The Ketchikan Gateway Borough Assembly has moved its meeting to Tuesday in observance of Alaska Day, a state holiday.
The assembly will hold a work session to discuss the status of local CARES Act funding for business grants, non-profit support, rent and mortgage assistance and day care assistance. To date, about $9.9 million has been allocated. Borough officials recommend transferring $50,000, a portion of unused day care assistance funds, into a program that subsidizes personal protective equipment, citing requests from local business owners. Staff also recommends waiting until more information is available about the latest round of grants, along with the status of unreimbursed Borough expenses before deciding what to do with the remaining $426,000 in federal pandemic relief funds.
Also Tuesday night, the assembly will consider one-year extensions for four collective bargaining agreements. These are with the International Organization of Masters, Mates and Pilots; the Inlandboatmen’s Union of the Pacific; the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and the Alaska Public Employees Association.
Because of economic uncertainty related to the pandemic, borough management approached each of the unions asking to roll over existing contracts with a few minor modifications. Borough officials say they hope the revenue picture will be clearer next year and negotiations on new three-year contracts can begin then. If necessary, the assembly can enter into an executive session Tuesday night to discuss this.
Prior to the regular meeting, the assembly will convene to certify results of the October 6th borough elections. The assembly will recognize outgoing members Alan Bailey and Susan Pickrell, who did not run for reelection, and administer the oath of office to A.J. Pierce, Jeremy Bynum and Judith McQuerry.
The certification meeting begins at 5 p.m. in Borough Assembly Chambers in the White Cliff Building. The regular meeting follows at 5:30 p.m. Meetings are also broadcast on the borough’s website and local cable channels. The full agenda is available online. Public comment will be taken at the beginning of the meeting.