CITY OFCRAIG MARCH 6, 2024  SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES  ROLLCALL  Mayor Kasey Smith called the meeting to order at 1:04 pm. Present were Shauna Thomas, Josh Bennett, Michael Kampnich, and Millie Schoonover. Excused were Hannah Bazinet and Chanel  McKinley.  Staff Present: Brian Templin, Administrator; Mary Salazar, City Clerk. Audience Present: Venessa Ritcher-Russell, Island Daycare Operator.  UNFINISHED BUSINESS start.otoperations.  Open Discussion with Island Daycare regarding. status of daycare. liçensing process. and. expected Shauna Thomas raised questions regarding the daycare's licensing progress with the state and the status ofbuilding maintenance handled by Public Works. Venessa Ritcher-Russel provided updates, mentioning the appointment ofa daycare facility Administrator and ongoing paperwork submission to the state. Shel highlighted the state's requirement of12 credits in] Early Childhood Development for administrators and the appointment ofal backup Administrator. Delays were attributed to background checks, which cannot be conducted locally. Venessa noted the receipt of updated paperwork from the state duet to aj previous application being returned. Venessa stated Josh Bennett inquired about thei installation oft the playground, to which Venessa confirmed that Public Works willl handle it. Josh further asked about the education requirements for Administrators, with Venessa explaining that they must obtain education through an accredited college, noting that state does not have courses available for free. Lastly, Josh sought confirmation on the projected opening date in August, which Venessa affirmed. Brian Templin highlighted the state's 90-day processing timeline for completed applications, excluding assessments by DEC or the Fire Marshal. He noted the necessity ofa site visit by state authorities and mentioned that all state applications are now routed through. Anchorage, as there is no longer a licensing facility in. Juneau. Brian also addressed confusion surrounding Administrator qualifications, noting that Venessa did not meet the requirements. Venessa mentioned that Maggie Gore meets the qualifications, although the state's confirmation is pending. Furthermore, she explained the need for al backup Administrator and thej potential requirement for a variance due to a shortage of qualified: individuals on thei island, with the expectation of demonstrating progress toward: meeting qualifications to the state. Josh inquired about the completion of maintenance by Public Works on the building, prompting Venessa to confirm she would seek clarification from Oliver. Josh then asked about outreach to thel Fire Marshal, to which Venessa clarified that she wouldn't handle it personally, but rather, the state would facilitate that process. Additionally, Josh sought information on Venessa's winter hours, to which she responded 7:30 am to 5:00 pm. She also noted that her backup Administrator, based in Craig, would ber readily available to address emergencies at the daycare facility.  they have a playground that willl be paid for and delivered soon.    Kasey Smith inquired about thej possibility of advertising job positions for the daycare. Venessa responded that they would not proceed with advertising until the facility is licensed and they have Josh inquired whether the playground installation would impede the opening process. Venessa clarified that thej playground will be installed well in advance oft the application approval, Mike Kampnich expressed frustration with the state, highlighting significant delays in various Venessa clarified to the council that there has been public confusion regarding the rapid operation ofAt toZ Z Childcare in] Klawock. She explained that since. A to Z Childcare operates as al home daycare provider, they are subject to different regulatory requirements compared to ai facility. Millie Schoonover raised a question regarding thet toilets. Venessa clarified that since the building is city-owned, the responsibility for ordering new toilets and managing plumbing falls under the  determined the number of children/infants who will be attending. indicating that it would not pose al hindrance to the opening timeline.  matters..  city'sjurisdiction. ADJOURNMENT SCHOONOVER/KAMPNICH  A1 motion was made and seconded to adjourn the meeting at 1:30 pm.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY  Maryfufnzn MARY SALAZAR CITY CLERK  KASEY   MAYOR, CITY OF CRAIG