FAIRBANKS CITY COUNCIL - City of Fairbanks

FAIRBANKS CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES September 12, 2005
FAIRBANKS CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
800 CUSHMAN STREET, FAIRBANKS, ALASKA
The City Council convened at 7:00 P.M on the above date to conduct a Regular Meeting of the Fairbanks
City Council at the City Council Chambers, 800 Cushman Street, Fairbanks, Alaska, with Mayor Steve
Thompson presiding and with the following Council Members in attendance:
Council Members Present: Jerry Cleworth , Don Seeliger, Scott Kawasaki
Howard Thies, John Eberhart, Jeff Johnson
Also Present:
Herb Kuss-City Attorney, Carol L. Colp-City Clerk
Dan Hoffman- Police Chief, Warren Cummings-Fire Chief
Pat Cole-Admin. Services Director, Tony Shumate-Personnel
Steve Shuttleworth-Building Official
INVOCATION
City Clerk Carol Colp gave the invocation.
FLAG SALUTATION
Mayor Thompson led the flag salutation.
CITIZENS COMMENTS
Nanci Jones, 345 Old Rich Hwy, Fairbanks, AK. Ms. Jones spoke to Resolution No. 4183 and asked that
it be pulled from the Consent Agenda as premature and unduly harsh. She pointed out errors in the
information provided by the Resolution.
Donna Gilbert, 2223 S. Cushman St., Fairbanks, AK. Ms. Gilbert spoke in regard to FEDC and asked
Council to stop funding to the organization. She shared from FEDC meeting minutes of September 7 and
8, 2005. Finally, she spoke in opposition to the proposal for a City sales tax and asked Council to
questions their motives. Mr. Cleworth questioned the source of Ms. Gilbert’s information regarding
FEDC.
Cliff Burglin, 319 Charles St., Fairbanks, AK. As a land consultant, born and raised in Fairbanks, and
having majored in economics, Mr. Burglin stated that he has brought approximately two billion dollars in
private capital into the Interior. As co-trustee of the Bentley Family Trust, Mr. Burglin spoke to the tax
base generated by that property. He spoke in opposition to Ordinance No. 5617. Mayor Thompson
questioned whether Mr. Burglin was aware of the City revenue cap. Mr. Burglin stated that there is
absolutely no need for a sales tax. Mr. Cleworth thanked the Bentley Trust for allowing the City use of
the snow dump.
Frank Turney, 1083 Media Ln, Fairbanks, AK. Mr. Turney spoke to FEDC stating that he has petitioned
the courts to investigate the group and he spoke against Ordinance No. 5617 as regressive. He thanked
Mr. Cleworth for his stand against sales tax.
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Bob Sawyer, 123 Steelhead Rd., Fairbanks, AK. Mr. Sawyer spoke in opposition to Ordinance No. 5617
calling a sales tax regressive and a specific hardship to low income families.
Mike Webb, 531 Second Ave., Fairbanks, AK. Mr. Webb spoke in opposition to Ordinance No. 5617.
He stated he would support a referendum petition if Ordinance No. 5617 is adopted.
Jeremy Phillips, 288 Rambling Rd., Fairbanks, AK. Mr. Phillips spoke to Resolution No. 4183 and in
support of The Strip. He recommended that Council postpone the resolution.
James Storlie, 619 Slater Dr., Fairbanks, AK. As owner of 907 HipHop.Com, Mr. Storlie spoke to
Resolution No. 4183 and urged Council to remove it from the agenda. He spoke in support of The Strip.
Dan Thompson, 1152 Coppet St., Fairbanks, AK. Mr. Thompson spoke in opposition to a sales tax. He
spoke to the fairness of property tax and unfairness of sales tax. Mr. Seeliger questioned Mr. Thompson
regarding the fairness of a property tax. Mayor Thompson questioned whether Mr. Thompson had read
of the exemptionsdetailed in Ordinance No. 5617. Mr. Thompson stated that he had not seen a copy of
the ordinance. Mayor Thompson commented on the reasoning behind the ordinance.
Stephen Hunter Jr., 1292 Still Valley Rd., North Pole, AK. As owner of Arctic Productions DJ Service,
Mr. Hunter spoke to Resolution No. 4183 and in support of the Strip and recommended further
investigation. Mr. Seeliger questioned whether Mr. Hunter felt it was irresponsible of the ownership of
The Strip in not reporting possible gun shots fired on the premises. Mr. Hunter explained why the call
may not have been made.
END SIDE ONE TAPE ONE
Lloyd Hilling, 1182 Nenana St., Fairbanks, AK. Mr. Hilling spoke in opposition to Ordinance No. 5617
as regressive to consumers as well as businesses. He spoke to the cost of administrating a sales tax, and
to resulting bankruptcies. He spoke against forced annexation and addressed the public’s continued
rejection of a sales tax. Mayor Thompson asked if Mr. Hilling ever shopped in North Pole and whether
he would shop in Anchorage. Mr. Hilling stated that business is lost in North Pole due to their sales tax.
Leonard Thiltgen, 2263 Bridgewater, Fairbanks, AK. As a small businessman, Mr. Thiltgen, spoke
against a sales tax and against giving corporate America a break. He spoke to Police Chief Hoffman’s
recent newspaper editorial and recommended that Council request ten percent more of the hotel/motel tax.
Mayor Thompson questioned the recommendation. Mr. Thiltgen clarified his recommendation.
Van Pierson, 4705 Palo Verde, Fairbanks, AK. Mr. Pierson spoke against Resolution No. 4193 as
premature. He also spoke in opposition to a sales tax.
Tim Staten, 541 2 nd Ave., Fairbanks, AK. As a downtown businessman, Mr. Staten spoke against a sales
tax and referred to its pursuit by Council Members Thies and Seeliger as a breach of trust. He shared the
amount of property tax paid by the Mayor and each Council Member. He stated that the property tax is a
viable, healthy, source of revenue. He expressed his agreement that as much as 50% of the Hotel/Motel
tax should be used for City services.
David Lehrman, 126 2 nd Ave., Fairbanks, AK. Stating that the City of Fairbanks needed a vision,
Mr. Lehrman recommended approving an “Olympic Bid” sales tax and spoke to the merits of his idea. He
also recommended an Ordinance be passed to give the Police Department the authority to cite idling cars.
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Nelson Miles, 455 3 rd Ave., Fairbanks, AK. Mr. Miles spoke in support of a sales tax and provided a
history of City sales tax. He spoke to the merits of a sales tax as opposed to the burden property owners
are now faced with.
Robin Helas, 2630 N. Goldenrod Circle, North Pole, AK. As manager of the Co-op Diner, Ms. Helas
spoke against a City sales tax.
Craig Shawsay, 770 8 th Ave., Fairbanks, AK. As a small business owner, Mr. Salchez spoke against a
sales tax.
RECESS:
Mayor Thompson called for a five minute recess.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA
MOTION By Mr. Thies TO APPROVE THE AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA, AS PRESENTED,
SECOND By Mr. Cleworth.
Mayor Thompson withdrew Resolution No. 4183 and reminded Council that Resolutions No. 4184 and
4185 needed to be added to the agenda. Mr. Cleworth pulled Ordinance No. 5617 and Resolution
No. 4181 from the Consent Agenda.
MOTION By Mr. Cleworth to ADD Resolutions No. 4184 and 4185 to the Agenda, SECOND By
Mr. Thies.
Hearing NO OBJECTION Mayor Thompson declared Resolutions No., 4184
and 4185 ADDED to the Agenda Under New Business.
Mr. Johnson pulled Ordinance No. 5619 from the Consent Agenda. City Clerk, Carol Colp informed
Council of a request to add Vacation of Right of Way to the Agenda under Special Orders. Mayor
Thompson requested the addition of the Vacation of Right of Way.
Hearing NO OBJECTION Mayor Thompson declared the MOTION CARRIED
And AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA APPROVED, AS MODIFIED.
APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES
a) Fairbanks City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of August 22, 2005.
SPECIAL ORDERS
APPROVED ON CONSENT AGENDA
a) The Fairbanks City Council, Sitting as a Committee of the Whole CONSIDERED With the
Purpose of TAKING ACTION the below referenced Notice to Recover Cost for Demolition
Project. Public Testimony was taken and limited to five (5) minutes.
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Lot 7 Block 105 Townsite, 537 8 th Avenue, Fairbanks, AK.
Owner: Maureen J. Isberg
MOTION By Mr. Thies TO APPROVE Notice to Recover Cost for Demolition Project, SECOND By
Mr. Seeliger.
There being no public testimony SPECIAL ORDERS resumed by the City Council as a Whole.
Mayor Thompson called on Building Official Steve Shuttleworth for a staff report. Mr. Shuttleworth
provided clarification on the request to recover the costs for the said demolition project which would be
applied in the form of a lien on the property. He explained that all attempts to contact the owner, or
owner representative, have failed. Mr. Kawasaki asked the reason for the action and for clarification
regarding attempts to contact the owner. Mr. Shuttleworth explained that due process was required and
expressed his concerns regarding his inability to contact the owner. Mr. Thies questioned the identity of
the owner. Mayor Thompson inquired regarding the time sensitivity of the action. Mr. Shuttleworth
provided clarification including the issue of tipping fees due the FNSB in regard to the project. Mayor
Thompson inquired as to the means used to attempt to contact the owner. Mr. Shuttleworth explained.
Mr. Johnson questioned the necessity of immediate action and inquired as to a possible appeal following
Council action. Mr. Shuttleworth stated that no subjectivity existed with the figures for the demolition.
City Attorney Kuss concurred that the action taken by Council would be conclusive.
END TAPE ONE
Mr. Cleworth stated that he did not believe the City would have success in contacting the owner of the
property and advised proceeding with action on the request.
A ROLL CALL VOTE was taken on the MOTION to APPROVE Notice to Recover Costs of Demolition
Project By Placing a Lien on the Property.
YEAS: Eberhart, Cleworth, Seeliger, Thies, Johnson, Kawasaki
NAYS:
Mayor Thompson declared the MOTION CARRIED and Notice to Recover
Costs of Demolition Project By Placing a Lien on the Property APPROVED.
b) VACATION OF A PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY (VA 005-06) – Request by RCH Surveys on
Behalf of Ralph Harman to vacate a 35’ x 390’ public parking and access reservation adjacent to
the south boundary of Lots 3-8, Blk 5, Addition to Riverside Park Subd within the SE1/4SW1/4
Sec 8, T1S R1W, FM AK (located on Geraghty St., Washington Dr. and Airport Rd.)
Mr. Cleworth called for a staff report. Mayor Thompson requested that Property Officer Pat Smith
speak to the request. Mr. Smith spoke to the intent of the request. Mayor Thompson inquired regarding
the exact area in question. Mr. Smith clarified the map provided. Mr. Kawasaki stated that the map was
not a good rendition. Mr. Smith stated that the second map was the focus of the area in question. Mr.
Johnson expressed concern for future planning on Airport way and questioned future use of the property
and reluctance to give up the right of way. Mayor Thompson, Mr. Smith and Mr. Thies spoke to
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possible future use of the area regarding public access. Mayor Thompson called on a representative for
RCH.
Jeremy Stark, RCH Surveys, 508 Sprucewood, Fairbanks, AK. Mr. Stark provided clarification regarding
the right of way request explaining that DOT has placed access control on the entire area, and DOT
planning has approved the request.
MOTION By Mr. Thies to APPROVE Application for Vacation of Right of Way, SECOND By
Mr. Seeliger.
Mr. Johnson spoke to the value of the public property and discussion ensued regarding the actual
ownership. Mr. Stark stated that the property is public but not accessible to the public and that if vacated
into private ownership, would generate tax for the City of Fairbanks. Mr. Cleworth questioned why the
City would not sell the property. Mayor Thompson questioned who held title to the property, which
could not be determined. Mr. Thies and Mr. Seeliger stated that the previous owner reserved the area for
parking and asked Mr. Stark for clarification. Mr. Stark stated that the area appears on the plat as a
dedication, therefore public, reserved for the public and no longer useful to the public therefore should
naturally go back to the owner. Mr. Johnson stated that the property was part of the original subdivision
and set aside for public use, adjacent to an existing green belt. Mayor Thompson concurred that the area
is currently paved and part of a parking lot. Mr. Stark expressed his confusion regarding the process.
Mr. Cleworth and Mr. Johnson expressed confusion regarding why the City would want to give up the
property. Mr. Stark once again explained that there is no public access to the area. Mr. Thies concurred
that it cannot be sold or given away but can be vacated according to public process and therefore added to
the tax rolls. Mayor Thompson clarified the time allowed the Council to respond to the request.
Mr. Cleworth questioned whether the Council could postpone action until the next regular meeting.
Mayor Thompson again clarified that Council has until the 24 th of September to veto. Discussion ensued
regarding the untimeliness of the request.
MOTION By Mr. Johnson to VETO the Request for Vacation of Public Right of Way (VA 005-06),
SECOND By Mr. Kawasaki.
Mayor Thompson questioned why the Council would want to veto the request and therefore prevent the
property, which is being used for public parking, to be added to the tax rolls, to benefit the City.
Mr. Johnson explained his reluctance to give up public property. Mr. Thies questioned whether Platting
would provide better information if the request was vetoed.
Hearing NO OBJECTION Mayor Thompson declared the MOTION to
VETO the Request for Vacation of Public Right of Way (VA 005-06) APPROVED.
MAYOR’S COMMENTS & REPORT
Mayor Thompson stated that he, Council Member Johnson, Chief Finance Officer Woolf and Fire Chief
Cummings participation in the State Ways and Means Committee meeting regarding possible courses of
action for the PERS/TERS funding shortfall issues and called on Mr. Johnson to speak to the testimony
provided by himself at the meeting. Mr. Johnson spoke to his testimony at the meeting which proposed
making an immediate two million dollar payment toward the liability from the Constitutional Reserve
Budget, and then to fully fund the program. Mayor Thompson thanked Mr. Johnson for his testimony to
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the committee. He further spoke to the resolutions approved on the consent agenda. He stated that until
this evening he has heard no testimony against a sales tax, but much testimony in support of a sales tax.
He contrasted the expense to property owners under the two different taxes.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
a) ORDINANCE NO. 5612 – An Ordinance to Adopt a New Fee Schedule for Emergency Medical
Services; and Setting an Effective Date. Introduced by Mayor Thompson. (Postponed from
Regular Meeting of August 22, 2005)
MOTION By Mr. Seeliger To ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 5612, SECOND By Mr. Thies.
MOTION BY Mr. Johnson to AMEND ORDINANCE NO. 5612 To Change the Effective Date of the
Ordinance from September 1 to October 1, 2005, SECOND By Mr. Thies.
Hearing NO OBJECTION Mayor Thompson declared the MOTION
CARRIED AND ORDINANCE NO. 5612, SO AMENDED.
Mr. Johnson asked for Mr. Cummings to speak to the cost study in regard to the Ordinance.
Mr. Cummings spoke to the cost of providing ambulance service to the City. Mayor Thompson
questioned whether the percentage of collection rate would decrease with the increased fees.
Mr. Cummings concurred that it would. Mr. Cummings provided comparison fees for Anchorage. the
FNSB, and other communities, all higher than the City of Fairbanks. Mr. Thies questioned the number of
calls for long distance service. Mr. Johnson spoke to the nature of reasonable and customary charges
and pointed out that charges are placed on anyone requesting the service, resident or non-resident, and the
increase is an attempt to recover actual costs to the City. Mayor Thompson asked for clarification on
mileage charges. Mr. Johnson spoke to fee increases related to increased fuel costs. Mr. Cleworth
spoke to the previous request for fee increases and expressed his reluctance to a fifty percent increase.
MOTION By Mr. Cleworth TO AMEND ORDINANCE NO. 5612, AS AMENDED, To Reduce the
Ambulance Service Fee From $600 to $500, SECOND By Mr. Eberhart.
Mr. Johnson clarified the intent of the $600 fee which is to recover costs and stated he would not support
the proposed amendment.
A ROLL CALL VOTE was taken on the MOTION to AMEND ORDINANCE NO. 5612, AS
AMENDED To Reduce the Ambulance Service Fee From $600 to $500.
YEAS: Kawasaki, Cleworth, Eberhart
NAYS: Thies, Johnson, Seeliger
Mayor Thompson declared the MOTION FAILED
Mr. Cleworth spoke to protecting the tax cap, and stated that he felt the fee was too high.
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A ROLL CALL VOTE was taken on the MOTION to ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 5612, AS
AMENDED.
YEAS: Seeliger, Johnson, Thies
NAYS: Eberhart, Cleworth, Kawasaki
MAYOR THOMPSON
Mayor Thompson declared the MOTION CARRIED and ORDINANCE NO 5612,
AS AMENDED, ADOPTED
b) ORDINANCE NO. 5615 – An Ordinance Authorizing a Land Exchange to Facilitate Construction
of the New Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center, and Authorize the Conveyance of the
Former Maranatha Hotel Site; and Setting an Effective Date. Introduced by Mayor Thompson.
There being no public testimony, UNFINISHED BUSINESS resumed by the City Council as a Whole
MOTION By Mr. Cleworth To ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 5615, SECOND By Mr. Thies.
Mayor Thompson called on Property Manager Pat Smith to provide a staff report clarifying the intent of
the ordinance. Mr. Seeliger clarified that the City would not have received money from the National
park Service to purchase the Maranatha property unless the property was to be used as per the ordinance.
A ROLL CALL VOTE was taken on the MOTION to ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 5615.
YEAS: Johnson, Seeliger, Eberhart, Cleworth, Kawasaki, Thies
NAYS:
Mayor Thompson declared the MOTION CARRIED and ORDINANCE
NO. 5615 ADOPTED.
NEW BUSINESS
a) ORDINANCE NO. 5616 – An Ordinance Authorizing a Change in Conditions for Conveyance of
City Parks Property to Fairbanks North Star Borough, AS Approved Under Ordinance No. 4589;
And Setting an Effective Date. Introduced by Council Member Johnson.
ADVANCED ON CONSENT AGENDA
b) ORDINANCE NO. 5617 - An Ordinance to Amend FGC Chapter 74, Taxation, Article III, Sales
Tax, By Adding Section 74.61, General Sales Tax, Suspending Section 74.67, Alcoholic Beverage
Sales Tax; and Setting an Effective Date. Introduced by Council Members Thies and Seeliger.
MOTION By Mr. Seeliger TO ADVANCE ORDINANCE NO. 5617, SECOND By Mr. Johnson.
Mr. Cleworth asked for a staff report from City Administrator Pat Cole and Chief Finance Officer Ron
Woolf. Mr. Cleworth clarified that the City employs one person, on contract, to conduct audits on
existing sales tax accounts and asked for the number of accounts. Mr. Woof concurred regarding the
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employee and stated he could not confirm the number of accounts at this time. Mr. Cleworth questioned
the schedule of audits. Mr. Woolf confirmed that he thought audits would be completed on all accounts
this year. Mr. Cleworth questioned the number of accounts which would exist should the proposed sales
tax be approved. Mr. Woolf stated he was not sure of the number. Mr. Cleworth asked for clarification
regarding suggestions to hire two employees to set up and collect the sales tax. Mr. Woolf confirmed that
two full time people would be needed to provide the service of setting up accounts, collecting and
auditing accounts.
END SIDE ONE TAPE TWO
Mr. Cleworth inquired regarding the staffing required to administer a senior citizen exemption. Mr.
Woof confirmed the need for additional help both in the Finance Department and the City Clerk’s Office.
Mr. Cleworth asked what the cost would be to administer the proposed sales tax, including the hiring of
additional staff and purchasing supplies. Mr. Woolf said that preliminary figures indicated a cost of about
two hundred thousand dollars. Mr. Cleworth spoke to forms required by businesses, to be supplied by
the City of Fairbanks. Mr. Woolf stated that he has recommended a special Finance Committee meeting
to look at the projected costs, as well as revenues. Mr. Cleworth confirmed a cost of between two and
three hundred thousand dollars to administer the tax. He stated that the existing tax cap prevents the City
from collecting additional revenues, in spite of the increase in costs and asked why the City would do
such. Mr. Woolf stated that he was not authorized to answer the question. Mr. Johnson stated that the
numbers were yet to be determined through the Finance Committee. Mr. Cleworth inquired of Pat Cole,
whether renters would be exempt from a sales tax. Mr. Cole confirmed that the intent is to exempt renters.
Mr. Cleworth asked for clarification as to the wording of Ordinance No. 5617 exempting renters.
Mr. Cole stated that although the ordinance is not clear, it is not the intent to require renters to pay sales
tax. Mr. Cleworth clarified, emphatically, that the proposed sales tax would not increase revenue to the
City but would increase costs. Mr. Cleworth stated that the renter exemption was a major oversight.
Mayor Thompson spoke to the intent to exempt renters. Mr. Seeliger questioned the need to amend the
ordinance to exempt renters.
MOTION By Mr. Seeliger, To AMEND ORDINANCE NO. 5617 To Add Item 11 To Exempt Rentals Over
30 Days, SECOND By Mr. Thies.
Mr. Cole asked whether the intent was to exempt rental of real property of any kind, commercial or
residential. Mr. Seeliger concurred with that intent.
Hearing NO OBJECTION Mayor Thompson declared the MOTION to
AMEND ORDINANCE NO. 5617 to ADD Item #11, to Exempt Rentals of
Real Property Over 30 Days, APPROVED.
Mr. Cleworth spoke to Mayor Thompson’s earlier statement that there exists a large consensus of voters
in favor of Ordinance No. 5617 and spoke to the past history of failed attempts to provide for a sales tax.
Mr. Seeliger spoke to the burden placed on property owners who currently pay directly for all services
provided within the City of Fairbanks. He spoke also to the merits of the ordinance. Mr. Cleworth
spoke in rebuttal of Mr. Seeliger’s comments and asked how the loss to the City was to be addressed.
Mr. Eberhart spoke to the pros and cons of Ordinance No. 5617 and to the costs to be generated by
instating a sales tax, and questioned whether the Ordinance should be advanced. Mr. Thies expressed his
support for the ordinance. Mr. Johnson spoke to the evening’s public testimony, and apparent
misinformation circulating, and stated that he would like to see numbers reflecting costs and revenue
increases resulting from a proposed sales tax and would support advancement.
City of Fairbanks September 12, 2005
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A ROLL CALL VOTE was taken on the MOTION to ADVANCE ORDINANCE NO. 5617, AS
AMENDED.
YEAS: Seeliger, Kawasaki, Johnson, Thies
NAYS: Eberhart, Cleworth
Mayor Thompson declared the MOTION CARRIED and ORDINANCE
NO. 5617, AS AMENDED, ADVANCED.
c.) ORDINANCE NO. 5618 - An Ordinance to Amend FGC Chapter II, Article II, Division 4,
Section 2.118, Regarding Work Sessions and Committees of the City Council; and Setting an
Effective Date. Introduced by Mayor Thompson.
ADVANCED ON CONSENT AGENDA
d.)
ORDINANCE NO.5619 - An Ordinance to Enact FGC Sections 14.501 Through 14.511, Chapter
14, Businesses, Article XII, Gaming Establishments, Relating to the Operation of Card Rooms;
and Setting an Effective Date. Introduced by Mayor Thompson.
MOTION By Mr. Johnson TO ADVANCE ORDINANCE NO. 5619, SECOND By Mr. Thies.
Mr. Johnson questioned the intent of Ordinance No. 5619 and asked for a staff report. Mayor
Thompson called upon Police Chief Hoffman and stated that the Public Safety Commission, which
initiated the ordinance, is now in favor of eliminating card rooms completely. Chief Hoffman shared that
the ordinance was initiated by the Public Safety Commission and the Downtown Association because
entry to the existing establishments is being denied to police officers. The ordinance would hold card
rooms to the same standards as other licensed premises and explained the need for this. Mr. Johnson
questioned the need to issue a license to which Mr. Hoffman clarified the intent was not to legalize
gambling. Mr. Thies questioned the need for such a high application fee for a “social club”. Mayor
Thompson spoke to the need to regulate the operations. Mr. Johnson spoke in support of advancement of
the ordinance but questioned whether a license was the right avenue, rather than using a search warrant.
A ROLL CALL VOTE was taken on the MOTION to ADVANCE ORDINANCE NO. 5619.
YEAS: Thies, Johnson, Kawasaki, Seeliger, Cleworth, Eberhart
NAYS:
Mayor Thompson declared the MOTION CARRIED and ORDINANCE
NO. 5619 ADVANCED.
e) RESOLUTION NO. 4179 – A Resolution Recognizing and Thanking the Save Eielson Committee
for their Successful Effort of the Removal of Eielson Air Force Base From the BRAC List From
Realignment to a Warm Base Status. Introduced by Mayor Thompson.
APPROVED ON CONSENT AGENDA
f) RESOLUTION NO. 4180 – A Resolution Authorizing the City of Fairbanks to Accept Funds
From the Office For Domestic Preparedness, US Department of Homeland Security Assistance to
Fire Fighters Grant Program For the Replacement of a 1977 Aerial Ladder Fire Truck in an
Amount of $675,000. Introduced by Mayor Thompson.
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APPROVED ON CONSENT AGENDA
g) RESOLUTION NO. 4181 – A Resolution Authorizing Participation By the City in House Bill
161, to Allow Re-Employment of Employees Who are Currently Receiving PERS Retirement
Benefits. Introduced by Mayor Thompson.
MOTION By Mr. Cleworth TO APPROVE RESOLUTION NO. 4181, SECOND By Mr. Thies.
Mr. Cleworth expressed his concerns and questioned Mayor Thompson whether this action would need
to be renewed annually. Mayor Thompson expressed that approval would be needed only once since the
program is extended until 2009. Mr. Thies questioned whether the employee would need to make
payments, and Mayor Thompson confirmed that they would and explained the intent. Mr. Thies
confirmed the differences in regard to new employees and Mr. Johnson confirmed also. Mr. Johnson
questioned whether the State of Alaska Division of Retirement had been contacted by the City and that
the City can adopt only a portion of HB 161, making it only applicable to two employees. Mr. Kuss
provided clarification although he stated that he did not contact the Division. Mr. Johnson spoke to
pending litigation by the Police Officers Association concerning non-funding and expressed concerns for
potential damages beyond July 1, 2005. He recommended an agreement with the Police Officers
Association. Mr. Kuss provided his opinion. Mr. Johnson spoke to the pending litigation and
recommended securing a written agreement with PSA prior to implementation of the terms of the
resolution and obtaining concurrence with the Division of Retirement on the terms of HB161. He
recommended tabling the resolution. Mr. Cleworth questioned whether the City can legally contract
with individuals for employment.
MOTION By Mr. Johnson TO POSTPONE ACTION ON RESOLUTION NO. 4181 Until the Regular City
Council Meeting of September 26, 2005, SECOND By Mr. Thies.
Hearing NO OBJECTION Mayor Thompson declared the MOTION to
POSTPONE ACTION ON RESOLUTION NO. 4181 Until the Regular
City Council Meeting of September 26, 2005, CARRIED.
h) RESOLUTION NO. 4182 – A Resolution Urging the State to Amend the PERS Statutes to
Provide for a Maximum Employer Contribution Rate. Introduced by Mayor Thompson and
Council Members Cleworth and Johnson.
APPROVED ON CONSENT AGENDA
i) RESOLUTION NO. 4183 - A Resolution Requesting that the Alcohol Beverage Control Board
Take Enforcement Action Regarding “The Strip” and Stating the Intent of the Council to Protest
Renewal of This License. Introduced by Mayor Thompson.
WITHDRAWN BY MAKER
j) RESOLUTION NO. 4184 – A Resolution Approving a Change Order for Construction of the Fire
Station Headquarters Design Build Project. Introduced By Mayor Thompson.
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There being no public hearing UNFINISHED BUSINESS resumed by the City Council as a Whole.
MOTION By Mr. Thies TO APPROVE RESOLUTION NO. 4184, SECOND By Mr. Johnson.
Mayor Thompson called upon Pat Smith for a staff report. Mr. Smith clarified the request for change
order which would apply homeland security funds to contract for the installation of a Westnet First In
Alerting System. Mr. Kawasaki asked for clarification on the funding source for the change. Mr. Smith
stated that the funds are now available for the wiring portion of the installation only at this time and the
additional project would push the projected opening date of the Fire Station into late December.
Mr. Cleworth asked for an explanation of the Westnet System. Mr. Smith provided the requested
explanation. Mr. Cleworth questioned whether the funding source could be applied elsewhere.
Mr. Smith explained that there are time restraints to the use of the funds. Mr. Johnson spoke to the
revised completion date to which Mr. Smith responded that the contractor had not yet responded to his
request for a formal written completion date, but verbally they are expecting completion between the first
and fifteenth of November. Mr. Johnson spoke to potential delays to the completion of the building and
questioned the time frame for the turn over of the old fire station. Mr. Smith explained that anytime spent
in the building after December 15, 2005 will result in payment of rent to the new owner. Mr. Kawasaki
questioned the cost of installation and replacement of the current alarm system. Mayor Thompson called
upon Fire Chief Cumming. Mr. Cleworth inquired as to how the request originated. Mr. Cummings
provided clarification regarding the funding source. Mr. Cleworth questioned whether the funds could
be applied elsewhere to which Mr. Cummings stated that he would make every effort to use the funds
elsewhere. Mr. Johnson questioned limitations on the use of funds. Mr. Cummings provided clarification
as to grant requirements. Mr. Seeliger expressed his concern for the potential for delay of the completion
of the new fire station. Mr. Cummings commented. Mr. Cleworth expressed his concerns including
delays to completion of the project and partial funding, and stated that he would not support the
resolution.
END SIDE TWO TAPE TWO
A ROLL CALL VOTE was taken on the MOTION to APPROVE RESOLUTION NO. 4184
YEAS:
NAYS: Cleworth, Eberhart, Seeliger, Johnson, Thies, Kawasaki
Mayor Thompson declared the MOTION FAILED
k) RESOLUTION NO. 4185 – A Resolution Approving Application and Acceptance of Funding
Through the Alaska Highway Safety Office for the State’s 2006 Fiscal Year. Introduced By
Mayor Thompson.
There being no public hearing UNFINISHED BUSINESS resumed by the City Council as a Whole.
MOTION By Mr. Thies TO APPROVE RESOLUTION NO. 4185, SECOND By Mr. Johnson.
Mayor Thompson called on Police Chief Hoffman for a staff report. Mr. Hoffman explained the intent
of the resolution which combined two separate grants. Mr. Johnson spoke to finance committee
concerns and Mr. Cleworth inquired as to stipulations of the grant in regard to the two positions it would
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Regular Meeting Minutes, As Corrected Page 11 of 13

fund. Mr. Hoffman explained the conditions and spoke to Mr. Cleworth’s questions regarding the length
of employment terms.
A ROLL CALL VOTE was taken on the MOTION to APPROVE RESOLUTION NO. 4185.
YEAS: Johnson, Seeliger, Cleworth, Thies, Kawasaki, Eberhart
NAYS:
Mayor Thompson declared the MOTION CARRIED and RESOLUTION NO. 4185
APPROVED.
DISCUSSION ITEMS (INFORMATION AND REPORT)
a) Chief Finance Officer’s Report
Mr. Woolf presented his report and requested a special meeting of the Finance Committee in order to
address the cost for implementing a sales tax as well as expected revenues. It was agreed to hold a special
meeting on Tuesday, September 20, 2005 at 7:00 AM. Mayor Thompson requested that Mr. Woolf
inform Council regarding recent meetings Mr. Woolf and Carman Randle attended on HUD requirements.
Mr. Woolf shared that information with Council. Mr. Cleworth inquired regarding Permanent Fund
earning figures in Mr. Woolf’s report to which Mr. Woolf explained that the figures reflected a previous
error in accounting. Mr. Woolf discussed possible affects on the market due to hurricane Katrina.
Mr. Johnson commented on the permanent fund investment interest earnings.
COUNCIL MEMBERS COMMENTS
Mr. Cleworth spoke to the structure of FEDC and issues as addressed under Citizens Comments by
Ms. Gilbert and asked for a copy of the minutes referred to by Ms. Gilbert. He expressed his concerns
regarding the City snow dump and Karen Parr’s plans for a retirement home. Mayor Thompson
recommended that a decision be made regarding this issue, as soon as possible. Mr. Cleworth spoke to
the requirement for the FNSB to provide property for a snow dump. He congratulated Mr. Thies son for
his recent athletic accomplishment.
Mr. Thies passed on comment.
Mr. Eberhart spoke to the FEDC situation and requested more information and in closing urged listeners
to contribute to the victims of hurricane Katrina.
Mr. Seeliger thanked Chief Hoffman for his recent editorial, spoke to FEDC and asked for a copy of the
minutes referred to by Ms. Gilbert and spoke in support of a sales tax asking for those that are in support
of a sales tax to speak out.
Mr. Johnson passed on comment.
Mr. Kawasaki thanked Mayor Thompson for withdrawing Resolution No. 4183 and spoke to the need for
more information on such subjects in the future. He also spoke to the need for more information in regard
to FEDC considering the funding provided by the City of Fairbanks. Mayor Thompson stated that the
last monthly payment from the City to FEDC went out last week for the month of September.
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Regular Meeting Minutes, As Corrected Page 12 of 13

ADJOURNMENT
MOTION By Mr. Seeliger TO ADJOURN, SECOND By Mr. Thies.
Hearing NO OBJECTION, Mayor Thompson declared the MOTION
CARRIED, and the Meeting ADJOURNED at 10:52 PM.
CAROL L. COLP CMC, CITY CLERK
STEVE M. THOMPSON, MAYOR
Transcribed by: Carol L. Colp CMC, City Clerk
City of Fairbanks September 12, 2005
Regular Meeting Minutes, As Corrected Page 13 of 13