Sitka Assembly approves interim MOU to reopen shelter volunteer program; town hall set to update animal-control code

The Sitka Assembly on Feb. 25 approved a memorandum of understanding between the City and Borough of Sitka (CBS) and Friends of Sitka Animal Shelter (FOSUS) to restore volunteer access and clarify shelter operations.

The agreement, approved 6-0, establishes structured volunteer scheduling, background checks and training, programmable key-card access controls, clarified intake responsibilities, and a three-month period of “reasonable efforts” to facilitate adoption before final disposition. It also specifies that CBS, through the Sitka Police Department, will make “reasonable efforts to facilitate adoption for at least three months” and that FOSUS will have first option to adopt animals that reach that threshold at the organization’s expense before euthanasia decisions are made.

Why it matters: The shelter drew widespread public attention after a series of incidents and a subsequent community debate about operations, euthanasia practices and volunteer access. Advocates and volunteers told the assembly the MOU returns basic animal care functions to trained community volunteers while giving staff a framework to pursue a longer-term code change and operational overhaul.

The MOU’s provisions aim to reduce operational conflicts and improve accountability. John (staff member), who presented the agreement to the assembly, summarized key changes, saying the pact includes “a more structured volunteer scheduling, background check, and training process” and clarified building access and intake responsibilities. Christina Chairman, who identified herself as board president of Friends of Sitka Animal Shelter, told the assembly, “We support adoption of this MOU. It’s a step forward in the right direction.” Dusty Kidd, FOSUS secretary, said the MOU requires veterinary consultation “before any decision is made about euthanizing an animal with the possible exceptions of those that have rabies or a threat to the public.”

Supporters emphasized that the MOU is an interim “bridge” while the assembly, staff and community develop permanent code changes and funding to align Sitka’s shelter practice with industry standards. FOSUS said its research of other Alaska programs showed Sitka had the lowest operational budget per capita and was the only shelter in the survey staffed by a single person; the group urged a path toward a properly funded program and, ultimately, transition of shelter management to a nonprofit.

Assembly members repeatedly praised the negotiations and said the agreement clarifies roles that earlier had been a source of conflict. Assembly member Kevin Mosher said the document “clears up the roles between the ACO and FOSUS volunteers” and lauded the volunteer training requirement and the programmable key-card system as safety improvements.

Next steps: Mayor Eisenbys and staff announced a town-hall meeting scheduled for March 10 to gather community input for subsequent code changes. The clerk’s office will help staff that outreach. FOSUS and the city said the finalized MOU will be posted on the city website and volunteers may follow the new application and training process once the local checks and scheduling system are in place.

Public comment at the meeting included multiple volunteers who urged approval so they could return to the shelter to care for animals; several asked that elected leaders reopen investigations into past shelter practices, a matter the assembly said could be pursued separately.

The assembly approved the MOU by roll call: Mayor Eisenbys, Mr. Mosher, Miss Carlson, Mr. Christiansen, Mr. Yestad and Mr. Pike voted yes; the vote was 6-0.

A town-hall meeting on March 10 will focus on community preferences and changes to municipal code governing animal care and control.