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Assembly Advances Tourism Task Force

Posted

By SHANNON HAUGLAND

Sentinel Staff Writer

The Assembly Tuesday gave the thumbs up to creation of a tourism task force, but said another meeting is needed to approve membership composition, task list and time frame for achieving goals.

Assembly members JJ Carlson and Chris Ystad put the task force proposal on the agenda.

No one argued against the need for such a task force, but the Assembly spent considerable time discussing the composition of the task force and its mission, and received comments from the public.

“I really wanted to make sure there are representatives from different sectors of the community – industry and general public, sustainability commission – and just trying to get an overall well-rounded group,” Ystad said today.

City Clerk Sara Peterson said today city staff will work with Ystad and Carlson on a formal resolution for the March 14 meeting that takes into account the views of the other Assembly members on the makeup of the group.

A number of other visitor-related items were on the Assembly agenda, including the possible addition of a crosswalk across Harbor Drive near Harrigan Centennial Hall and another on Sawmill Creek Road near the Alaska Raptor Center.

The Assembly also approved property tax and utility payment exemptions for the Sitka Historical Society and Museum at Harrigan Centennial Hall. The property tax exemption will be brought back for adoption as an ordinance.

In other business the Assembly made appointments, approved marijuana and liquor license renewal applications, and approved a grant application for the Wachusetts Street storm sewer rehabilitation project.

Tourism Task Force

The two co-sponsors of the task force said it’s needed to help the community deal with the massive increase in the number of cruise ship visitors since the end of the pandemic. The forecast is for 540,000 this year, up from 380,000 in 2022.

Carlson added that taking on tourism questions is related to the Assembly’s previously stated goal of “prioritizing the quality of life for all citizens.”

“My general take is that I was really pleased in general that the task force was accepted,” Ystad said today. “There were some holes poked in what we presented but hopefully we can make it better so it’s accepted (adopted as a resolution).”

Although the discussion was about establishing a “task force” – that is, a group that would deal with a temporary problem – some on the Assembly said a permanent commission will be needed to take on tourism planning and questions as they come up.

There was also comment from the public in favor of a task force. Carlson and Ystad suggested task representatives from Sitka Tribe of Alaska, Port and Harbors Commission, the Sustainability Commission, the business community, tours and attractions, and the Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal, and two from the community at large. They suggested an Assembly liaison, a Visit Sitka representative and a staff liaison as non-voting members.

Mayor Steven Eisenbeisz proposed reducing “tours and attractions” members from two to one in favor of a general seat related to business. He also suggested changing the seat designated for a Lincoln Street business representative to one representing “downtown business.”

The general list of directives for the task force related to exploring the optimum level of tourism in Sitka; reviewing city services and costs related to tourism; creating a tourism management best practices program; recommending land use and waterfront development policies; and working on regional strategies to advance Sitka’s interests regarding cruise tourism.

Ystad said today he believes there will be interest in serving, given the current climate and concerns about tourism growth.

 

Safe Crossings Grants

The Assembly discussed seeking federal grants for crosswalks on Sawmill Creek Road at Raptor Way, and on Harbor Drive near Centennial Hall. Both locations where large numbers of tourists cross busy roads to reach the Raptor Center, or to reach the downtown corridor from Centennial Hall. Both locations are on state highways. The grants would cover the cost of design and construction of crosswalks, or other safety improvements recommended for those areas.

The resolutions will be up for consideration at the next Assembly meeting March 14.

The Assembly gave direction on the proposed matching grant program to go after federal funding, with a state and local match for the crosswalks.

Ystad said today some of the items are good examples of questions the tourism task force or commission could weigh in on.

In other business Tuesday the Assembly approved a Shared Services Agreement between Sitka and the City of Whittier, in which Sitka provides police and emergency dispatch service to the Whittier and Girdwood service area in Southcentral Alaska. The vote in favor also authorized the administrator to execute the document.

Whittier public safety issued a request for proposals for law enforcement agencies around the state interested in providing the dispatch services. Sitka Police submitted a bid to cover dispatch from here, including phone answering for 911 and other emergency calls, radio communications and calls for service and other duties.

The city will receive $55,000 per year for providing the service. Police Chief Robert Baty said there is a big need for more dispatch coverage in the state, particularly in rural areas. He said the department would be able to handle the low volume of calls expected without much trouble. 

“The impact for us is minimal ... The other benefit is we’re taking that money and applying it to dispatch wages, with the hope of improving recruitment, retention and training,” he said.

He said the additional funds will bring Sitka’s dispatch positions into a competitive wage level, with the potential of offering $26 an hour within three months.

Whittier and Girdwood have been contracting out the services for the past six years, the chief said.

 

Persons to be Heard

Under persons to be heard, former mayor Valorie Nelson expressed concern about whether the city gave adequate notice prior to the auction of vendor and outfitter spaces at Harrigan Centennial Hall.

The meeting wrapped up with an announcement of vacancies on city boards and commissions: Animal Hearing Board (appeals board that meets as needed, but has never met); Health Needs and Human Services (monthly); Investment Committee (quarterly but currently has no quorum); Library Commission (monthly); Parks and Rec (monthly); and Tree and Landscape (monthly). Those interested can apply at cityofsitka.com under Forms, or by calling the city clerk’s office at 907-747-1826.