Anchorage Assembly: Assembly Regular - September 1, 2026

Okay, everyone, let's go ahead and get this meeting started. So folks, if you want to continue conversations, please take them outside. Today is Tuesday, September 1st. Happy September! And we will move through roll call and then we'll get to our business.

So, Madam Clerk, go ahead. Member Handlin. Present. Member Martinez. Present.

Member Gerker. Here. Member Silvers. Here. Member Presverdia.

Here. Chair Brawley. Here. Vice Chair Voland. Happy to be here.

Member Baldwin-Day. Present. Member Scout. Present. Member McCormick.

Here. Member Park. Present. Member Johnson. Here.

Chair, you have a quorum. Thank you, Madam Clerk. Next, I will ask Mr. Gerker to lead us in the Pledge.

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. And to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Thank you. Ms. Baldwin-Day, will you please read the land acknowledgment?

Yes, Madam Chair. A land acknowledgment is a formal statement recognizing the indigenous people of a place. It is a public gesture of appreciation for the past and present indigenous stewardship of the lands that we now occupy. It is an actionable statement that marks our collective movement towards decolonization and equity. The Anchorage Assembly would like to acknowledge that we gather today on the traditional lands of the Dena'ina Athabascans.

For thousands of years, the Dena'ina have been and continue to be the stewards of this land. It is with gratitude and respect that we recognize the contributions, innovations, and contemporary perspectives of the Upper Cook Inlet Dena'ina. Thank you. Next, we'll move on to our minutes from our Regular meeting minutes from previous meetings. Um, we have one set of minutes from the regular meeting of October— sorry, October— August 18th, 2026.

Uh, may I have a motion to approve? Move to approve. Second. Motion by Mr. Bolland to approve the prior meeting minutes, a second by Ms. Baldwin-Day. Any, uh, discussion about the minutes?

Any proposed changes? Any objection to adopting the minutes as written? Hearing and seeing none, the minutes from the August 18th meeting have been adopted. Next, we'll move to the mayor's report. Madam Mayor.

Thank you, Chair Brawley, and good evening, everyone. This last weekend, a memorial service was held for Karen Branga, former assembly member. What a wonderful outpouring of community love for this remarkable person who was a true public servant. Karen is deeply missed. Last week, my team and I held an open house and community conversations centered on housing in the municipality and our 10,000 Homes in 10 Years strategy.

It was truly inspiring to see over 100 residents from almost every neighborhood across the municipality come together to talk about our shared future. We heard direct, honest feedback from residents about the rising costs of living, building, and buying a home. We heard from community members who are supportive of the progress we've all made, as well as those with more ideas on how we can further boost home construction and rehabilitation. My team is consolidating all the community feedback from the event so we can integrate the information into our next steps. Building on that momentum, I went to Fairbanks last week for the Alaska Defense Forum and Alaska Municipal League.

Participating on the Defense Forum housing panel underscored just how vital housing is to our regional economy. With the upcoming J-Bear Fighter Town expansion, our target is moving even higher. We now estimate the need is closer to 12,000 homes rather than 10,000. It is more critical than ever that we stay focused on incentivizing development. Shifting to tonight's agenda, I want to address some of the misinformation shared on social media about the Anchorage Police Department's Real Time Crime Center technology.

This is an incredibly important community conversation about privacy rights and the future of public safety and policing, and it's vital that this public conversation is grounded in facts. I want to be clear on a few key points. It's important for the public to know that municipal use of facial recognition technology was officially banned by the Anchorage Assembly in 2023. APD's technology does not and will not use facial recognition. APD does not use flock cameras, nor does APD currently have equivalent technology.

None of the camera feeds available to APD can automatically track or search for a person or object. Real-time crime center staff must manually review footage to identify matching descriptions of individuals or vehicles. There's been some alleged footage shared on social media of a municipal surveillance system from Municipal Camera 4. There is no municipal camera floor. This footage is fake.

And every step of the way, we've built in privacy protections and worked with the assembly on these. Alaska has exceptionally strong privacy protections in our state constitution, and working alongside APD, we have created strict department policies governing technology use. These include clear provisions on data access, storage, and other standards to protect privacy and our constitutional rights. APD's policies also require regular audits to ensure compliance and disciplinary measures for violating policy. APD committed to share its policies that govern technology use at the Assembly's Public Health and Safety Committee every month to ensure policies align with Assembly direction.

These technology policies are accessible to the public on APD's website, and I encourage everyone to review them. Like most Alaskans, I believe that protecting privacy is a fundamental responsibility of government. My administration shares the Assembly's commitment to safeguarding our constitutional rights and civil liberties. Between the state constitution, what is already codified in APD's policies, our privacy protections are strong. But I also believe we should take every opportunity to make them stronger and show the public that we're doing everything we can to safeguard their privacy.

Further codifying these protections makes sense. However, I do have concerns about the draft code changes that are on the agenda tonight. As I reviewed this draft with the municipal attorney, we've identified many significant unintended consequences that we're working to address together with the sponsors. As written, the AO before you would unduly limit some core functions of APD operations including misdemeanor enforcement and joint operations with state and federal partners on illicit drug enforcement. Broad definitions could also impact functions outside of APD, including the ability to record assembly meetings and for municipal staff to use iPhones and camera technology.

And clearly, um, that's not the intent of the, the ordinance. It's real important to fine-tune the approach to get it right. I'm very well aware that our community faces some big public safety challenges. I hear concerns from residents daily. The municipality has limited resources, and we are using these resources as efficiently as we can.

The Real Time Crime Center is a tool used by other communities to make police response to critical incidents safer and more effective, and to increase the likelihood that we solve a crime. I look forward to collaborating on this ordinance so we can accomplish our shared dual goal of protecting the public's privacy while ensuring our police officers have the tools they need to keep us safe. Because these technical details are so critical to get right, I urge Assembly members to give this legislation the attention it deserves. It's too important to rush. That's all for now.

Back to you, Chair Brawley. Thanks. I'll note just a technical issue. We are working through some on-base issues, our usual story. So the clerk is actively working with IT, so the queue is not working.

But I know Mr. Bolland is in the queue, and then— sorry, so I have Mr. Bolland, then Mr. McCormick in the queue, and then I'll just visually scan to see if others want to jump in. So first, Mr. Voland. Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you, Mayor, for your report. Um, I, I just, uh, in light of the mayor's report, wanted to let my colleagues know that the intent of the sponsors of that ordinance, when we get to it, is going to be to continue the public hearing.

Um, we plan on this week meeting with the municipal attorney, um, as well as Assembly Council, getting the attorneys in a room and going through that ordinance and doing more work on it. So just want to say that.

And I, I guess I, I want to ask, because I think what I heard you say, Madam Mayor, is that you support potentially putting guardrails in code on responsible handling of video recordings from the Real Time Crime Center and preventing the types of potential abuses that we've seen with surveillance technology in other cities, such as stalking of private citizens. Is that Do I have that understanding correct?

Yes. As I've said before, I think that anything we can do to strengthen our already strong protections is important that we do that. Okay. Appreciate it. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Next, I have Mr. McCormick. I guess my question was similar, uh, for the mayor, in that if it sounds like you feel APD's policy is sufficient enough to protect the public's privacy.

Through the chair to Member McCormick, at this time we have very strong policy, um, privacy protections in place between the state constitution and APD's policy. I fully understand the need to update code as we move forward with new technology, and again, I 100% support strengthening privacy protections and showing the public we're doing everything we can. To safeguard privacy whenever we can. Thank you.

Okay, any other members in the queue? Okay, not any right now. Um, then we will move on, um, from Mayor's report to Chair report. So, uh, and as I said, uh, we are working through the tech issues. Uh, we will continue through our business for the time being.

If we get to the point that we need to be taking votes and we're still having issues, then we'll deal with it at that point. Um, so my actual Chair report. Good evening, everyone. Welcome to our regular business meeting. Um, first, uh, it is as of today already September.

Driving in, I saw some termination dust up on the mountains. We know school has already started and fall will officially be here in a few weeks. For many of us, Labor Day is the traditional end of summer, but also it's a great reminder of the hard-won benefits, safety protections, and even the holiday itself, thanks to workers organizing and advocating for our rights. Hopefully everyone has a safe and enjoyable weekend, and take time to remember it's all thanks to labor. Youth representatives, uh, I'm excited to announce that we've officially chosen our Anchorage Assembly youth representative cohort for the 2026-2027 2027 school year.

The Youth Representative Program gives Anchorage students ages 16 to 19 a firsthand opportunity to learn how local government works, participate in assembly meetings as if they were a member, share their perspectives, and cast a non-binding preferential vote during our assembly meetings. The program is established in municipal code and is specifically designed to give young people a direct role in the legislative process. So we're thrilled to welcome, uh, this next group of young leaders. They aren't here tonight, but they will be here at our next meeting on September 15th. Raqeeq Ali, Malachi Cochran, and Rebecca McCullough.

We're looking forward to hearing their ideas about the future of our community and working with them over the next several months during the school year. So big thank you to all the students who applied. We had a lot of terrific applicants, and of course way many than we were able to include in our program this year. We're looking forward to another learning— year of learning, leadership, and making sure Anchorage young people have a place at the table. We'll form— as I said, we'll formally appoint and welcome those new representatives at our September 15th meeting, and then you'll see one of them participating in each each of our meetings on a rolling basis through the fall and into the spring.

I'll also note that I know because school has started, we might have some students in the audience tonight. I'll ask, is anybody here tonight who's a student? Okay, I see a few. So not right this second, but we'll ask you to come up and introduce yourselves in a little bit. We always love to hear from folks.

So we'll be asking for just your name, your grade, school, and what class you're here for. So stay tuned for that. And then I know often folks need signatures as proof, receipts that you were here. Usually during the dinner break we do that, so students, please feel free to come up and I'm sure a member is happy to sign your papers. Next, move on to housing action.

Last week was a big week for the municipality's work in housing development and really encouraging that to happen. As the mayor shared, the 10,000 Homes in 10 Years workshop last week was well attended, very productive. This past Friday, August 28th, the assembly held a work session to review progress on our housing action plan and really understand what is the impact of the work we've done so far and where could we go from here. So we were joined by municipal staff from Planning, Development Services, and the Mayor's Office, as well as staff from ACDA, the Community Development Authority, and a few housing developers to reflect on those impacts of policy changes and again where we could focus now and into the future. It's great to step back and see how much progress has been made in the last few years, and the session also helped us focus on what is needed next.

Excuse me. So it's clear that while Specific policy changes have made a difference, whether it's cutting red tape on 3- and 4-plex development to pausing residential design standards. It's really the impact of doing multiple things at once and focusing on removing or relieving the barriers to housing production that people keep getting stuck in. And I think we'll, we'll continue to see that work happening up here on the dais and out in the community with our great development partners and the municipality. So we also discussed taking some time to update that housing action plan.

It was first passed in 2023. And really needs another look to make sure it reflects today's priorities and projects underway so it can still be useful for the Assembly and the community at large and what we can do in our legislative lane. So we've got our work cut out for us, but the community's housing crisis is affecting our neighbors, our businesses, our schools, and our economy. So it's critical that we do this right and that we keep working on this critical topic. A couple other branch business items to share.

First, after some discussions this summer and giving members a chance to settle into new roles, We are shortly implementing some changes to our committee structure, including shifting some of the committee topics from one, one place to another, appointing new leadership, and adjusting our regular schedule to be more efficient and predictable, such as stacking more meetings on the same days to make sure that folks can really focus on assembly business when they're here and make time for all the other things happening in our lives. So we'll start rolling out that as soon as possible, likely after Labor Day, as soon as I work out with staff the final version and some logistics as far as a couple specific meetings. And then the other item of business is on Saturday, as the mayor mentioned, many of us were able to be present for the remembrance of Karen Bronga out at the Native Heritage Center. It was organized by her family and friends, and it was really meaningful to be part of that, to be with so many people from different parts of the community who knew her. And, and I remember several people saying at that event how much Karen loved bringing people together.

So I think it was a really meaningful event. Thank you so much to the Branga family for sharing that with us. I'll share also on the branch side, legislative services staff and I are working with her family to organize a formal recognition resolution in the coming weeks of— in the coming weeks of— to recognize Karen's contributions to our community. More on that soon. And I'll also note for those interested, there is a proposal to honor her being considered by the Public Naming Commission, naming an Eastside trail connection project that is moving through our Public Naming Commission.

Their next meeting is Wednesday, September 9th at 4 PM in City Hall Room 155. So follow that if you're interested. And with that, I'll do my best to move us through tonight's agenda so that we may conclude at the most reasonable hour possible, uh, knock on wood, with our on-base system, uh, the voting system. So this is a business meeting. We're here to do the work of the municipality.

Please help create a climate of respect in the chambers. Refrain from personal attacks, speaking out of turn, shouting, clapping, and pacing. Please keep any signs to 8.5 by 11 inches in size. Please keep the aisle clear unless you're lined up to testify. Please don't approach the dais directly.

If you have something to share with the members, you can hand it to the clerk for distribution. And then I'll ask if a point of order is called. I'll ask everybody to please stop speaking so that I may rule on the point of order and the record is clear. If the rules are not followed, I may interrupt speakers to call for compliance. If compliance with the rules doesn't occur, then I may pause the meeting.

And if there's an actual disruption, I'll give a warning. If that disruption persists or happens again, the person will be asked to leave. And then I'll just briefly remind folks, for public testimony, when we get to that point in the meeting, we'll ask you to state your, your name, what part of town you're in, and you'll have 3 minutes to testify. Community Council folks have 5 minutes. And then I'll just remind folks to stay on topic for the subjects of those public hearings.

So I think those are the updates I have right now. So Next, we will move on to our committee and liaison reports, and I will start this evening with Mr. Handeland. Nothing to report.

Mr. Martinez. Thank you, Chair. The next meeting of the Community and Economic Development Committee is this Thursday, September 3rd, at 9:00 AM at the Permit Center. Thank you, Chair. Okay, Mr. Gerker.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Nothing to report. Uh, Miss Silvers. Nothing to report. Thank you.

Mr. Perez Verdia. Thank you, Chair. Two updates. The next meeting of the Public Health and Safety Committee will be on September 9th at 11:00 AM in Room 155, and the next Housing and Homeless Committee meeting, unless it's changed before then, will be on September 16th at 11:00 AM in Room 155. Please join us.

Yeah, thank you. And again, I'll note, as I said, we'll be publishing our new committee schedule and you'll see a lot of things are staying the same, some things are changing, so we'll make sure that that gets out and that the notice is updated for folks who track those meetings. Next, Mr. Bullant. Thank you, Madam Chair. The Budget and Finance Committee met on Thursday, August 20th.

We began but need to finish a presentation on service areas, so that presentation will be picked up again at the next meeting on Thursday, September 17th. Thanks. Thanks. Ms. Baldwin-Day. Thank you, Madam Chair.

The Assembly's Infrastructure Enterprise and Utility Oversight Committee met on Thursday, August 20th. In addition to a regular report about the Port of Alaska Modernization Project, we also heard a presentation from Anchorage Water and Wastewater Utility. It was a pretty sobering look at last winter's operations and an uptick in system emergencies that were really due to colder weather and less snowpack. And one of the, one of the stats that I found particularly interesting was that last year there were 250 reports of frozen service lines, which was a massive increase over the prior year, which was less than 20. And so our colder weather and reduction in snow is taking a toll on our utilities, both the infrastructure itself, but also the personnel who maintain it.

And so we are absolutely hoping for a more mild winter this winter. There were also 3 actual water main freezes last year, which no one can remember that happening in recent memory. So as our winters get more severe, so too does the impact on our infrastructure. Uh, the Municipal Audit Committee met on August 28th to discuss the 2024 annual consolidated financial report. Uh, that discussion will be ongoing.

We barely scratched the surface of the 2024 audit, and so, uh, it's to be, uh, to be determined whether we're going to continue that conversation at a special meeting of the Audit Committee or whether it will, will be built in piecemeal to Audit Committee, uh, meetings going forward. But, uh, stay tuned, there's a lot to say about the 2024 AFER. So, uh, those are my reports for this evening, Chair. Thank you. Thanks.

Uh, next, Miss Scout. Nothing to report. Thank you. Uh, Mr. McCormick. Nothing to report.

Thank you. Miss Park. Thank you, Chair. On, uh, April, uh, 26th, Wednesday at noon, I met with the ASD, uh, right-sizing committee with the school board. Uh, the right-sizing committee will consist of, uh, Member Paul McDonough as the chair of that committee, include Rachel Blakeslee and Margo— um, yes, uh, as, as the members, and will include the administration of ASD.

Um, and as the committee is just being formed, we look forward to another, um, another meeting to determine what will be the criterion that will be used for assessing whether a closure or consolidation of school is necessary. Thank you. Thanks. Next, Mr. Johnson. No report tonight, Chair.

Thank you. And I'm going to hand the gavel over for a brief moment. Um, thank you. Um, yeah, just giving, uh, my report. So as one of our Alaska Municipal League liaisons and member of the AML board, um, I traveled to Fairbanks last week along with the mayor, um, Member Park, and, um I think met some others in the community for the Alaska Defense Forum, which was held up in Fairbanks, mostly for military, but also involved local leaders, economic development, legislators were there.

And then of course for the board meeting for AML and the summer policy conference of AML. So at the conference, I presented a panel on property tax education with representatives from Juneau and Fairbanks. And then as far as the board meeting goes, Anchorage— basically the Alaska Municipal League board has representation from elected officials from various local governments across the state. Anchorage actually has a dedicated seat on the board. We are one of the founding members all the way back to 1950 of that organization.

So continuing the work to make sure that we are participating in AML and contributing to its governance. And so we discussed ongoing issues such as health insurance costs, board— or sorry, not board, member dues. Of course, we pay the maximum because they're based on partly on population, but for many other communities, there's a sliding scale. And other issues of business related to AML. So, um, uh, so it was an interesting experience overall and looking forward to continuing the policy work with, um, with our peer local governments in other places.

So that's my report. Uh, so I believe that takes care of committee and liaison reports. So next we will move on to the addendum to the agenda, and before we do that, we will address late on the table items. So, uh, I have a number of them tonight. So what I'm going to do, uh, so most of them are supplemental, a few are for action.

And then, of course, I will turn to the relevant sponsors or folks involved to speak to the timeliness of the ones that are not supplemental. But I'll start with our supplemental ones, reading them into the record. The first one is associated with item 10B2. It is Resolution AR-2026-254, S version, a resolution of the Anchorage Assembly establishing policy guidance and prioritizing housing production and the development of preferred housing types and the disposition of municipal real property. That is an item on the consent agenda currently.

The next one, supplemental, is item 10F5. It is unnumbered memorandum AIM 2026, answers to assembly questions received for items on this agenda. The next one, the supplemental, is an S version for item 10G6, which is being introduced. It is ordinance AO 2026-114S, an ordinance of the Anchorage Assembly amending Anchorage Municipal Code Chapter 16.120 Emergency Shelter Plan for Homeless Persons Code to reduce barriers to shelter and align code with current practices. That one again is just being introduced.

Next one I have that's supplemental is unnumbered information memorandum AIM 2026 associated with 11B, and that is AHD food access and anti-hunger programs for the resolution that's currently under 10B. And I believe the remaining items that I have are for action. So we will start actually with the ones for introduction. So I'll note also, uh, this was something I again had to ask the clerk for clarification. Um, so for items that are being introduced, it does matter whether it's an ordinance or a resolution because of the way our code and our charter is written.

So resolutions for introduction require 7 votes at minimum, even if they're being introduced, as is the case for the one I'm about to read. And then there's also ordinances being introduced only need 3 votes. And so just to be clear Um, I will read them in the order on our sheet. The first one is unnumbered Resolution AR-2026, a resolution of the Municipality of Anchorage appropriating State of Alaska Community Assistance Program revenue to the area-wide general fund 101000 in an amount of $2,813,529 for homeless shelter support and electronic health records, EHR, and electronic medical records, EMR system software subscription in an amount of $457,725 as a transfer and appropriating said transfer to operating projects committed general fund for the setup of EHR EMR system and amending the 2026 Capital Improvement Program, CIB. Um, for that one, that long thing that I read, I am seeking, um, uh, a first and second, and then this will require a majority vote.

Move to lay on the table. Second. Third. Motion to lay on the table by Mr. Bolland, second by Ms. Baldwin-Day. This one doesn't need a third right now, but we will need— I guess I'll ask, is there any objection to— well, actually, let me back up.

Sorry, this one is for introduction. I will turn to the administration to just briefly speak to the timeliness of this. So, Mr. Paulsey, if you have an answer. Uh, thank you, Madam Chair. We are backfilling some health department budgets that were necessary to keep us in a good operation for wintertime shelter.

And so these were funds that were received mid-year, and now we are putting them in the appropriate place. I think that the timeliness is that if we do not catch this meeting for introduction at the next meeting, then we may end up being upside down on some contractual responsibilities.

Okay, thank you. Uh, Mr. Voland. Yeah, and then, Madam Chair, I just want to refine my motion. Um, move to lay on the table for introduction, set the public hearing for 9/15. Yeah, thank you for that clarification.

Does the second agree? Okay, thank you. Yeah, thank you for catching that. Um, so again, the motion on the table now with the rationale presented is for this item to be introduced and the public hearing set for September 15th. 18Th.

Um, is there any objection to this item being laid on the table?

Any at all? Okay, hearing and seeing none, then this item has been laid on the table by unanimous vote. Um, so that is the first introduction. The second one is an ordinance, so it will take a first, second, and third. It is Ordinance AO-2026, unnumbered, an omnibus ordinance of the Anchorage Municipal Assembly amending and updating Anchorage Municipal Code Title 28 elections.

Move to lay on the table for introduction, set the public hearing for September 15th. Second. Third. Okay, we have a motion from Mr. Bullen, second from Mr. Handlin, third from Ms. Scout to lay that one on the table for introduction, public hearing on the 15th.

So that one has been introduced. The last one that I have on the list is for action, and so this one, uh, if if laid on the table will be on the consent agenda and can still be pulled, um, but it does require 8 votes for action. So, uh, this is Resolution AR-2026 Unnumbered, a resolution of the Municipality of Anchorage approving an amended agreement between Anchorage Library Foundation and the Municipality of Anchorage and appropriating donation funds from the Anchorage Library Foundation to the library department in the amount of $41,000, all to the library department miscellaneous operational grants fund for staff positions at the downtown branch library. Is there a motion? Move to lay on the table.

Second. Okay. Motion by Mr. Vohland to lay on the table, second by Ms. Scout. I will again turn to the administration to speak to the timeliness.

Thank you, Madam Chair. This is a happy item. We are looking to appropriate some of the items that have been— monies that have been given to us by the Library Foundation. This is intended to allow us to hire the branch manager for the future downtown library so that we can get that library open in time to meet grant requirements.

Madam Chair, point of information. Thank you. Yes, Mr. Handlin. Yes, you said, is it 8 votes or 7 votes? Uh, yeah, this one would need 8 because this is potentially for action, and then of course when it goes into the consent agenda, then it's subject to the, the regular rules.

So I'll see if there's any further discussion on this item. Um, is there any objection to laying this item on the table?

Okay, hearing and seeing none, uh, this item has also been laid on the table. And I'll note this is item 10E.7 in our agenda, so if somebody does want to pull it for further discussion, um, that can be done through the consent agenda process. So with that, I think we've taken care of our laid on the table items, and so I will ask for a motion to incorporate the addendum to the agenda including those laid on the table items. So moved. Second.

Motion by Ms. Baldwin-Day to incorporate, uh, the addendum and laid on the table. Second by Mr. Boland. Any further discussion on that item?

Any objection to incorporating the agenda?

Hearing and seeing none, um, that has been incorporated. And of course we will come back to the consent agenda for any specific items that folks would like to pull.

Okay, um, and then so next we have, uh, two appearance requests. So I will, uh, call them up in order on the agenda. First we have Mr. Charles McKee, if you'd like to come forward.

And then I will remind you, uh, to turn on the microphone, make sure the light is green And then I'll ask you to state your name, what part of town you're in, and then you'll have 3 minutes, please. Thank you. My name is Charles McKee. I'm a beneficiary of the McKee Trust, a Susticay Trust, a business platform that you also use. It is cultivated from this protective act, the Bankruptcy Act of 1935.

To avoid constructive action against me, QETAM. I am in confidence, not deceptive, as the use of the officer that typed up this incident report. It must have been a typo, but he, he wrote he struck the vehicle. In this case, what, before you— I was stopped, I was not moving. The manufacturer's certificate of origin is owned by the state of Alaska.

Which ties in this whole problem. The business platform in use to govern the members of this trust estate as if a credit union of shareholders of Anchorage. So the members here, me included, as a member of a credit union business platform, as I sent to you people and also posted on the state recording Anchorage 301. So the distinction in law not to use hard bargaining or business shrewdness towards the principles.

So toward the principles, me and everybody else, I ask this body, the past, in good faith to release my endowment, and instead I receive arvis. And so I'm here to again ask through use of QE TAM not to throw me and my trust application into constructive notice and deny me access by throwing it in that legal parameter. It's where the court has access to it. Which is indeed what they're doing, and that's why I'm claiming, uh, QE TAM. Thank you.

All right, thank you, Mr. McKee.

Okay, next we have our second appearance request of the evening. Miss Sharon Jackson, please come forward.

Hello, I'm Sharon Jackson, and I'm from Scenic Foothills. I've been here 3 times, and again, I will talk about gang stalking and APD. For all the people who are gang stalked, I want to tell you, never give up. Document, document, document. And if you can afford to get a psych evaluation, do.

When something happens to you, look and obtain witnesses. Take photos, photos, photos, and then go to your city hall, your assembly, your lawmakers, the ACLU, or the NAACP. Never give up. It has been 3 times, like I said, I've been here, and I was unheard by the APD and given the name of their behaviors like I was crazy. I'm fortunate, after 12 years, 8 months of being stalking, I am now— I now have a pending meeting with the chief of police and the president of the NAACP.

I hear Sean Case is a good man, and I love Cheryl Cox Williams. Society is so confusing. Canada and Greenland are enemies. Putin, Kim Jong-un are admired. Monsters are made out of teenagers toting a candy bar.

That's crazy. Religious fanatics follow a person wherever they go while hacking all of their devices. APD is given evidence, witnesses that include 3 mental health experts. APD is also provided with a negative drug test, a letter from an IT expert that says this person is being hacked, and numerous witnesses. 3 Mental health experts have looked at numerous pieces of evidence and have determined the person is sane.

Does APT— ABD talk to the witness? Freudian slip. No, there was a decision made that this person needs help, the help of their APD behaviorist, implying she was insane, while two people were working at the municipality who could support claims of the individual were promoted to state jobs. Law-abiding me was gangstalked by members of APD and their zealot friends off and on for years. Should APD be given devices to provide surveillance?

I think not. I've received a text message one day after sexual activity in the privacy of my bedroom, and the text said, "I know what you were doing last night. There were cameras that appeared appeared to be taking pictures, 3 of them, traffic cameras. It was registered that I was going 20— I was going 25 miles an hour, it said 52. I went to the FBI and my glass shower exploded.

My counselor was robbed of her paperwork and she believes it was because I went to the press. My counselor went to the police and she was treated like a criminal. Another incident in Anchorage, like I said, was the cameras. APD is responsible— should be responsible, but they're not. So for them to use surveillance tools to increase it, it's crazy.

And there's 9 other people like me that I know of. Thank you for participating. I will also ask if you would like to provide additional information, you can please do so. But if you would like to provide your statement in writing as well, you're welcome to email us. Thank you.

Thank you for being here.

Okay, next we have the consent agenda. So as a reminder, the consent agenda is items 10A through 10G, typically routine or non-controversial items such as bid awards, new business information and reports, as well as ordinances and resolutions for introduction. The items on the consent agenda may be approved by the assembly by a single vote in a motion to approve the consent agenda. Prior to approval Items may be pulled by assembly members for discussion and separate vote on each of those items. And so, uh, and then a note, uh, anything that is an ordinance has a public hearing at a future date, as well as some resolutions depending on the purpose.

So we will next move down the dais and ask folks what we'd like to pull on the consent agenda. So I will start this evening with Mr. Johnson. 10A1. That is all, Chair. Okay, I have 10A1.

Uh, next I have Ms. Park. 10A2. Thank you, Chair. Okay, 10A2, Ms. Park. Uh, next, Mr. McCormick.

10F1. Okay, 10F1, Mr. McCormick. Uh, next, Ms. Scout.

Nothing to pull. Okay, uh, Miss Baldwin-Day. Thank you, Chair. 10A3, 10B as in Bravo 2.

Okay, I have, uh, 10 Alpha 3, 10 Bravo 2 for Miss Baldwin-Day. Uh, next, Mr. Boland. No items, thank you, Chair.

Scratch that, I'll pull item 10B1. Okay, 10B1, Mr. Mullins. And next, Mr. Presverdia, who is on the phone. Thank you, Chair. No items tonight.

Okay, next, Miss Silvers.

10B1. Okay, that one has been pulled. Oh, sorry. Any additional items? Okay, uh, next, Mr. Gerker.

No items. Thank you, Chair. Mr. Martinez. No items. And Mr. Handeland.

Uh, 10A4 for reading and 10D3.

Okay, I have 10 Alpha 4 and 10 Delta 3, Mr. Hendeland. So I'll read back the items, and I will also note, um, this seems like a good time to do it. 11B is a recognition resolution that is not in the consent agenda. It was last time and we postponed it to this meeting, so I'll just state, um, for those who are here for that, we are going to move that one up with the other recognition resolutions, but we need to to move through this procedure first. So the items that have been pulled so far is 10 Alpha 1, Mr. Johnson, 2, Ms. Park, 3, Ms. Baldwin-Day, and 4, Mr. Handeland.

And then we have in the 10 Bs, 10B1, Mr. Boland, 10B2, Ms. Baldwin-Day, and then 10 Ds, 10D3, Mr. Handeland, and lastly, the 10 Fs, 10F1, Mr. McCormick. Are there any additional items to pull? At this time.

Uh, Chair, um, I'd like to pull 10B.3 as well. Okay, and then I'm going to add, uh, 10B.3, Miss Baldwin-Day. Um, okay, so I believe those are our items.

One moment.

Okay, Miss Baldwin-Day. Thank you. Um, I would like to request that the chair direct the clerk to set the public hearing for item 10G.7 for the meeting of October 6th. Okay, uh, so not pulling that one, just changing the public hearing? Correct.

Okay, uh, so I will direct the clerk to make that change. Um, so 10G, uh, 7, the public hearing date should be October 6th. Okay, uh, so those are the items. Um, one second. So, um, next I'll be seeking a motion to approve the consent agenda minus the items.

Move to approve the consent agenda minus the pulled items. Second. Okay, uh, motion by Mr. Vohland to approve, second by Mr. Gerker. Any further discussion on that?

Okay, any further discussion on this? Any objec— any objection to the adoption of the consent agenda?

Okay, hearing and seeing none, the consent agenda has been adopted. For folks who were here for any of those items that were listed, unless they were pulled, then those items have just been approved. Unless they were set for introduction, then they will be back at a future meeting. So next we'll move on to our recognition resolutions, but before we do that, Mr. Voland. Madam Chair, I move to change the order of the day to take up item 11B immediately after item 10A4.

Second. Okay, motion by Mr. Vohland to change the order to move up 11B to be after 10A4, second by Ms. Baldwin-Day. Any objection?

Okay, not hearing any objections, so that item will be reordered. We will take it up, um, uh, after the other recognition resolutions. So next we will move on to our first of those recognition resolutions, and that is—. Second. Is 10A1.

So that is AR 2026-249, a resolution of the Anchorage Municipal Assembly recognizing September 2026 as National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. This item was pulled by Mr. Johnson. Move to approve. Second. Motion by Mr. Johnson to approve.

Second by Mr. Boland. Any further discussion on this item? Like to be added as a sponsor. Okay, um, uh, yeah, it looks like there's some members. Uh, I know this is one of our annual resolutions, so we have not gone through and updated with all members.

Is there any objection by anybody to be added if you're not already? Okay, not seeing any objections, so we will add all members. And, uh, is there any objection to approval of this one?

Okay, hearing and seeing none, then this resolution AR 2026-249 is adopted. I believe we have Mr. Johnson reading and Mr. Martinez presenting. So if you're here for the National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, please feel free to come forward.

Whereas National Suicide Prevention Month unites mental health advocates, prevention organizations, survivors, allies, and community members to promote suicide prevention awareness, to reorganize suicide— excuse me, to recognize suicide as a preventable national and statewide public health problem. World Suicide Prevention Day is September 10th, which aims to raise awareness, bring attention to the issue, and reduce stigma. And whereas the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, reports suicide was the 10th leading cause of death overall in the United States and the 2nd leading cause of death among individuals aged 10 to 34 2024, 48,824 Americans died by suicide, with an estimated 2.2 million suicide attempts, an increase from 2023. And in 2023, the CDC reported that people 85 years and older had the highest suicide rate of any age group. And whereas Alaska's suicide rate remains among the highest in the country at around 30 deaths per 100,000 people, more than double the national rate of 14 per 100,000.

The Alaska Department of Health reported that 213 Alaskans died by suicide in 2023. And according to the Alaska Mental Health Analytics and Vital Records Section, Region 8 comprising the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, the Municipality of Anchorage, and the Kenai Peninsula Borough has the highest number of suicide deaths of any region in the state. And whereas everyone has a role in preventing suicide and can learn suicide risks and warning signs and encourage and assist those who struggle to seek help. And whereas the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Alaska chapter focuses on eliminating the loss of life from suicide by delivering innovative prevention programs, educating the public about risk factors, and reaching out to those individuals who have lost someone to suicide. And encourages anyone who is experiencing suicidal thoughts to call the Alaska CareLine 24/7 crisis hotline at 877-266-HELP or the Suicide Crisis Lifeline at 988.

And now, therefore, the Anchorage Assembly recognizes September 2026 as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and encourages all Anchorage residents to help promote suicide prevention awareness passed and approved by the Anchorage Assembly this first day of September 2026. Thank you.

Yeah. And if there's anybody who would like to speak, please. Madam Chair and Assembly, thank you for the recognition for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and recognizing September as Suicide Prevention Month. The Alaska chapter of AFSP works really hard as volunteers. We're all grassroots.

We self-fund and reach out throughout the entire state to support suicide prevention. We've gone as far as the North Slope, out to Dutch Harbor, into Southeast Alaska, and here in Anchorage. On September 19th, we have an event coming up called an Out of the Darkness Walk. I would challenge every member of the assembly to please attend. When we in Alaska have the highest rate and Anchorage is one of those highest numbers, it's important that we're all part of the same team, whether you're Republican, Democrat, whatever denomination you are, recognition and political out, you know, wherever you're from.

This is one common cause to save lives. And without your support and the community, we are not able to do what we do. But thank you for the recognition. Thank you. Dennis Lassley, South Anchorage.

Members Johnson, members McCormick, thank you guys so much for your continued support. The rest of the assembly, thank you guys as well. Mayor LaFrance, thank you to you and your team. Much appreciated. Unfortunately, Alaska continues to have some of the highest rates.

With that said, We're continuing to make great strides, uh, partnerships with you guys, partnerships with the Anchorage Police Department, partnerships with the Anchorage Fire Department, recognizing the importance of proper response for those that are in mental health crisis. Uh, that matters, and that's because of you guys and the direction and the leadership that you provide. So thank you guys so much.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you for being here. Thank you so much for your work. Um, thank you.

Yeah, important, important issue. Uh, next we'll move on to our second recognition resolution, 10A2, AR 2026-250, a resolution of the Municipality of Anchorage recognizing September 20th as LGBTQ Veterans Day. Um, this item was Pulled by, um, Miss Park. Uh, go ahead. Thank you, Chair.

A resolution of the Municipality of Anchorage recognizing—. Sorry, that's right, first we need to do the motion to approve and then we can do the—. Okay, thank you. Would you like me to speak to it? Move to approve.

Second. Motion by Miss Park to approve, second by Mr. Boland. Would you like to— or I guess, are there any Additional, I guess if anybody would like to be added as a sponsor, any additional comments? Okay, see Ms. Baldwin-Day, Ms. Park, Mr. Bolland, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Martinez.

Okay.

And Ms. Scout, sorry, I saw you, I did not verbally say your name, so thank you. So we'll get those members added, and then I see folks are coming up to the front, so I'll see if there's any objection to adoption of this against this resolution?

Hearing and seeing none, this resolution is adopted. So I believe Ms. Park is reading and Ms. Silvers is presenting. So please proceed, Ms. Park. Thank you, Chair. A resolution of the Municipality of Anchorage recognizing September 20th, 2026 as LGBTQ Veterans Day.

Whereas Anchorage is home to a proud and diverse community of veterans, service members, military families, and civilians who contribute to the strength, security, and civic life of the municipality, the state of Alaska, and the nation. And whereas lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other LGBTQIA+ Anchorage residents are part of the city's military, veterans, and community civic communities, and have served the United States Air Force in every generation. And whereas LGBTQIA+ veterans and service members have committed to the defense, resilience, and prosperity of the United States through their courage, sacrifice, professionalism, and commitment to duty. And whereas September 20th marks the anniversary of the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell, an important milestone in the history of military service and public life in the United States. And whereas recognizing LGBTQIA+ veterans affirms the dignity of service, honors the contributions of all who have worn the uniform, and strengthens the bonds of community belonging and civic trust.

And whereas Anchorage recognizes the importance of honoring veterans from all backgrounds and celebrating the many ways veterans continue to serve their families, communities, city, state, and nation. Now therefore, the Anchorage Municipal Assembly resolved that September 20th, 2026 is recognized as LGBTQ Veterans Day in Anchorage and commends its observance to all residents. Passed and approved by Anchorage Assembly this first day of September 2026. Thank you.

Yeah, I'll invite anybody who would like to speak, please come forward. Representative Gray. Thank you. Andrew Gray, Campbell Park. I want to say that LGBTQ folk have served in militaries since militaries existed.

But we've only served openly in America for the past 15 years. I'm grateful to the Anchorage Assembly and the mayor for acknowledging September 20th, the 15th anniversary of the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell, which allowed me to serve openly and allowed those who were already serving to do so honestly. Thank you. Thank you. And if anybody else would like to make remarks, please feel free to come up.

I served with Captain Gray. My name is Mike Grunst Muldoon, 35-year veteran. I've served in on every continent except Antarctica. I've served in combat. I've jumped out of airplanes for 24 and a half years, and there is no greater bravery than to walk in every day in a uniform in which you are shamed for your existence.

So these soldiers, airmen, these sailors who have served privately our country to defend our freedoms despite being shamed for who they are, are the bravest I have ever served with, and I'm grateful eternally for what they have done for us. Thank you.

I want to say thank you to the assembly. I'm Denise Sudbeck. I'm a Vietnam-era U.S. Navy veteran from the submarine service. And no, I did not jump out of airplanes.

So it was my pleasure to serve the United States in that regard. And thank you for honoring us tonight. Appreciate that.

I had the distinct privilege of serving with both Sergeant Major Grunst and Captain Gray for many years in the Alaska Army National Guard. I just want to say that in the next 10 years, 20 years, that soldiers have the same privilege of serving as I did. Thank you.

I am not a veteran, but I'm a healthcare provider for these veterans, and so I'm humbled in their company, but I am proud to serve all who served. No matter what they believe or who they are. And even though it's very scary to work in the federal government right now, I continue to provide healthcare even in these times when it is very difficult. And these are still very brave humans who approach me in order to continue to get treatment for all of their health conditions because their providers are often lost even though their bodies work just exactly the same as everybody else's. They're like, I don't know how to treat hypertension in these people.

And I'm like, I don't know why you don't. And so it's left up to me to, to handle these people. And I am proud to continue serving their health care needs no matter what.

Thank you. And before you sit down, there's one person in the queue, Mr. Martinez. Thank you. I just want to express my appreciation for being here today, for you all showing up today. Thank you for your bravery in uniform and in your civvies.

Thank you for holding space for the others and for your bravery in the face of continuing culture wars. We will not go back into the shadows. Thank you for being here.

Yeah, thank you for being here. Thank you for your service. Uh, next we'll move on to item 10A.3, AR 2026-251, a resolution of the Anchorage Municipal Assembly recognizing September 2026 as Library Card Sign-up Month. Um, I don't know, we might have some, uh, some of our colleagues from the library showing up for this one. Uh, this was pulled by Miss Baldwin-Day.

Thank you, Chair. Move to approve. Second. Motion by Ms. Baldwin-Day to approve, second by Mr. Gerker. Any further discussion on this one?

Any—. Okay, any objection to adoption?

Okay, seeing and hearing none, then this item is now adopted. I believe this one will be read by Ms. Baldwin-Day, presented by Mr. Gerker. So go ahead, Ms. Baldwin-Day. Thank you, Chair. Whereas Library Card Sign-up Month has been celebrated by libraries each September since 1987 to unite in a nationwide effort to ensure every person signs up for their own library card.

And whereas the library is a cornerstone of lifelong learning, offering free access to reading materials that support growth, curiosity, and education at every age and stage of life. And whereas early literacy begins with access to board books and picture books that help young children develop language, imagination, and social-emotional and whereas school-age children benefit from chapter books and other materials that encourage independent reading, academic success, creativity, and discovery; and whereas teens rely on a wide-ranging collection of materials to explore different perspectives, develop the language needed to understand new concepts, and engage with stories and information that support their educational, personal, and social growth; and whereas adults depend on robust collections of fiction and nonfiction that support lifelong learning, skill development, leisure reading, and engagement with a wide array of ideas, cultures, and experiences. And whereas older adults benefit from accessible, engaging reading materials across all genres that support continued intellectual growth, recreational reading, and overall quality of life. And whereas a library card serves as a gateway to all these materials— board books, picture books, chapter books, adult fiction, adult nonfiction, and more— available in multiple formats including print, digital, and audio. And whereas Library Card Sign-up Month encourages community members to connect with their library, explore its collections, and celebrate the role of reading at every age and stage, now therefore the Anchorage Assembly recognizes and celebrates the month of September as National Library Card Sign-up Month and encourages all residents of the municipality to visit their nearest Anchorage Public Library location to get their own library card.

Passed and approved by the Anchorage Assembly this first day of September 2026. Thank you.

Yeah, and I'll invite Director Harrison and your staff if you'd like to say something. Hi, thank you so much. Thank you for celebrating Library Card Sign-up Month with us. We have an amazing crew here that helps our community make the most of their library card, working across 6 locations including Garish Library in Girdwood, Chugiak/Eagle River Library, Muldoon, Mountain View, our Express Locker in Diamond Center, and of course here at LUSAC. Our new mobile library is extending service to South Anchorage, and coming in 2027, we can't wait to expand full library card access to downtown.

We have a goal of 1,100 new card signups in September, so if you don't have a library card, now is the perfect time to get one. If you have a library card and haven't used your card this month, we invite you to see what you're missing, whether it's the latest audiobook, your favorite print book series, or your next bedtime story. For an extra scoop of library fun, we invite you to help us create a book-themed ice cream flavor with our friends at Wild Scoops now through September 13th. You can get a scoop sheet from your youth services here at LUSAC or from any library location. You get a limited edition sticker for participating, and you can taste the winning flavor chosen by our community at the end of the month.

It's lots of fun. And if you're into kombucha, join us for Bucha for Books next Thursday, where we'll be pairing craft beverages with library books for our 4th annual book tasting at Zip Kombucha. And of course, we're signing up folks for library cards. So we can't wait to see you here at Anchorage Public Library. For 907, #907LibraryLove.

Thank you. Thank you. I have, uh, before you go, I have, uh, Miss Baldende in the queue. Yeah, thank you. Um, I, uh, I would— I don't know that there's a spot that's on this actual resolution, but I'd like to be added as a sponsor for this if possible.

Um, and then I also, uh, wanted to, um, just thank you all for the work that you do. Uh, the this library was a really, really special place, especially for my daughter. She's been a lover of libraries since she was very tiny and was so excited to get her very own library card when she was basically a toddler. So thank you for that. And just to the rest of the community, if, if wild scoops and kombucha isn't enough to incentivize you to participate in Library Card Sign-Up Month, perhaps the legacy of Dolly Parton might be enough.

And I think as someone who was a champion of early literacy And of course, the Imagination Library, that is another way that we can honor someone who has passed, a giant really in the world of young people's education. So may that be an invitation. Thank you.

Okay. And I'll note, again, if anybody else would like to be added as a sponsor. Okay.

Okay, see, is that everybody, or— okay, I think everybody's good with being added as a sponsor to that one, so we'll get that one reflected in the record. Um, and I will say, last time those guys were here, I had not updated my library card, but I did remember to do that this year, not because of this, but thank you. Um, and then I'll also note, so we have 2 more recognition resolutions, we will do those. Uh, the clerk has informed me, uh, that we will need to do a system reset of our system. So what we're going to do is go through those 2 things, then take just a 5-minute break so that we can do the computer magic so that it doesn't just drag forever and then we can come back to our meeting.

So, so next we'll move on to 10A4. That is AR 2026-252, a resolution of the Anchorage Municipal Assembly recognizing September 26, 2026 as National Preparedness Month. This one was pulled by Mr. Hanlon. Move to approve. Second.

Motion by Mr. Hanlon to approve. Second by Mr. Boland.

Any further discussion on this one?

Any objection to adoption of this resolution? Okay, seeing, hearing none, then this resolution has been adopted. And then I believe we have Mr. Voland presenting and Mr. Handlin reading. So please go ahead, Mr. Handlin. Yeah, a resolution of the Anchorage Municipal Assembly recognizing September 26th, or September 2026 as National Preparedness Month.

Whereas National Preparedness Month observed each September creates an important opportunity for Municipality of Anchorage residents to prepare their homes, businesses, and communities to best respond to— to best respond to, mitigate against, and recover from emergencies including natural and human-caused disasters. And whereas the Municipality of Anchorage experienced significant disasters in the history, including the 1964 Great Alaska Earthquake, one of the most powerful earthquakes ever recorded in North America, causing widespread, widespread destruction and loss of life, heightening the importance of preparedness. And whereas Anchorage also faced recent emergencies including severe winter storms, urban Inference wildfires, flooding, the 2018 Point Mackenzie earthquake, the COVID-19 pandemic, the Highland avalanche, and severe— and suffered the host city— served as the host city in the evacuation of western Alaska communities during the 2025 Typhoon Ha Long, demonstrating the resilience and preparedness of our community, and whereas these events underscore the importance of the shared responsibility of robust emergency planning through community-wide preparedness efforts to mitigate the impact of future disasters, and whereas the Municipality of Anchorage Office of Emergency Management, State of Alaska, and Federal Emergency Management Agency work together with numerous other federal, state, local, tribal, private industry, and volunteer agencies to increase public activities in preparing for emergencies and to educate and encourage individuals to take action to safeguard lives, property, and the environment. And whereas invest— investing in preparedness of ourselves, our families, businesses, schools, and community organizations can reduce suffering, fatalities, and economic devastation in our community and our nation. And whereas the Municipality of Anchorage residents are encouraged to and empowered by participating in individual and household preparedness activities, creating disaster supply kits, developing and practicing emergency plans, and staying connected to public safety alert and warning information messaging messages and services for critical information about potential hazards to strengthen our community.

And whereas the Municipality of Anchorage is committed to enhancing emergency preparedness through comprehensive planning, community education, in collaboration. And now therefore be it resolved, the Anchorage Assembly resolves that residents are encouraged to support community preparedness efforts by working together with neighborhood towards creating more prepared and disaster resilient community. And be it further resolved that the Municipality of Anchorage will continue to prioritize and promote emergency preparedness initiatives, providing resources and supporting and support to help all our community members prepare and be ready for an emergency. This resolution shall be effective immediately upon passage and approved by the assembly.

And I see we have our Emergency Operations Director. Please feel free to speak, Ms. Loesch.

Thank you. Hi, my name is Amanda Loach. I'm the director here at the Office of Emergency Management in the municipality. Um, I just wanted to say, um, thank you to all of you for supporting us. I know I've worked with you guys during disasters and emergencies recently, and then as well just day to day around the city.

You guys are always working hard to make things safer, and any little— every little bit counts. Um, as far as preparedness goes, we do have a lot of planned events. Um, we're lucky enough not to be in an emergency right now, um, so we can work on some of the preparedness events that we have. We have, um, several planned events, uh, such as weather talks here in the library. Um, that's always a really popular topic, is to work with the Weather Service ahead of a disaster and and learn how to spot extreme circumstances for weather and then report those and be part of citizen science.

We also have events out in the community with our nonprofit partners, and we have several professional and volunteer engagements that we're going to do training out in the community as well. But I think the biggest focus that we wanted to have for this preparedness month is that of our alert and warning system here in Anchorage. Despite our best efforts as a community, we are below the national average as far as registering for that system. We hope that, that people can start engaging with that local information that's available through the emergency system to really engage with our biggest group of first responders, and that's all of you out in the public. So, um, we have this alert and warning system that you can register really easily by texting 67283, the word Anchorage.

So text the word Anchorage to the number 67283, and you will be registered to receive local emergency alerts from our agency. We do hope that you can pass that information along, and certainly the Office of Emergency Management will be reaching out through social media all this month to tell you more about it. Thanks. Thank you. And I have Mr. Martinez in the queue.

Yes, thank you so much for your work. And just a note to the public, uh, preparedness is not just a month-long activity for the Municipality of Anchorage. I know you all do work all year long But this assembly also embedded the language of preemptive emergency development and resiliency into our policies. A practical acknowledgement that Anchorage must prepare for disruptions by strengthening systems and processes now rather than relying on reactive or externally driven responses. If we can be in front of the next problem, the better off we are.

Thank you for the work you do in our community.

Okay, thank you again for being here. Um, so, okay, and then, uh, one heads up, so we have one more recognition resolution. We still need to do the reset. Um, I think it's also— will be after that resolution a good time to invite our students to come up and do a brief introduction. Um, and then if we still need more time, uh, then we will still take that break.

So Next we have item 11B. A reminder, we changed the order of the day, so this is AR 2026-244, a resolution of the Anchorage Municipal Assembly recognizing September as Hunger Action Month and supporting the elimination of hunger in Anchorage. There was no motion pending on this item, so what is the will of the body? Move to approve. Second.

Motion by Mr. Johnson, second by Miss Scout. Any further discussion on this item?

I guess I'll also direct my colleagues, um, to item 11B1, which is a complementary informational memo related to this resolution. Okay, thank you. Yeah, and that's in the late on the table item supplemental, so, and it will be associated with this item. Okay, is there any objection? Well, also I'll ask, I see there's an incomplete list of sponsors.

Is there anyone who would like to be added as a sponsor? Okay, I see Ms. Baldwin-Day. Or does anybody object to being added?

Okay, then please direct— we'll add all members.

Is there any objection to adoption of this resolution?

Seeing and hearing none, this resolution has been adopted. So if you were here to accept the resolution, please come forward. And then I believe we have Ms. Scott Reading and Mr. Johnson presenting. So please go ahead. Okay.

A resolution of the Anchorage Municipal Assembly recognizing September as Hunger Action Month and supporting the elimination of hunger in Anchorage. Whereas Hunger Action Month is a national campaign held every September to raise awareness and inspire action to end hunger in America, launched in 2007 by the Feeding America Network of Food Banks. And whereas Anchorage is home to a network of food banks and pantries and food distribution partners which collectively serve thousands of residents across the municipality through innovative programs, partnerships, and community outreach, and whereas hunger continues to impact people across Anchorage with nearly 40,000 residents facing food insecurity, including more than 12,000 children, and whereas the overall food insecurity rate in Anchorage has risen to 13.8%, with childhood food insecurity exceeding 18.4%. And whereas Anchorage relies on a variety of resources including emergency food assistance, community-based initiatives, and federally funded programs that work together to help residents access the nutritious food they need. And whereas the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, SNAP, remains the most effective anti-hunger program for Anchorage residents, helping families access nutritious options essential for health and well-being.

And whereas Anchorage residents also benefit from the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, WIC, which provides nutritious foods to moms, babies and children under the age of 5. And whereas despite these critical supports, hunger is on the rise reflecting the persistent challenges families face in accessing enough nutritious food. And whereas Hunger Action Month is a time to raise awareness, inspire action, and recognize the tireless efforts of food banks, volunteers, programs, and advocates working to end hunger in Anchorage. Now, therefore, the Anchorage Assembly resolves September is Hunger Action Month, encourages all citizens to give their time and financial resources to the food bank of Alaska or other entities in Anchorage's anti-hunger network to help our neighbors in need. Passed and approved by the Anchorage Assembly this first day of September 2026.

All right.

Yeah. And if you'd like to say a few words, please just push the button on the bottom to turn the microphone on, say your name, and then feel free to speak. Thank you. Grace Hegeland Lohmann, South Edition. I am the advocacy manager at the Food Bank of Alaska.

Thank you, Madam Chair, members of the assembly, to the mayor for passing the resolution tonight recognizing September as Hunger Action Month. Since 1979, the Food Bank of Alaska has worked toward ensuring that no Alaskan goes hungry. But after nearly 50 years, food insecurity remains a persistent and pervasive challenge facing our community. Food Bank of Alaska and our network of over 150 partners statewide, nearly 40 of those based here in Anchorage, work every day, every week, and every month of the year to feed our neighbors. During September, we extend this call to action to each of you to join our fight to end hunger.

Our partners include faith-based organizations, community centers, tribal organizations, soup kitchens, and food pantries. Outside of our network, community members feed their neighbors through private donations, community gardens and meals, farm stands and school meals, meal delivery programs, just to name a few. I'd also like to special shout out the community resource group librarians who help people sign up for SNAP every day. This work doesn't happen in isolation, and I want to take a moment to recognize the work of the Anchorage Health Department, including the incredible impact of the Fresh Bucks program, which helps increased the purchasing power for locally grown fruits and vegetables at Grow North Farm and Muldoon Farmers Markets. I also want to thank, to thank the municipality for supporting Food Bank of Alaska's annual Thanksgiving Blessing event, which provides a complete Thanksgiving meal for participating families.

We at Food Bank of Alaska are so grateful to this community for the support we receive and redistribute to our neighbors in need. But with food insecurity continuing to rise year after year, we can all do more. I invite you to dive deeper into the conversation about hunger, uh, in Anchorage this month and to think creatively about how we can ensure that no one goes hungry and to view potential policies from public safety and transportation to emergency preparedness and suicide prevention with a food access lens. Our neighbors— our neighborhoods are better for it when all our neighbors are fed.

Thank you.

Thank you. Okay, and with that, I know members are seeing the, the yellow bar of our dysfunction at the top of our screens, so we will take a break if needed. Right now our computer system is going to reset, but as I said, this is a great opportunity to hear from our students. So if I can invite students to come up to the podium, you can line up, and then again, you don't have to say that much, but just asking you to say who you are, what school you go to, what grade you're in. And I know members often want to know what class you're in, who your teacher is who brought you here today.

So please feel free to introduce yourself. And then again, you can turn on the microphone, so the button on the bottom turns the light green, then you know it's on. And you don't have to hold it, you can just press it once. There you go. Go ahead.

Hi, I'm Nadia Everard. I am in 11th grade at Lumen Christi High School. And I am here for my US government class. My teacher is Ms. Hazlett.

Hi, my name is Natalie Storr. I'm in 11th grade. I go to Lumen Christi High School, and I'm here for Ms. Hazlett's government and US economics class.

My name is Elizabeth Anderson. I'm in 9th grade, and I'm I'm from Grace Christian School.

Okay, thank you for being here.

And of course, um, at the dinner break, if you guys need paperwork signed— sometimes that's the case— feel free to approach us at that point. So, um, so I'll check with the clerk really quick if our tech is on order.

Okay, it sounds like we are maybe not confident that it's going to work, but we will proceed and see if, see if it breaks. So doing the best we can. So next we'll move on to the rest of our consent agenda. So first we have item 10B1. Let me read that into the record.

So A resolution AR-2026-253, a resolution of the Anchorage Assembly requesting a comprehensive audit of Assembly individual spending accounts from January 1, 2023 to the present and of governing policies and procedures. This item was pulled by Mr. Voland. Thank you, Madam Chair. I'm going to move to postpone indefinitely.

Second. Okay, there's a motion to postpone this item indefinitely by Mr. Voland, second by Mr. Martinez. Do you want to speak to that, Mr. Bowen? Yes, um, so I, I, for my part, I feel like this is, uh, duplicative of an already ongoing effort. Um, leadership did request a special project, uh, audit looking at recent assembly member travel, more recent than this.

This is very broad in scope, and I think would, um, really demand a lot of staff capacity and, and time. And essentially, um, actually I should say potentially, if this were to pass, um, this would I think bump other priorities off the list. We have some, uh, already things that are planned in terms of audits and things that we need to take a look at. So My colleagues, Assemblymembers, will have received in their inbox today an email from Chair Brawley that outlines an interim policy.

Essentially what that interim policy states, paraphrased here briefly, is that we're going to be putting a pause on Assemblymember travel outside of the main conferences for AML, NLC, and NACo.

That I think will allow us to have this, this conversation that has already started at a recent Rules Committee meeting. Leadership did solicit feedback from members on their ideas on how we can improve our travel policy and put some things into place. So I think we can do this in a way, I think we can get to a place policy-wise with the input of all of our colleagues where we feel like there are some clear parameters around using ISA travel funds without making this incredible demand on our municipal staff. So I look forward to doing that. I know I have some ideas.

I put some of those forward in, in our rules committee meeting, and we are Certainly listening to the ideas that our colleagues bring forward. So thank you, Madam Chair.

Thanks. I'll note, uh, so next time Miss Silver's in the queue, and I'll note the queue has been moving really slowly, so I'll just keep visually checking too, and I'll try to keep track if it's not working. I did see when I tested it came back in, now it says it's disconnected. Anyway, um, in the meantime, we'll proceed. So Miss Silver, go ahead.

Yeah, I think I would just ask my colleagues to have the discussion and vote yes or no at the end of the discussion rather than postponing indefinitely.

So that's what I would ask. Thanks.

Okay. And again, I can see that we're having an issue, so I can also keep an eye on my phone if folks are texting to get in the queue. It looks like Miss Scout, go ahead. Thank you. Um, I echo Member Silver's thoughts.

I'd like to have the discussion on this. I will not support moving to postpone this indefinitely. Um, when we took up previous resolutions related to this focusing on just one member, um, I personally asked that we look at, um, the actions, the individual spending accounts of all members. I believe this speaks to this. I know I wasn't the only one on this body who wanted to see this, obviously.

Um, and so I, I believe, um, there are other ways that we can shift the workload of the auditor's office to accommodate for these special projects. But I don't believe that moving to postpone this indefinitely is the way.

Okay, uh, next I have Mr. Gerker. Thank you, Madam Chair. I'll just echo what, uh, my colleagues, uh, have, have already said about not postponing this indefinitely. Um, look, any conversation we want to have about prospective changes to our policy needs to be rooted in understanding what has happened in the past. So I do think this is this is an important audit to pass to make sure that we fully understand how this has happened and where we're at exactly.

There are amendments to narrow it down, to narrow the scope of this a little bit because it is, you know, as initially presented, it is a lot. And so in talking with internal audit to try and find ways to, you know, reduce the workload because there's a tremendous amount of important work. I don't know if Alden's—. Ah, there's Alden. There's a tremendous amount of important work that he's doing, and him and his team, and we don't wanna delay that too much necessarily, but this is also really important.

This is an important thing for public trust in this institution that we're capable of governing ourselves. So I do encourage folks to vote no on postponing this indefinitely, and then yes on the main motion to approve it if that comes up.

Okay, and I know the, Q is messed up at the moment, but Mr. Voland actually is the next one in the queue unless I see somebody else.

Okay, thanks. Yeah, I think I'll just take another crack at this. This is an enormous workload. In fact, in the responses to Assemblymember questions, we heard from the administration an estimate of about 250 hours. This would bump very important audit information— audit plans that are already in process.

So I think it would be an enormous request of staff time. We're talking about, I think we calculated 27 assembly members' current and former records would have to be pulled.

At least one of those members who is now deceased. I mean, going back that far and I just don't see a lot of productivity in that. I think we have the information from what municipal staff already did for us. They already did a special study, more limited in scope, and I think from that and from reviewing the existing policy and past policies, we can make the tweaks that we want to make.

Yeah, I just don't see, in terms of having a conversation, I don't, I don't see this leading down a productive a very productive path. Um, so I'm sorry, the audience is not participating in debate. Thank you. Um, yeah, I think we have the information that we need to be able to better inform our policy and, and to maybe put more guardrails in place. We've already talked about limiting the amount of the, the ISA that can be spent on travel.

We've already, you know, I put forward the idea of maybe getting rid of per diem. Other members can bring forward ideas to improve the policy. I don't think we need to go back and be looking at assembly members who, who aren't even in service anymore, who maybe served a decade ago. So for me, this is just— I don't think the juice is worth the squeeze. I think we can make real meaningful progress on our policy without this piece.

Thank you. Okay, next I have Ms. Baldwin-Day. Thank you, Chair. I, I'm— want to be clear, I'm fully in support of the adjustments that the Chair has made in the interim to our ISA policies, our individual spending account policies. And I, as the Chair of the Audit Committee, I am absolutely mindful of the workload of our internal audit and likewise want to be respectful of the clerk's time, who will also be factoring heavily into this project.

That said, there is an amendment that I've drafted that would reduce the workload considerably, at least constraining this audit to the immediate members— or the special study, I should say. It is not a true audit. I want to be careful about that language. Constraining this special study to the sitting members of the assembly and the immediate past members, which is 15, not 27. So I, I think that that narrows the workload in such a fashion that it is worth considering.

And I encourage my colleagues to think about that as they're determining whether or not to vote to postpone this item indefinitely. Thank you. Okay, and the queue is semi-working, so I just want to check. Mr. Gerker, you were in the queue, but was that from earlier? Correct.

Member Bolden-Day said what I was going to say. Okay, thanks. Um, okay, and then, uh, so Mr. Bowen. Yeah, Madam Chair, in the interest of efficiency, I think I will just withdraw my motion and we can vote.

Okay, after further debate. Okay, so the motion to postpone indefinitely has been withdrawn. So now currently there's no motion on the floor. So is there a motion? You don't need to be in the queue to approve.

Second.

Uh, the clerk is asking, do you mean the S version or the original version? The S version, please. Okay, so motion by Member Silvers to approve the S version, second by Member Gerker. Silvers.

Okay, so, um, what this resolution does is it calls for a special study, um, and it would go back to January 2023 and examine all spending, not just travel, by all assembly members.

We've narrowed it a little bit because of the workload, and it looks like we have an amendment to narrow it a little bit more. But what it does look at is it looks at if there's any misuse of assembly spending accounts that has occurred, and then the second thing it looks at is to make recommendations for improving our policy. I do want to really actually make something pretty clear here. I believe in the integrity and the professionalism of our Assembly staff who manage these accounts, and I do not believe that any substantial misuse has occurred. That being said, I also don't believe that the public should have to take my word for it.

I believe that transparency is the key to trust, and so I would like to move the study forward so that the, the public can have that trust and can know and not have to to take our word for it.

Yeah, and so that being said, I guess I will let Erin move her— or Member Baldwin-Day move her amendment.

Yeah, sorry. So the queue is being slow. I had intended to put myself in the queue. But also note that if, if you are intending to put yourself in the queue, I'm going to continue trying to catch and I'm keeping, keeping a paper list if I have to. So, um, so if I could be recognized in the queue.

Chair Brawley. Thank you. Um, and, and again, I'll keep track of for others in the queue. Um, I, I guess I'm going to say some things about this. Um, one is it is frustrating that this is meeting number 4 that we are on a slightly different topic but essentially the same topic, which is our internal business and how we spend the funding, um, that we use to do our legislative business.

I think it's a valid topic. I do want to note that there have been 27 people who have sat up at this dais since January 1st, 2023. I recognize that there's an amendment that may narrow that scope, but I think the question is really what can be learned that would inform our decisions now that are really about how we govern ourselves, this assembly, from people who served 3 years ago, 2 years ago, folks who, you know, maybe were finishing up a service that started a decade ago. I think that's a valid question because I think while having information in the abstract is helpful, I think we should not underestimate the amount of time this will take. It's not because I am worried about what those records are.

I genuinely don't know what they are because most of them I had no involvement in or no awareness of because The spending of an individual member is their business and through the chair approval, the chair's business at that time. I think the question really is if there was misuse of funds, how does that really impact what goes in a policy that is supposed to design against those things anyway? And if we do find misuse of funds, say from a member 2 or 3 years ago, what is the body's interest in pursuing corrective action against somebody who is now a private citizen? I think that is the question. We continually come back to this question of we are making decisions for now and for the future, which can be changed by a future assembly.

But we're really looking back and questioning the decisions of people who are not here anymore in one way or another and are not really germane to the discussion. And I think the other question is, again, to the point of corrective action, this body is a legislative body. We are not a court. We are not a board of appeals. We are not an entity that is set up to mete out judgment on other people.

And in fact, we've had multiple meetings, again, on a different subject where we spent hours talking about our legal authority to do that, whether that was a good idea, what the edges of that should be. So I think even when we get anywhere close to trying to correct something that already happened, it's really unclear how this body can do that. So I guess I question the members' interest in really spending this much time, especially staff time, digging through emails of people whose emails have been archived, trying to figure out if there was— I guess whether a given $50 expenditure has been properly accounted for or not. And I don't want to say that we don't care about the use of public funds, but it does make me start to wonder what is the best use of our public resources now? Are staff time, the time that it would take to go through these records, and really all of our time collectively when we are moving into a very busy budget season and we have very serious problems.

We have housing issues, we have budget issues, we have public safety issues. So, so the question is, how many more hours is this body going to spend on that? And I would really just ask as one of the members and probably the person who would be most impacted by the time cost of this to really seriously consider the marginal benefit that this additional study would bring versus continuing the work to change the policy that Vice Chair Voland already laid out. Thank you.

So next I see Ms. Baldwin-Day in the queue.

Thank you, Chair. I think for my part I want to be clear that I'm not necessarily interested in corrective action for past members. I'm interested in patterns. I'm interested in trends. I'm interested in, I'm interested in the public trust.

And I think one of the things that we heard loud and clear over the course of the last several meetings is that the public does not trust us when we say that we have our house in order. And I think that that makes the rest of our work exponentially more difficult, both now and going forward. And so I do think it's worth the investment of time and resources to be able to demonstrate clearly to the public that yes, we are in fact operating in an aboveboard manner when it comes to the funds that have been entrusted to this branch and to these individual members. And I don't know that we can do that without an independent entity saying that such is the case, that independent entity being not us. And so that is my, that is my only rationale for bringing this resolution forward.

It is not because I think that there is going to be wrongdoing discovered. I think what is going to happen is we are going to find that that there is no pattern of wrongdoing or misspending ISA funds. And that is the crux of the question, is will the public trust us if we say that we have our house in order without an external entity saying that that is true? I'd like to move Baldwin Day Amendment Number 1, please. Second.

This amendment constrains, as I mentioned earlier—. Oh, sorry, there's a motion by Miss Baldwin-Day to move Amendment Number 1, seconded by Mr.— I'm sorry, Miss Silvers. Miss Baldwin-Day, go ahead. Thank you. This amendment simply constrains the parameters of the special study to current and immediately past members of the assembly rather than from the date of January 1st, 2023.

And that, as I understand from our internal— our Director of Internal Audit, reduces the time frame by approximately one-third for delivering the special study. And I urge my colleagues' support. Thank you. Okay, I'll note, um, I— so the queue is frozen and it's showing Mr. Voland in the queue. I just confirmed he's not in there, so— but I think the others are, um, in there on purpose.

So I'll ask if you're in for the amendment or the main. Mr. Martinez, do you want to speak to the amendment or the main? Okay, uh, Mr. McCormick, amendment or main? Uh, I guess a question to the sponsor on the amendment. What is the difference of the comprehensiveness of an audit compared to a special study?

What's the word change vernacular? Uh, that's a great question. I'll take a crack at it, and then I'm happy to ask our Director of Internal Audit to come up and elaborate. So a formal audit requires that there be a particular set of parameters that are followed. There, there's actual step-by-step guidance as to how an audit is conducted, and part of that means that there has to be a responsive party.

So anytime you see an internal audit coming to us from the internal auditor's office, it has management feedback, right? There's comments that are made, there's corrective action suggested, and then there are management comments to respond. And with the assembly, since there are 12 of us, it is unclear who would be the management authority to respond. Respond to the, the findings of an audit. So we're both constraining the scope in some ways with a special study, and we're also avoiding some of the procedural challenges or the question of who will speak for the assembly, essentially, if we were to do this as a formal audit process.

And if I have captured any of that incorrectly or inaccurately, I invite Mr. Alden Thurn to come up and say otherwise.

Good evening. I think through the chair, Member Baldemar, I think she summarized pretty good, but I would also go back and say what you see on the AIMs, there was one tonight as well, that's a full-blown audit where we, we do a deep dive into a specific topic. We prepare a formal report. We ask the leader management of that particular department or area, once we have findings, to issue what they're going to do to fix those particular findings. They're— it is challenging because I believe in this particular endeavor, all 12 of you would like to probably get involved in what might be the, the results of of what you wanna do.

So that's where my concern has been is who is going to be the person. Historically, when we did the first special study, it was done by Chair Brawley. On this particular one, if it gets approved, I probably will write the memo that it's to the assembly as a whole who is receiving this, and it does not go in front of the assembly like the one did tonight. So there is a lot of more programmatic things, but the real, the real crux of it is, is you don't have to respond in writing on what, what you're going to do to fix whatever we find or whatever our recommendations are, and it does not go in front of the assembly in a formal AIM like this one does. It will just be written up in a report.

We will give it back to the assembly as a whole, and you can use that report to as you see fit. Perfect. Thank you. With that knowledge, it seems appropriate to look at trends and make sure that we know how to correct issues going forward. And as some other members have said, we can't do that if we don't know what's broken.

So I'll be in support of the amendment and the main. Thank you.

Chair Burley.

Well, yeah, I'll note, so I'm in the queue and then because the queue is messed up right now, so myself in the queue with a question, then Mr. Martinez, then Mr. Bolland. And then I'll keep checking because it looks like people can get in and then maybe can't get out. So my question is to the sponsors. So when you say current and immediately past members of the assembly, can you clarify? So for example, I am currently in the seat that was previously held by member Austin Quinn Davidson.

So does current mean, um, everybody who is served in the seat that is in there right now plus the person immediately before them, so up to 24 members? Is that right?

Uh, the intent here is that it would be the 12 current members and then the 3 immediate past members who have just rotated out of service, so 15 members. If that's not clear, I'm happy to correct language in such a way that makes it clear. Okay, thank you. Yeah, I think it just— if the intent is only the 3 members that left the body in 2026, then I think right now this reads that it could be any— all 12. Each seat has somebody that served before that, so I would welcome clarification.

So I don't like amending on the fly. Well, I think there's some folks in the queue, so I'll have to come back to it. Um, but yeah, I just— I wanted to put that question on the record, and I have concerns. Next, Mr. Martinez. Thank you, Chair.

Just following along with the sense of curiosity, especially considering where the initial version started and then kind of the subsequent versions, my question to the sponsors is— and I don't know this genuinely, um, but it'll help me understand the intent of the amendment— when were the ISAs instituted in the first place?

I haven't the foggiest idea, but I bet the clerk does.

So, I think—. Well, I would—. Yeah, I would ask. I'm not sure that there's somebody up here who knows the origin point of those. Well, presumably it would be one of the members who presenting this forward would have that information.

I wouldn't want to put the clerk under a follow-up question, but it highlights similarly the— you know, I think we can go back. I think if curiosity is ordering the day rather than suspicion, I think curiosity says I would love to know how other members spent their time and their resources on legislative priorities since the start of ISA. I have no clue when that is. And then additionally, Chair, I just think of, is the ISA a branch priority or is it the Chair's prerogative? What is the ISA?

So I can, I guess, answer that. That's the individual spending account. It is an amount of funds that are in our budget every year for each seat. So essentially each member. And then, of course, if you're serving a partial year because of the election, then each member that's serving at that time of the year has a portion of it.

And it is generally intended for members to carry out their legislative business, including hiring contract aides, because we don't have full-time staff, engaging in travel, engaging in communications activities, and a number of other uses over time. Just to confirm that, so the body essentially appropriates the resources, but it's the chair's prior— So the chair sets the policy for the ISA, and then we follow that policy. We don't vote on the policies. It's the chair's prerogative. Is that fair?

Yeah, generally policies adopted about the Assembly for the Assembly are done by the chair, similar to how— well, I guess it's different on the executive side. So it is the chair.

So this raises an interesting question because I just think that I would be really curious to know if we're looking at the way folks have done kind of invested in their legislative priorities, I would be really curious from over time. I would imagine that first there would be widespread compliance, normal compliance, because I just believe in the staff and I believe in the processes. But also I think the prioritization of time over time, every member, every assembly member's priorities change from year to year and And then also different bodies have different leadership and those priorities change. And I think they shape the way members' roles take on roles. So if I were going to— and I'm still holding on to an amendment.

My other— it's a question related to this also in terms of the type of information that we currently keep. And it is my understanding, and this is a question to the chairs— I mean, to the clerk. So, Clerk, I'm going to put you under a little bit of, a little bit of a spotlight, uh, to the Clerk's Office. But it is my understanding, for example, that attendance, members' attendance on this body has only been— we've only taken attendance at the, at the level of a direction of the chair to, to the clerk for a year and a half or two years.

Uh, I believe so. We're not currently tracking attendance to that level. So to find the records of attendance of members, one would have to go through all of the meeting minutes essentially to see if a person was in attendance, even to the period of the study here? Yeah, that would require looking into the—. So we don't currently track attendance paralleling the request for the years of the study.

I just wanted to highlight that because I think that from my vantage point, Curiosity is— curiosity is a good thing. I would want— I would have an amendment to have this special study from the beginning of the ISAs without a time certain because I don't think we have that information today. But that would be where I would head toward if there's really curiosity here on what these things have meant to folks, how they have invested their time. And I don't know necessarily that there's a way to determine trends beyond understanding legislative outcomes. And I don't know that we track legislative outcomes as well.

So just, again, Chair, I don't know the answer to this question, but do we have a legislative tracker somewhere that I have been not aware of that basically counts the number of legislative actions that members have introduced, advanced resolutions, ordinances. Do we have a legislative tracker? Point of order. Is this germane? What is the point of order?

Or is this germane to the amendment?

That is a good question. I will ask the member to—. Yes, it's germane to the scope. This is introducing an amendment changing the language from audit to special study, and it also identifies the immediate proximity. And so for me, the vantage point is, are there questions enough to say that this is too small of a scope?

Can it be larger? If it's larger, does that create other, other challenges? I think that's a different question. But when I ask the question about whether we have legislative tracking, I just want to know what type of information we already have that's going to help us with this particular question of this amendment. So I'll answer that question, then I will ask members to, to stay within the confines of the amendments.

And I need to make one correction as well. Um, to my knowledge, there's not a legislative tracker other than all of our records are in the documents portal and available. And then also, I do need to make one correction. We are actually tracking attendance per the direction of the prior chair. It is for regular meetings, uh, special meetings, and joint meetings where we are required to take Mr. Watts.

Thank you, Chair. I think I've asked several questions enough to just raise the concern. I think there was a concern about the scope as is it written and the amount of folks that would otherwise be included in this particular amendment. But it also raises— the question of this amendment raises the scope of the entirety. And I just think that if folks want to be curious, I think curiosity at a level of Historical analysis is warranted, and I think that is something valuable.

But my challenge with this particular thing is I believe from the starting point, the language of investigation, it speaks to suspicion over curiosity, and I'm not exactly sure that this helps, uh, with the amount of investment that has already been identified— over 150 hours potentially of investments additional to the work that the chair requested, that this amendment doesn't get us any closer to, uh, uh, an item that I think warrants, uh, support tonight. So thank you for the opportunity for the questions, Chair. Okay, next in the queue, I have Ms. Silvers on the amendment, and then also— okay, and then Ms. Scout on the amendment.

That's right. I'm sorry, Mr. Voland reminded me, but first I'll check. Ms. Scout, are you on for the amendment? Okay, so then I have Mr. Boll and Ms.

Scout. Sorry. Okay, thank you. So, uh, regarding the prior discussion, um, I, I think attendance and/or legislative productivity would probably not fit in as an amendment to this. I think that the title is a little bit too narrowly construed to the topic of individual spending accounts.

Um, but with that, I do want to make an amendment to this amendment, and that would be to strike— and I need the clerk on this because it's going to be a floor amendment—. Um, amendment to the amendment to strike 'and immediately passed.' Okay, so that's a Motion to amend the amendment and strike the phrase "and immediately passed," basically so it reads "current members." Is that correct? Yep. Okay, is there a second for that amendment?

All right, okay, that one dies for lack of a second.

Any— anything further, Mr. Bohlen? Okay, so next I have Miss Scout. Thanks. I would like to propose a floor amendment, amendment to the amendment, um, to I think get us to the legislative intent here, which is to strike, um, current and immediately past members of the assembly and replace it with all members who served between January and September 2026. So that would get us to those 15 folks, the 3 people, Chris, Felix, Scott from this year, and then those of us now.

Okay, the, um, uh, clerk is catching up, so, uh, one second.

Yeah, okay, so I think the clerk will put it up on the board there. Is that correct?

No. So it's assembly members who served between January and September 2026. Point of information, do you mean January 2023 and September 2026? No, it's anybody who was on the dais this year so far. But I—.

Yeah, I think if I, if I heard correctly She had said the intent was to capture the 15 people total who served. Okay, so anybody who's been on the assembly as of January of this year to September of this year, which would incorporate the previous 3 members who—. So first I want to make sure the language is correct, and then we will need a second for this amendment to proceed as well.

Uh, so does that look correct, Ms. Galvan, on the board? Uh, she's fixing the order. Yeah, but is that— is that the— is that the general intent for time frame if we switch January and September? Yes, perfect. Thank you.

Okay, so there's a motion to amend the amendment as written on the screen by Ms. Scout. Is there a second? Point of information, does this indicate for the duration of their service or just during—. No, at any time.

That's the intention.

We could also—. Okay, so I mean, information. Yeah, one second. So Ms. Baldwin did a point of information, sounds like There's an unclear part of the wording. Um, Mr. Gerker, you have a point of information?

Yeah, I guess I have just a really quick clarifying question. This is something we're passing directing internal audit to do, uh, to do a study. Um, internal—. Does internal— is internal audit confused about our intent here? Okay, well, so I also want just procedurally, we're in the middle of an amendment that only has a motion, does not have a second.

So second for purposes of discussion. Okay, thank you. So now motion by Miss Scout, second by Ms. Baldwin-Day to amend the amendment as written on the board. Um, and then I believe there's a question, so I'll ask, uh, first, does the sponsor want to speak further to the amendment to the amendment? I'd love to hear from Mr. Thurn.

Okay, um, so I will go to Mr. Gerker, um, because there right now is not a queue, and I'll just ask you to restate your question on the record. Yeah, uh, Mr. Thurn, is there any question about the intent of, of who we want being included in the study from the amendment from Ms. Baldwin-Day. Through the chair, Member Grover, I believe we've got— this is—. I have a point of order.

Sorry, just to be clear, so we had a motion, a second, The point of information was raised, we had to dispatch with the motion, and so now I've backed— Mr. Gerker is in the queue in a general way. So sorry, just to clarify. Thank you, Mr. Deren, go ahead. As I would read the amendment that is before us here, we're looking at anybody in 2026 who was on the assembly, so that would be the current 12 plus the 3 that rolled off in April. So that means the pool of people that we would be analyzing would we're looking up would be the 15.

I still think that the date goes back to January of 2023 for the time period. So some assembly members would have a very short period of time, uh, the new ones, because they would— they came on in April, so there would only be a small one. And then some, uh, who've been here 8 or 9 years, they would be— we'd be looking at them back to January 1st of '23. So it would not be equal amongst the assembly, but it would gather the 15 people, which was to reduce from the 27 that was in the original document that was prepared to try to reduce the scope, to try to get the study to take less time for the internal audit department. That's how I am currently interpret where you're all at.

That's, that's where I'm at. That makes sense. Okay, thanks. Okay, um, so I'll note, uh, I don't actually have the floor. I was trying to test if the queue is working, and it is.

So I'll just check if there's anyone else in the queue for the amendment to the amendment.

Okay, then members may proceed to vote on the amendment to the amendment.

Member Perez Verdia.

Okay, on a vote of, uh, 10 to 1, the amendment to the amendment passes. Um, so now we're on the amendment as amended. Um, any, uh, looks like Mr. McCormick, are you in the queue for the amendment? Okay, not for the amendment. Anyone else on the amendment?

Then members may proceed to vote on the amendment.

On a vote of, uh, 10 to 1, that amendment passes. We are back on the main motion, and so now I think we had, um, Ms. Silver is in the queue and then Mr. McCormick.

Yeah, I think also the part of getting recommendations is important. I think changing policy just because you want to do something without really having the facts underneath you to figure out what you actually should be doing isn't a great way to do business. And I do, you know, acknowledge and realize that it is going to take some time. It's going to take some money. And I guess I would just really ask members to consider before they vote.

How much is public trust worth?

Thanks. Okay, next, Mr. McCormick. I will withdraw from the queue.

Okay, and just confirming, Mr. Voland is not actually in the queue, so we keep trying to clear him out of there.

We want him to speak. Let the man speak. Yeah, yeah. Um, also know, as I said, we are having technical issues, so I'll do one more visual scan.

Um, okay. Um, well, I guess members may proceed to vote on this item.

Member Perez Verdia.

And I'll just note, Member Perez Verdia had a, um, conflict. He intends to be back in the meeting, um, but if he misses some votes, then, um, that's how it goes.

Okay, on a vote of 9 to 2, this item, uh, passes the body. AR-2253S as amended. Um, so as members have been experiencing, uh, we have been having a lot of technical issues. So, um, rather than continuing with the consent agenda at this time, uh, the clerk has requested that we, uh, take our dinner break now, and then we will pick up where we left off with item 10B2, and then we'll move through to the rest of our agenda. Thank you.

Point of order, Chair. I believe somebody's causing a disruption.