By Sentinel Staff
The Assembly at tonight’s regular meeting will consider the budget for CARES Act funds to be given out to Sitka businesses and nonprofits, and a resolution “encouraging” people to wear face masks.
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at Harrigan Centennial Hall. Remote access also is provided on the city website and YouTube channel.
The application form for CARES funds; a presentation by new electric utility director Scott Elder; an appointment to the Local Emergency Planning Commission; a marijuana license renewal; and approval of a new position in the finance department are among the other items on the agenda.
The Assembly has already approved the CARES Act Working Group plan for distributing the city’s $14 million in CARES Act funds. Applications are already being received for $4.5 million in utility and moorage subsidies. At tonight’s meeting, the Assembly will have final votes on $9.5 million to the following through five separate ordinances.
They relate to funds for:
- businesses and nonprofits, $5 million.
- new city-funded programs, $2.5 million (e.g. food security, mental health support).
- city impact and mitigation, $1 million (IT, protection of employees and public).
- Sitka School District, $430,000 (AmeriCorps and computers).
- contingency ($627,653).
The city also will take up applications for the “CARES Act Small Business and Nonprofit Relief Recovery grant application” and accompanying FAQ.
A resolution encouraging face masks and face coverings indoors in public settings or communal spaces also will be brought up. It’s basically the same resolution that narrowly failed at the July 14 Assembly meeting. The main difference is the resolution tonight uses such language as “encourages” and “should wear” instead of “orders” and “shall wear.” Both resolutions note that they are unenforceable.
Examples are given for places where individuals “should wear masks and face coverings over the noses and mouths when they are indoors,” in such places as restaurants, bars and grocery stores. There are a number of exceptions (e.g. children under 2, children in daycares, those with trouble breathing, and individuals who are exercising.
