Harrigan Centennial Hall. (KCAW Photo)

The Sitka Assembly will weigh big decisions at their regular meeting tonight (04-11-17), some deferred from their last meeting and some new to the table.

See full agenda here: 170413_AssemblyAgenda

They’ll reconsider an ordinance (Reconsideration Ord 2017-05S) to raise electric rates by 15% across the board, effective immediately. The city is short what it needs to meet the annual debt payment for the Blue Lake Dam. The finance department estimates the deficit is between $500,000 and $1 million dollars.

In new business, the Assembly will consider an ordinance amendment cracking down on people who leave out bear attractants, like manure, landfill material, or uncollected garbage. For a first offense, the charge will be $50 dollars. The maximum penalty is $500.

Earlier this year, Former Mayor Marko Dapcevich filed a public records request for documents regarding the Gary Paxton Industrial Park’s floating dock, which was rejected. He questioned the city’s process for picking a contractor and filed suit in March. The Assembly will discuss the matter further tonight and may go into executive session.

And finally, the Sitka Assembly will determine next steps for hiring a city administrator. In the past week, former Police Chief Sheldon Schmitt has submitted an application. Schmitt abruptly left the police department on extended medical leave this summer, but returned with an interest in continuing public service. He says his experience with upper level management and grant acquisition make him well-suited for the city’s top job.

“What I bring to the table, besides local knowledge, is the ability and a proven track record of going out and finding money. And I’d like to be able to do that. I think this is an opportunity to serve. I realized that I wasn’t ready to retire  and have some gas in the tank. I talked to my family about it and what it would mean to be the administrator. I think I’m ready for that challenge,” Schmitt said.

The Assembly will decide tonight whether to review Schmitt’s application, as well as those of former applicants, re-open the search entirely, or proceed with interviews for the remaining two candidates. They are Sitka Fire Chief Dave Miller and Homer Public Works Director Carey Meyer.