CITY OF NORTH POLE

CITY OF NORTH POLE 125 Snowman Lane

North Pole, Alaska www.northpolealaska.com

Tuesday, September 7, 2021

Committee of the Whole: 6:30 p.m.

Regular City Council Meeting: 7:00 p.m.

MAYOR CITY CLERK

Michael Welch Kathryn Weber, MMC

488-8584

COUNCIL MEMBERS

Thomas McGhee - Mayor Pro Tem 455-0010

Aino Welch –Deputy Mayor Pro Tem 488-5834

Perry Walley – Alt. Deputy Mayor Pro Tem 347-0135

Santa Claus – 388-3836

DeJohn Cromer 347-2808

David Skipps 750-5106

1. Call to Order/Roll Call

2. Pledge of Allegiance to the US Flag

3. Invocation

4. Approval of the Agenda

5. Approval of the Minutes

• Minutes of August 2, 2021

• Minutes of August 16, 2021

6. Communications from the Mayor

7. Council Member Questions of the Mayor

8. Communications from Department Heads, Borough Representative and the City Clerk

http://www.northpolealaska.com/

9. Ongoing Projects Report

Total Compensation Committee Report

10. Citizens Comments (Limited to Five (5) minutes per Citizen)

Jerry Koerner, Brook Side Park

11. Old Business

None

12. New Business

a. Request to accept Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management Grant (EMPG)

b. Request to obtain RISQ/Acrisure Services to onboard new employees and off-board employees

leaving City of North Pole employment

c. Approval of contract with Mammoth Marketing for $5,000

d. Request stipend for Tricia Fogarty for past City Clerk duties and Michelle Peede for past

accounts payable duties

e. Memorandum to approve Council virtual meeting protocol for Regular, Special, and Committee

meetings due to Covid-19

13. Council Comments

14. Executive Session

To discuss the appointment of the new City Clerk, Joseph Gilbert

15. Adjournment

Detailed information and copies of agenda documents may be obtained at the Office of the City Clerk,

125 Snowman Lane or on the City website www.northpolealaska.com . Notice of Council Action is

available at City Hall and on the City website following the meeting. Council Meetings are aired live

via audio streaming from the City’s website. Inquiries concerning ADA compliance or

accommodations should be directed to the City Clerk.

http://www.northpolealaska.com/

Regular City Council Meeting

August 2, 2021

7:00 p.m.

1 Minutes

August 2, 2021

Committee of the Whole – 6:30 P.M.

Regular City Council Meeting – 7:00 P.M.

A regular meeting of the North Pole City Council was held on Monday, August 2, 2021 in the

Council Chambers of City Hall, 125 Snowman Lane, North Pole, Alaska.

CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL

Mayor Welch called the regular City Council meeting of Monday, August 2, 2021 to order at

7:00 p.m.

There were present: Absent/Excused

Michael Welch – Mayor

Thomas McGhee – Mayor Pro Tem

Aino Welch – Dep. Mayor Pro Tem

Perry Walley – Alt. Dep. Mayor Pro Tem

DeJohn Cromer

David Skipps Absent

Santa Claus Absent

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE U.S. FLAG

Led by Mayor Welch

INVOCATION Invocation was given by Councilwoman Welch

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Mr. McGhee moved to approve the agenda of August 2, 2021

Seconded by Ms. Welch

DISCUSSION

None

Mr. McGhee moved to consent the following items:

Old Business: a. Ordinance 21-13 An Ordinance of the City of North Pole, Alaska to Amend the 2021 Fire

Department Fleet Fund.


August 2, 2021

7:00 p.m.

2 Minutes

August 2, 2021

b. Ordinance 21-14 An Ordinance of the City of North Pole, Alaska to Amend the Police

Department Grant Fund.

New Business:

a. Approval of the Hughes Fire Equipment Inc. proposal and purchase agreement to

purchase one (1) Pierce fire apparatus.

b. Approval of up to $150,000 for the removal and treatment of stockpiled sewer sludge at

the wastewater treatment plant by US Ecology

c. Ordinance 21-15, An Ordinance of the City of North Pole, Alaska to fund removal,

treatment and disposal of stockpiled sewer sludge by US Ecology


Discussion

None

On the amendment

PASSED

Yes: 5 – McGhee, Cromer, Walley, A. Welch, Mayor Welch

No: 0

Absent: 2 – Claus, Skipps

On the Agenda as amended

Discussion

None

PASSED


No: 0


APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Mr. McGhee moved to approve the Minutes of June 5, 2017

Seconded by Mr. Isaacson

Discussion

None


August 2, 2021

7:00 p.m.

3 Minutes

August 2, 2021

PASSED


No: 0


COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR

COUNCIL MEMBER QUESTIONS OF THE MAYOR

COMMUNICATIONS FROM DEPARTMENT HEADS, BOROUGH

REPRESENTATIVE AND THE CITY CLERK

Fire Dept., Chief Coon

B shift and I attended the ceremony at the memorial park on Tuesday July 27th. Would

like to thank the Police Dept admin staff for putting together another successful

ceremony.

Lt Beckley attended the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg Maryland last week. This

was her first trip to the Academy and we look forward to her being able to use the

knowledge received to help her and other carry out the departments fire prevention

program.

The Fire Department and Police Department had a recruitment booth at the Eielson

airshow over the weekend. Lt Crane represented the Fire Department several applications

to volunteer where handed out during the event.

Police Dept., Chief Dutra

None

Finance, Tricia Fogarty

None

Director of City Services, Bill Butler

Building Department

Since my last report on July 6:

Five single family home permits issued.


August 2, 2021

7:00 p.m.

4 Minutes

August 2, 2021

Three 4-plexes permits issued.

Safeway remodel permit issued.

Public Works

Preparing an Invitation to Bid for excavator. Hope to release it tomorrow.

Working with property owner and realtor to purchase the two lots in the Ford

Subdivision.

City and seller have come to understanding of continencies that will be part of the

sale.

Working on either an Invitation to Bid or direct purchase of air handling equipment to

address COVID-19 air filtration.

Mobile unit may negate the need to go to bid—purchase on line and “plug & play.”

Air handler in the ceiling is a larger problem that is unlikely solvable within COVID

purchasing deadline—or available budget.

Council Chamber is 100% heated by the air handler. Cody and I, along with two

consulting engineers, agree that simple baseboard heating in the Chamber with a

simple thermostat can resolving the heating issue.

By next Council meeting, Public Works may lose all their temporary summer hires—staff

will be heading to school.

Majority of Public Works activities remain landscaping.

Utility Department

Utility Department

Utility has filled one of its Utility Assistant position and is recruiting for a second.

Engaged in routine activities (service locates, laboratory sampling, lift station cleaning,

equipment maintenance). No emergencies.

Moose Creek Water System Expansion Project.

Water service connections in Moose Creek are still proceeding at two to three per day.

Pressure testing of the southern loop distribution water mains was completed last Friday.

Pressure testing may occur this week—depending upon HC’s pressure testing plan.

After successful pressure testing, bacteria testing and ADEC approval, the project will be

able to begin installing service lines on the southern loop.

Borough Representative

I attended the borough assembly meeting on July 22, 2021. Via zoom.

I made my report based on the previous two meetings and information from the mayor.


August 2, 2021

7:00 p.m.

5 Minutes

August 2, 2021

Mayor Ward reported that there was not a change to the covid precautions.

FNBSD reported that school district is gearing up to start school in person. Options will still be

available to learn from home or home schooling. Please check with your individual schools for

starting times, as many schools have changed their starting and ending times, due to bussing.

Registration is open, and as always there is details on the website www.K12northstar.org.

Assembly passed on consent agenda:

RESOLUTION NO. 2021-24 Ratifying The Monetary Terms Of The Negotiated Collective

Bargaining Agreement Between The Fairbanks North Star Borough Employees Association

(FNSBEA) Local #6125, APEA/AFT (AFL-CIO) And The Fairbanks North Star Borough.

(Sponsor: Mayor Ward)

*RESOLUTION NO. 2021-27 A Resolution Amending Resolution No. 2017-34, Authorizing A

Utility Easement On Borough Land Within Section 2, T.1S., R.2W., F.M., To Change The

Grantee To MTA Fiber Holdings, LLC (Little Shot Road/Parks Hwy). (Sponsor: Mayor Ward)

*ORDINANCE NO. 2021-05 An Ordinance Rezoning Approximately 61 Acres, From Rural

And Agricultural-5 To Rural Estate-2 Or Other Appropriate Zone (Located On Gilmore Trail

Northeast Of Flat Rabbit Road) (RZ2021-002)

(Refer to the Committee of the Whole on August 5, 2021; Advance to August 12, 2021 for

Public Hearing)

*ORDINANCE NO. 2021-15 An Ordinance Amending FNSBC Title 22, Animals, And FNSBC

1.20.070 (E), Fine Schedule, Including Adding A Definition For Animal Facilities, Clarifying

Responsibilities Of Caretakers, Requiring Proof Of Immunization And Registration In Certain

Circumstances, Removing Mandatory Warnings, Adding An Animal Ownership Section, And

Other Related Changes. (Sponsor: Assemblymember Cash) (Refer to the Committee of the

Whole on August 5, 2021; Advance to August 12, 2021 for Public Hearing)

*ORDINANCE NO. 2021-26 An Ordinance Amending Chapter 21.28 FNSBC To Modify

FNSBC 21.28.040, Enhanced Voluntary Removal, Replacement And Repair Program, To Be

Consistent With Federal Grant Requirements, Adding A Bounty Program To The Enhanced

Voluntary Removal, Replacement And Repair Program And Adding A New Section FNSBC

21.28.046, Voluntary No Other Adequate Source Of Heat (NOASH) Reduction Program.

(Sponsor: Mayor Ward) (Refer to the Committee of the Whole on August 5, 2021; Advance to

August 12, 2021 for Public Hearing)

*ORDINANCE NO 2021-20-1b

An Ordinance Amending The FY 2021-22 Budget By Appropriating $10,367,822 In Federal

Pass-Through Grant Funding To The Transit Enterprise Projects Fund For The Voluntary

http://www.k12northstar.org/


August 2, 2021

7:00 p.m.

6 Minutes

August 2, 2021

Removal, Replacement, Repair, And Bounty Program And The Voluntary No Other Adequate

Source Of Heat (NOASH) Reduction Program (Collectively Referred To As The Wood Stove

Change Out Programs). (Sponsor: Mayor Ward) (Refer to the Finance Committee on August 5,

2021; Advance to August 12, 2021 for Public Hearing)

I have included the link to the agenda if anyone wants further details.

https://www.fnsb.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07222021-1405?packet=true

City Clerk’s Office, Kathy Weber

None

ONGOING PROJECTS

None

CITIZENS COMMENTS – (Limited to Five (5) minutes per Citizen) None

OLD BUSINESS

None

NEW BUSINESS

Consented Agenda

Comments - None

COUNCIL COMMENTS

Mr. Skipps –

Mr. Cromer-

Mr. Claus –

Ms. Welch –

Mr. McGhee –

Mr. Walley –

https://www.fnsb.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07222021-1405?packet=true


August 2, 2021

7:00 p.m.

7 Minutes

August 2, 2021

Mayor Welch -

Mr. McGhee moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:04 p.m.


The regular meeting of Monday, August 16, 2021 adjourned at 8:05 p.m.

These minutes passed and approved by a duly constituted quorum of the North Pole City Council

on Monday, September 7, 2021.

____________________________________

Michael Welch, Mayor

ATTEST:

___________________________________

Kathryn Weber, MMC

North Pole City Clerk


August 16, 2021

7:00 p.m.

1 Minutes

August 16, 2021

Committee of the Whole – 6:30 P.M.

Regular City Council Meeting – 7:00 P.M.

A regular meeting of the North Pole City Council was held on Monday, August 16, 2021 in the

Council Chambers of City Hall, 125 Snowman Lane, North Pole, Alaska.

CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL

Mayor Welch called the regular City Council meeting of Monday, August 16, 2021 to order at

7:00 p.m.

There were present: Absent/Excused

Michael Welch – Mayor

Thomas McGhee – Mayor Pro Tem

Aino Welch – Dep. Mayor Pro Tem

Perry Walley – Alt. Dep. Mayor Pro Tem

DeJohn Cromer

David Skipps

Santa Claus

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE U.S. FLAG

Led by Mayor Welch

INVOCATION Invocation was given by Councilwoman Welch

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Mr. McGhee moved to approve the agenda of August 16, 2021

Seconded by Mr. Claus

DISCUSSION

None

Mr. McGhee moved to consent the following items:

Old Business:

Ordinance 21-15, An Ordinance of the City of North Pole, Alaska to approve up to $150,000 for

the removal and treatment of stockpiled sewer sludge at the Wastewater Treatment Plant by US

Ecology


August 16, 2021

7:00 p.m.

2 Minutes

August 16, 2021


Discussion

None

On the amendment

PASSED

Yes: 7 – McGhee, Cromer, Walley, A. Welch, Claus, Skipps, Mayor Welch

No: 0

Absent: 0

On the Agenda as amended

Discussion

None

PASSED


No: 0

Absent: 0

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Minutes for August 2, 2021 will be available on the September 7, 2021 meeting

COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR

Visited with Marathon Oil and the project team. Attached is the City of North Pole

Combined Heat and Power Plant project. This project could be shovel ready by May

2022.

Attended the 15th Annual Renewable Energy Fair at Chena Hot Springs. Pamphlet is

attached.

Amy Geiger from Explore Fairbanks informed council on things going on with the

tourism industry. She handed out pamphlets to the council and stated that they

usually hand out over 40,000 a year. The North Pole Festival is included in the

pamphlet along with other businesses and pictures.

Mayor Welch stated that Safeway wanted to know if they could use our City logo.

CS&G said that the City Council needed to approve the use of it. They also said that

it could look like we are endorsing the business and


August 16, 2021

7:00 p.m.

3 Minutes

August 16, 2021

Major General Wilcox will be at City Hall on Tuesday, August 24, 2021 at 11:00 a.m.

to thank the City for the water system at Moose Creek.

COUNCIL MEMBER QUESTIONS OF THE MAYOR

Ms. Welch stated that she would like to see the report that Ms. Greiger had that was in a different

language.

Mr. McGhee asked the Chief of Police about the pay scale adjustments. Chief Dutra stated that

there were people in his department that were not in the right pay range. He said those

corrections were in the budget. Mr. McGhee asked the Mayor why those changes weren’t

allowed.

The Mayor said there was updated the council on what took place on that subject. He stated that

the employees did get there 3% in the new year.

Mr. McGhee asked were the city stood on Municipal Solutions and where the City was at that

time.

Mayor Welch said he has dealt with all departments. He will email this to Councilmen Perry and

McGhee to take the data and decide what needs to be done. The Policy Manual is 97%

complete. Mayor Welch stated that the city is not doing Phase 3.

August 23, 2021 – City Clerk interview starting at 5:30 p.m.

August 24, 2021- Committee 4:00 p.m. - Total Compensation Committee

Mr. McGhee moved to appoint Kathryn Weber as the part time City Clerk

Seconded by Mr. Claus

Discussion

None

PASSED


No: 0

Absent: 0

COMMUNICATIONS FROM DEPARTMENT HEADS, BOROUGH

REPRESENTATIVE AND THE CITY CLERK

Fire Dept., Chief Heineken

The new fence along the North side of the fire station has been completed. Last Frontier

Fence Company did a great job, the fence looks great and provides a safe environment for


August 16, 2021

7:00 p.m.

4 Minutes

August 16, 2021

the fire department by eliminating the pedestrian walk throughs that have been occurring

this summer.

Hydrant testing will begin Monday Aug 23rd. Citizens on the city water system could see

some color changes in the water due to the high volume flows in the system. All testing

will be concluded by September 3rd.

Planning for the State Firefighters Conference is underway, the conference is being held

in Fairbanks this year. Captain Sam Sanders is part of the Conference Command staff as

the logistics officer. Firefighters from all over the state will be in the Fairbanks area

training during the conference. The conference planners have been working hard and

have a live fire training planned using an acquired structure on Peger road in Fairbanks.

We are very proud of the Captain Sanders stepping up and taking on a large role in the

conference command staff.

The fire department was very busy in July with the largest number of calls within a

month we have seen. Our staff provided service for 149 calls in the month of July.

August numbers have normalized some, we predict with population increases the fire

department will continue to see a steady rise in emergency responses.

The council asked Police Chief Dutra about his thoughts on the PERS retirement system

and the effort to return public safety employees to a defined benefit plan. As the Fire

Chief I would like to add to the conversation, HB55 has passed the House and is now

waiting for the Senate. The Fire Department is a strong supporter of HB55, currently

Captain Hamlin and I are the only fire department employees left on the PERS Tier3

retirement plan that provides retirement eligibility after 20-25 years of service. All other

fire department staff are Tier4, under this plan they would need to work into their 60’s

before having adequate funds available to retire. Public Safety jobs such as police and

fire are tremendously hard on the individual physically and mentally. HB55 would bring

these employees into a new PERS defined benefit retirement allowing them to retire at an

appropriate age.

The Mayor asked that I report on the AML Defense Forum, I had the privilege to attend

the Forum. The company, food and speakers were all great. The forum provided very

high level national experts via zoom to talk with everyone in attendance about the

importance of the arctic concerning national security. Alaska is the United States only

Arctic region and therefore is a vital region of importance to the nation. The conference

had a very tight schedule with many speakers covering a wide range of topics. Alaska

communities and the Department of Defense obviously have common goals for working

together here in Alaska.

Mr. McGhee asked about fire hydrants that do not have city water and sewer.

Chief Heineken stated that he needed to get together with Bill Butler when he returns.


August 16, 2021

7:00 p.m.

5 Minutes

August 16, 2021

Ms. Welch stated that she lives in a part of the City that does not have hydrants and asked how far

the NPFD can reach from a hydrant.

Chief Heineken explained how their fire trucks and tankers can fill and can ask for help from other

departments.

Police Dept., Chief Dutra

Lt. Lindhag has decided to withdraw his retirement and stay on at NPPD. We could not be

happier to have him back in the saddle. He will be out of office until October 1 when he

will return to full duty.

Our new Motorola portable radios have arrived. All officers have now been issued new

radios from the old radios from 2006.

We have two officers enrolled in EVOC Instructor course. Much needed really large

shortage throughout the area. Lt. Lindhag and I are the only two.

Memorial Park event went well. Thank you for all those who attended. Black Hawk Works

and Down to Earth Landscaping deserve a big thanks for grass seeding and stump grinding.

Vehicle involved in MVA is being repaired. There is a $500 deductible.

While I was on vacation, we had a quiet couple of weeks. Still a lot of officers on and off

vacation during the summer, causing more than normal 12-hour shifts. I want to publicly

thank all those officers and their families for the added burden they take on when these

things happen.

We are moving forward with our Recruitment video production. Contract will come to

council at next meeting and funds are being moved from training/travel.

Just a reminder recently released data shows more officers killed to date by felonious

assault in 2021 than in all last year. Stunning and concerning.

Hiring. We have one person with experience who has expressed interest all others still have

not completed proper paperwork. We need to find a solution to the pay scale soon. We

have more outreach than we have had ever before and recruits are harder to find. This is

our second year without an academy recruit new hire. ZipRecruiter job listings up.

Stats – no major issues again relatively normal.

Ofc. Tibbetts attending child abduction seminar we will be working to update response to

these events.

See attached statistics

Mr. McGhee stated that vandals had put graffiti on dumpsters in North Pole. He contacted the

police dept. and proceeded to spray paint the dumpster to delete the graffiti.


August 16, 2021

7:00 p.m.

6 Minutes

August 16, 2021

Mayor Welch asked Chief Dutra if they could put speed signs on St. Nicholas Dr and make 30

mph throughout that street.

Mayor Welch asked Chief Dutra about a complaint within the City concerning Meth.

Mayor Welch stated that Mr. Satterberg stated that one of our police officers/detectives did a great

job testifying.

Ms. Welch commented on the PERS tier 4 & 5.

Finance, Tricia Fogarty

None

Director of City Services, Bill Butler

None

Borough Representative

Citizen’s Comments… Most about the mask mandate for the borough Assy Chamber only… All

asked for assembly to NOT pass the resolution.

Report from the School Board Representative.: School starts 18, normal operation, no masks

required. Please check with your school for start times as they have changed.

Mayor Ward: Covid update: The incidence command is still at a stand-down.

ORDINANCE NO. 2021-05, Rezone off Gilmore. The consensus was that rezone would bring

into compliance of some properties but then put others out of didn’t pass

ORDINANCE NO. 2021-15, Pertaining to Animal Control

The most important part of this was to enforce rescue organizations (RO) to report the intake of

any animals within 2 days, as to ensure owners with lost pets only have one place to check. One

amendment removed the requirement of RO’s

RESOLUTION NO. 2021-30, A Resolution Requiring The Wearing Of Masks In The Mona Lisa

Drexler Assembly Chambers When The State Of Alaska COVID-19 Resident Cases Alert Level

Is High. (Sponsor: Assembly member O’Neall).

The comments were all for voting down, however the assembly voted 5-4 passing it. Mayor

Ward reminded the assembly that the borough does not have health related powers, and that he

does have Veto powers. He vetoed the resolution Friday morning.


August 16, 2021

7:00 p.m.

7 Minutes

August 16, 2021

.

City Clerk’s Office, Kathryn Weber

Thank you for appointing me as your part-time City Clerk. It is an honor to be back here

serving the public again and the council.

Working on updating the City Code book as it has not been updated since March 2021.

Organizing Minutes, Ordinances, Resolutions and making sure that everything is signed

and has the city seal. Also organizing the computer files for the City Clerk.

ONGOING PROJECTS

Total Compensation Committee – Mayor Welch updated council on the status of the report from

Government Solutions.

CITIZENS COMMENTS – (Limited to Five (5) minutes per Citizen) None

OLD BUSINESS

Consented Agenda

Comments - None

NEW BUSINESS None

COUNCIL COMMENTS

Mr. Skipps – no comment

Mr. Cromer- no comment

Mr. Claus – stay safe and thank you

Ms. Welch – no comment

Mr. McGhee –thanked Councilman Cromer and Councilman Claus for coming to the meeting

tonight and wearing their masks. Appreciates seeing people in person for debate and the ability to

have conversations. Encouraged council to read the code of ordinances and stated that it is a living

document and that the council can change it at any time to adjust with the changing times. He has

been a stickler with the code. We have made a number of mistakes and making any kind of

comment or on whether we can or cannot do without backing it with code. The pay scale is a big

part of the code and it’s councils responsibility to review code. He appreciates the fire and police

departments for everything they do. He doesn’t think he could get up every morning and put on a


August 16, 2021

7:00 p.m.

8 Minutes

August 16, 2021

vest or fire equipment to save people’s lives every day.

Mr. Walley – no comment

Mayor Welch – on the dumpster graffiti , there are also people who have inappropriate things on

their property like those on Badger Rd on the president and vice-president. If someone wants to

put it in the front yard he hopes they know what kind of a message they are sending the younger

generation. He did pass that particular inappropriate message on to the borough. Mr. Welch stated

that he is serving to the best of his ability and knowledge.

Mr. McGhee moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:23 p.m.


The regular meeting of Monday, August 16, 2021 adjourned at 9:23 p.m.

These minutes passed and approved by a duly constituted quorum of the North Pole City Council

on Monday, September 7, 2021.

____________________________________

Michael Welch, Mayor

ATTEST:

___________________________________

Kathryn Weber, MMC

North Pole City Clerk

CITY OF NORTH POLE

“Where the Spirit of Christmas Lives Year Round”

125 Snowman Lane North Pole, Alaska 99705-7708

E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.northpolealaska.com

City Hall

907-488-2281

Fax: 907-488-3002

Mayor

907-488-8584

City Clerk

907-488-8583

Police

Department

907-488-6902

Fire

Department

907-488-2232

Utilities

907-488-6111

Director of

City Services

907-488-8593

Finance

907-488-8594

MEMORANDUM #1-2021 TO: Council Members, City of North Pole FROM: Mayor Welch, City of North Pole DATE: September 7, 2021 SUBJECT: Approval of Council Virtual Meeting Protocol for Regular, Special, and Committee Meetings. Due to the COVID-19 coronavirus, the City of North Pole temporarily has moved public meetings to a virtual format. This decision was made to help eliminate the community spread of the virus, while adhering to the State of Alaska COVID-19 mitigation guidelines, including social distancing in space and time, and accommodation for CDC-identified COVID-vulnerable populations. In order to most efficiently run City of North Pole Meetings and offer the highest level of public transparency while meeting virtually, the following protocols for meetings have been developed. While it is understandable that technical issues with streaming and background noise such as children, vehicles, dogs, etc. may not always be avoidable, every effort should be made to adhere to these protocols for the equitable and transparent execution of City of North Pole meetings. The public, administration, and staff are required to comply with these protocols. 1) A technical check will be conducted 10 minutes prior to the meeting for members, staff, and presenters. All members and City of North Pole meeting participants are requested to virtually arrive at the dais ten minutes prior to the noticed meeting time. The City Clerk may request additional time, if needed. Members must be prepared to start a meeting at the noticed time. If a member can’t make it on time due to a circumstance, they need to notify the Clerk, as soon as possible, so the Clerk is aware of their situation and can make accommodations accordingly. 2) Find a quiet place for meetings where you will not be disturbed and where you are not subject to extraneous noise. 3) The timekeeper will be acknowledged at the beginning of the meeting and the timer sound will be broadcast during the Public Testimony Rules read by the Mayor, Clerk, or Chair. 4) Members and staff will make all efforts to attend the meeting with the video on, especially during Roll Call, Roll Call Votes, Debate and Discussion. Video is required for Executive Session. All members have been provided electronic equipment that allows for video attendance.

5) During Roll Call and Roll Call Votes, members should turn their microphones on when the vote is called (when the Mayor or Chair requests the vote) and mute themselves after casting their verbal vote to expedite the verbal roll call. 6) Raise-hand feature should be used for any recognition of the floor. The Mayor, Clerk, or Chair will keep a list of raised hands and make the best effort to call on members and staff in the order hands are raised. 7) Limit Conversation. Members are to be reminded that discussion on agenda items and public business are reserved for broadcast in public meetings and will take place when the Council is on the record. 8) The virtual dais should be treated like the physical dais, and private discussions via text or electronic means between members or the public is not allowed per City of North Pole Code. These protocols are to assist in the effective and efficient use of government resources for public meetings and will apply to Council regular, special, work session, and committee meetings. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated. APPROVED BY CITY OF NORTH POLE COUNCIL: SEPTEMBER 7, 2021

1

Memorandum To: North Pole City Council

From: Thomas McGhee, Mayor Pro Tem

Date: 9/1/2021

Subject: Stipend for Tricia Fogarty and Michelle Peede

Tricia Fogarty has filled in as the City Clerk during the period that the City of North Pole has tried to fill the Clerk position during such time Tricia has prepared seven city council packets and two special meeting. Tricia has also processed the onboarding of 32 new employees. During the absence of the city’s accounts payable clerk Michelle Peede has been processing the accounts payable check runs and is currently training a temporary AP clerk.

CITY OF NORTH POLE

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