Animal Shelter Care
Dear Editor: The recent events that have occurred at the Sitka Animal Shelter (SAS) were short-sighted and unnecessary. As a former Animal Control Officer here in Sitka, this has been particularly disturbing.
In the four or so years that I volunteered at the shelter, there was a continuous battle over the amount of funds spent on shelter care and the disposition of the animals. The operations of the shelter were frequently in disarray. This included overcrowding and less than optimal sanitary conditions. The building was in disrepair. Having said that, the animals were given a chance at a better future and the majority found new homes. People could surrender or drop off stray/feral animals knowing they would be given care and comfort.
I applied for the ACO position because I worried about its future after ACO Buxton resigned. I want to take a moment to make sure everyone understands that Ken did the best job he could in the situation he found himself. As I soon discovered, trying to manage the shelter and perform the enforcement portion of the job was almost impossible. I spent 50 to 55 hours per week attempting to get everything done, always falling behind. I am sure Ken did that and more. As I mentioned to an Assembly Member, I have a heart the size of Texas, Ken’s was the size of Alaska.
Reinvigorating the volunteer program was paramount. This community is lucky to have the number of volunteers ready to give their time and expertise to the benefit of Sitka’s animal population. SAS was fortunate in finding the volunteers that created the Friends of the Sitka Animal Shelter. They built a sound, well-functioning organization that is more than capable of running a shelter. Cooperation with the Sitka Police Department should not have been an issue. Sitka benefits by having hours of care provided at no cost.
Costs for veterinary care are high but in line with the national average. Our local veterinarians provide discounts for SAS. The community faces an additional problem because one of Sitka’s biggest benefactors can no longer fight the good fight. Burgess provided low-to-no-cost care for many animals in the shelter. This explains an increase in SAS spending from FY 2022 forward.
FOSAS will be creating a survey asking the community what kind of shelter it desires. Please take the time to thoughtfully express your opinions. The future of the SAS partially depends upon the outcome of this survey.
In the short term, I humbly suggest that either the Sitka Police Department or the City of Sitka increase funds at the level of average expenditures from FY 2022-FY 2024. FOSAS has been taking care of the shelter residents since I resigned in July of 2022. Frankly, while I was ACO as well. Let this non-profit continue to do so. All parties need to work together in good faith to make this happen.
Finally, profound thanks to the Assembly for giving this issue the attention it deserves. In hindsight, this should have happened years ago.
Jim Rogers, Sitka
Boat Yard Operator
Dear Editor: The Gary Paxton Industrial Park board and the City of Sitka are ready to select an operator for the Sitka Community Boat Yard. Two entities applied – one local and one from Kodiak.
The local applicant has worked for the past four years to secure a boat yard for Sitka, and even longer to provide affordable services to the local fleet, year-round employment in Sitka, and expertise to both boat owners and our community. The non-local applicant runs the Kodiak big boat haulout and charges lift prices that are well outside affordable to Kodiak – and Sitka’s – small boat fleet.
Our organization recently learned that the local applicant was disqualified because he has not yet run a boat yard, and he does not currently have anyone on staff trained to operate a 100-ton hoist or manage a washdown pad. We do not consider any of those factors grounds for disqualification. First, 95% of the Sitka fleet is under 100 tons. Second, people can be hired or trained to run hoists. Third, the local applicant has ample boat yard and business experience that is directly applicable to operating a boat yard. And fourth, the local applicant’s education and experience make him well qualified to manage a washdown pad. In short, the grounds for disqualification or a “nonresponsive finding” seem unfounded and deserve reconsideration.
The operator selection process is critical to the future of our fleet and our community. That decision should not be left to two (non-elected) individuals, particularly when the community is investing in building this boat yard. The selection should reflect the goals and values of the fleet and this community – namely, a commitment to community and to our local fleet. Certainly, no operator candidate should be disqualified for ill-founded reasons. If you agree, please share your perspective with members of the Assembly and GPIP board.
Linda Behnken, Director
Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Assn.
Police Officers
Dear Editor: I found the article in the paper about the Sitka Police Department very interesting for its lack of mention that it would be easier to recruit and retain police personnel if they had a decent environment to work in.
The women’s jail looks like a dungeon.
There are so many things wrong with the building.
If you are interested in all the details and you care about the health of the police department employees and the prisoners contact me at 907 738-4395 and leave a voice message or a text.
Let us work together as a community and right a wrong that has been going on far too long. I look forward to working with you. Thank you,
Lorraine Inez Lil, Sitka
