Well, we avoided the layoffs by taking 1 million from our reserves and another 1 million from the ANTICIPATED new revenues resulting from the increase in cigarette taxes. This solves the immediate problem – but as the months go on the shortfalls may increase. We are in a wait and see mode. Future sales tax returns will tell us if our revenue forecasts were accurate. At this point, however, the most evident result is that no new money is likely to be approved for anything this year.
At our next Assembly meeting February 22, there will be a public hearing on the proposed ordinance to have mandatory garbage collection. Right now 10-20% of Juneau does not have commercial pickup. Partially as a result of that – we have a dumping problem in our wooded areas. The mandatory policy is also seen as necessary to carry out a comprehensive waste management system for Juneau. I have heard no reason not to support this proposal. http://www.juneau.org/assembly/agendas/2010/2010-01-25/documents/2010-03.pdf
Here is a great example of some of the small complex issues that come to the Assembly. At our next meeting we are supposed to hear an ordinance to rezone a small area between JDHS and Evergreen cemetery from D18 to Light Commercial to accommodate a retail establishment that MRV Architects wants to put in their building (former Akiyama office). The Land Use code says you can’t rezone short of 2 acres, so they added a chunk of the cemetery to the proposed rezone. That brought out a lot of objections, particularly from the native community. The neighbors in the condo to the northeast objected – and to accommodate, Staff recommended prohibiting restaurants—but the Commission rejected that protection. It looks like an attempt to spot zone to accommodate one commercial property owner—but their argument is that this follows the revised Comprehensive Plan (it does) which said this should be General Commercial. Throw in that the proposed retail establishment will be partially owned by the Troxels who run the Breakwater and are in a clash with neighbors because of noise and disturbance problems at their bar. What is before the Assembly is just a proposal to rezone – we are not supposed to judge the Planning Commission decision unless there is a formal appeal. But still…….
Juneau collects 8 dollars per passenger from the cruise lines – 3 for port development and 5 for the general Marine Passenger Fee that must be spent on projects that directly affect cruise ships and their passengers. There is a proposed list of expenditures out for public comment until February 27 The city consults closely with the industry, which is one of the reasons why we have not been sued like the state for how we use the money. To review and comment see http://www.juneau.org/manager/passenger_fees.php
Anyone who uses the harbors—there is a public comment period on raising those rates. Comments should get in before the next Docks and Harbors Board Meeting February 25th http://www.juneau.org/law/regulations/regulations.php
Tuesday February 16 at 5:15 pm the Planning Commission will be talking about a proposed Wireless Communication Facility (towers) policy. http://www.juneau.org/plancomm/documents/STF_TXT09-07_003.pdf
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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
1 comment:
I am one of the Juneauites who does not apparently use the garbage pickup. Because I am a one person household, a fervent recycler, and keep am eye to buying minimally packaged goods when possible I generate about one can per month, which I put out with my neighbor's permission and share in her garbage bill. I know quite a few others with similar arrangements.
As we try to keep the costs of housing down, please don't make those of us careful with our consumption subsidize those who are not ( as in flat rate water/sewer).
Thanks
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