https://juneau.zoom.us/j/91515424903 or 1-253-215-8782 Webinar ID: 915 1542 4903
Submitted By:
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Katie Koester, City Manager
We would like to acknowledge that the City and Borough of Juneau is on Tlingit land and wish to honor the indigenous people of this land. For more than ten thousand years, Alaska Native people have been and continue to be integral to the well-being of our community. We are grateful to be in this place, a part of this community, and to honor the culture, traditions, and resilience of the Tlingit people. Gunalchéesh!
Public Request for Consent Agenda Changes, Other than Ordinances for Introduction
Assembly Request for Consent Agenda Changes
Assembly Action
This ordinance would appropriate $2,809,082 for the State of Alaska’s FY2024 3.10% PERS benefit rate paid on-behalf of the CBJ and BRH, distributed as follows:
Bartlett Regional Hospital $1,483,217
City & Borough of Juneau $1,325,865
Funding is provided by the Alaska Department of Administration, authorized by passage of HB39 during the 2024 legislative session.
This is a housekeeping ordinance to properly account for these on-behalf contributions to the state-managed retirement fund and has no impact on the CBJ or BRH’s finances.
The City Manager recommends this ordinance be introduced and set for public hearing at the next Assembly meeting.
This ordinance would appropriate $500,000 of general funds for the Rainforest Recovery Center (RRC) at Bartlett Regional Hospital (BRH). This one-time funding will contribute toward RRC’s operational deficit in the current fiscal year and ensure BRH can continue providing these services through June 30, 2025. BRH is actively working to transition services historically provided by RRC to Gastineau Human Services effective in FY26.
The Bartlett Regional Hospital Board of Directors reviewed this request at the June 25, 2024 and July 23, 2024 meetings. The Committee of the Whole reviewed this request at the July 15, 2024 meeting. The Assembly Finance Committee reviewed this request at the September 4, 2024 meeting.
The City Manager recommends this ordinance be introduced and set for public hearing at the next Assembly meeting.
This ordinance would appropriate $200,000 for home health and hospice services provided by Bartlett Regional Hospital (BRH). This funding will contribute to these programs’ operational deficits in the current fiscal year and ensure BRH can continue providing these services through June 30, 2025. The total anticipated current fiscal year operational deficit totals approximately $386,000, which will be funded by $200,000 of general funds and $186,000 of hospital funds. The BRH funding portion was already appropriated in their FY25 budget.
The Assembly Finance Committee reviewed this request at the September 4, 2024 meeting. The Bartlett Regional Hospital Board of Directors reviewed this request at the June 25, 2024 and July 23, 2024 meetings.
The City Manager recommends this ordinance be introduced and set for public hearing at the next Assembly meeting.
This ordinance would appropriate $240,000 to the Transit Fare Technology CIP. The funds would be used for the purchase and installation of Automated Passenger Counters (APCs). The APCs will improve the accuracy of ridership reports, provide detailed data on passenger boarding and alighting locations, and enable data-drive decision-making for route planning and optimization. The local match requirement of $60,000 will be met through funds transferred in FY25 Transfer Request T-2503 from the Electronic Fare Boxes CIP. This project’s work has been abandoned with minimal costs incurred, and the project is ready to be closed.
The Public Works and Facilities Committee reviewed this at the August 05, 2024 meeting.
The City Manager recommends this ordinance be introduced and set for public hearing at the next Assembly meeting.
This ordinance would appropriate $8.9 million of hospital funds for the Emergency Department Addition Capital Improvement Project. This appropriation is required to move the project forward to meet the desired spring 2025 construction start date. This funding is considered restricted until a Certificate of Need (CON) is obtained from the Alaska Department of Health, which is a requirement for renovation and new construction projects expected to exceed $1.5 million. A determination by the Alaska Department of Health on the CON is expected within the next month. Funding is provided by Hospital Funds.
The Hospital Board approved this request at the July 23, 2024 meeting. The Public Works and Facilities Committee reviewed this request at the August 5, 2024 meeting. The Assembly Finance Committee reviewed this request at the September 4, 2024 meeting.
The City Manager recommends this ordinance be introduced and set for public hearing at the next regular Assembly meeting.
This ordinance would deappropriate up to $505,000 of General funds previously appropriated under Emergency Resolution 3072 and appropriate up to $505,000 of Restricted Budget Reserve funds for the August 2024 Glacier Outburst Flood Response. The requested change in funding source only applies to the portion of the appropriation under Emergency Resolution 3072 that is considered reimbursable from State or Federal sources, which includes $150,000 for debris and waste removal and $355,000 for stormwater system repairs. The Restricted Budget Reserve will be repaid upon reimbursement from State or Federal sources.
The Assembly Finance Committee reviewed this request at the September 4, 2024 meeting.
The City Manager recommends this ordinance be introduced and set for public hearing at the next Assembly meeting.
This ordinance would appropriate $911,897 of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grant funds and $26,427 in local Airport matching funds to the Airport Master Plan CIP. The remaining required local match of $34,367 is met with previously appropriated sales tax funds in the Airport Master Plan CIP. This appropriation would provide for plan updates for air traffic, cargo, and passenger data and forecasts; changes to proposed aircraft servicing the airport; and layout plans for future expansion of runway, taxiway, and approach corridors.
The Public Works and Facilities Commission reviewed this at the February 26, 2024 meeting. The Airport Board reviewed this request at the September 12, 2024 meeting.
The City Manager recommends this ordinance be introduced and set for public hearing at the next Assembly meeting.
This ordinance would appropriate $3,000,000 as local matching funds for a United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) glacier outburst flooding investigation study. In August 2024, the Mendenhall Vally was flooded by a glacier outburst flood caused by Suicide Basin. The 2024 flood levels exceeded previous flooding events, damaging over 300 residences in the area. This funding would contribute toward a study with the USACE to determine flood mitigation solutions when the Suicide Basin ice dam releases water in the future.
The Committee of the Whole reviewed this request at the September 9, 2024 meeting.
The City Manager recommends this ordinance be introduced and set for public hearing at the Special Assembly meeting scheduled for September 23.
This ordinance would appropriate $100,000 of general funds for expanded inundation maps and hydrological modeling of the Mendenhall River. In August 2024, the Mendenhall Vally was flooded by a glacier outburst flood caused by Suicide Basin. The 2024 flood levels exceeded previous flooding events, damaging over 300 residences in the area. This funding would contribute toward detailed mapping and hydrological modeling of the Mendenhall River to determine potential flood impacts in the future, with data collected to be used for mitigation solutions.
The Committee of the Whole reviewed this request at the September 9, 2024 meeting.
The City Manager recommends this ordinance be introduced and set for public hearing at the Special Assembly meeting scheduled for September 23.
At the Regular Planning Commission meeting on June 25, 2024, the Commission voted to recommend approval of a rezone of 1.96 acres from D1(T)D3 to D3 on Glacier Highway west of Auke Bay (12400 & 12410 Glacier Highway). This is an expansion of the D3 zoning district directly south across Glacier Highway. Transition zones are intended for higher density development after public water and sewer have been provided in accordance with CBJC 49.70.700(a). These properties have public water, but not public sewer. The Commission determined that the upzone is in character with parcels in the area that are of comparable size and use that are zoned D3. If zoned D3, these properties could not be subdivided under current code (CBJC 49.35.210(b)(3). However given the D3 dimensional standards, the properties could accommodate two single-family dwelling units.
The Lands, Housing and Economic Development Committee reviewed this ordinance at its meeting on September 9, 2024.
The City Manager recommends this ordinance be introduced and set for public hearing at the next Assembly meeting.
$50,000 was appropriated in FY18 via Resolution 2791(d) for the Hut to Hut Capital Improvement Project. This project’s scope of work has been abandoned with no costs incurred, and the project is ready to be closed. This resolution would deappropriate these funds back to the Sales Tax Fund.
The Assembly Finance Committee reviewed this request at the September 4, 2024 meeting.
The City Manager recommends the Assembly adopt this resolution.
$25,000 was transferred in FY24 via Transfer Request T-1081 to the Airport Runway Safety Area Shoulder Grading Capital Improvement Project. Airport revolving funds were temporarily transferred to this project as local grant match to cover initial project costs, but are now being replaced with Passenger Facility Charge (PFC) fees via Ordinance 2024-01(b)(E), which is typical for PFC collections that are appropriated upon receipt. This resolution would deappropriate funds back to Airport fund balance in a Capital Improvement Project reserve.
The Airport Board reviewed this request at the August 8, 2024 meeting.
The City Manager recommends the Assembly adopt this resolution.
Each year, the City and Borough of Juneau is eligible to sponsor a local project for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) facilitated through the State of Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development (DCEED). CDBG competitive grants are single-purpose project grants with a maximum of $850,000 per community.
Project ideas for the CDBG program were solicited from the general public. This year one proposal was received from the Douglas Indian Association to use CDBG funds to construct a new cultural historic education and language preservation center for Elders, Families and Youth.
The Assembly Lands Housing and Economic Development Committee reviewed the proposal at the meeting on September 9, 2024, and made a recommendation to the Assembly to support the Douglas Indian Association application for the CDBG grant.
Printed grant applications, with original signatures must be received in Fairbanks by 4:30 p.m. December 6, 2024.
The City Manager recommends the Assembly adopt this resolution.
This request would transfer $600,000 of Sales Tax funds and General funds from the Sports Field Repairs CIP, Treadwell Arena Roof Replacement CIP, and Sports Field Resurfacing and Repairs CIP to the Dimond Park Fieldhouse Riverbank Armoring CIP. This funding would contribute to riverbank stabilization and armoring after significant erosion occurred during the 2024 glacial outburst flood. During the flooding event, 40 feet of riverbank was scoured away, leaving the riverbank within 50 feet of the building. If the riverbank is not stabilized and armored, the remaining riverbank would most likely be compromised during the next flooding event. The Sport Field CIP and Treadwell Arena Roof Replacement CIP are ready to be closed and do not require the remaining funds. The Sports Field Resurfacing and Repairs CIP will retain sufficient funding for current project work. Once the riverbank armoring is complete, any remaining funds would be returned to the Sports Field Repair and Resurfacing CIP.
The Public Works and Facilities Committee reviewed this request at the September 9, 2024 meeting.
The City Manager recommends approval of this transfer.
This request would transfer $152,876 from the Electronic Fare Boxes CIP to the Transit Fare Technology CIP. $60,000 of this funding would fulfill the required local match for the Fare Technology grant that is introduced as Ordinance 2024-01(b)(H) at tonight’s Assembly meeting. The remaining funds will be used for future transit fare technology projects. The scope of work under the Electronic Fare Boxes CIP has been abandoned with minimal costs incurred, and the project is ready to be closed.
This transfer of project funding is consistent with the intent of the 2012 1% Sales Tax initiative approved by voters in the October 2, 2012 municipal election
The Public Works and Facilities Committee reviewed this request at the July 15, 2024 meeting.
The City Manager recommends approval of this transfer.
These liquor and marijuana license actions are before the Assembly to either protest or waive its right to protest the license actions.
Liquor License – RENEWAL
Licensee: South of the Bridge LLC d/b/a Louie’s Douglas Inn
License Type: Beverage Dispensary, Liquor License: #3695 Location: 915 3rd St., Douglas
Licensee: Up the Creek, Inc. d/b/a Twisted Fish Company
License Type: Beverage Dispensary, Liquor License: #4842 Location: 550 S. Franklin St., Juneau
Licensee: Tailwind, Inc. d/b/a Hanger on the Wharf
License Type: Beverage Dispensary, Liquor License: #3755 Location: 2 Marine Way Suite 106, Juneau
Licensee: Hospitality Group LLC d/b/a Frontier Suites Hotel
License Type: Beverage Dispensary Tourism, Liquor License: #3824 Location: 9400 Glacier Hwy, Juneau
Licensee: Tailwind JNU LLC d/b/a Tailwind Concessions (at Juneau International Airport)
License Type: Beverage Dispensary Tourism
Liquor License: #5631 Location: 1873 Shell Simmons Dr. Suite 220 AREA B, Juneau
Liquor License: #5649 Location: 1873 Shell Simmons Dr. Suite 220 AREA A, Juneau
Licensee: Gfa Corporation d/b/a Co-Ho Imports
License Type: General Wholesale, Liquor License: #5924 Location: 2092 Jordan Ave. Suite 550, Juneau
Licensee: Triangle Club, Inc. d/b/a Triangle Club
License Type: Beverage Dispensary, Liquor License: #1166 Location: 251 Front St., Juneau
Licensee: Juneau’s Waterfront Restaurants LLC d/b/a Alaskan Brewing Public House
License Type: Beverage Dispensary, Liquor License: #673 Location: 406 S. Franklin St. Suite Retail B & Adjoining Pier, Juneau
Licensee: V’s Grinders LLC d/b/a V’s Cellar Door
License Type: Restaurant Eating Place, Liquor License: #848 Location: 222 Seward St., Juneau
Licensee: The Valley Restaurant LLC d/b/a The Valley Restaurant
License Type: Restaurant/Eating Place, Liquor License: #3049 Location: 9320 Glacier Hwy., Juneau
Marijuana License - NEW
Licensee: The Mason Jar LLC d/b/a The Mason Jar LLC
License Type: Retail Marijuana Store, License: #38398, Location: 5690 Glacier Hwy Unit 19, Juneau
CBJ’s Community Development Department is in communication with The Mason Jar LLC to make sure they are compliant with requirements for receiving a CBJ marijuana business license prior to opening. Staff from Police, Finance, Fire, Public Works (Utilities) and Community Development Departments reviewed the above licenses and recommended the Assembly waive its right to protest these applications. Copies of the documents associated with these licenses are available in hardcopy upon request to the Clerk’s Office.
The City Manager recommends the Assembly waive its right to protest the above-listed liquor and marijuana license actions.
In 2022, the Assembly adopted a No Parking Required Area in downtown Juneau to support residential and commercial development efforts. This ordinance would continue that policy and extend the no parking requirement to the Telephone Hill area for multiple reasons including the following: construction cost of underground parking, availability of an adjacent parking garage, and the walkability of downtown Juneau.
The Assembly Committee of the Whole supported this ordinance on April 15 and August 5, 2024. The Lands Housing and Economic Development Committee supported this ordinance on July 15, 2024.
The Systemic Racism Review Committee reviewed this ordinance at its August 20, 2024 meeting.
The City Manager recommends the Assembly hold public testimony and adopt this ordinance.
This ordinance would appropriate $50,000 of general funds for City and Borough of Juneau communication strategy planning. Upon appropriation of funds, an RFP will be issued seeking a qualified consultant to provide professional Strategic Civic Engagement and Communications planning services.
The Systemic Racism Review Committee (SRRC) reviewed this ordinance at its August 20, 2024 meeting and provided the following comments with respect to Ordinance 2024-04(b)(D): As the city moves forward with the creation of a civic engagement/communications strategy, the SRRC strongly encourages staff and contractors to specifically and clearly include a strategy directed at traditionally marginalized communities in Juneau. The SRRC intends to do its own review of CBJ protocols surrounding outreach to the various marginalized communities about optimizing boards and commission vacancies/involvement.
The Assembly Finance Committee reviewed this request at the September 4, 2024 meeting.
The City Manager recommends the Assembly hold public testimony and adopt this ordinance.
This ordinance would appropriate $574,353 for the design phase of the Runway Safety Area (RSA) Shoulder Grading CIP. This CIP is intended to regrade existing runway areas to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) specifications. Funding for this ordinance is provided by an FAA Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grant in the amount of $422,353, and Passenger Facility Charge (PFC) fees funds in the amount of $125,000. The PFC funds will reimburse amounts that were forward funded from other sources, which is typical for PFC collections that are appropriated upon receipt.
The Public Works and Facilities Committee reviewed this request at the February 26, 2024 meeting. The Airport Board reviewed this request at the August 8, 2024 meeting.
The Systemic Racism Review Committee reviewed this ordinance at its August 20, 2024 meeting.
The City Manager recommends the Assembly hold public testimony and adopt this ordinance.
This ordinance would appropriate $1,007,116 of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grant funds and $10,000 in local Airport matching funds for the Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) Truck Capital Improvement Project. This funding provides for the replacement of a 1993 ARFF truck that was permanently taken out of service last year.
The Public Works and Facilities Committee reviewed this request at the February 26, 2024 meeting. The Airport Board reviewed this request at the August 8, 2024 meeting.
The Systemic Racism Review Committee reviewed this ordinance at its August 20, 2024 meeting.
The City Manager recommends the Assembly hold public testimony and adopt this ordinance.
St. Vincent de Paul’s low-income housing at 345 Gastineau Ave, 1801 Douglas Hwy, 8619 Teal Street and 231 Gastineau Ave do not qualify for CBJ’s low-income housing property tax exemption in 2024 because they did not submit their exemption application timely. As a result, property taxes cannot be exempted for 2024, and must be paid by St. Vincent de Paul. This is an unanticipated financial burden for St. Vincent de Paul. This grant would, in effect, acknowledge the intended low-income housing purpose of the 345 Gastineau Ave, 1801 Douglas Hwy, 8619 Teal Street and 231 Gastineau Ave properties, even though it did not meet the strict legal criteria to be exempted.
The Systemic Racism Review Committee reviewed this ordinance at its August 20, 2024 meeting.
The Assembly Finance Committee reviewed this request at the September 4, 2024 meeting.
The City Manager recommends the Assembly hold public testimony and adopt this ordinance.
There are 13 property owners that have requested the Assembly authorize the Assessor to consider a late-filed exemption for their property assessment.
The Assembly should consider each request separately and determine whether the property owner was unable to comply with the April 30 filing requirement. A.S. 29.45.030(f); CBJC 69.10.021(d). The burden of proof is upon the property owner to show the inability to file a timely exemption request. If the Assembly decides to accept one or more late-filed exemption requests, those applications will be referred to the Assessor for review and action.
The City Manager recommends the Assembly act on each of these applications individually.
TThe Clerk’s Office received a timely filed appeal from Hali Duran regarding the Planning Commission’s decision on PWP 2024-0003 related to a parking waiver request.
In accordance with CBJ 01.50 - Appeal Procedures, the Assembly must decide whether to accept or reject the appeal. If you determine, after liberally construing the notice of appeal in order to preserve the rights of the appellant, that there has been a failure to comply with the appellate rules, or if the notice of appeal does not state grounds upon which any of the relief requested may be granted, you may reject the appeal. If the Assembly rejects the appeal the Assembly may consider returning the filing fee.
If the appeal is accepted, you must decide whether the Assembly will hear the appeal itself or if it will assign the appeal to a hearing officer. If you decide to hear the appeal yourselves, a presiding officer should be appointed. In hearing an appeal, the Assembly would sit in its quasi-judicial capacity and must avoid discussing the case outside of the hearing process. (See CBJ 01.50.230, Impartiality.)
The City Attorney recommends the Assembly reject the appeal as it does not state grounds upon which any of the relief requested may be granted. Ms. Duran has failed to provide information that meets any of the three stated grounds for appeal. Even taking the information provided by Ms. Duran in the light most favorable to her, there are no legal or factual errors presented by Ms. Duran. If the Assembly rejects the appeal, I recommend that the Assembly return Ms. Duran’s filing fee.
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