Motion to amend by Mister Vaughn Check the box seconded by Mister President. >> Thank You know, I think that it is time. To honor our history and 2 also embrace encourages future and they can get this is one way that we can do that. I like the fact that the timing aligns with the 50th anniversary. Our celebration of Unification. And I also I like what this represents. I think it acknowledges history that predates the Re. The arrival of Captain Cook. Of Merrill Field. So I also appreciate that. It's a very clean, simple design, very recognizable. I would want to wear this on a T-shirt and so, yeah, I hope that we can support this. Thank you. Mister Chair. All right. Thank you. I'll speak briefly Mr. Johnson, thank Boy, my reputation has been drug through the mud over the past 2 weeks. It has been a shameful. >> Engagement by certain media actors who don't value truth but just value rage. That's the first thing. The misinformation and disinformation has been extraordinary. So want put some truth to that. The conversation right now that. As was alleged, I was deleting comments. I never deleted any comments. And in fact, soon as the poll closed, the original record shared with all members as a public record and anyone can have it. So that's a lie. Now, I'm just kind read a little bit of some of the comments that have been identified as computer generated and fake. I will note that. spelling error and there in the AM. am. We had 2 surges of fake. Posting of comments and boats to search us. First one happened on the 10th second happened on the 12th. So in the first one, we had 2100 or so comments that came in in 15 minutes. When we had 3,000 comments coming in about 120 total of about 180 minutes. We got 5,002 comments. So that's one comment. Every 2 seconds. 2.3 seconds. That's what that breaks down to. What's interesting about those comments is that there are only 99 comments. They were just repeated 5,000 times, the exact same word for word comments along the lines of representing continuity, option C thrives in change. Adaptable without changing option C fits modern needs. That was 69 times powerful yet understated option. C is imagery captivates 68 times representing hope and the Midnight Sun option sees some element conspires. 66 times inclusive of diversity, option C embraces our population. 64 times and it just goes on and on and on. There's no universe in which. All at once like Magic in its 50 minutes, 2000 people all logged in to say exactly the same thing. There's no universal, which that's mathematically possible. I don't know how far outside the bell curve. You get to to get to the possibility of that curve that actually occurring. But it has been alleged that I'm attempting to steal an election because that's where I'm an election deny or was another phrase. This moment we're living so fascinating. I will say. This process has been interesting when you correct for that nonsense. You get to about 5,000 comments and about 50% of those comments came in that said, don't change. little bit more than 50%. But most of them had what I would call. The biggest red herring of seen in this chamber since I have been elected, which is this is going to cost millions. Oh, my God, you can't do this. Going to cost so much money. That's the argument that came in over and over and over and over again. Despite the fact the assertion the truth that this ordinance has drafted states that there will be no extraordinary expenses official be done in the orderly course of business. You will replace your letter head when you need new letterhead. You will not throw letterhead. We aren't going to repaint all of our amazingly renamed Snow. Moving equipment, send it back in to get painted. While we wait for snow to get cleaned up, note, none of that's going to happen. It's nonsense. Now there have been some comments that the work session where people see Evan don't trust that. I think that's that is fair for a member to say because each one of us is elected to have our opinion on this Dyess. That is fair. I don't agree with it. And I know what the ordinance says and I recognize how these things happen over time. And so it's been argued that we are. We're not in a position to do this because of the finances, but we are in that position. In fact, you have the opportunity right now before you today to act. I think that this design that is proposing this amendment is respectful. It's clean. It becomes more legible. It meets the vets. A larger that's a logical or the Herald. Rick and of marks much better than the current version that we have. And so and it honors to deny people who have been here long before any of us have come. So I have a lot of feelings about the process I went through in the last week and I will speak to one more thing conversation about how we are public process that there needs to be a better process. There is no perfect process. Government is run by people. First second, this process did truly begin in 2018. This has been ongoing for many years. It just has been percolating because we've had earthquakes and we've had pandemics and we've had government changes that were pretty dramatic. And we have homeless this, but it doesn't preclude us from doing a low or nearly no cost action that can provide up bit more clear. And bright perspective and it doesn't this honor those who believe we should stay the same. I think that's pretty much the story of America as that. We have faction that believes we should make have a faction that believes we need to keep things as they are. And there's nothing outside of the American process than this. This is exactly the heart of the questions before you. So with that, yield the floor back in the spot I'm >> I'm actually I'm actually struggling a bit with because conceptually, I agree. You with the fact that our our current Steele is Conkey and difficult to reproduce and that certain sizes. You absolutely cannot tell that the ship is a ship. I really love the simplification of the seal and I think Sebastian's work, including these. Tonight over tons as brilliant. I think it's I think it's beautiful. That's my personal. My personal opinion. At the same time. I also I also think that symbols symbols have power seal is assemble and and I think similar to what my colleague noted a moment ago. I think it's important for people more people to be involved choosing their simple are the symbol that will service for the next 50 or however, many more years. I'm I'm not I'm not sure that I think that that 2 weeks worth of up an online survey is sufficient to determine that. People. The people of Anchorage are legitimately interested having and a new seal for the municipal. And I think that, well, really, we've just begun to socialize the idea. And and heard a ton of feedback. To be honest, that isn't just overly negative and as chair constant pointed out related to that. Fictional cost. If we were to yes, replace. Absolutely everything that has a seal on tomorrow, which is clearly not the plan. I I just don't I guess I don't have the same sense of urgency around to getting this done some of my other colleagues on the Dyess. And I think this could be. I'm much more energizing a more hopeful, a more deliberative process that involves more people that involves more voices and that actually gets people excited about the prospect of having a different symbol to represent municipality. Yeah, I I appreciate that. This is an opportune moment because we've just used a version of the SEAL in our 50th anniversary celebrations. I don't think that precludes us from taking a little more time to. Introduce this concept more fully to the community and maybe get feedback. That is actually a mandate to change the seal, even with the removal of bought submissions from the survey. I I don't have a clear sense that I have a mandate. to make particular move at this particular time. I think that as a reason to pass. So I torn because I think personally, this is a beautiful move, but I'm not sure that all of my constituents agree and that makes it tough to be in support. >> Yeah. quickly touch on a survey. >> I understand that maybe this level of engagement is one that the municipality is someone familiar with? I don't think it's a secret that I engage in social media. Stay in touch with with Mike constituents in our community. And I did make an informational video about this is it's coming up in our meeting now. I want to make sure people able to engage of the survey and testified that so please. And I think across social media platforms at 45,000 views. So I it's not engagement levels that I'm unfamiliar with. And maybe I think the universe levels of engagement is closer than than some may think. I don't want to argue about the individual survey results and where they may have came from or not. But what I heard from that survey and from our community in general is that this is just not something they're interested in right now. And it's not to say that some of the submissions by this artist. Are not good or not to the standard. But what I heard from the community. Is that we have bigger issues and this seems like a distraction from engaging in in the things that they want that in a day to day. They're being affected negatively by things are community and they're looking to us is leadership 2 to help, correct and fix those and we go off on these. Nice to have cherry on top. this is where the community loses trust in this body because they feel like we're neglecting the things that are negatively impacting them. They feel like we're disregarding them to go on that project. So for that reason. I will not be in support of changing the seal at this time. Thank you. Mr. Kercher. Thank you, Mister Chair. I do want to start and just acknowledging my opinions on this is not a reflection of my >> opinion of the work done by the artist, Mr. Mr. Carver did fantastic work. Thank you. I applaud you. So I just want to be very clear. This is not a reflection of my opinion of your work if you did very excellent work. I think a couple of the options are actually pretty cool. But let me certainly it's not say this. And protests, real problems. We have public safety issues, revenue issues, affordability infrastructure challenges. We have a budget that somehow just, you know, seems to need more revenue than ever less spending. And so naturally, we're going to spend a bunch of time talking about community seal. Now we we gave the public a chance to engage in this process. ran the survey. We asked the public what they wanted. Now, I understand that there were some anomalies, perhaps and some of the responses to the side of glass from the chair. When we have the work session on Friday. At that point about 2100 submissions for option C was state stated that all came in with with an under an hour. Experts from our it department could not rule one way or the other. Whether this was bought generated or not. So they did say the probability of these were bought generated was. So fine. Let's let's say what's let's throughout those 2100 responses. And then look at look at it from there. And even with those removed unequivocally by 2 to one margin the people in the survey responses said they do not want to see a change You took all the other options and added them together is a 2 to one margin versus change or no change. But it's important that all stone how this survey was structured, it was structured as a option, ABC, D or E in a battle royale type of options. So if you compare option C versus any of the other options, it was 4 to one or up to 15 to one. Keep the currency over says that option. This is not a divided electorate, offering up confusion about their views on this. This was a blowout that should have been the end of the conversation. However, it's not. And here we are. In addition to that based on some of the based on the information in the work session. The chair indicated that and addition, alcocer 1000 responses for Option C were also removed because they they indicated cost and while they were opposed to it. So that's again. The sponsor of this ordinance insist sea-change won't cost us anything that is written and that it's gonna be a phase. And but what that? >> What's your point of order, Wisconsin? I believe that the number is putting words into my mouth and I never said I never said votes would be removed. >> Mr. Chair you in your in your slide deck. He said that these Mr. Grenita are on So we should not be speaking to members motives and I would also be careful as we have spent a lot of time on the survey. I guess I would say that. And what I did say, though, Madam Chair was, if you removed, I did not sort of removed, is the chair allowed to comment speaking as a member right now. in return, the floor to Mr. Barker. Thank you for Let me let me rephrase that Mr. In this in the wrist, in the presentation you gave, you said if. >> All of the options that indicated costs were removed, that it would be closer to 50, 50 split. Is that is it fair? That isn't fair. Okay. All right. But here's the deal. If the results don't support the outcome, we want the the option isn't to then find some way to cure rate the data so that it does. I think that I think that's what we're talking about. Cost. It has a value element to say why I don't think it's going to cost anything. It says an ordinance that we're going to phase it in, but there will be costs to this. So let's talk about let's talk about how that works. So right now in the ordinance, it's going to be a phased process. And if a saint things, how it's written the ordinance. But there will be there will be costs associated with this with some of the signs of the stuff, the rapture place now, eventually it is going to cost us money. There's no universe where the state's free forever we plan on not actually implementing it. And also, here's the thing that everyone knows is going to happen. Police, I believe says it's going to happen. If this start phasing this n we're going to have different city seals all throughout the city. Every single different equipment going to have different sales, but based on different times and when they're facing under phase now and at some point, mark, my words, genius future assembly members going to go. Hey, wait a second, guys. Why do we have have continuity and all of our city seals? And it's gonna become part of the budget process. We're going replace him at all the same time. I guarantee mark my words. That is what is going to happen. So this ordinance does not eliminate costs to first like a credit card. They were pretending credit card bill. They're pretending doesn't exist. Meanwhile, we have actual priorities for not really doing with where we've got neighborhoods that are asking for safer streets. Residents are worried about taxes and affordability. Businesses trying to survive infrastructure that needs attention and were burning oxygen on a logo redesign that the public clearly rejected. That's not. That's not what our priority should be on a site where our focus should be out. I urge my colleagues to vote no. And let's keep the currency. Let's get back to people's work doing actual serious work here. Thank you. >> Yeah. I use my. Time on this item to just express a lot of frustration, not so much with the. There's been plenty said about the process and so on. I guess what, where I'm directing my frustration is really 2, that the dysfunctional dynamic that this this city continues to exist in, which is that it's it's is it is just true. It's easier to organize against something. And I think we've seen that time and again and things like this become and I've said this before, become proxy fights for other things. They become fights against individuals. They be whatever it is. And that is not to say that there are not valid reasons on either side of this issue. So I'm saying separate from that this community really struggles with making any decision on anything without a great deal of conflict and more often than not. It feels like we are in a position where something is decided and none of us feel good about it and or the decision is not really made and we still don't feel good about it. And then we drag it on another few years. And so so it annually. I I guess remember Baldwin days and many others, folks, personal opinion that this is a better design. The new version that the amended version that we had just past. And also it feels like regardless of what happens tonight, no one will feel good about it. And many people not even know that even happened and I don't know. I just at this point is the end of this year. I just really wanted to express that frustration because I don't know how to fix this, but I do think that we need to start recognizing that this community needs to find a way through conflict or disagreement in a way that does not automatically turn into running to either side, creating budget, talking points and then basically nothing happens. I think this is the latest of that version are the latest version of that cycle. And it is extremely frustrating to be in the middle of as as member team members of said, we do have real problems and I welcome everybody working on those problems. And also we can talk about more than one thing at a time. So again, I think we're it's feels like we're all stuck in a situation where there is no good answer to this or there is no decision at which we will also good walking out of this room at the end of the night. And so I'm still deciding what my decision is going to Thanks. Smart tennis. Thank you. Chair. >> There's a couple of a note that came across the Just have follow-up question to you. First is the person who is named as the sponsor of the summary of economic effects. Base. Did you prepare this Was this prepared by council, as it says on the summary of economic effects, essentially a prepared candidates council because I needed help with time. And on the summary of economic effects, you declare you declare its declared that there is no. Immediate cost because read says no direct labor costs expected. The ordinance explicitly states that the implementation of the new SEAL is not intended to unduly burden municipal government cause disposal of documents, markings or immediate repainting or replacement of capital property. The municipality can and should implement these changes over time in due course of its business operations. The only immediate expense would be the procurement of official sealed by the clerk. Do you stand by that? Yes, you submitted that to us on the record. on this party today. All right. reason why I wanted to just stand on that is what does it cost to print our SEALs today? What is the Abbott is the cost of printing for all of the municipality for the SEALs. Does anyone have a number on that? Especially the opposite. cool, who track that? The OMB director, director as a hero. So essentially. The printing cost the cost of printing is the cost of these things. Right? Okay. So on the one hand. This is my binder tonight. The amount of paper that we have in these binders regularly is stunning. Let's let's do something about that. But I just wanted to be clear chair. We print papers, the graphic design essentially today. The same as it would cost tomorrow with an updated design. we're getting indicator from OMB directed that that is accurate. And I think that's because you framed it as not an immediate change. 2 communicate to the concern that I would also have for member which is if we had just wholesale do it all, that would cost a lot. I don't know that people drive around thinking of what seal is on what truck. >> Across what year. And that tells you that somehow municipality's not doing his job. So as we roll out new seals, I find old trucks all the time with things that look different than today sealed. But I may be off. It just may be my eyes or it also may be the case that the seal is actually that bad and reproducing consistently across multiple mediums that has been identified doing this process as well. Chair. I am a design expert. How put that out so but I also. From the vantage point of my perspective. I am challenge by this because I would love to have had. I would love to have had the most amount of input possible from the folks most often not heard. >> And to the extent that this Denver begins do that in 4. By bringing forward. >> Elements of our. >> Indigenous native community into our municipal Sue. >> It's about time for that. It should have been a long time ago. price if I'm looking at the cost of doing that. But the question I have owned the direct anybody else's. While we're on this by. Well, I voted we this body voted to change the name of the port. To the dawn, young, poor. Now that cost a lot different because pushed an amendment at that time. Sheriff, you may recall because there was also an interest to change the name back to the port of Anchorage. But we had gone to a naming process to call it the port of Alaska. So the save a little dollars. We kept it the same. But we did renamed the Port. At that same time we dealing with homeless issues. We're dealing with. Public health crises. You all don't the public don't remember any part of the debate of young port of Anchorage? But we remember the 2.4 million dollar hole in the ground on to do now. The point chair that I'm making here is that. We pick and choose as political leaders. All the time. We make choices on behalf of the public and the people that elected our constituents and this debate. A survey was described and the word electorate was utilized with the survey. I know elections. The word elector it and the survey is not compatible. Responses come in to a survey from wherever and less. Someone can show me the data across any data that you point to that shows the geo marking to my Assembly district. I don't know that that's a constituent. It's I just want to be clear that the survey was not a good survey. don't even care about the results. Fundamentally because we have a decision to make I have another question for you because I wasn't on the body when. When acknowledgment was brought to this bot. Was there a public process that was? What people are asking for now. That didn't happen at that time. What was the process of the land acknowledgement if there was one or did you what did we just make it up? It was the introduction of an ordinance, the passage of an ordinance. Was a land acknowledgement vetted and worked with. Folks who can give us expertise and or did the assembly members just pull it out? Of thin air? It was worked in collaboration with our friends from the native village of a clean various other stakeholder groups. But it certainly was within the context of our >> legislative process, standard operating business. >> So essentially the assembly had the opportunity to investigate that comp. That question, find the resources that it needed to create something that thought was going to be. Valuable brought before this body. And it was voted on and approved by this body. Clearly. So in this process, we have indigenous folk in the community who have given their opinion on this matter. follows the trajectory for me. Well, we have a budgetary fiscal conversation budget and my presentation earlier chair I describe budgetary and fiscal are different. The budgetary cost are non. Up front except the normal cost of replacement. We make these choices all the time. And quite honestly. The old still is tired. I would love to have had more chair. But you said one thing that I think is compelling for me to vote yes tonight, which is. More pass. This may be good. But tonight we have the choice before us. We have the opportunity today to send a signal of progress, but also of accountability and from the chair. That's what's really important. If the data we get the statements of economic impact and we utilize them. Because they matter to helping us make decisions. I take the OMB director at their word and think that the fiscal question is not the appropriate question to be concerned with. And I'll leave it there. Chair. Thank you. All right. Thank you, Mr. Bond. Thank you, Mr. Member Martinez touched on this, but >> I just, you know. I want to stay pretty emphatically that I categorically reject the notion that we are working on real problems. I think we can walk and chew gum at the same time. In recent months, we have supported small businesses by increasing the inventory tax exemption. We've expanded free bus ridership for those 18 and under as well as senior citizens. We've increased the budget for traffic calming to make our streets safer. We've strengthened the public safety laws around illegal Bernie. We've provided more flexibility in code for not conforming remodels to support housing and commercial uses. We've done a lot of somebody to make real progress on real issues. But symbols do matter. You know what? Why? I guess just have an observation hocus pocus land poorly on my colleagues. But I do think as someone who has been serving for about 4 years on the assembly. Now I feel like we're getting a little bit stuck in the mud on some things and that there is this sort of constant like process attack with Pat. I actually think. When it comes to matters of. Creative product. There is a risk analysis paralysis and sort death by committee when you have a ton of different ideas, kind of all over the place and just realizing also think we have very talented graphic designers in our community. I'm sure. But also the general public doesn't have expertise graphic design. And so I'm not, you know, I guess was surprised by the amount engagement we have with the survey, not only amount of responses, but the fact that many of them, I most of them, if I'm not mistaken, had comments associated with their feedback, which I thought was very valuable. And so I thought there really good engagement in this process. I just I worry about. Us consistently. You know, I know that there is a time place for expanding or public process and making sure that we're casting a wide net and that many different voices are involved. But this pattern that I that I think we're getting into not only with this but other topics that are have been before us. You know. Putting things on pause for a long time. I don't know. I think I think we are elected to make bold policy decisions and part of that means that not everybody's going to agree or appreciate every one of our decisions. I don't think that causing things forever. Makes people like them better. In fact. I've experienced that sometimes no matter how much a compromise on something. They're still going to be a contingent of folks who are who are very frustrated and don't your decision. And that is just part of the democratic process to legislative process. I will continue to assert that. I think this is ready. I think we have a great design. I think that a lot of folks weighed in with their feedback and opinions and I appreciate. Being able to see all of that and then come forward with a more. Refined version that considered all that public feedback to me that is good public process. Thank you. Mister Chair. Mister President. Actually have already spoken in there. Several in the queue have not spoken much. Have them go first. A source. >> I'm just gonna make a simple comment. I think it's time to bring the spirit of our land acknowledge meant that we state often into our municipal seal. Thank you. >> Mr. Mizen want to ask you to let me go prefer for you. Because one more time. Yeah, you're next in the queue and I know your move. I just I'll be brief and say that too. My pear from Midtown. Be careful and setting a standard of. I don't think all of my constituents agree. In the context of our broader work, there's no universe in which all of our constituents agree. And, you know, I think of the hard work you're doing in our neighborhoods. I saw agenda published in my district with your name on it. And that's bold working its work going into a place where we will never get. All of our constituents to agree. And so I just want to provide that as a careful kind of thoughtful, kind of addition to your. Measured approach. Chair. realizing what's going to happen next. I will retract my my getting up my my spot. I like to speak >> here to read the room, mister president to get a read the room. >> So I will say that. >> Any argument that we are here? And this one hour or so that we're spending on this dice neglecting our work. I would offer that the work of this body happens in the committee room and the work of this body happens in our work sessions. And if you are not there, it is not. In fact, this body that is neglecting its work. It is the member who is not showing up who is neglecting their work. So please don't come at me in this process about us neglecting our work by having this conversation. That's not fair. It's not right. And it's not true. Maybe we can have some real is on that. Also. I would offer that. We do so much hard work. We are working to figure out revenue solutions, whether it's tech station or whether it is reduction of expenses. We are working on solving the big problems as it has been stated by my peer downtown. We can in fact, walk and chew gum at the same time and it is not disrespectful of the people for us to do that. It honors the people. That's the reality of this work. That is why you are here. And so. In the end. This is a simple yes or no decision for folks. And we have spent a lot of time because people are invested. People are invested enough for their work. Game, the system to try to get their opinion heard. And I just think it's undeniable. I still hope that 6 of my peers. We'll consider joining me on an eight-year effort started by Forrest Dunbar Fred Dyson. I believe our great public servants and put this thing before us and what's happened since then, we have recognized sovereignty of our tried push the state to do the same thing. They followed us. We have generated a true working relationship and now. With a simple static update. We could honor them in our seal and I would offer the clerk. Told it's approximately $25 $50 to replace the corporate seal 5, 0, That's the costs paid out of my pocket. That then there are a number of other people. Mr. President, I call the question. The question has been called Mister President, who seconded Mister. Mr. Barker. moved by a surprise. Really second Miss Kercher. So question having called members proceed to vote. And to our youth member. When the question is called, it's an 8 both majority required and it's ISIS debate. And a vote of 11 to one and the youth number of votes. Yes, yes, the question has been called the question before us now, I believe is to check the box or not at the end of the road. Members may proceed to vote. On a vote of 8 to 4. The box has been checked now back on the main motion as amended. Members may proceed to vote. On a vote of 7 to 5 in the youth member votes. 2025, Dash one. 35 as amended has passed the body. Take a break. ♪ ♪ ♪Only missing didn't break. That's All right. Let's come back to order. We'll go ahead and take up now. Item 14, be 14 B is Our 2025 dash 3.45 Or resolution approving a collective bargaining agreement. Between the municipality of Anchorage Christmas Palm Place Association public hearing on this item is now open. Welcome, please, state your name. What part of town from you'll have 3 minutes. To get 3 or 5 kids on the pres. Corey. It's fine, Chris, certainly that much time. I'm just kidding. He been here too long. My name is Paul Hatcher. I'm from Senate foothills, East Anchorage area of town. Exactly. I am the president of the ABA union and have been for the last 3 years. Good evening. Chair Constantin the assembly. Thank you. Mayor France, the administration tonight you have before you a collective bargaining are 2025. 3.45 in my 17 years with the municipality in a member of a I'm not sure we've ever had a contract. To the finish line prior to the end of the year. So that's a milestone. I want to personally thank the Amy negotiation team, our says sister union, a s e a negotiator and staff and the M away negotiation team. >> For getting this done in short order, we started negotiations on July 23rd and had our final meeting to sign the tentative CBA on October. 8th taking only 78 days. We also had the most participation from our members when it came time to vote on ratifying this new contract at just over 63% participation. As you know, this contract. Is it culmination of some former assembly members in a few current assembly members. Efforts with the passing of ordinances and resolutions over the last few years to bring quality to union members within the municipality and memorialize those efforts. This collective bargaining agreement, moral memorializes pass administrative agreements for additional holidays for him to leave until the supports this collective bargaining agreement. And I'm here to answer any questions you may have. Mr. Johnson, thanks. I do have a question for to participate in Como. >> So I have a request invigorate that group. Bring it life and get it or deny it actually has. to ensure Mr. Chair >> the AP, DEA. >> Rep is the new president of Como. He just was elected. 3 months ago and we started doing monthly meetings, but they got a little bit too much in sword in court, early ones. I know the less when you came to was quite a while ago. And even Mayor France came and met with us prior prior to her taking >> so at risk of causing my friends in HR and other departments to have a little. Panic, maybe we invite Como and its various leaders to work session sometime in the first part of the year. yeah. Thank you. You're welcome. >> Yeah, thank you, Mr. Hatcher just a couple I believe this is the largest of the collective burning new units in the Muni. Is that right? That is correct. I mean, might be second chair Probably we might be second to APD. >> But I'm we're pretty close to that, OK? And many members just over 400? Okay. Thank you and then other question. I know some of the parts of this agreement or things that were really policy changes from several years ago that have taken a while. as of now, do your members have access to tell where parental leave or the additional holidays? So they have those through administrative agreements currently that were signed after the last contract was negotiated. Thanks to you guys pushing the last administration of this one to sign those and now they are actually memorialized within our CBA. So they will be there forever. Basically. Thank you have a say because I hoping it wasn't the case that that those taking that long, right? I think it's that they would fall off again. We have A's again with yes, correct. Thank you. Rep. Smart Maybe it's just so has all these questions that we close the public hearing. They asked anyone else wish to be heard on the union. That's a great I think proper to do that. Anyone else wish to be heard anyone at all. >> Seeing hearing now public hearing is now closed. This Martinez, you're the floor. Move to a puff of to approve. There's a motion to approve Mr. Martinez, seconded by sexual overs. Now. Mister Martinez right on. Thank you thank you for being with us. For the sake of public education. Can you tell us what your members do? So are members range from? >> From a 6, there are too many 6, but any restart our members are in January from seasonal lifeguards, seasonal parks and recs employees all the way up to port Engineers. Engineers, a luncheon, ears and everything in-between. So. Land use land enforcement planning, which I'm part of people. They will both in customer service, solid waste services. Librarians to. In short. >> People that help make the city go. Yes. Thank you so much that here as a privilege to be a part of this process thank you. Senators. >> Thanks. I just wanted to ask. So some of these things to telework the proud to leave. Does that really help with the employee retention? It does. >> through the chairman silvers. Yes, it Prince leaves not a huge. Components. There's not too many of our members that uses, but it is one that is used and they're very grateful for it. And the telework that has helped quite a bit as people are able to adjust their schedules a little bit. Have a little bit more flexibility. >> Good. Thank you. I'm glad to see those things permanently in the contract. Us too. >> Thank you, Mr. Chairman questions are actually far HR director. Coming up in hurry. Director Billingsley tonight for good. So when we did year your confirmation hearing tonight, a great kind of indicated some of the things that matter to me in a collective bargaining agreement. Some things I look for then in the last collective bargaining agreement, we had we had a probably a pretty good conversation. I think I asked exactly the things I said I was going to so hopefully this is not a surprise ask a lot of the same. A lot of the same questions for the folks at home who might not understand a collective bargaining agreement might not understand how to read summary of economic effect or whatever. How much this is contract cost over the course of the contract. Threw the chair gym Amber Guyger the >> cook to bring your agreement as proposed result of the 5.1 9% average annual increased based on the years covered in the agreement and don't have. >> To have the seat in front of me. >> Director Brown will tell you. And tell you part of it threw the chair member we need actual final number. If you can that total number. >> The >> is part of both general government and or utilities and enterprises. So the total costs over the life of the contract or the combined between general government and not general government dollars. If we do not have a toll on the Neither of the seas for general government or utilities have a total over the cost of the life of it. So I can get that for you with some math. the following questions are. >> But Ball Park it what wants make a dollar amount. looking at here. Mr. Chair. Is there anybody else with questions? Perhaps they wouldn't give a few minutes get their information together. And the other questions, I don't see anyone else. So I think if it isn't objectionable, we can move on to the next item on the agenda and then come back to this one. We've had a little bit more time. Depends on. And a stray Do you want us to move on to the next item and come back? Sure. Okay. So we'll just if there's no objection, suspend the process. Move on 14. See, come back to this item. This moment we have for us, 14 C our 2025 dash 3.59 Resolution to miss how to appropriate and transfer is an amount not to exceed $590,000. Mary, why general fund 1, 0, 1, 0, 0, 0, $585,000. From encourage building safety refund. 1, 6, 3, 0, 0, 0, alter, the original capital Improvement projects fund 4, 0, 1, 0, 0, all within the development Services Department for new permit software public hearing on this item is now open. And they wish to heard in a sign of. 4 thanks. Police taking them apart of 10 3 minutes. Thank you. Mister Chair members of the Assembly. >> I know you guys are all very familiar. This point with this piece of really just here to answer any questions you might have on improved functionality or otherwise. I asked up here, I will just take a quick moment to MTN it for their support through this process. And thanks the Assembly for considering this proposal. If you have any questions, let me know. >> Thank you. Good. And that the next person they will come back to wants public hearings close if their questions. Welcome, please, state your name apart. Attorney have 3 minutes. >> Jaime Lopez use Anchorage have questions. >> comedy routine, but semi obviously. >> Appreciate, you know, serves the impassioned debate and mental fist to cuffs. Going back to 2 And so we're going with this. 1 million, $175,000. That is a lot of money. And so for software and that suffer. You own that software as a service, which means that they're going to be continued expenses, a long line. And, you know, I don't know if there's a this is real money or nft. You know, constant coins are Mr. Coaker coins and with the training do you is a beach or how it goes? But yeah, that is a lot of money. And so you start to wonder about the sayings, you you can hire a couple coders and programmers admins. You know, cybersecurity professional for that money. You could invest that money. Build your own code. Support your own code. And fun shops within this local economy. And then it stays here. It doesn't go outside. It's something to consider and think about. You know, I it in resolution was not available. Well, actually, know, the memorandum was and I can find it doesn't list to the vendor is, of course, are going to have lock in when these sorts of things. just seems like a simple web at, you know, you have analysis and design. You know, if it's python code scales, how many people are you going to have submitting to this every single day to where you can't just build your own and support. You know, it just says a Web application, the tying a module for, you know, Commerce. And the Senate approving or denying no permit process. That is simple stuff. And so I really don't see what cost 1 million, $175,000 here. And and there should just an alternative option plan. There. And when is a time when you don't have money and you're trying to reduce expenses, you know what's going on here? I don't know. So I'd be interested to the vendor is what to suffer is actually doing. And what the ridiculous nature of the state says that it used to cost that much. I thank you very much. Your time. >> Anyone else wishing her please come forward. Welcome. Police taking him part of 10 from 3 minutes, >> Hello, my name is Ron Thompson. Then to have a little background on this type of stuff. I'm in support of some new saw 4. I have permitting company. Obviously. I think a lot of people know I help. People get through the permit process. Also just to let you know, the person who bought the last offer, the problem with the software, this one I left building safety and went public works. They decided to edit the entire software and change it using it. And at the end, those people that knew the software ended up leaving it. And when they left it, that left the municipality and alert. So I agree with buying new, you know, whatever the van der is, there's that will be decided. I think it's a good thing. The to find software that works fine can software do not go down the road retried that the first time the staff actually. You know, when I got out of control as when they went away from can software and that was a bad mistake. And I think that buying new software, all I can say is if you do that, let's make sure it's canned. Let's make sure it's a standard. Let's make sure it's made and edited at the at the level and that we can. File for permits online. We can buy permits online. We can work with everything. So so a lot this offer is not super simple. It's very complex. It the building permit process. There are. I can't tell you how many permits there are, but there's a lot of permits. And when there's a lot of permits, it's very convoluted, very complex. And typically what happens is it local? It can't keep up with those changes. They're our Kim systems out there that are much better than where we are today. I I look at this price and go. It's actually a very good price. 20 years ago when I bought software it was over this prices. 1.7 million, 20 years ago. That system has worked that out, been spent outgrown. I think the city is doing a good job trying to think of new ways to make it easier for us. The bigger problem is linking up with SAPD. That's going to be a very tough, difficult past. But if they can create this and allow us to actually. File for permits online. Submit the state. Does it now and it works very good and we don't have to keep going in there even to just pay for the permit. We have right now we file online and then we have to run in there and get the permit later. It's a waste of time. And I think anything can be better and I think the people working on it have a great plan right now. And I just wanted to make sure all understood. You company probably does 60% of most permitting here in Anchorage right now. This will be a good thing. Thank you. Thompson. Welcome. Please stand him apart of 10 from 3 minutes. Thank name is Randal also and I live Chugiak Eagle River previously in my career I've worked cybersecurity and it project management for the public sector. And one of the things I want to reiterate is the critical element of cyber security and ensuring that systems work as intended that they integrate with the system's correctly. And that day are able to support the functions as intended. And that often when you spot these are government look to develop systems and house. They run into issues of legacy code or difficulty with interfacing or inability to secure cyber insurance for it. Let alone want to risk something happens with regards to costs. Government typically does not have a great track record in history ever with keeping it project costs under budget. But I do think that it is important to get ahead of it, especially given decisions and such which rely on the information that comes out of the system. It's not something that we should live up to chance. And so I encourage you to move forward with this. I do recognize that there's been a lot of work on but I just wanted to reiterate that it's it's not thank you. >> Anyone else wish to be heard. Anyone at all? Public hearing is now close with body live prove. By my spot a second by broadly. >> Yeah, I would urge support for this. My understanding is there has been a lot of work internally kind of not just what's offer would be needed, but how this would work and how it would be implemented, which is great. And I appreciate the comments about whether to build something customizable or or off the shelf. And I think conversation came up 2 years ago, actually, and there is a move to simply just purchased software, then figure it all out on the back end. And I'm really glad that that was not what was pursued in the And also I do hear the argument that having something customize are sorry having something standard that matches the way other folks do this process in this very specialized, you know, procedural need is going to be helpful because I think anything that we can do to improve our process and even even to the point of redesigning our process to meet the software. Think sometimes that's not a great idea. But I think in this case that might help because of our process right now is so convoluted that it cannot even really be mapped out. exciting. I've still not seen a flow chart or map of what that looks like. I think that that's a positive. so I really appreciate the work of the departments to work through this. And I know that there will be continued work on implementation and best of luck to getting that out the door. And I do have one question and actually for Mr. Salais are maybe for Dole. Whoever is appropriate just brief question. So so we approve this. Can you give a rough time frame or project planned for wind say a customer would then be able to use this knowing there's going to be lot of steps. What are we looking at next year? Are we looking at 27? You know, what is the kind of implementation time frame you're anticipating? >> chairman Miss Brawley out. According to vendors and optimistic would be 9 months. Both implementation period are planning on 12 months of implementation period. So we'd like to get them under contract immediately. And hopefully be life by January. 27. >> Okay. Thanks. Yeah. That that seems like a reasonable time. Thank you. bill today. Thank you. Chair MRC late which which vendor did we end up going with and the end? To the chairman's ball Monday. >> Check we don't have anyone under contract We are looking very closely at smart cover, basically in discussions this market, got up. Citing the hosting agreements and going to motions I will say we haven't sign a contract yet. And there is another vendor that were very interested in that is looking to come back with another price for us. And if they're competitive. We might reevaluate. Okay. Excellent. >> delighted that this is moving forward and I think there are a lot of other folks who share that sentiment as we are trying to streamline the way that we produce housing and a Grinch. So really looking forward seeing how this as part of the solution. Thank you. Mr. Costa, thank you, Texas or so. some looking at the funding stack and it's paid for. >> 50% or so by general funds, which is everybody and then 50% by the building safety refund, which means. Folks within the building safety Service area. And my question is just from a contra, a permitting perspective. And this just could be a wild guess If I the thought of early have asked earlier, what's the spread of of permits that are reviewed and issued between. Building safety service area. And those permits issued in areas outside of the public safety service or Mr. Chairman, sorry, I don't have those exact numbers on >> I guess. If I had to hazard a guess, I would say we are. 75% within the building. Safe service area. And 25% area. It varies from year to year. You know, depending on. Where the new subdivision is come up we know land availability. >> So if I were take those numbers and I didn't ask you before. So don't expect perfect 10, probably the spread of the funds, 50% coming from everybody. And then 50% coming from. A service area does kind of hit about 25% outside. Of funding would come from those folks outside. So I think that actually is pretty equitable. Thank you. other members. none members may proceed to vote that. On a vote of 12 to 0 2025, dash 3. 3, 5, just left it. There are 3, 20 25 Dash 3.59 Has passed the body. We'll go on to the next item as we continue wait on the previous item item, 14 DL 2025, dash one. 37, an ordinance authorizing misspelled, encourage encourage water and wastewater utility to convert a portion of water main located at International Industrial Subdivision, Block one month to to privately owned water Service Extension located within a 10 foot utility easement to be vacated by plat Case. S one to 805, public hearing on this item is now open and, you know, should heard on this item. Anyone at all. Senior, public hearings so close. What will the to prove? Second? Moved by Mister Myers in stereo seconded by MS broadly. It could have gone either way. Anyone wish to speak to this item. All right. Seeing numbers next devote. Silver Star. On a vote of 12 to 0 or 2025, dash one. 37 his past the body. Next. We have item 14 E 14 2025, dash, one, 38, an ordinance amending to qualified voters residing in the very, limited run service area at the regular municipal election on April 7, 2026. About proposition provide the maximum the Levy of 2.2 5 mills for the Bear Valley where sir, for road maintenance and snow plowing and amend anxious because section 27, a 30 to 3 sevens are retroactive to January one, 20 20th public hearing on this item is now open. Anyone wish to be heard on this item. Anyone at all? Senior, public hearings also switched to a body. To second. moved by Mister Baldwin Day seconded by MS broadly. Anyone wish to speak to this item. all senior none members may proceed to vote. On a vote of 12 to 0 2025 dash one. 38 past the body. Our ballots are starting to fill up. Next up is item 14 F which 2025 dash one. 39 stressful. Somebody amending cough and Christmas poco title 7 purchasing procurement contracts. Grandson surplus property to address indefinite delivery. Indefinite quantity procurements, clarify some of is required for certain contract types amendments, the Public hearing on this item is no open. Anyone wish to be heard on this item. Seeing hearing none. The public hearing is now closed. A sprawling move to postpone to the meeting of January 13th. >> Second, there's a motion postponed to January 13th move by who was a second Mr. Meyers second that Martinez, my second, my Mister Myers. All right. So moved by rally second Myers, Mr. >> Yeah, thanks. I understand this is a relatively small cleanup about a dozen emails deep into a thread trying to figure out if we should make an amendment or not. And so I propose that we move just move this to the next item. And I've already east attempted to start scheduling a meeting to discuss it that week. Thanks. Any further discussion. >> Senior none members may proceed to vote. Motion postponed. 13th January. Vote of 12 to 0 the Motion Pass pass. Take just one more minute. Folks are ready. All right. Roll back up to 14 be. close the public hearing. Hearing testimony, Mr. Grab the floor. To the chair member Kercher. I'm prepared. >> Overall, the total contract cost over the 4 years of the contract is TWENTY-SIX 0.6 million dollars split between general government and the utilities and enterprises. This is a four-year contract for our largest municipal union multiple different options that we onboarded as part of the assembly guidance process. So it is make sure that your bargaining units have competitive wages and are keeping up with inflation. Make sure that you are looking at how to share in the cost of health care and to make employment at the municipality more attractive. How do we adjust the work environment to retain and recruit employees to fill our vacancies? That we experienced quite a few of our for the last many years. So all of those things were addressed as part of this CBA, we have stabilized wages over a four-year contract. We have added 6 steps to the wage scale to increase retention and recruitment. Frankly. So and then on wraps have the same number of steps within their wage scales. We have also changed the health care program that the NBA is on the previous health care program. I think Mr. Hatcher can probably let us know the details around them how membership felt about it. But part of the negotiations were focused directly on how can we share in the cost? What if we look at the other unit at the other unit and how the plans that they are on and does it make more sense to model them into one of those? And so now the NBA is on our more popular plan. I will say. that the execs non reps and and a couple of our of our can units are all part of a on ourself insurance plan. So overall, TWENTY-SIX 0.6 million dollars. Those are major components of Lee's. Yeah. Okay. I appreciate that. Thank you. Now, I recall during the budget process direct routes that. >> Part of the concern now, part of the concern part of the thing to be aware of what the May contract was, it is gonna have a direct impact on non wraps an potentially exacts. Do we have an idea how much how much increase those wages too. Keep some parity between between then and and on ramps. >> The current projections right now for bringing non wraps into a better inflation adjustment in comparison to all the rest of our bargaining units. But also EA is about 2.5 million dollars, OK? >> Okay. So close to 30 million dollars overall so director Billingsley, given that cost, what would you characterize as the winds for management and this agreement? Worst 30 million dollars. >> 3 major wins to to put in that category. And again, to Echo director routes. >> view. Solving our recruitment and retention issues as major witness. counting that aside, we had. The transition of our minimum leave usage, which was typically ending at the end of the year. This was a big win for payroll. They have. Very cumbersome your and processes with W twos and things of that nature and the transition. This now to October to align with rest municipality. They all very excited about that change. Secondly, we need changes to the way that meal breaks work. Previously. We had mandatory overtime. If you missed a meal instead of overtime, if you work over 40 hours and that was resulting in a number of substitution schedules for people that had appointments that ran along and things they weren't allowed to flex their lunches outside of this 30 minute window. And so we've changed those provisions. It's going to eliminate a number of these sitution schedules that, again, the payroll team was having to manage and deal with and it's going to decrease the amount of overtime that we have to pay due to that rigidity. That was in the previous contract. And then the 3rd change that I would put in this category is change the language in the ppl from the administrative agreement until what's in this agreement. The intent of the original administrative agreement was that people would be available to employees right when they start working administrative agreement language said you have to use it in conjunction with your family or We've now changed that language to say from what if someone is available athlete, if Apple is available so. That clarification has helped our benefits. Administrators. Considerably because it makes it more consistent what the current code says. And so bringing unions in alignment with what's in place currently forward, not represent execs was an important change for them. >> You know, appreciate that all circle back to the ppl on minute. But I do want to touch on telecommuting or quick. We already have the ability to do telecommuting through administrative process to administrative regulation. So, Chris, how understand what's the rationale for moving teleworking out of that round in 2 Article 10 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement. >> Largely it just provides the continuity for employees. They have the certainty now that they know we're not just going strip it, though. I underscore that. Teller. King is still a management, right? And the management still has the ability to and teleworking. For whatever reason that they deem necessary so well, it's the terms and conditions of teleworking are now in the agreement. Management still has the right to control it. >> I don't know that. >> Mr. Hatcher or a future union rep would agree if that were to come to comes to an issue. But >> so future conditions require scaling back or restructuring teleworking. We would be able to do that unilaterally without the union's involvement. >> All read provision, 10.4 C managers decision an employee's ability to telework is a management decision that will be decided based on operational need equipment, availability and the ability to meet critical demands. No job assignments or work units will automatically qualify for Teleworking told assignments will not be based individual circumstances of employees, including but not limited to lady status. Childcare needs place of residence or other personal circumstances. And then there's another provision in here, termination of telework at any time as provision K parties agree away may terminate an employee's ability to tell work at any time period. >> So getting them to pay for Same think it was something that was outside of the collective bargaining agreement we had uttered to regulation. >> Do we do? We lose flexibility by putting it into the Understand that. So what we gain by put in the contract? Because maybe better question us. >> I I to tend to to backtrack a little previously. We had an administrative agreement if we had not incorporated the administrative agreement into the contract, we would have come before you with another administrative agreement. And so we would have had to have continuously done that. Now there are some permanence in this in 4 years. We could come back and say ppl is not working and we want to remove it from the contract. We can make that part of our next negotiations. So this Lexus in for the next 4 years. >> So what specific metrics, I guess are you guys going to looking over the course of this contract to demonstrate operational efficiency gains like reduce grievances? Pastor vacancy filling lower administrative overheads, likes butts. Besides just, you know, labor stability. What other metrics are we looking at? We're in for years. can say this is successful contract. >> So through the course of negotiations, we pulled out on most of the provisions in which we were bargaining. So, for instance, you'll see that there was an increase to the acting pay rate. And so we were able to to drill down on the analytics of how many acting statements are there? How long have they been in duration? Why? Why are we to have so many acting assignments? What and we were able to. Qualify. Where the issues were and we can now track if by increasing the rate of acting pages that our problem. Is that gonna? And so that's one example. But we we do have the ability to track over the life of the contract, the number of people that use ppl the number of people that have telework agreements in place recruitment and retention data. We tracked that regularly. >> appreciate that. You know, here sharing all of that information. Personally, I don't know that that's where 30 million dollars to I know that the the efficiencies for payroll. I know those are good things. Others that those are things that they've been wanting I don't know that for 30 million dollars personally. But you are. You're the one of the tables direct, you know, carrying out the direction from. >> The mayor's You know, I can't fault you for that at all. You got a contract as you're directed. I'm sure. So I appreciate that. Thank you for your hard work. Thank you, Mr. Hatcher for the unions involvement in this. Fundamentally have issues with I really I'm not a fan of scene seeing things that. Our management rights and prerogatives that we already have the ability to do being put into a collective bargaining agreement. We're now we have to Begum better fight the union. If everyone make any changes to it. So I fundamentally philosophically, those are some issues I have with this agreement and also just cost alone is pretty hefty. And I'm not sure we're getting the knots out of it for that price tag. But again, I do appreciate you guys. Thank you very much. Thank you for sharing Thank you myself and the cure. Yeah, thanks. I have a question. The question of Telehealth is very interesting because grappled with that over the pandemic and what we found was. >> Benefits were distributed equitably across the municipality at the time. And we could not quite figure out who got what when and so was not simply a management prerogative to offer telehealth when the pinch came, it was we can't offer to them because they don't have it in their agreement. But our executives can, in work. And so the dynamic that I thought that our guidance put forward was fix that. And so ultimately the benefit that you got out of this question for us in my opinion, was you did what we asked, which is fix that, right. And so that's just the telehealth piece, which just remember. So blatantly struggling with how can we have different people doing similar work and not having the same because they're in the union's. We can't provide that benefit to them. And so for me, I think that this does, in fact, achieve that. I am concerned about the cost. That's a reality for all of us. But it's not specific to you. It's the fact that inflation happens. People have to get paid a fair wage. We as a municipality in particular, the assembly, the people have the fiduciary responsibility have to figure out how to fund these. also the roads and also all the other things that make the city work or we find ourselves at the point which won't be my problem. Where you have to choose which neighborhoods roads are we not going to pile pave and fix which you know, what divisions are we going to start cutting when we don't have the resources? So those are real questions and we have to balance the interests of our workforce. These are workforce makes all of those things happen. And so for my part, in support of that's really it. I think you free achieving the outcome of the guidance that we put forward to you and to the members that's where the rubber meets the road from a legislative perspective on bargaining units. It's those guidance documents and it was Blair. Richardson who? I do. She meant to let a boost out of the bag but told us you can do this for every contract. And we have been making a practice of it. And so please continue that practice. It benefits you to set some preliminary guidelines around negotiations and anything I just wanted the teller thing like, like Mr. Martinez said, you know, where? Where are all our workers that? >> And in reality, less than 50% of workers can actually telework because we're at the library. Public counter were at the pools were at the rec centers. We're at the public hours of the permit center where it's always services answering phone calls. So it it's you're right there, you know, but management, right to take away work. And we know that. And we we agree with that. And that's, you know, we understand that that's their right. If they want to take it away from us if they ever have to. >> And we're OK with that. But I'm sure okay with that. Except now it's in your agreement. You have the right correct. Exactly right. And I think that that was the intent of this body. Mr. Billingsley, I have a separate note since you brought up the conversation about. >> The corrections that you received that take. Forget the term. What are they called? You just mentioned them. When you hear from the payroll, you got to fix this because they didn't have these hours. Then what are those called? Corrections pay? Substitutions incur substitutions, whole process substations. And certainly it's it's late and tired. It's been a long day I believe there's a project coming forward to look at the substitution correction process because we believe over. Hear much from the clerk a night there are some burdens that are created there, probably unnecessary within the code that are establishing make work and we should eliminate make work in falls a lot and those pay correction areas which are probably leverage whole bodies into other jobs. If we could get rid of these. Substations up a correction in a way that's equitable and fair and also good to the just f I Mrs to that chair threw the chair to everyone else. That was actually part of our process in negotiations. We talk to the directors of the departments who have employees and said. >> But do they seeing that you think should >> Or what would we be able to operate more efficiently and or if we could see X, Y and Z changes? And so we >> compiled all of that feedback from parks and Recs from. >> The utilities from. >> Trying to the health department in particular, the library to to to look at and try to address as many of those challenges that the administration that the management was experiencing. And it Minister Ng the contract because one of the challenges that we have seen over the last years and always is a lack of deep understanding of what all of these work rules are. How can we make the CBA more understandable for employees who are living through it and and what are the adjustments that we can do that? Get rid of those make work things that were either born as part of SAPD development or that just have not gotten fixed yet. And so there were quite a few things that we were able to go through and work through the negotiation process, Mr. Hatcher and the team too change. And I think we'll see some feedback from departments after it's been active for 6 months a year to know exactly how that's translating into our payroll and schedule substitution adjustments and and how our internal service departments are are adjusting to those what we think are going to good changes. >> our tiny little offices, spend a lot of time managing these little things that don't seem to make much since it on. I looked at the code and actually voted for one of them in my first 3 months on the body. Mike, how did I do that? That's terrible. And so we need to fix some of those things. Any house that sidebar to the contract, but understand are of salt solving the U.S. being efficient with our dollar U.S. the bottom line. So respond Monday. >> Director Billingsley, we had an interesting report in the last call. Municipal Services Committee meeting in which we heard about retention issues that municipality is experiencing. And I think one of the most troubling statistics that we shared in that meeting was the fact that we have. Quite a few people who are leaving a splint plamen within the first like 24 months of of their 10 year do we have any sort of a window into how many of those employees who chose John Terry separation inside of 2 years. We're and employees worse. It's not too. We have a window into that. Where do we is there a way to get that information and use that as a way to understand that helpful eventual success of this new contract. >> Threw the chair. We absolutely have all of that data. We run. >> Statistics and percentages of separating when they're separating why they're separating. And now we have a a >> program. We're doing exit interviews, a voluntary exit questionnaires. Why are you leaving? Is that the money? Is that retirement? fill in the blank and then an option for a follow-up in-person exit interview meeting. And those have been actually really insightful as well into are able to get the information from that. Also running data and the numbers to figure out where the holes are, which is why we end up with things like the salary in turn through negotiations so that we can address some of those problems. >> Yeah, I think I mean, that's my ultimate interest. Is understanding that the municipality across the board is really. Not paying what the private sector pays for very similar and in some cases, much more intense workload. I would like to be sure that we are attractive place to work. And then we become a more attractive place to work. And then we have the data that shows that we're taking those steps to make sure that folks who working in our permit center who could be making and 30 to $40,000 more a year that have some measure of job satisfaction that keeps them here as opposed to the brain drain that we've seen that we've experienced in years past. So really looking forward to it understanding how this contract will affect that. And also hearing your perspective is the director as we move forward in what other steps really need to be taken in order to be sure we retain really excellent people and we don't have a revolving door because that too, is extensive training in onboarding. New human beings is expensive and it absolutely drags on the quality of service we can provide to so really looking forward to hearing how does contract work? Something cute. I don't see anyone else. Members proceed to vote. >> vote of 9 to 3. There are 2025, dash 3.45 past the body? Takes us to our cause. Additional items. First, we have item 15 resolution or 2025 dash 3.71 Resolution them personally regarding the renewal of municipal marijuana. Manufacturing license entry to 6, 8, 5 for Bloom, LLC, dba or bloom seeing these some of these conditional protest, the renewal of state of Alaska, marijuana license number 3, 2, 6, 8, 5, for the same steps are respectively. Authors of color to certain actions. Public hearing. It's not open any on us to be heard on this item. Senior. the case. No closer body to prove second by miss, probably seconded by as well. any discussion. Senior in members, they proceed to vote. And a vote of 12 to 0 or 2025 dash 3, 7, 1, is past the body actually take up item 15 E 15 is the year 2025. Dash 3.76 Resolution Christmas. Will somebody approving marijuana license especially permit for Fire, Green LLC, dba the high country. Marijuana retail sales, establishment license for 1, 0, 3, 7, located at 5.20, West 6th Avenue in the B 2, a district 10 lot, 3, a block, 70 original townsite encourage Patsy one. 83 generally located south of West 6 west of East Street, north of west, 7th and east of F Street in Anchorage, public hearing the side of a snow open. Anyone wish to be heard on this item. Anyone at all? Seeing hearing none public hearings and it was no close once the world, the prove. Second, was probably second was pope today. Any discussion? Discussion members may proceed to vote. On a vote of 12 to our 2025 dash 3.76 Has passed the body. So that brings us to item 15 resolution. And just so folks know on this, the 2 our 15 being 15 C R additional. But they're not the same as 15. The which is our license. And just put that out there in terms of any disclosures might be needed. That's really for 15 15 be as a share of 2025 dash 3.69 resolution of the Anchorage municipal, somebody regarding the renewal of municipal marijuana, retail license and 1, 0, 2, 3, 6 for cannabaska and manufacturing license. 2, 5, 2, 0, 5 for cannabis concentrates. Even somebody conditional protests. The runoff save Alaska Marijuana license. Number 1, 0, 2, 3, 6, 2, 5, 2, 0, 5, same self. actively authors and clerks take certain action. Public hearings items now open she heard. You can wait. hear from it. Once that hearing is closed. Anyone public hearings public now closed. That's what body. Move to approve. second moved by most probably seconded by a Spalding day. Now we can hear from the petitioner. So I think we're going to do the ex parte communications around the license, which is the 3rd item, 15 >> The season turns green, but it's red. on your good doubt. Seen attorney for Cannabaska Alaskasense human element. >> so >> I also have here today, Smadi Warden, the licensee. we get to the cultivation stuff. I also have shut the who conducted the Independents now review which you asked us to do for the cultivation or not. yet who I also have here is attorney John Crone. He's the attorney that wrote the confession of judgment that was submitted to you through 10 Community Council. What that was is essentially a bio deal. That's my agreed to with the next business partner and which she cannot make the payments. So she has to go through the whole process of turning the business over, which complicated process involves a compliant management agreement and involves application to the marijuana Control Board to transfer the license. So he's here to speak to that document. If you have any questions of it, management agreements are really common in the alcohol industry in the marijuana industry because it takes 6 to 9 months to do a transfer through and co whether your liquor license marijuana licensee. So management agreements are things that we use to kind of bridge that gap to get through that process. So I know it may look newer, weird or different to you. And we're here to answer those questions. But that essentially is what the confession judgment required was a compliant management agreement to bridge that 6 to 9 month Gap I said a baby. So I have put together and submitted the full transfer applications yet. But draft are being done by office and they will be submitted very soon. anticipate before the new Year. That's my goal. evidence admitted I can't. I can't control how long it takes and co so I understand the language in the resolution. that basically says this is a conditional protests until we get a full complete deemed complete license for transfer from the state of Alaska. The timeline of that, though, is is could be problematic because once you conditionally protests this license, it will revert back to the marijuana control board and likely be heard at their February meeting. It's really unlikely that they're going to deem the application for transfer complete before them. I would just hope that, you clerk, honest or somebody from the municipality attend that meeting so they can speak to the conditional nature of this. So kuz what I would recommend is that table considering the protests. So that has time to work through the review. Que of amco to get deemed complete for the April agenda. That would be my no requests of the marijuana control board. I would want the municipality understand I'm not asking the table it out of disrespect. I'm asking that a lot of it to get through the process. Nothing I can do to speed that up. So that's kind of the logistics of it. Happy to take questions Yeah, thanks. Yeah. just save for my primary. Understands I. >> I don't understand. Stand all the ins and outs of the legal procedures here. But I do understand that it will take some time and so. So I can say at least for my part this is there's no artificial time line on this. But I think my my question is really, who is the owner of this license? Because I think they can. I say that because that is really. All of our code is predicated on knowing the owner is because that's who we deal with rain. So that's that's really operating question. Why these protests are in the way they are the owners. My warden and per the confession of judgment. The ownership does not transfer until and Co approves the transfer into the municipality's protest period is either waived or expires. >> And then the actual ownership can transfer. There is an Inter management agreement, which I believe was also sent here to this body that outlines that's my knees. The licensee >> Full final responsibility and decision making when it comes to compliance issues and everything has to be done comply. Elaine, I think that was delivered to his body. But that is the standard management agreement that mean, some other councils in the industry have created and have been using. >> Let's see else in the queue is your recommendation that we past these is there. >> Professor, be approved without a conditional protests, but it's workable. It's workable with the understanding that I would hope I would have to Miss Polly support to table at the February meeting because the marijuana control board in less than it finds your protests are betraying can preaches is required to uphold it. And by upholding a it would deny the renewal of both the retail and that and the call to and the concentrate license. And that would be devastating. So I would hope that I would have done this high support. When I ask for a table because to let the process go through the transfers go through the review. Que get through to the April agenda, which is when I anticipate it would be heard by the state. I would hope I would have that support. >> So >> I'm trying to understand the mechanism by which the assembly would have. Some kind of the next step beyond this, right? If and Co is proceeding in table for more time to do other things. So that just hold this in advance and tall. >> That time it would hold it in abeyance until the state actually got the transfer. What I'm seeing is if nobody shows up from the municipality or if the clerk showed up in a municipality in February and says. You know, uphold our protests and they uphold that on that date. then they have to read Jack, the renewals of these 2 licenses. If the municipality shows up and says we don't object to the tabling of this protest to give us more time to get the transfer completed because that's out of our control. Once we submit it. That's what will cause the problem right? >> Okay. So I have heard from the clerk who says that they can do that. So too. Yeah. >> Attends a >> So can we do and and codify amendment that just says the clerk. Should participate. We could put it in there, I guess. >> in the clerk usually attends the and all that. I wouldn't. Yeah, I would direct to them to attend. >> your office to attend? All right. So that is on the record. there's injection here. Speak now. just relaxed. I just I'm a little unclear what exactly we're doing here. Chair. So what we're going to do, what? If you don't mind so have the floor s question. don't feel like I'm filing anything this is a conditional protested, says certain actions have to be taken before your license is extended to its regular cycle were renewed. And so they're going through a process internally to try to work on a transfer. And that takes time and cause going to receive this document at its meeting in February. And it is certain I don't know that that's true, but it is certain that if the Muni doesn't attend and Co is required to. Uphold the protest, even though it's conditional and that might sever the license, whereas this asset could be sold if they table and go through the process of the transfer. So the clerk was just going say we have a protest. The protest is. We don't object to them having more time to to transfer this license. So the acid doesn't die. That's what the directionless. If I could just clarify one point the tabling with just. Table. The Marijuana Control board's action on the protests because the applications for transfer or our likely to make the February and Co agenda and they don't meet again until April, which it would be most likely it Babson like some huge and go issue Devon complete and on the and cause board. So the ask is that. The municipality when an object to us asking for the protest consideration to be table to April because then we would have met the SAS vacation in Section 3. >> And now just aren't terribly to table. Something in the amco speak is to postpone into the next meeting. So functionally its U.S. the clerk with were fined. If you take 2 more months. So is your silence counties. No objection. I was going to make you since I kind of jumped ahead. Yeah. So that's separate from the question right now is object to the direction of the clerk because we can take a vote on that by amendment. We can add it or we could just let it. Clark do that and we can continue on with the work. I don't have any objection to Okay. There's no objections to Kirk is so directed. Thank you have a lot of folks like, you know, ball today. Ok, Mr. Minus. Okay. I was just curious in the town Community Council have anything to say about this since we had a lot of way in from them last year. Regarding this license. is that to the petitioner or to somebody here? So we did receive an email from the Mid Town. Community Council should have been brought the circulated. That said we're not taking a position right now because things are going in a direction that is generally acceptable. I think that's a fair characterization members. An e-mail, Mr. Yeah, thank you. Mister Chair. Yes, I would say. >> I think. Ones that are kept out to what you stated things are going. In a different direction in the near future. And so because of that, there's no objection from the Intel community counts. You know, that's my Any further discussion on this? Motion is to approve the conditional protest. Members next to vote of 12 to 0 or 2025. Dash 3.69 past the body next 7 to 15 see resolution or 2025 dash 3.70, resolution. exodus will somebody regarding the renewal of state of Alaska, marijuana cultivation license number 1, 0, 2, 3, 7 for Alaskasense retail license, 1, 0, 2, 5, 4 for Cannabaska state in the summer is conditional protest officers and the missiles are to take certain action. Public hearing on the site is now open. Anyone wish to be heard on this item. Seeing hearing public hearing is now closed with saw the body move to prove second. probably second in Minersville Monday. You want to stick to it. >> That Janet Mock seen attorney Cannabaska Alaskasense. I would just ask for the same. Communication because we would ask that for this. Conditional protested the table that the February and Co meeting, which I intend that or assume that this will be on. >> The clerk is so directed. If there's no objection. No traction. >> So Mister Chair. I don't object, can you please, for the record state the full direction. clerk would direct staff to attend the amco meeting and stab wish that if and co tables item, there's no objection from the municipalities. They sort of the transfer process. That's definitely certain action, which is in the title. any further discussion on this item? none members may proceed to vote. On a vote of 12 to 0 or 2025 dash 3.70, has passed the body like to ask for a motion to extend the meeting by 15 minutes. So much. There's a motion to extend minus Brawley seconded, crank Sauber's. >> I feel or is I feel I would like to ask unanimous consent that we extend by 15 cent. Objection to the motion. >> The object. Okay. So we'll go ahead and take a vote. Members proceed to vote. Motion to extent of us, probably and silvers. And then objection. Yeah. And for practical purposes. The next item is going to take a little bit of time an entire time. >> I need met. >> On a vote of tents to the motion to extend the meeting. 15 minutes has passed next. 7.15 The resolution or 2025, there's 3.72 resolution actionable something regarding renewal of municipal marijuana cultivation license and ones are 2, 3, 7 for Alaskasense LLC dba Alaska Sense after extended temporary license expiration authorizing the clerk to take certain actions. We also have under a R. 2025, dash 3. So that's just more detail I also have I M, which is from some bleach or constant numbered subjects and the resolution 2025 3.72 resolution encourage and most other guarding laviska marijuana cultivation license and was or 2, 7 for alaskasense. All CBA after extend a temporary license expiration authorizing clerk. What that is is it's a substantial document report on small testing that's been done and relationship to the temporary extension of the license. It's a lot of papers. We have folks here who can speak to it. If you want some of the details. So but before we open the public hearing will do disclosures who wants to start. Ex parte communications well. Today. >> Yes, chair. I received e-mail communication from the chair of the Midtown Community Council about this particular issue. And I-4 to 40 that communication to the clerk. let the president know that I was unable to reply to her and parties. Anyone else. Mister Mayor. Yes, thank you, Mr. Chair >> I have also received similar communications from the president of the meantime, Community Council mistress starter the variety of mediums, mainly centered around process confusion on the process. Thank you. >> I to receive some communications. I had an e-mail from town Community Council leadership which has been discussed. I also had an e-mail from the petitioner in which she briefly mention this license and some other matters. I didn't find germane to share. It happened in the night. Also ran into counsel for the petitioner at Costco had a lovely chance to see your baby. And we did briefly discuss some of these matters. So are babies. And so that is the extent of my communication. Okay. So the public hearing on this item is now open. There's no else. Welcome, please take apart on it. I'm so sorry. Mister I got the same emails. Everyone else that from the Midtown committee counsel. we need to go through the exercise of all stating received it, then that I will state that went to all members and I don't think we need to disclose. Thank you for noting that I didn't know if it went on number. So. >> I think the public hearing then is now open Leicester's other disclosures. Welcome. Please stand them apart. Attorney from one of 3 minutes. Okay. Test. >> Okay. Jami Lopez, the same courage. I too have received communication from Kenny Peterson. He no longer has a cravings for Mongolian barbecue. The Roman spell this left the area. So that's like Thank you. Anyone else wish to be heard on item. Anyone at all public hearing now close with some of the body. >> Move to approve second. So there's a motion to approve limits bright. The second was misspelled in >> Yeah. And then I'm gonna Const amendment one. >> There's a motion to amend by MS, probably, Second second, second by Miss Balding day. And going be speech then we can we can get into the meat of it. But essentially at some additional of whereas clauses here stating. Stating additional information and then. And then it. It makes the choice essentially that there would be approval of this license renewal again, subject to conditions that the state licenses would be reinstated and the transfer of ownership languages there as well. And the discussion on the amendment. Mr. Johnson. I was just as well as soon as any comments on this proposed amendment. Welcome. Miss Watson. >> I think the proposed amendment is fair. You know, this license is dead. If we don't get it reinstated by the state of Alaska anyways, we're really hoping to be able to do that. The appeals will be filed pretty soon. You it came down to a state, Alaska, excise tax payment and >> it's really difficult when a new operator management person comes in and you gotta learn how just excessive pay your taxes on intact and cash and when the pay them. And then also there's a payment plan that >> overlays over. And so it just they got a little bit messed up there for those few months. So we're hoping to get that sorted out have a successful appeal. But if you know, the state doesn't do that, this license is dead, too. So. >> Any further discussion on the motion to amend? Seeing hearing none members, 60 to vote. vote of 12 to 0. The amendment has passed are back now on the main motion. This will tend to want to come up and provide that overview. >> the last assembly meeting that we were here, granted the six-month extension. You asked that when we come back, we have small problem fixed and objective proof. So that's problem. that couldn't fixed. And we brought objective proof. And that's the letter. And I'm sorry, got to untimely that. You have in front of you with the smell logs. And so the first male officer from the previous director and co-director clinc art. He was unable to continue so that we hired Rachel t who's here in the audience and can speak to his smell laws. He's was the marijuana control board chair for many, many years time and he can speak to that more than me. But he was the first chair and marijuana control board and then took a little 3 year break and then I could have ground maybe 2 or 3 years came back and was again, the chair a control board up until with it. February of 2020 4. 5, sorry, 2025. So he's been doing active smell logging. I believe you have the police report reporting to that kind of show that the small issue is largely resolved. So that is the smell issue. Since then. You know, you know, that damage that was caused by the vandalism, which created this whole snow mess to begin with. yes, there's many with small before that. But the vandalism that basically took out the cultivation operational capacity really financially hurt the business. And so again, that confession of judgment that you read earlier. It on a sale of the business, its ad business by out where there was a previous partner and spotty bought them out and there was an agreement with a promise Reno. And typically when you sign a promissory note, she had a lawyer, they make you sign also confession of judgment so that if you default on it, that investment judgment becomes active. You can file with the court and then you get certain rights under that confession of judgment. And that is what this to how this deal is structured so she could make those payments. And so she voluntarily said to the other party I can these payments we need to start the transition start the confession of judgment, transition and engage in a green start to transfer during that transfer period. That new operator, the manager, U.S. Tom Levy, who's here right now. taxes got messed up. So the state of Alaska Marijuana Control Board said sorry you're behind on your taxes even though you're complying on your payment plan. You haven't made the monthly payments a new month. The couple knew monthly payments have been missed. So they revoked the license. Right now we're in administrative hole where the plants can be grown. Plants can be harvested. The plans can be packaged. They just can't be sold until and if we win the appeal. So that's where this licenses at. Any questions. want to hear from anybody else. Ron Thompson is here to to speak to his small equipment. think we'll probably have enough in fall. Thank you. >> I will just say it was remarkable. The change of small it went away. I'm perfectly, but 99% which is. Better than anyone had hoped. And so we had some confusion about put all of those things mean who is the actual owner who has actual control? We had some questions about what format the communications should come to us because hearing it from a community council person is. Not really the way we receive communications about licensees. But that if we take this on tonight as amended and passed it, we don't have to do the skin in January. So let's put it to bed is my recommendation. And I hope that the best out for everybody. So there's no in Austin members may proceed to vote. And a vote of 12 to 0. There are 2025 3.72 as amended has passed the body. Thank you for bringing your kiddo now. I think that concludes our business agenda will go ahead and do audience participation. Now if members of Congress come forward, please come for now. Welcome, please. State your name part of town you're from. You'll have 3 minutes. The song. Let it Go. >> Good Evening. Merry Christmas, everyone. My name is Chad calling under. I'm a resident of West encourage and district 3. First of all, Merry Christmas as you go on break. Thank you for your time and what you do here. First, my call is to the residents of Anchorage. And our last resident or and the election in April throws only 25.3% people that voted. That's ridiculous. I mean, 75% of residents are sitting on the sidelines and your no vote or not. Vote is a vote. We need you guys to get involved wake up get your phone out. The city of nails you a ballot. Please get involved. I want to talk about the lovely the ordinance 2025. 1.31, the sales tax. I would strongly recommend that you all vote no against it. Encourage doesn't have a revenue problem. We have a spending problem. We are clearly aware of that. In our last budget votes. >> How many? >> Budget cuts were voted in hardly any at all. If not alone, that I'm aware of. So please start doing that. Look to cut things instead of spending more. We don't need a sales tax. We have a but tax liquor tax, marijuana tax. Gas tax. And I think you just passed a short-term rental tax tonight will go into effect. That wasn't Well, that's close. That's my opinion. I think that's what we're working towards. Unfortunately. But I hope it doesn't go through. A seat. What else? Sales tax going through to try and cut. To try and help property owners. In reversing them. It's not going to help them raising attacks makes the city more expensive to live. doesn't make it cheaper. If you raise the sales tax to help your one percent people to get housing back to him. That's going to help may be what couple 100 people then chilly. But yet cost everyone 3%. But that's just math doesn't in Kuwait. Anyone that works and finance knows I mean, anyone that's ever balance the budget poses as well. When you raise the cost of something and makes the city more expensive, not less expensive. So again, I ask you to vote no on this sales tax as it comes up. And Anchorage time to get involved. I mean, there's 75% people that didn't vote in the last Thank you. I wish you all Merry Christmas and happy >> thank you. >> Tonight, welcome. Anyone else Please come for now. Welcome. Please stay them. Apart 100 from you'll have 3 minutes. >> Jaime Lopez ceasing Courage formally coalition for the Homeless. last act at the Improv comedy Tour. So I was deeply disappointed essentially here that penny progress, you it's being postponed indefinitely and November here at the U.S. Mint decide to stop production pennies and then now and December, essentially Mr. Martinez, you are postponing indefinitely correlation. Causation. Okay. So I guess on serious stuff. But I know this point. second forward. where we go from So on Friday, there was emergency special meeting, you know, and what happened was it's time to you essentially the number approval potentially for these 56 to. 200 for emergency. But only 25 putts were approved and somebody asked the question, do 6 for the demand and of course, the argument became and she said, oh, yes, ladies are doing the census with other Know exactly what's going on and were about choked you know, the reality is there are far more people that are out there. And my guess is somebody saw the weather report and with the high winds and the cold temperatures and they thought we have to do something. But it's clearly not enough. And so, you know, back in October, recent on a sort of a give a presentation and they're slowly come to the realization about things that I've known for a long time and have spoken to it. That a dirty number of people having interacted with the system. They're people that have had bad experiences and they've checked out. And so what you here no longer counted by age bias. And then beyond that, there's more. But in general, you know, I asked posed the question, how many do you thinks you're outside? And they said we don't count that you know, look at that point in time count, which was back January 2025. January. 28. That was when the coldest days of winter and were There was a gentleman named Brian Vaughn, especially for Mayor Davis Park. There were 13 people in his 10th going to are counted. And he basically said if there are any number of people across Anchorage that had a similar experience, you don't know the true numbers that are out there. And I agree with him and the reason I agree with them, it's because when I was feeding 3.50, in this town for a period, I can only get certain sections of the town. I couldn't get to others. You physically need enough bodies. People going out there interacting with people on daily basis to know the true numbers that are outside and you're never going to know that when you have law enforcement leading you need the health department and the fire department needs to be proactive engagement and the people to show up to care to know people to build a trusting relationships. It's not going to happen when the TPD leading the way. Right? Start que. >> Anyone else wish to be heard. Please come for now. Not seeing anyone could move to member comments. We'll start with Mister President. Thanks, everyone for great meeting. Have a wonderful holiday season and see on the other side of the year. that same something. Merry Christmas. Happy New Year. Everyone have a wonderful happy all of the season. >> Mrs, thank Chair. >> so comments and they'll do end of Merry Christmas. So >> I appreciated some of the discussion we had earlier today regarding public transit. I think folks on this by, you know, that I am a avid supporter of public transit and don't ride as often as I would love to. I dug into the 2026 but a little bit. And while it is accurate to state that the public transit department's budget is 33 million dollars if you look further into the detail, 30 million of those 33 million is mostly federal grants with some state that's grant Stern. And there. So its roughly 3 million of property tax dollars, which was Senate debate that we're having. So if you look at the list of 28 departments, if you take out debt and depreciation which is included in that list, it ranks roughly 17th or 18th out of 28. So just want to make sure that was on the Otherwise I wish everyone a merry Christmas. And the source. >> Merry Christmas. Happy New Year and we'll see you all back up. You're on the dice and months. vote. >> Yeah. Thank you. I for one. Can't wait to be back up on the with you all echo the happy holidays. Rob. >> I will say happy solstice because now and so that particular and also. >> Just reminder on Friday is the state of the beginning of the meeting, the winter solstice festival. And it's really one of the best things I think you can do >> in the winter in Anchorage because you everybody in the community out having fun, even though it's really cold. So hope to see their thanks. The structure. >> Yeah, Merry Christmas and Happy Festivus. Everybody. And that kind of a night this bill today. >> I really hope everybody takes advantage of this break and and we really joyful restful. Hopeful holiday season. In whatever way you and your loved ones celebrate and really grateful to work with Thanks. Mr. Martinez. >> Thank you, chair. I want to begin with word of appreciation and gratitude to the mayor. When you got elected, I asked you directly in my district if you would not pursue 1000 person tent and if you would pursue pathways of dignity, bringing down a footprint where people can find a way forward. I was with you on the coldest bitter morning of the of the year so far with the ribbon cutting for 32 units of a treatment facility right there in the custom of my district. The neighbors are appreciative that this is the direction we're headed. I wanted to give you kudos. Congratulations and thank you for keeping your word there. That is a gift to my district is that it is a gift for public. Additionally, I wanted to make sure we have on We have on the record share. Yes, and courage does have a spending problem. I spoke to a person that that remembered that Anchorage. We're spending like drunken sailors in the 80's and in the 90's. And when they spent to expand with other people's money, you know what you get? You have the liability to pay for those things that other people paid for when you're the public, when you're the government. So I love for us to really look very deeply about the spatial mismatch and began to are 2025 1.59, as a way to help us navigate shared and collective language forward. And on last note, Merry Christmas. Happy Kwanzaa for all those folks who are celebrating that as we get forward. Happy 3 Kings Day because we won't be here for the New Year's as well. And thank you. Chair a privilege to serve with the members of this body as we make tough decisions with imperfect tools, we try to best we can. Thank you. Thank you. Mister McCormack, Merry Christmas. Thank you, Mr. Myers in the effort I Merry >> I miss about out Madam Mayor, any last words for the year? Thanks to all of you. Appreciate the hard work and the collaboration. And I hope that you all enjoy a break. >> And for my part, I am a little bit sad that we didn't us probably singing. And that we had for the last few years. But probably for the time that we have, it's better thanks to our team's the assembly, the clerks Office, the Ombudsman, our council. Thank you to the municipal Department of Law, the mayor's office and our partnership and the hard work that it takes to deliver sound government in these challenging times to all of the snow plow drivers to our friends in the police department, our friends in the fire department to our friends who are in the schools. All of you. Thank you very much. Christmas, happy Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. However, you celebrate Happy New Year.