After a spirited discussion, city council approved an ordinance that amends the budget in a variety of ways.

That ordinance allows the Department of Public Safety to accept drug forfeiture money and the Unalaska Public Library to receive a $15,000 Rasmuson grant to expand their collection. Additionally, the ordinance increased the Ballyhoo Road and Drainage project budget and transferred out $750,000 from two separate funds for its development. It also included one $59 housekeeping item involving the Carl E. Moses Small Boat Harbor Project. None of these components of the ordinance were controversial.

However, the ordinance also contained an item increasing the operating budget for repairs and maintenance to the electrical line. Council Member Dick Peck took issue with that, and introduced an amendment striking that language. Ultimately, the amendment failed, 5-1 with Peck continuing his support for the change. The final ordinance passed 5-1, with Peck voting no.

On top of the budget ordinance, council also unanimously approved a zoning ordinance allowing  chiropractor Jim Morris to operate a clinic at toward the bottom of Haystack Hill in an area that was previously a residential zone. 

During the new business portion of the meeting, council approved a resolution that would allow the city manager to enter into a $2.2 million agreement with Northern Mechanical for construction of the Ballyhoo Road drainage and electrical improvement project. That passed 5-1. Council Member Dennis Robinson dissented because there were no other bidders, even though bids were solicited.

Council also approved a resolution that would identify the Ballyhoo project, the wastewater treatment plant project, and the installation a fourth engine at the powerhouse as their top priorities when lobbying the state of Alaska this year. The third resolution they reviewed appropriated $6,000 for a community reception during the upcoming North Pacific Fishery Management Council meeting. Additionally, an ordinance that would amend the budget for the city dock fender system repair advanced to second reading. Council closed the new business portion of the meeting by agreeing to cover the mayor’s hotel expenses at the upcoming Southwest Alaska Municipal Conference.