Skagway delays decision on old clinic site while seeking bond-counsel advice

The assembly opened public hearing on Resolution 25‑22R, which would amend a prior resolution declaring the old clinic site (11th and Broadway) as a municipal location for a senior citizen center or clinic-provider housing. Manager Deach told the assembly that an earlier ordinance authorizing bonds for a senior center at that site had been ratified by voters but that the bonds were never issued, leaving a legal gray area about whether the site could be repurposed without further action.

Manager Deach summarized staff’s position: counsel recommended repealing the original bond ordinance if the assembly intends to repurpose the site, but bond counsel’s advice is needed to determine whether voter ratification or other formalities remain required because the bonds were authorized but not executed. Deach said staff had circulated a draft ordinance to repeal the prior bond authorization and requested further legal review before taking final action.

Assemblymember Hanson moved to postpone Resolution 25‑22R until bond counsel had reviewed the matter and provided sufficient advice to staff; the motion passed unanimously on roll call. Members noted that the grant opportunity discussed earlier had expired but likely would be available next year and that the larger policy question — whether the voters’ prior intent was for senior housing — remained an important context for any change.

Ending: Resolution 25‑22R was postponed to allow staff to obtain bond-counsel guidance and to clarify any legal restrictions tied to the earlier voter-approved bond authorization. The assembly asked staff to return with counsel advice before taking substantive action on repurposing the property.