Daily Sitka Sentinel

April 3, 2020, Community Happenings

City Policy on Utility Bills

Eased During Emergency

To assist residents during the COVID-19 pandemic, the City and Borough of Sitka is enacting temporary policies regarding utility bills.

The municipality is suspending all disconnections for non-payment of utility charges (related to COVID-19 impacts) until further notice.  This is in alignment with Alaska SB 241, which is awaiting the governor’s signature.

Late fees for untimely or partial payment of utility charges (related to COVID-19 impacts) are being waived for two billing cycles beginning immediately.

The city said all utility charges must eventually be paid, and these policies apply only to late fees and disconnections for non-payments that occurred only after the emergency declaration and must be related to COVID-19 impacts.

‘‘No past charges will be forgiven,’’ a city press release said. ‘‘We strongly encourage customers to pay what they are able to pay and to contact our collections manager at 747-1859 if they have any concerns.

Once the emergency ends, the city said, any account that becomes past due during the emergency period will be required to agree to a written repayment plan, to be completed in the finance department.

The city may be able to reduce solid waste disposal fees by arranging smaller trash receptacles for commercial business owners who are temporarily closed.  Those with questions, can call utility customer service at 747-1818.

Climate Connection: 

Cash payments give Americans crucial economic support. COVID-19 is a public health crisis, but it has also rippled out into an economic crisis. The stock market is volatile, businesses are closing their doors, and millions are staying home to limit the spread of the virus. Here in Sitka, most of our stores are closed or restricting customers, the cruise ship season is on hold until at least July and prices are down for commercially caught fish (due to economic disruption). In this community and across America many of us are feeling unprecedented economic pain.

To help, last Friday, our elected leaders passed a bipartisan two trillion dollar stimulus package, the largest aid package in U.S. history, a key element of which is to send money directly to Americans.

“We need cash in the hands of affected families,” said Republican Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR).

 “So many people in this country are worried about what happens when their mortgage/rent/car payments/bills are due,” Democratic Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA-43) posted on Twitter.

 It’s encouraging to see the broad agreement that it helps to put cash in people’s pockets during a crisis, and let them spend it how they see fit. When Congress turns its attention to climate change—another looming crisis—it should not forget this lesson: Direct cash payments are a simple, transparent, and fair way to support Americans when economic winds are shifting.

Climate change demands that we stop emitting the heat trapping greenhouse gases, which are upsetting our planet’s delicate balance. America needs to move from a fossil fuel-based economy to a clean energy economy. That will be a major change, but it should not be an acute crisis like we’re in now.

Here’s how we can ensure a healthy economy while making a gentle transition to a clean energy future. If you’ve been reading this column or noting the letters to the editor on this subject, you’ve already guessed what we’re talking about: carbon fee and dividend! Congress could put a price on carbon pollution, driving our economy away from fossil fuels and toward clean energy sources, and it could rebate that money as an equal cash payment, or “dividend,” to all Americans each month. The bipartisan Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act (HR 763), now before Congress, will do just that.

Cash payments put Americans in the driver’s seat because they are empowered to decide how to spend it: pay bills, buy groceries, save, invest in a more energy-efficient car, spend it at a local business, or anything else. This is especially important for low- and middle-income Americans, who would likely struggle with cost increases as we shift to a clean energy economy.

 It’s clear that money in the hands of Americans helps keep our economy running. That’s why Congress and the President are using that tool in the current crisis. When we’ve dealt with COVID-19, let’s use that same tool to combat climate change.

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This piece has been adapted by Barbara Bingham from an op-ed by Mark Reynolds, Executive Director of the Citizens’ Climate Lobby. Barb is a member of the Sitka chapter of Citizens’ Climate Lobby.

Health Group

Meets on Zoom

The Sitka Health Summit Coalition’s monthly Wooch.een (together in Tlingit) health networking and learning lunch will be noon-1:30 p.m. Friday, April 10, by way of Zoom.

The purpose of the meeting is to spark partnerships and to promote cross sector collaboration, learning, and networking to improve well-being in Sitka, a press release from the organization said.

For information go to sitkahealthsummit.org. If interested in joining the meeting, contact Amanda Roberts at amandar@searhc.org for the Zoom connect information.

State Unveils

COVID-19

Dashboard

Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy, with the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, today unveiled the new Alaska COVID-19 Dashboard in an effort to keep the public informed with the latest data available on the coronavirus disease.

The website address is https://coronavirus-response-alaska-dhss.hub.arcgis.com/.

“Our public health officials are constantly evaluating the flow of information and the best possible route for supplying Alaskans with timely information. The interactive Alaska COVID-19 Dashboard provides the public with the latest data while keeping in mind the confidentiality and sensitivity surrounding each individual case,” Dunleavy said. “I thank my team for standing up this tool so quickly and for their ongoing work as we navigate this pandemic together.”

The Alaska COVID-19 Dashboard is designed to provide the public Alaska-centric data, including geographical data using information provided by local hospitals, commercial labs, and state labs. Additionally, the Dashboard connects Alaskans with federal and community partner websites. The Dashboard will continue to be updated with new information and categories.

“I thank our DHSS data team, epidemiology team, and lab team for helping to make this information-filled dashboard a reality as we continue to provide transparency of all data available,” said Dr. Anne Zink. “We understand this new look may take time to get familiar with and encourage Alaskans to check back in the coming days and weeks as we continue to make updates and changes.”

For the latest information on Alaska’s response to COVID-19, visit http://coronavirus.alaska.gov.

Palm Sunday at

Sitka Lutheran

Sitka Lutheran Church announces Palm Sunday and Holy Week Services. 

Palm Sunday services are at 10:30 a.m. on April 5.

‘‘We are suggesting that people find a beautiful fallen green branch to use as a palm or check out our facebook page to find a pattern to cut out,’’ a press release from the group. ‘‘Get your candles ready for a Maundy Thursday Zoom worship at 5:30 p.m. Good Friday Zoom worship will also be held at 5:30. Out of care for our community all worship services have moved on-line to Facebook and Zoom.

Those who would like an invitation to any of the worship services can send a request to sitkalutheranchurch.com. or call 747-3338.

‘Share More’

Stories Sought

By Youth Panel

Sitka Youth Leadership Committee last year launched the “Share More” campaign to invite members of the community to share vulnerable stories and experiences.

Traditionally, the group has accepted any type of story; however, it is now encouraging stories that share personal experiences with the effects of COVID-19 and how people are coping with the current way of living.

‘‘We believe that now, more than ever, we need to focus on personal connection and sharing more to help our communities stay linked,’’ the SYLC said.

Anyone can submit a postcard with any combination of words, collaging, or art that conveys the story they want to tell. Submissions should be sent to @sylc2009 on Facebook, @sylcleaders on Instagram, or emailed to sylcintern@gmail.com and will then be shared anonymously via SYLC social media.

The group offered the following prompts to help with writer’s block:

–What are you doing to stay positive?

–What gives you hope about the future?

–How are you taking care of yourself? Your family?

–How does the current situation make you feel?

–How has your life changed in the past few weeks?

Applications

Sought for Grant

The Juneau Community Foundation’s Douglas-Dornan Foundation Fund is accepting applications for funding support from April 1 through June 1. The fund offers grants to organizations that benefit and enhance the health, education and welfare of individuals in Southeast Alaska.

Examples of possible foundation financial support include, but are not limited to: 

–Charitable organizations, foundations or other non-profit 501(c) (3) organizations, or child care institutions, foster parent programs and early childhood education programs in Southeast Alaska.

–Individuals, within organizations, who are pursuing special training/education in any field of professional endeavor, for use in defraying costs for tuition, transportation or lodging expenses related to attendance at professional conferences, training or educational programs.

–Events or special services that enhance the overall quality of life, such as through amateur sports organizations or children’s music and theatre activities, and encourage participation through sponsorship of programs and events open to all individuals.

Applications will be evaluated based on the quality of program to be supported or attended, reasonableness and accuracy of proposed budget, background and experience of applicant, support from other sources, and appropriateness to the objectives of the fund.

To find out more about the grant opportunity or to get an application form  visit www.juneaucf.org or contact Paul D. Douglas, Advisor, 3014 Foster Ave., Juneau, Alaska 99801, Phone (907) 463-3042. Completed applications must be mailed to Paul Douglas and postmarked no later than June 1.

Sign-Up Starts For

Path to Prosperity

Business Event

The 2020 Path to Prosperity Competition, which aims to identify and support innovative Southeast Alaskan businesses, is focused on supporting minority-led businesses. Applications for its eighth competition cycle are being accepted.

Twelve applicants will be selected as finalists to advance to the second round and receive a trip to Juneau to attend Business Boot Camp. They will also receive one-on-one mentorship and consulting that they can use to help write their business plans and grow their businesses after Boot Camp. Two winners will be selected from the pool of finalists to win $25,000 each to start or grow their businesses. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced changes for businesses throughout the nation.

“Applications are open as usual beginning April 1, but other aspects of the competition will adapt with the changing health and economic environments of today,” said Program Manager Ashley Snookes. ‘‘Instead of conducting in-person community visits, Spruce Root will be working virtually with community catalysts and leaders to encourage entrepreneurs to apply. As Business Boot Camp in September nears, Spruce Root will hold Boot Camp in person only if it’s safe to do so.’’

The timeline for the Path to Prosperity Competition: April 1,  Applications Open; May 31, Applications Due at 11:59 p.m.; July 1, Finalists Announced; Sept. 18-20, Business Boot Camp in Juneau; Dec. 7, Round 2 Business Plans Due; February 2021, Winners Announced.

To learn more visit https://www.spruceroot.org/path-to-prosperity