CITY OF CRAIG COUNCILMEETING APRIL 4,2024  ROLL CALL  Mayor Kasey Smith called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm. Present were Shauna Thomas, Josh Bennett, Hannah Bazinet, Millie Schoonover, and Chanel McKinley. Mike Kampnich was  present telephonically. CONSENT AGENDA  Meeting.minutes. ofJune. 15,2023 MeetingminutesorMarch28.2024  Ordinance769.Mike: Stewart and. Melanie Bergaron Leasel D-1&D-2  MCKINLEY/THOMAS  Motion to adopt the consent agenda. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY  REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICIALS  Mayor Smith commented on his recent meeting with the CTA and signed a memorandum of Brian Templin, Administrator, submitted a written report. Brian shared that the Administrator Assistant put inl her resignation and a candidate for the City Planner position will be visiting Craig on May 2nd and 3rd. Brian reminded the council oft the City Council and School Board workshop on April 11"at 6:00 pm. Brian reported that Gretchen nominated Victoria Merritt for an award through the Alaska After School Network and is being recognized as an "outstanding individual who acts as an afterschool super heroi in the lives of the youth" and requested council approval to  understanding.  send Victoria to. Anchorage to receive the award. Kimber Mikulecky, Treasurer, submitted a written report. commented that she will be absent for the next council meeting.  Mary Salazar, City Clerk, submitted a written report. Council member, Millie Schoonover, Venessa Ritcher-Russel, Fire/EMS Coordinator, gave an oral report. Venessa stated shei is currently working on an Emergency Planning Grant, a couple of the EMT's are attending training in Ketchikan, and they havel brought on another volunteer EMT. Venessa shared that there is an Hans Hjort, Harbormaster, gave an oral report. Hans shared that thel boat yard has been busy, the icel house is full, and a soft start for the ice compressor has been installed. Hans shared that there were. leaks in North and South Cove, but they were both repaired. Brian Templin commented that RJI Ely, Police Chief, submitted a written report. Chief Ely shared that a new officer has been  ammonia training at City Hall on April 9th-11"h.  Hans saved the city $30-40,000 by repairing the EMS air compressor.  hired, and he willl be starting on April 29t.    Oliver Lewis, Public Works/Parks & Public Facilities, submitted a written report. Oliver shared that Doug Ward: is back at thel Parks & Public Facilities department. Doug and Hans are planning Gretchen Klein, Recreation, submitted a written report. Council member, Shauna Thomas, commented that the Recreation department did a great job with thel Easter Carnival. Stephanie Merritt, Library, submitted: a written report. Stephanie shared that shei is collaborating with Spruce Root tol host financial wellness workshops starting in October.  on repairing the cannery point grass.  READING OF CORRESPONDENCE AssssheMoklste PFAS. Awareness NEW BUSINESS  Health Insurance Discussion- Brian Templin addressed workload concerns regarding the City Planner position, proposing that making the Administrative Assistant position full-time could alleviate thei issue. He explained that the Administrative Assistant would still be responsible for HR duties, and they would assist the City Planner with grant administration. Brian suggested that discontinuing health insurance for elected officials could fund the full-time position with minimal Council Member Mike Kampnich noted that the council may have already decided to remove health insurance for elected officials. Council Member Millie Schoonover advocated for keeping Council Member. Josh Bennett inquired about thej possibility of elected officials waiving their Council Member Chanel McKinley supported eliminating health insurance for council members. She also asked about maternity leave policies for city employees. Brian clarified that while the city does not offer maternity leave, employees can use vacation days, sick leave, or have their  budget deficit.  health insurance as an option. stipend in exchange for health insurance.  position saved for 12 weeks unpaid.  MCKINLEY/THOMAS  Motion to write ai resolution tol have health insurance for elected officials taken offt the PASSED BY ROLLCALL VOTE (4-2)  budget  Army. Corps. Chris) Piburn) Project South Cove- Council Member. Josh Bennett asked] how far back the structure is from the rock wall and Chris Piburn replied however far back the engineer decides. Council Member Mike] Kampnich asked ifthey willl be using a fabric behind the wall  that will prevent erosion and Chris said yes.  BAZINETMCKINLEY  Motion to direct stafft to submit comments to the US Army Corps of Engineers as is MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY    Sales. Taxs Survey- Brian Templin presented a draft survey, noting that thes school board requested to include as statement from them. Hel highlighted the potential fora a sales tax increase in October, with the option to decrease it later ifi improvements to the BSA are: made by the legislature. Clinton E. Cook Sr., President of Craig Tribal Association, suggested that lodges out Port Saint Nicholas and Waterfall Lodge should pay sales tax. Brian explained that this would be feasible Council Member Chanel McKinley proposed adding a question about senior sales tax exemptions. Mayor Kasey Smith expressed support for the sales tax increase not affecting elders and suggested closing the survey before summer to exclude seasonal residents. Council Member Mike Kampnich suggested removing the highest tax rates from the survey to avoid public backlash and raised concerns about a seasonal tax's impact on business owners. Mayor Smith emphasized the necessity of action to support schools and retain their staff. Council Member Josh Bennett stressed transparency in communicating the work of the school board and The council instructed stafft to proceed with the survey, incorporating the suggested question.  through borough formation, which could take 3-5 years.  budget committee, and how city contributions can assist schools.  Senior Property. Tax Exemplion.Application  MCKINLEY/BENNETT  Motion to accept Mr. Demmert's late application MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY Motion to approve the contract with Western. Dock and Bridge for an amount to not exceed $42,000.00 as well as move $42,000 from the North Cove ramp project to cover this expense PASSED BY ROLL CALL VOTE (6-0)  PileI Driving. Contract BAZINET/THOMAS  COUNCIL COMMENTS  Council Member Hannah Bazinet requested USB C chargers for the council iPads at their seats. She also requested a discussion for annexation/borough formation to be on a future meeting Council Member Josh Bennett requested to see pricing information for paving to connect Beach  agenda.  Road and Main Street.  ADJOURNMENT BAZINET/THOMAS  A motion was made to adjourn the meeting at 7:57 pm.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY  Maryfafnzwy  KASEY  MARY SALAZAR CITY CLERK  1 MAYOR, CITY OF CRAIG