Assembly Diary

Monday May 24th the Juneau Homeless Coalition sponsored the second annual Project Homeless Count at Centennial Hall. Representatives from dozens of organizations provided food, health, legal, shelter and other assistance, while also constructing a count of the number of homeless people in Juneau. It is estimated that Juneau has over 500 homeless individuals. I visited the event and was very impressed by all the services provided. For more information see http://jedc.org/housing-connect.shtml

On Tuesday January 25th, 7pm in City Hall, the Planning Commission meets and will continue their discussion on the proposed Noise Ordinance.

On Wednesday January 26th at 6:30 at the JAHC (Old Armory) the State of Alaska sponsored Juneau Douglas Fish and Game Advisory Committee will hold a meeting that includes a discussion about a critical habitat proposal for the Taku River.
For more information contact Mike Peterson at 723-8369

In my last post I talked about how we are re-considering opening the AJ mine in downtown Juneau. The Mayor is about to appoint a study group to advise the Assembly. I understand the members will be Former Deputy City Manager Donna Pierce, chair. Kurt Fredriksson, vice chair, Laurie Ferguson Craig, Frank Bergstom, Gregg Erickson, Sam Smith and Planning Commission Chair Maria Gladziszewski.

Each year the Assembly proposes projects on which to spend the cruise ship passenger fees collected by the city. There are US Constitutional restrictions on how that money can be spent. Each year the City Manager proposes how we will spend the 4+ million dollars collected. The proposed spending is currently out for public comment. If you would like to comment on this year’s proposals please email City Manager Rod Swope at Rod_Swope@ci.juneau.ak.us

Finally, another sticky wicket has come up—this one regarding the Diamond Park Aquatic Center which should be opening in the next few months. CBJ Parks and Recreation proposes to include a small number of exercise machines, similar to what is available at Augustus Brown Pool. However, the private fitness clubs have objected, saying it is inappropriate competition with the private sector. Part of me can understand their objection. It is supposed to be a pool, not a fitness club. But I also see that the equipment is only equivalent to what is already provided at the downtown pool.

And of course the Legislature is starting to do its annual thing….