[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6668884,"mediaKeyId","2216619-9969f39d141e219ce8f22833ecdb1cef","parentId",2216619,"title","Assembly denies request to purchase CBJ conservation strip near Duck Creek; applicant says encroachment was discovered during sale","audioSeconds",1355,"startMs",7020000,"endMs",8375000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2216619-9969f39d141e219ce8f22833ecdb1cef&start=7020&end=8375","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2216619-9969f39d141e219ce8f22833ecdb1cef/thumbnail_7020000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6668884/Juneau-City-and-Borough/Alaska/Assembly-denies-request-to-purchase-CBJ-conservation-strip-near-Duck-Creek-applicant-says-encroachment-was-discovered-during-sale","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6668884-f1a1369379e606591dfd478155867064/orig.mp4?Expires=1776173874&Signature=TV2UOlpqeF~KJHXEQJnOap7JBr79YFFicZz8S~drAA42AQ7Zo5GgIPj5CPsq9oRZA-tt2UHdwa9YydWvIpG3gsrUOkMBm-IVsK2M5~bG89i7sK2iTHFzN~ecsTTL58BXN7eoAbPLi6kDi-yZjzBgsPSdv3icAW8sSW6xf93nMHc8XukZLZgsf~kOTevir~NgVDTKivJYjKhyB74ndabHnyoaOozKYVzCZFnxXLoY7PCqJz54Haj10Taj~gK32DauSpquTuCNg06Q0hg9UVSCAcpCs2~HHqemkz2saHTxgtdemFTxwfs55XEM80fzWLqrnunG1Wm3dfwx0rBSr6i7-w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Juneau City and Borough","date","2025-02-04T07:36:24.89Z","article","The Juneau City and Borough Assembly on Feb. 3 denied an application from Alan Baptiste to purchase a roughly 7-foot-by-100-foot strip of city-managed parkland adjacent to 4128 Taku Boulevard, citing staff recommendations and the property's conservation designation.

Staff background and committee recommendation: City staff told the assembly the parcel in question is part of the Juneau Parks and Open Space System and is managed as conservation land because it lies near the headwaters of Duck Creek. Community Development staff reviewed imagery and records and found no building permit for the boat shed/structure that crosses the apparent parcel line. The staff memo cited a 50-foot setback from Duck Creek and noted the 2016 land management plan recommends retaining the property. The lands, housing and economic development committee recommended the assembly deny the sale and retain the parcel.

Applicant testimony: Applicant Alan Baptiste told the assembly he purchased the property in 1989 and believed structures existed in-place then. He said a recent survey filed in the course of a sale revealed the shed and carport extend across the city-owned land. Baptiste said he sought the city's assistance to purchase a narrow strip to fix an encroachment that, he said, prevents the sale of his home and estimated replacement cost of a conforming structure at roughly $40,000.

Neighbors and supporters: Lawton (Dutch) Knight, representing the Baptiste family’s real estate interests and neighborhood petitioners, presented a petition of about 40 signatures in favor of resolving the encroachment by selling the strip to Baptiste. Longtime neighbor Bill Diebels also urged assembly consideration and described the situation as one warranting a waiver.

Staff and legal concerns: City staff and the municipal attorney explained three coexisting problems: the shed has no recorded permit (making it an illegal structure under the code), the structure encroaches across a property line and the building sits inside the 50-foot Duck Creek setback. The attorney told the assembly that the primary options are negotiated sale of the land or removal of the shed; she said whether a post‑hoc permit could be granted was not certain because of creek‑setback requirements.

Assembly action and rationale: Assemblymember Smith moved, per the earlier committee recommendation, to deny the sale. Several members expressed sympathy for the Baptistes but said the combination of an unpermitted structure, an encroachment and a creek setback made the parcel ineligible for disposal in the manner requested. The motion to deny carried without objection.

Next steps and context: Staff advised the applicant to consult with city lands staff and the attorney’s office about alternate paths (a negotiated sale or lease process, variance options, or removal). The manager’s office noted that if the assembly were to authorize a negotiated sale it would provide explicit guidance to staff on terms; the committee had recommended retaining the land for conservation. The assembly did not authorize a sale or lease at the Feb. 3 meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Regular Assembly Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The Juneau City and Borough Assembly on Feb. 3 denied an application to sell a 7-by-100-foot strip of CBJ-managed parkland adjacent to 4128 Taku Boulevard after staff and the lands committee recommended retaining the parcel for conservation near Duck Creek.","taxTitle","Juneau City and Borough, Alaska","taxId",13703,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6668888,"Votes at a glance: Feb. 3 Juneau assembly actions on housing, harbor, hospital and refinancing",467,5855000,6322000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2216619-9969f39d141e219ce8f22833ecdb1cef&start=5855&end=6322","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2216619-9969f39d141e219ce8f22833ecdb1cef/thumbnail_5855000.jpg","/articles/6668888/Juneau-City-and-Borough/Alaska/Votes-at-a-glance-Feb-3-Juneau-assembly-actions-on-housing-harbor-hospital-and-refinancing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6668888-d68f1b904b60fa727fb62c6fff3c53a5/orig.mp4?Expires=1776173874&Signature=ecB9S7FlT0gDaTHztzzvOVxol~ytQW2AIagTflnTvJiVmnl0BY~lhv0rkKFCU8d~GSvgKWnxOXkbuDonrgPVqAc1rx7HT8o2Ln0M3XKN2jLPdT86pKZ62RKX2RohHqhxTyUBiCtC9U16hJd1v3ubD6ldOAxkVCPHbaU4Fylx5J7YaBqj5r6Xlr7yp0768y6EngcIGKSVDFJlyCLzAqb~DOF4Luf6YU4ZiK1nBn6J60LoMazBMK~GD~UQthIYn6YvMkDC92POIyYeuo0ZloRsnLOn6DP~771fBQbq3ouMiKyyR5HftCQfAUelu956qX2nh0WYkclIMot4ma3reQxKLA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At its Feb. 3 meeting the Juneau City and Borough Assembly took votes on multiple ordinances and agreements. Several measures passed on unanimous consent or without recorded objection; one funding measure failed after a recorded roll-call.

Key outcomes

- 220 Front Street loan (ordinance 2024-01, version B, AA): Assembly approved a $100,000 loan from the Affordable Housing Fund to Broco Holdings LLC to complete the 220 Front Street affordable housing project. The project was awarded in fall 2024 and seeks to build 28 units at 80% area median income. (Passed, unanimous consent.)

- Aurora Harbor improvements (ordinance 2024-01, version B, AB): The assembly appropriated $5,000,000 in Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities grant funds for phase 4 of the Aurora Harbor project (docks, gangways, electrical and water systems improvements). CBJ local match to be met with sales tax proceeds and harbor enterprise funds. (Passed, unanimous consent.)

- Bartlett Regional Hospital emergency department (ordinance 2024-01, version B, I): Assembly approved appropriation of $8,900,000 of hospital funds for an emergency department addition. Staff noted the required Certificate of Need from the Alaska Department of Health had been received and included in the packet. (Passed, unanimous consent.)

- Alaska Municipal Bond Bank refinancing amendment (ordinance 2025-12): The assembly approved an amendment to a prior refinancing authorization to align Alaska Municipal Bond Bank consolidated payment dates to December and adjust maturities. Staff estimated additional near-term savings of roughly $20,000 from the schedule change. (Passed, unanimous consent.)

- Christopher Trail access easement (ordinance 2025-08): Assembly authorized a manager agreement allowing an access easement and indemnification to relocate a timber pedestrian bridge and create a new trail connection, consistent with state recreational indemnification statutes. (Passed, unanimous consent.)

- JEDC grant for property tax (ordinance 2024-01, version B, AC): An ordinance to appropriate $7,520 to the Juneau Economic Development Council to acknowledge a missed nonprofit property-exemption filing failed on a recorded roll-call (motion failed 4–3). Two assembly members objected during the roll call, and the motion did not pass.

Other actions

- The assembly adopted its annual goals as amended.

Why it matters: The package advances short-term capital projects (harbor, hospital), an affordable housing loan intended to fully fund an approved project, and routine financial housekeeping (bond refinancing). The failed JEDC grant highlights differing assembly expectations about oversight of nonprofit partners and use of limited discretionary funds.

Sources at the meeting included city staff presentations, committee recommendations and brief public comment in the hospital and harbor items. Most measures were forwarded by committees, reviewed in packet materials and adopted with little substantive public testimony on the floor.","The Juneau assembly approved several appropriations and agreements on Feb. 3, including funding for affordable housing, Aurora Harbor improvements, Bartlett Regional Hospital emergency department work, an access easement and a municipal bond refinancing; one grant to JEDC failed.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6668893,"Juneau assembly approves HESCO-barrier local improvement district after contentious public hearing",4023,1389000,5412000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2216619-9969f39d141e219ce8f22833ecdb1cef&start=1389&end=5412","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2216619-9969f39d141e219ce8f22833ecdb1cef/thumbnail_1389000.jpg","/articles/6668893/Juneau-City-and-Borough/Alaska/Juneau-assembly-approves-HESCO-barrier-local-improvement-district-after-contentious-public-hearing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6668893-c06df775f363f97698de76c105dbba40/orig.mp4?Expires=1776173874&Signature=lU94mgMHiWr5~HdLns6d0dCdK7vrbh3HPJxmHpbX7FfFOSnFBPOX4Y7FJ1FxOABh93ekVFDZ1xrp5op0RVh8LcVpbMu53xO7OPUefshCwTjXO4ZGEpkYFRwMcbMWTutOOGSKPTG8bS1EJhovtgK5nZzWi-Gyj49FLScayFSprnpJH0zi979FPARA6vEy1tRyvi8bHJLblRi6axHTMEZAiW~q6ICxfn1JduMTOpNRterDZxisVlafb75sg1fjKmMBBK~TeFtjtrLr~Ufy7Zhe5MRKIp6ppcrA8XmAo0X6eBeqPiBWEccgGKUbZdXsWMC9RpF1alFRCj7APdTE8ZwEyA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Juneau City and Borough Assembly on Feb. 3 approved an ordinance creating Local Improvement District No. 210 to install HESCO flood barriers along the Minnehaha River and appropriating funds for the first phase of the project.

The ordinance, identified in meeting materials as ordinance 2024-40 AM, covers the phase-1 HESCO installation estimated in staff materials at $7,830,000 and includes an assessment rule and repayment terms for affected property owners. Deputy Mayor Smith moved the ordinance and an adopted amendment that sets a 0% interest rate for the initial repayment period and provides 0% interest for the first 10 years on four larger assessments before increasing to about 4.78% thereafter. The measure passed by unanimous consent after public testimony and a recess to count written objections.

Why it matters: The proposal responds to flooding in the Minnehaha Valley and is intended as an immediate protective measure before a longer-term solution can be designed and funded. The hearing drew large turnout from valley residents, who expressed sharp disagreement about costs, project scope and potential downstream impacts.

City staff told the assembly that the city used inundation maps to identify 466 properties that would “benefit” from phase 1. The packet included lists of written objections; the municipal clerk reported receiving 117 property objections by the close of testimony, below the threshold that would block the LID. Staff also said project costs will be split 40/60 between property owners and the City and Borough of Juneau (CBJ).

Residents who oppose the LID told the assembly the barriers are unfairly shifting cost burdens to homeowners who already suffered flood damage in 2023–24 and that the barriers could alter river hydraulics and shift risk downstream. Joseph Little, a Mendenhall Valley resident, told the assembly the project “stops at River Court Way” while “Thunder Mountain, the library, the Field House, Riverbend, the post office, [and] Riverview Senior Living” remain downstream and not included in the assessment area. Little urged the assembly: “Please, vote against the Hesco barrier project when it is time for your decision.”

Other speakers said financial hardship made the assessment untenable. Sam Hatch, who said he has three mortgages and exhausted his savings retrofitting his home after prior floods, asked why homeowners should shoulder emergency-protection costs: “Should I have to pay for life saving emergency work?” he asked. Several speakers asked the assembly to remove any interest from homeowner assessments.

Supporters said action was urgent. Michelle Hale of the Mendenhall Valley said experts, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, identified HESCO barriers as the best immediate protective measure for 2025: “Those raging waters are going to be here before we know it, and we don't have a choice of not acting.” Bill Diebels, a valley resident, urged the assembly to view the measure as the best available option in the time available.

Funding and next steps: During discussion, staff described ongoing efforts to seek additional funding to reduce homeowner costs, including a Forest Service award of $1,000,000 to do preparatory work, an Army Corps request for $10,000,000 to support a general investigation study for a long-term solution, HUD disaster recovery funds routed through the state, and a potential low-interest loan from the state Department of Environmental Conservation. Staff also noted they are continuing outreach and will publish full lists of mailed notices and objections in supplemental materials.

Assessment and process clarifications: The municipal clerk explained that written objections must be filed to be counted; staff distributed paper objection forms and paused for a recess so the clerk could complete a final count. The manager told the assembly an updated assessment rule and a corrected reflected amount ($6,292 as published in materials) were included in the ordinance packet. City legal staff explained the LID assessments can be revisited after final receipts are in and a second assessment roll and hearing occur if the body wishes to change the apportionment.

Assembly reaction and vote: Several assembly members said the ordinance was imperfect but necessary to provide immediate protection before the 2025 flood season. Deputy Mayor Smith said the decision was made reluctantly but that the city had “data scarcity” and limited time. After a recess to allow the clerk to count written objections, the assembly took the ordinance up with the amendment reducing interest terms; no assembly member objected and the ordinance passed by unanimous consent.

The assembly and staff emphasized they will continue pursuing long-term solutions and additional funding and said they planned more federal advocacy and grant seeking in the coming weeks.","The Juneau City and Borough Assembly approved an ordinance creating Local Improvement District No. 210 to install HESCO barriers along the Minnehaha River, appropriating funds and setting owner assessment terms after public testimony, an objections count and an amendment that sets a 0% interest window for affected homeowners.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6668880,"Juneau firefighters tell assembly pay and staffing shortfalls are driving recruitment and retention crisis",276,947000,1223000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2216619-9969f39d141e219ce8f22833ecdb1cef&start=947&end=1223","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2216619-9969f39d141e219ce8f22833ecdb1cef/thumbnail_947000.jpg","/articles/6668880/Juneau-City-and-Borough/Alaska/Juneau-firefighters-tell-assembly-pay-and-staffing-shortfalls-are-driving-recruitment-and-retention-crisis","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6668880-7c8b992b675a035e5e6d13a30bdaf2e6/orig.mp4?Expires=1776173874&Signature=imvzO9El0ikRKzAdO48X4lPdI8lIJ2TwyeDyyXS-kmNjS8EBYBZi~icKkdnLKmwCe3XrdpK8K-iLsSJel~kXiXAYvQch4q~aPHSKaQw8ekTs~FkYpRyJZ7om~-q3XPD7O862yYo8jTwQGj6KVE1YRc7g37uN4K7zbutFSkSKe0yP2sxskpFopl9xHTEIypCMf8YrXQWUTz-Ibe5PC5yqLh8T6y9iUKpBgxuXQ8S4aHj0C8TsDE6iEY2wwdeFQbPkr6zWr4MlB8El4ec1AI9H~MkDxOMygLPVqh3Yd0PZymTm3XObUbE973lqwwsOiatOJz6inD3XRY7H5TiTJVk7~w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Two union representatives and career firefighters told the assembly during public participation on Feb. 3 that Capital City Fire & Rescue faces a recruitment and retention crisis driven by wages and understaffing.

Dylan Hay, a full‑time firefighter‑paramedic and IAFF Local 4303 member, described leaving the community as an option because his family could not afford to stay. “When we moved here 5 years ago … life in Juneau has become unattainable for multiple reasons,” Hay said, citing low wages and staff shortages. Hay referenced a February 2024 compensation survey (commissioned by CPJ) that showed starting pay for firefighter EMTs at Capital City Fire and Rescue at $20 per hour (about 9% below regional average) and firefighter‑paramedics roughly 19% below average, increasing recruitment challenges.

Logan Volstead, president of the Juneau Career Firefighters Association, told the assembly call volume has grown from an estimated one to two thousand calls per year historically to more than 5,091 responses last year, while volunteer numbers have declined and 24‑hour career staffing has not increased to match demand. He said there were 18 structure fires last year and “not 1 of them met the response standard set by the National Fire Protection Association,” and that only 10 of those received additional staffing beyond the on‑duty crew.

Volstead said vacancies, upcoming retirements and anticipated extended leaves for military service will further reduce coverage this year and that previous recruiting cycles yielded few successful applicants. He said contract negotiations were to open the following Friday and requested the assembly direct the city manager to assist with recruitment and retention efforts.

No formal action resulted directly from these public comments; however, both speakers asked the assembly to give the city manager direction ahead of contract negotiations to address wages and staffing levels.

Why it matters: Emergency medical and fire response depends on adequate staffing and recruitment. The union representatives framed the problem as both pay compression and operational strain from higher call volume and fewer volunteers. The assembly and city manager — who receive the testimony as part of public participation — can use the information during budget, hiring and bargaining processes.","Two Juneau Career Firefighters Association representatives told the assembly that low starting pay and falling volunteer numbers are creating critical staffing gaps and urged the city manager and assembly to direct staff to help in negotiations and recruitment.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Assembly denies request to purchase CBJ conservation strip near Duck Creek; applicant says encroachment was discovered during sale

Votes at a glance: Feb. 3 Juneau assembly actions on housing, harbor, hospital and refinancing

Juneau assembly approves HESCO-barrier local improvement district after contentious public hearing

Juneau firefighters tell assembly pay and staffing shortfalls are driving recruitment and retention crisis