Sitka Assembly to decide next steps on administrator applicant Gerrie Cotter, possibly in closed session

Sitka's Assembly is set to decide Tuesday what happens next with an applicant for municipal administrator. Part of that discussion may move into closed session. The Assembly takes up discussion and a decision on next steps for administrator applicant Gerrie Cotter at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22, at Assembly Chambers, 330 Harbor Drive. John Leach holds the post while the search for a successor continues.

The Assembly screened applicants in executive session in June. Sitka named Jenny Alber its sole finalist in July and scheduled two public receptions. Weeks later, Alber was no longer in the running, and the Assembly began interviewing two different candidates. It interviewed Cotter and a second applicant, Jeremy Marshall, at an Aug. 21 special meeting, then went into executive session. "The Assembly discussed the merits of the applicant and reached consensus to schedule a second round interview," Mayor Steven Eisenbeisz said after that closed session. A further interview was scheduled by Zoom at a Sept. 10 special meeting.

The Assembly has also pushed parts of the process into public view, directing a community meet-and-greet with Cotter that the meeting record describes as "allowing community members to observe and provide input." In prior candidate discussions, the body has justified closed session on the ground that airing an applicant's merits can prejudice that person's reputation and character. Tuesday's agenda notes possible executive session without giving a reason.

Also on the agenda: first readings of fiscal 2027 supplemental appropriations for transfer station compactor repairs, AlaskaEx disaster response training and the Lincoln Street project; five AKO Farms marijuana license renewals; liquor license items including competing applications from Highliner Coffee Co and Harbor Mountain Brewing Company; reappointments of Gail Roderick to the Police and Fire Commission and Adam Horton to the Local Emergency Planning Committee; and a Title 22 zoning amendment to promote accessory dwelling units.

Residents may speak up to three minutes during either Persons to be Heard period; the first is limited to off-agenda items. The meeting is livestreamed on the city's website and aired live on KCAW FM 104.7.