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Planning, parks and assessing directors brief assembly on development, energy projects and property reappraisal
Summary
Planning Director Amy Ainsley and Assessing Director Larry Reeder updated the assembly on renewable-energy efforts, a housing land study, centralized permitting and a multi-year residential reappraisal cycle; value notices are scheduled to mail March 17.
Amy Ainsley, director of planning and community development, and Larry Reeder, assessing director, gave quarterly updates to the assembly Feb. 25 on a range of municipal programs.
Ainsley highlighted staffing and spring workloads in planning and permitting, noting a recent planner hire and several upcoming subdivision actions. She said the sustainability team remains focused on a Sitka Community Renewable Energy Strategy and a Clean Energy to Communities project, but that both have experienced delays tied to federal funding and technical-team capacity. Ainsley said staff are “stepping up” to fill gaps and keep the projects on track.
On parks and recreation, Ainsley noted expanded programming — gymnastics, city-league volleyball, community orchestra, after-school programming and senior programs — and named staff and AmeriCorps support. She also flagged a housing land study in progress with geotechnical and civil engineering site visits and the city’s work on centralized permitting to streamline public access and internal processes.
Assessing director Larry Reeder said the department — a three-person team — is wrapping up a fourth-year cycle of residential reappraisals. He said value notices will be mailed March 17 and that staff expect to finish more complete reappraisals next year. Reeder described development of a trending model to avoid large gaps between reappraisals; he said the model would be applied annually to keep values aligned with the market.
Reeder also said the department audited optional community-purpose exemptions and will require updated paperwork on a staggered schedule; staff anticipate bringing a resolution to the assembly to opt into the state’s optional exemption program so CBS can process applications more consistently.
No assembly action was taken on the reports during the meeting; council members praised staff work and asked for follow-up on the housing land study and centralized permitting timetable.
