By Sentinel Staff
The Assembly at tonight’s meeting will consider several budget items, the legislative priorities list and participation in a program aimed at energy resilience.
The regular meeting starts at 6 p.m. at Harrigan Centennial Hall. Remote access is available through the city’s webpage at cityofsitka.com
The Assembly also will consider the state Legislative Priorities list, which seeks state financial support for the Green Lake hydro plant renovations, the boat haulout, stabilization of the Katlian Street cold storage sea wall, and improvements at the airport. A total of 12 items are on the list.
The final item on tonight’s agenda is a resolution authorizing the city administrator to apply for the National Renewable Energy Laboratories Energy Transitions Initiative Partnership Project. The Department of Energy-funded program has a focus to “ramp up resilience in remote communities,” City Utility Director Scott Elder said.
He said in his memo to the Assembly that the community has shown its support for renewable energy and concern for climate change, “most recently with the creation of the Climate Action Task Force.”
In a memo to the Assembly he said:
“The NREL will work alongside community-based partner organizations over a 12- to 18-month period to assist communities in developing community-driven work plans that support energy system planning and implementation and that prioritize community safety, sustainability, and self-sufficiency. The program aims to empower communities to identify and advance strategic, whole-system solutions customized to their needs.”
The main investment by the city would be staff labor costs associated with the collaboration, Elder said.
The Assembly will also consider a few budget items, including expenses related to the sale of Sitka Community Hospital building and properties, a boom truck for the electric department and repairing the bulk water line at the Gary Paxton Industrial Park.
