For the past few years, the City of Unalaska has been in a struggle with the Environmental Protection Agency over wastewater treatment. In June, the EPA filed a lawsuit for upward of $150 million against the city alleging that Unalaska had exceeded its wastewater discharge limits, with both the city and the State of Alaska pointing out that Unalaska’s Clean Water Act permit contained errors.
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.
Tonight, city council will convene to make decisions on budget and zoning items.
There will be public hearings on two ordinances at the top of the meeting. One ordinance would allow chiropractor Jim Morris to operate a clinic at toward the bottom of Haystack Hill in an area that’s presently a residential zone. The other would amend the budget so that the Department of Public Safety could accept drug forfeiture money and that the Unalaska Public Library could receive a Rasmuson grant for the expansion of their collection. Additionally, that ordinance would also increase the budget for the Ballyhoo Road Project and amend the budget for the new Carl E. Moses Small Boat Harbor. Both of these ordinances will be voted on in the unfinished business portion of the meeting.
Last week’s tsunami evacuation didn’t just involve getting everyone out of their house – it involved getting most residents awake and out of bed. Despite this challenge, the city succeeded by most measures in getting people to high ground on Friday morning.
“I think this is a community that’s used to doing things anytime of the day or night. The seafood processing plants reacted immediately. Public safety and volunteers came in,” says City Manager Hladick. “There’s maybe some delay with people being foggy and waking up, but I think the community takes it seriously.”
On Tuesday, city council approved several measures related to zoning, budgetary, and travel issues.
The meeting started with a presentation from Evan Rose of the Alaska Permanent Capital Management Company. Rose focused on the current economic climate, and he explained how that affects Unalaska. According to Rose, the city of Unalaska had $83.6 million in bonds and securities as of July. The account saw an $8 million decline over last year, due to a major withdrawal for infrastructure.
Tonight, city council will convene to get an update on the city’s finances and take care of some budgetary housekeeping.
The meeting will open with a presentation from Evan Rose, of the Alaska Permanent Capital Management Company. He’ll discuss the health of the city’s investments and answer questions about future money management. As of last month, the city of Unalaska had $83.6 million in bonds and securities. That’s a drop of over $8 million from last year, due to withdrawals.
The Illiuliuk Family and Health Services board has hired a new executive director. Eileen Scott of Rhode Island will be taking over as head of the clinic on October 3.
Most recently, Scott has worked as the business manager of Women and Infants Hospital in Rhode Island. She also has worked as health care economist, and she served in the Air Force.
The IFHS board of directors considered 20 total applicants and interviewed seven. As part of the hiring process, they brought Scott to the community for a public interview.
It’s been about a decade since the City of Unalaska had a formal recycling operation, but this summer the Department of Public Utilities has quietly been collecting cans and bottles for a new pilot program to bring recycling back.
This year’s municipal elections should be relatively quiet, with only one race being contested.
Zoya Johnson will be running against incumbent Katherine McGlashan for city council seat E. MacGlashan has been on city council since 2001. Johnson served a partial term on the council from 2007 to 2008, after being appointed to the seat that had been held by Rocky Caldero.
Meanwhile, Council Member Dennis Robinson will be running for reelection without competition.
