CITY OF CRAIG CITYCOUNTIL MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY22, 2024 ROLL CALL Mayor Kasey Smith called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm. Present were Hannah Bazinet, Shauna Thomas, Josh Bennett, Michael Kampnich, Chanel McKinley, and Millie Schoonover. Staff Present werel Brian Templin, Administrator; Mary Salazar, City Clerk; Kimber Mikulecky, Finance Director; and Samantha Wilson, Planner. Meeting. Minutes February. 2.2024 CONSENT AGENDA SCHOONOVER/BAZINET HEARING FROM THE PUBLIC Motion to adopt the consent agenda MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY Loni Bennett expressed her support fort the CTA's land sale application. Mrs. Bennett highlighted the importance ofreclaiming ancestral land fori indigenous communities, expressing concern over the gradual loss ofc cultural identity among younger generations. She emphasized that the aim is not to diminish thei integrity oft the community but rather to contribute to it, providing a sense of pride and purpose for future generations. Mrs. Bennett expressed the potential benefits for both the people and the community. She also criticized the recent zoning and planning meeting for causing division rather than unity, advocating for collaboration to address both the need forar new library and thel land sale. Mrs. Bennett closed with a quote from ai former Mayor, underlining the necessity of utilizing land as a valuable resource for the community's benefit. Rob Yates expressed his support for the CTA's land sale application, highlighting the historical significance of Haida sites in Craig. He described three specific locations: Cannery Point, Fish Egg Island, and thel lagoon. Remnants such as petroglyphs and gardens still exist in Craig from the Haida people. Mr. Yates recounted how his family's land was taken by the US Forest Service in 1913, leading to a history of colonization, displacement, and marginalization fori indigenous communities. He emphasized the importance ofr reclaiming this land, expressing a willingness to fight fori iti ifnecessary, and stressed that the presence ofal Haida longhouse would benefit Craig Mayor Smith clarified that at thej planning commission meeting, there was no opposition voiced against thei idea ofal longhouse. The discussion was evenly split between those in favor oft the land sale and those proposing leasing the land. Mayor Smith expressed satisfaction with the Ed Douville, on behalf of Shaan Seet Inc., voiced strong support for the CTA land sale application, noting that he had previously submitted al letter outlining thel benefits to the council. He emphasized thej positive impact the sale would have on the community. Mike. Jones, Kassan Tribal President, expressed his support for thel land sale application on behalf without causing division. overall conduct and outcome oft the meeting. ofhis Haida village. Clinton Cook Sr, Craig Tribal Association President, addressed a lawsuit facing Southeast Alaska concerning the endangered status of] king salmon, expressing thet tribe's priority to overturn it and emphasizing their commitment to protecting resources. President Cook inquired about the city's stance on opposing the Ketchikan rural status application, expressing concerns about thei impact on resources on Prince of Wales Island. President Cook also discussed comments made at a planning and zoning meeting regarding the CTA's land sale application, addressing concerns about the lot size and clarifying the city's lack of development of Cannery Point. President Cook highlighted the importance of cultural preservation, stating that the CTA makes choices that are best suited for the community and ensures there would be public access to land similar to their Mayor Smith clarified his previous remarks regarding the size oft thel lot in the CTA land purchase application, indicating that the requested size might necessitate additional time for thej planning Councilwoman Chanel McKinley clarified her comments made during the planning commission meeting. She expressed a concern about whether the carving shed would follow ai native preference like the cultural classes held at the CTA, or ifit would be open to everyone. Additionally, she addressed comments implying that nothing has been done with Cannery Point, emphasizing the efforts oft the planning commission who have dedicated time to discussing the June Durgan expressed support for the land sale both as a tribal member and as a lifelong resident Fred! Hamilton Jr. expressed his support for the land sale, emphasizing its significant community benefits and inclusive nature. Hel highlighted the project as a substantial opportunity for community development and emphasized its potential to positively impact all members oft the John Bolling emphasized the significant value and potential oft the cannery property. He encouraged the council to maintain an updated development plan and to consider al lease-only approach fort the land. Mr. Bolling advocated: for the city to retain ownership of thej property. Rob Yates emphasized the importance of! having a sacred Haida longhouse on land owned by the triber rather than leased. He expressed concern that leasing the land would diminish the sacred significance of thel longhouse. Mr. Yates also raised concerns about the consequences if the city Tim O'Connor expressed support for leasing the land, highlighting thej potential tax benefits compared to selling it to the tribe. He noted that a concept drawing from three years ago included as space for a longhouse. Tim urged the council to consider putting the matter on the next ballot tribal hall. commission due to the need to run utilities in the area. topic. ofCraig. community. were to terminate thel lease agreement. for public vote. President Cook acknowledged that thet tribe's efforts to obtain land in trust in Craig had caused some division between the city and the tribe. He expressed pride inl having a tribe within the community capable of achieving this. President Cook highlighted the recognition from the BIA among 230 tribes in Alaska for their efforts. President Cook agreed with Mr. Yates regarding the potential forl leases tol bet terminated. He emphasized the significance oft tax contributions fromi the Councilwoman Millie Schoonover emphasized that leasing the land is not viable for the tribe, as ownership is necessary to access grants and funding for a longhouse. Councilwoman Schoonover clarified that cultural classes are only restricted to tribal members when federally funded through grants, highlighting that the CTA previously hosted a cultural camp open to thej public. Wendy Hamilton voiced support for the land sale, emphasizing thei importance ofhaving ai native longhouse on native-owned land: rather than city-leased land. She highlighted the potential fort the Felicia Dupea expressed support for the land sale, noting al lack ofa activities for children in the community. Shej proposed utilizing the carving shed toj provide children with activities and Council member Mike Kampnich highlighted the rarity of proposals for the land over the 18 years ofo city ownership, stating that the current land sale application from the CTA is the first suggestion he deems worthy of consideration. Council member Kampnich stated the application fits thel land and it is fitting for our community. He commended thej planning commission for their careful consideration, emphasizing thei importance of patience in waiting for thei right project to emerge over the 18 years of city ownership. He stated that therel has been an indigenous presence on this tribe, noting the importance of what taxes do for the City of Craig. salet to boost tourism in the area. aiming to support their mental health. island for as long as the herring have been spawning on Fish Egg Island. READING OF CORRESPONDENCE Catholic Community Service Letter Southeast Senior Services Letter 2Tongass. Plan. Revision: Invitation. for Engagement: Mike Kampnich stated we should bej paying attention to this plan. Mayor Smith stated this planl hasn't been updated since 1997. Game. Day. T-Shirt Project. for. Craig. High. School-. The council directed staff to purchase a USDA. and. SEARHC. Prescription Produce Program-. The council directed staff to send a letter of sponsorship for a sleeve spot. support. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES Ordinance: 76/.Adpionorieky2023Supplmenal Operating. Budget MCKNLEYSCHOONOVER SCHOONOVER/BAZINET KAMPNICH/BAZINET Motion to adopt Ordinance 767 MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY Motion to adopt Ordinance 768 MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY Motion to amend Section 3, effective date. This Ordinance shall be effective upon completion of report from the Craig Planning Commission as to development scenarios for the property as a whole with specific consideration for the proposed sale or lease ofj property identified by the Craig Tribal Association as a site for establishment ofal longhouse, carving shed, and museum. Reports should be submitted by July Ordinance.7 768.CTA) Land Purchase Application 31,2024. NOTE PASSED (2-4) "lease." BENNETTBAZINET Motion to amend the Ordinance to remove MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY NEWI BUSINESS MOU/Agreement Between the City.ofCraig and the Craig. Tribal Association- The council directed stafft to draft al MOU and send it to the Craig Tribal Association. Budget Committee Selection FY2025- The council selected Josh Bennett, Shauna Thomas, Millie Schoonover, and Mikel Kampnich tol be on the budget committee. Appropriation. ofGeneral Funds. for Fiscal Year 2022. & Fiscal Year 2023. Audits MCKINLEY/THOMAS Motion to appropriate $70,000 from the General Fund to complete the fiscal year 2022 and 2023 audits. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY Craig) Medical Director MCKINLEY/BAZINET Motion to accept Dr. Joseph Livengood as the Craig Medical Director. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY Executive Session: City. Administrator. Evaluation BENNETT/THOMAS KAMPNICH/BAZINET Motion to move to executive session. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY Motion to move back into session. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY Motion to amend the Craig City Administrator MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY Amendment to. City Administrator. Employment. Agreement BENNETT/BAZINET COUNCIL COMMENTS of the daycare. contract. Shauna Thomas formally requested a meeting with Venessa Richter-Russel to discuss the status Shauna inquired about Addam Parsons' status, referencing Chief Ely's report stating that Addam did not complete thel Police Academy. Brian Templin clarified that Addam is still allowed to work for thel Police Department and hei is planning on attending the academy again in August. Shauna raised a question regarding the fees for the swim club. Brian clarified that while the fees Shauna thanked staff fort their efforts in getting the council meeting streamed on YouTube again. Mike Kampnich expressed satisfaction with the proactive approach oft the staffi ini reminding Josh Bennett suggested that thel Public Works department should wear high visibility clothing or Chanel McKinley offered to donate a vintage fire truck located on her late father's property to the Millie Schoonover commented that the council chamber needs new chairs, and they are very are not waived, there is an agreement in place for a discount. individuals to pay sales tax. vests to enhance their safety. city, if they are interested in accepting it. uncomfortable. ADJOURNMENT MCKINLEY/KAMPNICH An motion was made to adjourn thei meeting at 10:30 pm. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY Marysufnzwy MARY: SALAZAR CITY CLERK Ky KASEY SMTH MAYOR, CITY OF CRAIG