In my last post I noted the Finance committee would be considering a food sales tax exemption. The Assembly was pretty much unanimous that this was a good idea, but concerned about eliminating 5 million in revenue when our revenue is already declining across the board. No one supported my suggestion of a revenue neutral approach of cutting sales tax combined with an equivalent increase in the property tax.
Saturday I attended the dedication of the 1% for Arts projects at Thunder Mountain High School. I was really impressed by it all and encourage everyone to visit sometime to see the totem pole with its amazing base, the river floor mosaic and the other art. You can see a few pictures at the TMHS site http://www.jsd.k12.ak.us/tmhs/index.php
Our search continues for a city manager to replace Rod Swope, who retires May 1. We hope to invite finalists to Juneau next month for on site interviews including presentations to the public.
Each year we collect passenger fees from the cruise lines. Next year we have forecast collecting 4.5 million. The money must be spent on things that contribute to the health and safety (broadly defined) of cruise lines passengers. The Manager has proposed projects for the coming year. Comments will be accepted on his recommendations until February 15 and then they will go to the Assembly. The following web page lists the project proposals, the manager’s recommendations, the law, and the email address for your comments. http://www.juneau.org/manager/passenger_fees.php
Monday 1/26 we have a number of meetings. At noon the Public Works Committee meets http://www.juneau.org/clerk/PWFCAGENDA/AGENDA012609.php
At 5pm Lands Committee meets http://www.juneau.org/clerk/2009_01_26_Lands_Index.htm
Just after Lands we have a short special Assembly meeting with a few items including a discussion of Legislative priorities http://www.juneau.org/assembly/agendas/2009/2009-01-26-Assembly_Index.php
Then we have a Committee of the Whole which will hear results from the Lessons Learned Commission appointed by the Mayor after last year’s power emergency. http://www.juneau.org/clerk/ASC/COTW/2009/2008-01-26-COW_Index.php
The Planning Commission meets at 7pm Tuesday 1/27, and one item should be the continuation of a proposed 180 foot WiFi tower on Montana Creek http://www.juneau.org/plancomm/documents/STF_USE08-27_full_000.pdf
Did you know the Juneau Police Department provides a “Vacation Watch” service for residents when they are out of town for an extended period. Register with them when you head out of town for vacation. http://www.juneau.org/police/VacationWatch.php
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“We must recognize the full human equality of all of our people – before God, before the law, and in the councils of government. We must do this, not because it is economically advantageous – although it is; not because the laws of God command it – although they do; not because people in other lands wish it so. We must do it for the single and fundamental reason that it is the right thing to do.” – Robert Kennedy, June 6, 1966
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