When the Sitka Assembly meets tonight, it will consider updating the goals and work plan for the city’s sustainability commission for the coming year.
In 2020, the assembly created a “climate action task force” to investigate how the city could respond to climate change at the local level. That group evolved into the permanent sustainability commission. Last year, the commission set three goals–to develop a renewable energy strategy for Sitka, to research options for diverting the city’s solid waste, and to develop a plan to transition the city’s fleet of vehicles to electric. They’ve made some progress on each of these goals- the group scored an ETIPP grant to create a renewable energy strategy, and they want to continue that work this year. They also propose continued collaboration with the city on developing a strategic waste management plan and electrifying the fleet.
In other business, the assembly will discuss drafting a new request for proposals for management of the performing arts center. Alaska Arts Southeast, an arm of the Sitka Fine Arts Camp, currently manages the PAC in a cooperative agreement with the city and the school district. Their contract expires in June. According to a memo from city staff, under the previous agreement Alaska Arts Southeast was not paid by the city, but retained all revenue generated from PAC rentals. They’re requesting $125,000 a year, moving forward.
The assembly will also consider increasing fees for car rental businesses at the airport from four to eight percent. In a memo, city staff estimate that this would amount to a revenue increase of around $150,000, which would go into the airport’s enterprise fund.
The Sitka Assembly will meet at 5 p.m. for a work session with the Chamber of Commerce. Raven News will broadcast the regular meeting when it begins at 6 p.m. following Alaska News Nightly.
