Unalaska, AK – Last night, City Council held a special meeting to discuss the removal of a dozen trailers, a road construction project to the new small boat harbor, and the hiring of a new deputy city clerk. Five council members were present, and Catherine McGlashan served as mayor pro tempore.

After receiving a second reading, an ordinance regarding the removal of the twelve trailers on Loop Road passed unanimously. Offshore Systems, Inc. (OSI) will take ownership of the trailers.

The council also unanimously passed a resolution that authorizes city manager Chris Hladick to enter into an agreement with Northern Mechanical to work on a road project for the completion of the Carl E. Moses boat harbor. The road construction project is budgeted at $8.75 million dollars.

The most contentious point of the meeting concerned the hiring and the salary of a new deputy city clerk. The council considered a resolution regarding an employment agreement between the city of Unalaska and Catherine Hazen for the position.

Hazen is currently a senior accountant for the city. Because of her length of time with the city, her current city salary is above the middle salary range for the position of deputy city clerk, causing McGlashan and Zac Shasteen to question whether a salary bump for the position was appropriate or financially responsible.

"Right now, we're looking at giving the giving the deputy clerk position $462.90 more than the past director was making, who had effectively 15 years of experience when she left," said Shasteen. "I have a real issue with that."

Tonya Miller, the city's finance director and Hazen's supervisor, offered comment on the issue and praised Hazen's ability as an employee. Debate also focused on how the current salary scheme incentivizes outside hires, who do not have a salary history with the city.

"We're hiring someone on the island here, who has housing. We're not going to be forced to find housing for them," said Dennis Robinson. "That's going to save you probably about $30,000 or $40,000 right off the bat."

McGlashan and Shasteen voted against the resolution. The resolution received three votes from Dave Gregory, Dennis Robinson, and Dick Peck - but needed four to pass. The resolution will be reconsidered at the July council meeting. At present, both the position of city clerk and deputy city clerk are vacant.

Resource Analyst Frank Kelty also provided a fisheries update, and discussed the city's collaboration with the Marine Conservation Alliance on social media outreach.