Economic Stabilization Task Force (Sunset January 2021)
Regular MeetingJuneau, AK · November 9, 2020
Minutes
Economic Stabilization Task Force
Appointed by the City & Borough of Juneau’s Mayor
Meeting Minutes from November 9, 2020
Call to Order
The Economic Stabilization Task Force meeting was called to order at 3:30 p.m. by Mr. Mertz.
Task Force Members Present: Max Mertz, Theresa Belton, Bruce Botelho, Eric Forst, Ken Koelsch, Lauren
MacVay, Laura Martinson, and Terra Peters
Task Force Members Absent: Susan Bell and Linda Thomas
Staff Present: Planning Section Chief for Emergency Operations Center, Robert Barr; CBJ Deputy City Manager,
Mila Cosgrove; CDD Administrative Officer, Brenwynne Grigg; and CBJ Finance Director, Jeff Rogers
CBJ Assembly Members Present: Mayor Beth Weldon, Loren Jones, and Gregory Smith
Special Guest Speakers: Chief Behavioral Health Officer of Bartlett Regional Hospital, Bradley Grigg; and,
Executive Director of Catholic Community Services, Erin Walker-Tolles.
Approval of Agenda
Mr. Mertz asked for any changes to the agenda.
Ms. Martinson asked to add a brief cruise industry update after Mr. Rogers’ finance updates. Mr. Mertz asked
that Ms. Walker-Tolles give an update on the Housing Assistance Grant after Mr. Griggs’ update on Children’s
Mental Health.
MOTION: Mr. Mertz asked for any objections to changes made to the agenda.
Hearing no objections, the motion was approved.
Approval of Minutes
MOTION: by Mr. Forst to approve the Economic Stabilization Task Force meeting minutes from October 8, 2020.
Ms. Peters seconded the motion.
Hearing no objections, the motion was approved.
Impacts of COVID-19 on Children’s Mental and Behavioral Health
Mr. Mertz introduced Mr. Bradley Grigg, Chief Behavioral Health Office at Bartlett Regional Hospital (BRH), and
asked him to update the Task Force on trends in children’s mental and behavioral health since his last visit in
August.
Mr. Grigg stated that the data brought before the Task Force last August has been updated to include FY21 data
from quarter 1, which is July through September of 2020. BRH is continuing to compare the first nine months
pre-shutdown, which BRH is now calling pre-COVID, to six full months of COVID activity. Bartlett Regional
Hospital is continuing to see an uptick in Emergency Department (ED) presentations for children, families, and
adults. Teenagers are feeling the stress of COVID and its impacts at home, and do not have the tools to
effectively manage that stress in ways that many adults do. Self-reports of stress-inducing factors include stress
in the home, at work, at school, and with finances. From April – September 2020, 52 children age 13 and under
presented in the ED compared to just six children the nine-months prior. In the 14 – 17 year age bracket, 68
children presented in the ED from in the six-months, post-COVID, compared to 33 children in the nine-months
prior. The youngest child presenting in the ED was five-years-old. The most common age presenting during this
time is 13-years-old. The middle school age seems to be the most seriously impacted by this time.
Mr. Grigg also stated that BRH is seeing an uptick in new patients receiving Psychiatric Outpatient Services.
Adults receiving psychiatric outpatient services for the first time went from a monthly average of six in the nine-
months, pre-COVID, to 10 in July through September 2020. Children receiving psychiatric outpatient services for
the first time went from a monthly average of four, pre-COVID, to almost 16 in July through September 2020.
This data only represents what BRH is experiencing and does not include services being offered through SEARHC,
Front Street Clinic, JAMHI, Juneau Youth Services, or other agencies in Juneau. Most of the new patients are
citing COVID as a factor for why they are seeking services. However, many of the adults are saying the Housing
Assistance program is offering some relief and they are grateful for it. BRH staff are assisting patients with
applications for this housing assistance so that the process is not too overwhelming for them.
The third data point Mr. Grigg presented on reflects suicide attempts in children. In the nine-months prior to
COVID, there were three suicide attempts by children ages 17 and younger. In the six-month period post-COVID,
there have been 12 suicide attempts by that same age bracket. Five suicide attempts occurred in minors
between the ages of 14 – 17, and seven suicide attempts occurred in those ages 13 and under. Mr. Grigg
expressed remorse over this data point, noting that this statistic crosses all walks of socio-economic and cultural
status. Families are self-reporting their children struggling with school and distance learning, and struggling with
no extra-curricular activities or social life. Even if those activities are available, the fear and worry of those
choosing not to participate are negatively affecting these children. BRH Mental and Behavioral Health is
experiencing its own surge with people and families in crisis due to the effects of COVID.
Ms. MacVay asked Mr. Grigg to speak about the work with the School District and what outreach they might be
doing to let children know that their feelings are valid, and that their parents are aware that the children’s
struggles are valid. She spoke about the tendency sometimes to downplay or marginalize things that are
happening, and said perhaps it is time to start having conversations about this. Mr. Grigg replied that currently,
the BRH Psychiatric Clinic is serving 6% of the school district in outpatient services, which is about double the
national average. He is receiving questions from coaches on what they should do when they notice a kid that is
struggling. Mr. Grigg stated he is speaking with Dr. Weiss on how to communicate this data so that families
know they are not alone. Additionally, he hopes to have conversations on a toolkit for teachers, coaches, and
any adult who is in a child’s life, so they can identify secondary trauma and stress in a child.
Mr. Botelho asked if Mr. Grigg knew how many deaths by suicide have occurred over the last 6 months to a
year. Mr. Grigg replied that since July 2020, there have been five deaths by suicide, with one victim under the
age of 18.
Mr. Mertz noted the growth in children’s visits to the ED and asked how the routine or lack of routine is
affecting these children. For example, how much of this stress is caused by children being unable engage in their
normal activities? Could reinstating a routine and sense of normalcy be helpful? Mr. Grigg replied that the
biggest stressor for children and young people is the lack of normalcy of a social life: being unable to play sports
or hang out with their friends, or perhaps swim club happening but then being canceled for a week and then
back on and back off again. The lack of normalcy, structure, routine, and social life is really wearing children
down. Children do not have the ability to adapt to these changes as quickly as adults do, and even adults are
struggling.
Mr. Mertz asked if BRH is able to staff these services to meet the need in the community. Mr. Grigg replied that
three years ago, BRH has seven masters-level and licensed Behavioral Health Clinicians on campus. As of today,
BRH has twenty masters-level and licensed Behavioral Health Clinicians, five of which have been hired in the last
six months. The State of Alaska has recently funded BRH to continue expanding the capacity for behavioral and
mental health work in the ED. BRH is addressing the challenge of supporting a family in crisis immediately
following a visit to the ED. One Behavioral Health Clinician and two Youth and Family Navigators were recently
hired to support the family in their home for the following five days to get through the initial crisis, connect
them with community-based services, and provide other guidance and coping skills to stabilize the family unit.
The new staff start their orientation on November 16, and services will begin on November 30.
Ms. Martinson asked if BRH needs anything in terms of support or funding to facilitate the programs, or anything
they wished they had. Mr. Grigg replied that their next step is to gather leaders from the School District to talk
through this issue and examine how to equip coaches, teachers, and mentors to help children when they are
with them.
Update from Erin Walker-Tolles on Housing and Utility Assistance Grant
Mr. Mertz asked Ms. Erin Walker-Tolles, Executive Director of Catholic Community Services (CCS), to give an
update on the status of the Housing and Utility Assistance Grant program. Ms. Walker-Tolles shared they have
received 1,000 applications to date, receiving 400 applications on day one and 350 applications on day two. CCS
was pleased with the publicity efforts; it seemed to work. However, recently, they are only receiving a few
applications a day, so CCS is considering doing another publicity push because of concern that they may be
unable to expend all the funds. Of the applications received, 42% were deemed eligible based on the description
of impact, while 15% were deemed ineligible. Another 45% of application needed follow-up, mostly due to a
vague description of impact and the inability to connect it to COVID. For example, many people will describe
their circumstance as unemployment, instead of specifying they are unemployed because they were laid off due
to COVID. There are many applications from those who are in financial distress, but that distress is not always
due to COVID-related matters. Many retirees are mentioning a financial strain due to the increase in cost of
living, but this is not a COVID qualifier. CCS is following the self-attestation guidance in the Ordinance, but it
must hear from individuals that their distress is directly related to COVID. CCS is referring applicants to partner
agencies across the community if they are determined ineligible.
Mr. Botelho asked about the level of outreach to communities whose first language is not English, such as the
Filipino and Latino communities. Ms. Walker-Tolles replied that they are using the networks they have. She
added that the faith community is instrumental in reaching that population; they have promoted the program
through the inter-faith council and Filipino community, in addition to the posters distributed all over town and
the AEL&P advertisements mailed to each household. Mr. Botelho followed up and encouraged Ms. Walker-
Tolles to print materials in Spanish and Tagalog to make this program more accessible to those members of the
community.
Mr. Forst asked if there has been outreach to apartment and trailer park managers. He also encouraged the
flyers to be printed in additional languages to increase accessibility. Ms. Walker-Tolles replied that if the CBJ can
have the flyers printed in those additional languages, she is happy to distribute them. She added they have used
Alaska Finance Housing Corporation (AHFC) and Alaska Housing Development Corporation (AHDC) to expand
outreach, because that is where people go when they are in need of assistance to pay their rent. Additionally,
there was a long list of individuals who were directly contacted about the program. AHDC, AHFC, and the Juneau
Coalition on Housing and Homelessness were relied on to contact the landlords and others who might know
people who can benefit from this program.
Mr. Mertz asked how many applicants are receiving the full grant amount, and if they are experiencing issues
with the income cap. Ms. Walker-Tolles replied they have not experienced issues with the income cap as of yet,
though some have asked questions about household structure qualifications. For example, they wanted to know
if their elderly parent’s income was included as a household income if they were living in their basement or
attached apartment.
Mr. Mertz said that Ketchikan increased their income threshold to a higher amount and had many additional
applications because people had formerly self-excluded themselves. Ms. Walker-Tolles stated that she is
concerned they will be unable to expend all the funds and does not see how it can hurt to expand that income
cap. She also feels that the Individual Assistance Program being considered by the Assembly will help fill some
gaps on the lower income spectrum as well.
Ms. MacVay stated there are many mortgages for which $1,500 is not enough to cover even one payment. She
advocated for broadening the scope and asked if they have an idea of what the ceiling is on a monthly payment
they are unable to satisfy. Ms. Walker-Tolles replied that if the program covers expenses from August to
December, then this equates to a mortgage payment of $300 per month, which is very low. The program is not
examining how much an applicant has lost in income or examining how much they are able to pay. Instead, the
program is trying to determine how applicants can be eligible for the maximum amount through the program.
Most applicants are receiving the full benefit amount. The only applicants receiving less are those who are
paying very limited utilities, due to this being included in their rent. In this situation, the program will pay for
internet expenses, for example. CCS is tracking monthly housing and utility expenses, so this data is available to
us.
Ms. MacVay stated that for some people, $1,500 is a drop in the bucket, and suggested that the program could
be expanded to include a full mortgage payment on the higher end to optimize use of the funds. Ms. Walker-
Tolles replied that it would not be difficult to go back and confirm monthly housing expenses and double it
expend more of the funds.
Ms. Walker-Tolles stated that CCS is receiving many calls from people who do not qualify for this grant because
they have not experienced harm that can be closely linked to COVID, but have experienced harm and are
financially on the edge. For example, their adult public assistance was reduced and now they cannot pay their
bills. Alternatively, someone was unemployed at the start of the pandemic and they still cannot find a job
because the job market has declined because of COVID.
The application period for the Housing and Utility Assistance Grant program closes on December 12, 2020.
Updated CARES Act Funding Pie Chart and Finance Discussion
Mr. Rogers shared an updated pie chart displaying the allocation of CARES Act funding. The chart was revised to
remove an additional $1 million that was thought might be needed by the Housing Assistance Program. Pending
legislation continues to include:
$2 million for Economic Stimulus Grants;
$2.3 million for the Economic Hardship Business Grants;
$300 thousand for Family Promise;
$30 thousand for a supplemental to the Arts Sustainability Grant; and,
$73.1 thousand for FY21 Eaglecrest COVID-19 Related Operations.
To date, $48,209,054.00 has been obligated, $4,703,100.00 is pending, and $298,788 of the CARES Act funding
remains.
Mr. Rogers stated that it should not be the goal of programs to spend every penny of funding if they are
struggling to do so. There are CBJ operations that are eligible for CARES Act funding that can be reimbursed if
there are funds leftover. The CBJ is experiencing large deficits due to COVID and anything leftover can help to
support CBJ COVID-related expenditures.
November 10 Finance Committee Agenda Update and Draft Ordinances
Mr. Rogers shared the Assembly Finance Committee meets on Tuesday, November 10. They will discuss the
remaining pending legislation for CARES Act funding, and receive updates from the School District on RALLY
funds, the Nonprofit Sustainability Grant, and the Housing Assistance Program. Most of the pending legislation
will receive a public hearing on November 16 or 23.
Mr. Mertz stated that numbers are in from quarterly tax returns and asked Mr. Rogers to share insight from
what they are seeing and how that might impact the average grant amounts and eligible businesses in relation
to the Extreme Hardship Business Grant.
Mr. Rogers shared a spreadsheet displaying anonymized 2019 Quarter 3 business tax data compared with 2020
Quarter 3 business tax data. He highlighted there are many micro-businesses that are most probably side-gigs
that would be eligible for a $500 grant award. These micro-businesses would only receive the $500 grant due to
a minimum amount to make it worth the administrative effort, because when using the mathematical formula
accounting for loss, the result is less than $100. This effectively reduces the awards for businesses that provide a
main source of income for the owner and jobs for Juneau residents. When examining the year-over-year loss,
there is a natural break point at around $25 thousand, which he recommends the Task Force consider as a
minimum loss requirement for grant eligibility. When setting a minimum loss of $25 thousand, it reduces the
amount of eligible businesses and increases the award amounts by approximately $4,500 for those who are
experiencing the greatest loss.
Ms. Martinson asked for clarification on the calculations for award. Mr. Rogers clarified that the numbers he
presented are estimates, and once the full calculation is taken into account, there will be fewer businesses that
qualify, targeting the ones who have suffered the extreme hardship and losses.
Mr. Mertz appreciated the recommendation of a minimum loss of $25 thousand.
MOTION: by Mr. Forst to recommend the Assembly include in the ordinance a minimum threshold of $25
thousand in taxable year-over-year revenue loss to qualify for the grant. Mr. Botelho seconded the motion.
Mr. Mertz stated that the Business Sustainability Grant Ordinance did well in focusing the types of businesses
that might receive the grant. The current ordinance for this Extreme Hardship Business Grant does not have
exclusion language for C corporations, and he wonders whether this is needed.
Mr. Rogers replied that he does not have strong feelings around this. Mr. Holst has stumbled into some difficult
issues on this topic when administering the Business Sustainability Grant program. It is not uncommon for one
LLC to be owned by another LLC, which is owned by another LLC. These types of business structures have made
it difficult to discern how it meets the intent of the program. The CBJ has counseled Mr. Holst that it is difficult
under the law to deny someone a public benefit based on where they “plant their feet.” Mr. Rogers does not see
an issue with including the language from 4b of the Business Sustainability Grant Ordinance.
Mr. Mertz stated that his intent is to ensure that grants are not being awarded to businesses that do not operate
in Juneau year-round.
Ms. MacVay supports the concept, but is leery of the real world application of restrictions that are put into the
ordinance because of potential complications.
Mr. Forst asked if the language of 4b in the Business Sustainability Grant caused problems for applicants.
Mr. Rogers replied they did not, but there were still businesses who qualified under the technical aspects of the
grant, yet would not be viewed as a locally owned business. He does not believe this language is excluding any
legitimate local business.
Mr. Mertz said that Mr. Rogers comment regarding the complexity of adding this language without resulting in
excluding businesses not based in Juneau is a good point.
Mr. Mertz stated the Family Promise Grant and Emergency Individual Assistance Grant is already at the
Assembly level and is outside of the Task Force’s purview, but Mr. Rogers can answer questions of the Task
Force.
Ms. Martinson asked for more information regarding the $2 million Emergency Individual Assistance Grant and
its target population. Mr. Rogers replied there are circumstances where individuals legitimately need financial
support, but they do not neatly qualify for the Housing Assistance Program: for example, the unsheltered
population, and adults who live together because they are roommates and not necessarily a household. This
program is meant to fill the gaps and offer additional assistance to those in need above what the Housing
Assistance Program offers.
Cruise Ship Update
Ms. Martinson shared that she met with Mr. Day, and he stressed that it would be wise to wait until City
Managers and Mayors have been approached by CLIA with parameters for a tourist season before planning any
sort of program. She stated that CLIA has announced voluntary suspension of all cruise ship operations for the
remainder of the year. Canada has extended their ban on cruise travel until March 2021. Viking Cruise Lines
announced they are installing their own PCR lab on their ships to test all crew and passengers every day.
Public Comment Matrix
None
Task Force Review
None
Good of the Order
Mr. Forst shared that Norwegian Cruise Lines announced a community Zoom meeting on November 18 to
speaking about development plans for the Subport lot property.
Ms. Martinson plans to speak to childcare providers to gauge how they are doing, and with parents about how
they are handling the inconsistent scheduling due to COVID closures.
Ms. MacVay plans to obtain additional information on mortgage delinquencies and defaults.
Adjourn
At 4:28 p.m. the meeting was adjourned.
Agenda
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Economic Stabilization Task Force
Appointed by the City & Borough of Juneau’s Mayor
Meeting Agenda
Monday, November 9, 2020
3:30 p.m.
Members of the public may listen in or watch by following one these options
Please click the link to join the meeting: https://juneau.zoom.us/j/95054103105,
or call 1‐669‐900‐6833 or 1‐253‐215‐8782 or 1‐346‐248‐7799 or 1‐929‐436‐2866 or 1‐
Assembly Charge 301‐715‐8592 or 1‐312‐626‐6799, and enter Webinar ID: 950 5410 3105
The purpose of the task force is Send comments to Economic‐Stabilization@juneau.org
to review the economic
landscape and make Time Agenda Item Presenter
recommendations to the
3:00 p.m. Call to Order Mr. Mertz
assembly. In particular, the
task force should: 3:01 p.m. Approval of Agenda Mr. Mertz
1. Examine federal and state
3:02 p.m. Approval of Minutes Open
government financial
assistance programs and
3:05 p.m. Impacts of COVID‐19 on Children’s Mental Mr. Grigg
identify and prioritize any and Behavioral Health
“gaps” that exist.
3:20 p.m. Updated “Pie Chart” and Finance Discussion Mr. Rogers
2. Identify and promote
strategies that enable
3:30 p.m. November 10, 2020 Finance Committee Mr. Rogers
businesses to continue
Agenda Update and Draft Ordinances to be
operations safely such as
Presented/Task Force Members Q&A
curbside pick‐up, take‐away,
delivery, and other innovative
4:00 p.m. Public Comment Matrix Ms. MacVay
services. Additionally, explore
strategies that enable 4:05 p.m. Task Force Review Ms. Bell
businesses and Juneau’s
economy to recover in the long
4:15 p.m. Good of the Order Open
term.
3. Act as Liaison with the 4:20 p.m. Adjourn
Governor’s Alaska Economic
Stabilization Team
Max Mertz, Co‐Chair • Linda Thomas, Co‐Chair • Susan Bell • Theresa Belton • Bruce Botelho
Eric Forst • Ken Koelsch • Lauren MacVay • Laura Martinson • Terra Peters
Page 2 of 26
Economic Stabilization Task Force
Appointed by the City & Borough of Juneau’s Mayor
DRAFT Meeting Minutes from October 22, 2020
Call to Order
The Economic Stabilization Task Force meeting was called to order at 3:00 p.m. by Mr. Mertz.
Task Force Members Present: Linda Thomas, Max Mertz, Susan Bell, Theresa Belton, Bruce Botelho, Eric Forst,
Ken Koelsch, Lauren MacVay, Laura Martinson, and Terra Peters
Task Force Members Absent: Ms. Bell
Staff Present: CBJ Deputy City Manager, Mila Cosgrove; CDD Administrative Officer, Brenwynne Grigg; and CBJ
Finance Director, Jeff Rogers
CBJ Assembly Members Present: Mayor Beth Weldon and Loren Jones
Special Guest Speakers: Director of Shore Operations for Princess Cruises, Kirby Day; Executive Director of
Juneau Arts and Humanities Council, Nancy DeCherney; Executive Director of Juneau Community Foundation,
Amy Skilbred; Government Affairs Consultant for Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Alaska, Mike
Tibbles; Executive Director of Catholic Community Services, Erin Walker‐Tolles; and, Concerned Business
Coalition Members Kristin Mabry and Leeann Thomas
Approval of Agenda
Mr. Mertz asked for any changes to the agenda, and hearing none, asked for a motion to approve the agenda.
MOTION: by Mr. Botelho to approve the agenda.
Hearing no objections, the motion was approved.
Approval of Minutes
MOTION: by Mr. Botelho to approve the Economic Stabilization Task Force meeting minutes from October 8,
2020. Mr. Forst seconded the motion.
Hearing no objections, the motion was approved.
CARES Act Funding – Pie Chart & Table
Mr. Rogers presented an updated pie chart and table, sharing an overview of programs that have received
CARES Act funding and programs that are still pending. He stated that if all currently pending legislation is
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approved, the CBJ will be overcommitted in CARES Act funding by a little less than $1 million. Legislation that is
pending includes:
FY21 Eaglecrest COVID‐19 Related Operations ‐ $73,100
Southeast Alaska Food Bank Grant ‐ $79,300
St. Vincent de Paul Grant ‐ $85 thousand
Shepherd of the Valley Grant ‐ $70 thousand
Family Promise Grant ‐ $300 thousand
Supplemental Housing Assistance Grants ‐ $1 million
Extreme Hardship Grants ‐ $2.3 million
Economic Stimulus Grants ‐ $2 million
The pending legislation will be heard on Monday, October 26 at the Regular Assembly meeting.
Mr. Botelho asked for additional information on the Economic Stimulus Ordinance for $2 million. Mr. Rogers
explained that Assembly Member Hughes‐Skandjis is bringing this before this Assembly as a supplement to the
existing CBJ Housing Assistance program. The intention of this grant it to assist unemployed or underemployed
individuals, where you may have many low‐wage workers living together in a roommate situation, who may not
qualify for traditional housing assistance. This program is meant to fill that gap and run parallel to the CBJ
Housing Assistance Program.
Mr. Botelho thanked Mr. Rogers and asked if the Task Force might see a presentation on program at their next
meeting.
2021 Cruise Ship Season Update
Mr. Mertz introduced Mr. Mike Tibbles, Government Affairs Consultant with Cruise Lines International
Association (CLIA) Alaska, and Mr. Kirby Day, Director of Shore Operations for Princess Cruises.
Mr. Tibbles shared that CLIA recently announced two major initiatives on September 21, 2020. First, CLIA
announced the adoption of core elements for a return to cruising, a program aimed at a limited initial restart of
cruising in the Lower 48 of the United States. Components of the core elements includes 100% testing of all
passengers and crew, social distancing, mask wearing, improved ventilation, and improved medical capabilities
on board, among other things. These protocols are the basis of what may turn into new policies of the entire
cruising industry.
Secondly, CLIA announced a plan for a safe return to service, based on 74 recommendations from the Healthy
Sail Panel made up of medical professionals and scientists, in partnership with the Royal Caribbean Group and
Norwegian Cruise Line. This was submitted to the CDC for approval, and is currently in the public comment
period of the process. Timing for this complements the Canadian version of the No Sail Order, which expires at
the end of the month.
CLIA addressed concern regarding language in the core elements, and recommendations from the Healthy Sail
Panel, related to healthy shore excursions. Mr. Tibbles stated that CLIA has communicated with Mayors, City
Managers, and business partners to clarify that the released plans are focused on an initial restart in a controlled
environment to demonstrate to the CDC that the cruise industry can safely return to service. Many of the
protocols are based on what is currently successful in Europe with their cruise industry, with some ports up to
their tenth cruise ship visit, and based upon the recommendations of medical experts. This is preliminary; there
may be test cruises out of Florida with CDC ride‐a‐long and no passengers. It is critical to initiate this restart in
these controlled environments to building confidence with the regulators, communities, and potential
passengers. Once CLIA receives feedback from the CDC, there will be discussions about expanding the safety net
into the communities of port. The cruise industry wants to ensure that guests will have the same level of
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protection throughout their entire trips from the moment they board their ship. This means ensuring there are
no holes in the safety net at ports, with a solid plan for prevention and response. Globally, the board has
adopted a 100% testing provision. There are plans to reach out to communities and work with their EOCs to
discuss on‐shore safety measures.
Mr. Day added that it is significantly important to ensure a collaborative effort between CLIA and Alaskan
communities. Standard protocols and standard expectations of tour operators from the various cruise lines are
critical to ensuring success. There have been discussions with Juneau’s Tourism Best Management Practices
(TBMP) group on a partnership with Travel Juneau’s Safe City Initiative. This partnership would serve as a
clearinghouse, with which businesses would agree to abide by specific protocols and procedures that
incorporate cruise line and CLIA protocols. Mr. Day serves on an ATIA Committee called Return to Cruising with
members of Southeast Alaskan, Vancouver, and Seattle communities to formulate ideas and standardize efforts.
It is important that ports have standardized protocols for the passengers, but it is also important that the cruise
lines have standardized protocols for the ports. Currently, there is no data to understand how the 2021 cruise
season might look, but he believes it will be quite different from everything that was projected. Mr. Day
encouraged businesses to focus on a financial plan that will get them to 2022. He added that he does not mean
there will be no revenue in 2021, but that if may be greatly reduced.
Mr. Botelho asked if there is intent for a working group with representatives from CLIA and Juneau, since Juneau
is the premier port on Alaskan cruises. He would like to see an effort to work toward having systems in place for
businesses that are not tours to maximize opportunities to interact with tourists.
Mr. Day replied that he has been sending emails to the one hundred plus members of the TBMP businesses,
encouraging them to begin exploring how to minimize touchpoints, increased sanitation protocols, and other
mitigation measures.
Mr. Tibbles stated that Europe adopted a Healthy Gateways Plan, and that Caribbean countries adopted
guidelines for Safe Return to Cruise Line Operations. The biggest unknown currently is the rules the CDC will
require of the cruise lines. However, this should become clearer in the coming weeks. Currently, CLIA is tackling
big picture processes such as what would happen if a ship needs to offload a COVID‐19 positive patient.
Mr. Botelho stated that the sooner we know what level of funding Juneau will need to meet the cruise industries
expectations the better, especially if we can know this prior to the expiration of CARES Act funds.
Mr. Mertz stated that thinking long‐term, Juneau’s strength is the ability for a cruise passengers to exit a ship
and experience many different types of tours in and around Juneau. He expressed concern regarding the
directed path many of these protocols will require, and their impact on the small tour operations that may be
losers under this scenario. In four to five years, what can Juneau do to continue to compete and remain vibrant
when large attractions, such as Icy Straight Point, are in a stronger position due to being a larger operation?
What can we do to keep Juneau special?
Mr. Tibbles replied that guests love coming to Juneau; it ranks extremely high. He believes that Juneau is only
limited by its infrastructure and is optimistic that the future for Juneau is bright because of the customer
demand.
Mr. Day stated there are many tour operators in Juneau who are not part of a cruise line program, but have
great product. Perhaps TBMP can provide a safety net for its independent tour operator members who show
they can follow the same protocols released by CLIA.
Ms. Martinson emphasized the importance of discussing any hints of what is coming in terms of protocols so
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that small businesses can be thinking about how to be ready and gathering resources. Mr. Day agreed, adding
that through TBMP email distributions, he has highlighted topics businesses should be considering.
Mr. Botelho wondered if the Task Force should try to own this topic a little more, working with Mr. Tibbles and
Mr. Kirby. Mr. Koelsch agreed, stating that it is imperative to not only think about the business community, but
the community in general. We do not want to find ourselves in a situation where the general community feels
inhospitable to tourists because they are unaware of the safety guidelines and precautions that are in place.
ACTION ITEM: Mr. Mertz asked Mr. Koelsch and Mr. Botelho to form a fact‐finding group to research the
summer tourism issue and bring information to the Task Force to inform future actions.
Mr. Day asked the Task Force to remember, during its fact finding, that Travel Juneau is working on a Safe City
program for Juneau.
Artworks Grant Update
Mr. Mertz shared that the Juneau Arts and Humanities Council (JAHC) has released a Request for Proposal.
There has been a question and answer session, and the JAHC has appointed a team for the proposals. Initial
feedback from artists states that the deadline for the completion of the art is very short. There is a tremendous
amount of interest, and the program is in good shape.
Ms. DeCherney shared there are 12 applicants so far. The deadline is at 5 p.m. on Monday, October 26. There
are approximately $105 thousand in requests. Overall, the artists seem happy and thankful.
Mr. Botelho asked if all applicants are based in Juneau. Ms. DeCherney answered that they are ensuring Juneau
artists complete all aspects of the projects.
Ms. DeCherney shared the application process, which is quite simple. Artists apply online and answer ten
questions. The proposals go before a panelist of seven individuals, who review the applications and score them
on a scale of one to four.
Ms. Martinson asked if there is discussion of an online platform to purchase artwork that is normally sold at the
Public Market, since that event has been canceled this year. Ms. DeCherney replied that the JAHC is already
working on a solution for a virtual market. Vendors will log into a website that the JAHC manages, list their
items, and ship out purchased items. The JAHC, in turn, distributes proceeds from the sales to the artists.
Juneau Lifeline: Funding for Businesses Substantially Harmed by Shutdown
Mr. Mertz stated that, since the Task Force’s recommendation on the Juneau Lifeline program, a team of people
have been developing an ordinance to bring before the Task Force. A revised ordinance will be introduced to the
Assembly on Monday, October 26 at the Regular Assembly Meeting.
Mr. Rogers shared that the Extreme Hardship Business Grant Ordinance requires grantees to be a year‐round
business, meaning at least one employee was in Juneau last winter and spring. Additionally, grantees must have
experienced a 50% drop in sales. Based on tax data, we anticipate 100‐150 businesses will apply. The application
period is fixed and awards are determined by a set calculation. The recommended calculation is:
Page 6 of 26
This calculation allows for the award to match the relative economic harm they have received. It is likely that
tourism businesses will qualify if they have year‐round operations.
Mr. Mertz likes the idea of basing the award on the decrement between 2019 and 2020. Therefore, someone
with a greater proportional loss will receive a larger grant amount. He reiterated the need for this application
process to stay simple.
Mr. Botelho noted the range of grant awards ranged from $5 thousand to $25 thousand under the old
calculation, and $500 to $50 thousand under the new calculation. He asked how they arrived at those numbers.
Mr. Rogers stated that the $500 is not a floor, but a minimum payment for administrative convenience. The
ceiling is higher because we have received feedback citing devastating losses. If a business that has experienced
a 50% loss in revenue usually collects $1 million in revenue, then $25 thousand will not go very far. We are
aware of a few restaurants and bars that are in the $1 – 4 million range in terms of size of revenue.
Mr. Botelho wonders if the formulation will skew awards in a different way than the direction in which the grant
was originally intended.
Mr. Mertz answered the number of businesses at the higher revenue levels would be very small. The largest
group is that in the middle. Those businesses will receive grant amounts in a similar size of the previous fixed
grant amounts. This was discovered by reviewing anonymized sample tax data; he feels good about the
distribution and the program’s original intent.
MOTION: by Ms. Thomas to recommend to the Assembly the Extreme Hardship Business Grant Ordinance as
drafted, with an emphasis on application ease and speed due to business needs for purposes of further
discussion. Mr. Botelho seconded the motion.
Hearing no objections, the motion passed.
Non‐Profit Grant Update
Ms. Skilbred shared the Juneau Community Foundation (JCF) has received 79 applications for the Nonprofit
Sustainability Grant program, totaling $2,068, 093.00. Since there was additional funding, the program was
opened for a second round of applications, and received an additional $667 thousand in requests. JCF is
determining eligibility on those requests currently.
Ms. Thomas stated the JCF sent a notification to nonprofits, asking that any food and shelter programs or areas
of services be presented to the Task Force. Draft ordinances are being prepared for the requests by Southeast
Alaska Food Bank and Safe Space for Schooling. Additional nonprofits that submitted programs for consideration
include the youth shelter by Tlingit Haida Regional Housing Authority (THRHA), and Family Promise. A draft
ordinance is being prepared for Family Promise, and the CBJ is working on the youth shelter.
Page 7 of 26
Mr. Rogers stated that the City Attorney is working on an ordinance for the October 26 Regular Assembly
meeting to convey a parcel of land from Alaska Legacy Partners to the CBJ. There is a private deal where THRHA
compensates Alaska Legacy Partners for its investment so far. Then, THRHA will lease the property from the CBJ.
Ms. Thomas added that the Juneau Coalition on Housing and Homelessness has added this youth shelter as its
number one priority.
Ms. Skilbred emphasized that moving this project forward with support is important. THRHA plans to request
CARES Act funding to furnish the facility. However, the conveyance of the property needs to happen first, and is
scheduled to be official near November. The youth shelter needs to be furnished for access of use by
December 25 to use the CARES Act funds.
Mr. Forst asked for clarification on whether THRHA is requesting CARES Act money or not. Ms. Skilbred
confirmed they are, but not for the roof replacement. Instead, they are requesting it for furnishing the building
for immediate use.
Mr. Mertz asked Mr. Rogers if he is satisfied that a program kicked off on December 25 meets the requirement
for CARES grants. Mr. Rogers stated there is a measure of risk when spending money that is not clearly defined
in the U.S. Treasury Guidance. The worst‐case scenario is that the CBJ may have to spend from the general fund
if this project is deemed ineligible sometime in the future.
Ms. Thomas added there are two remaining requests from nonprofits for CARES Act funds. St. Vincent de Paul
has requested reimbursement for COVID‐19 qualified expenses they have incurred. An ordinance for funding
this is being drafted by the CBJ for consideration. The Glory Hall is also seeking health insurance for its
employees. This reason does not qualify for CARES Act funds, but may be an opportunity to request retroactive
expenses that are eligible and have already been incurred.
Ms. Skilbred noted that the amount requested by the Southeast Alaska Food Bank has increased to $94,300 due
to a miscalculation in the backpack program for students to have food over the weekend.
Housing Assistance Update
Ms. Erin Walker‐Tolles said advertisements for the Housing Assistance program have started; applications will be
accepted on October 27. She will be promoting the program on Juneau Afternoon on October 23 and Capital
Chat on October 27. She is in the process of scheduling a Zoom meeting so people can ask questions and attain
information. Posters are going up all over town. Libraries will print applications and bring them to the curb for
people who do not have access to computers. Applicants may submit their application through a drop box in the
parking lot at 1803 Glacier Highway if they choose not to email it.
Public Comment Matrix
Ms. MacVay stated they received one comment for the Extreme Hardship Business Grant and one for nonprofit
initiatives in the packet.
Good of the Order
Ms. Martinson suggested that leftover CARES Act funds could be used to purchase rapid testing cartridges.
Ms. MacVay reiterated the inquiry about testing, stating it would be a good topic to cover at a future meeting.
Page 8 of 26
Mr. Koelsch asked if a strategy is being discussed for January, when funding is depleted and there may still be a
large need. He suggested thinking about what the Task Force’s recommendations might be to deal with the issue
at that stage.
Mr. Mertz stated the Alaska Manufacturing Extension Partnership contacted the Task Force about helping to
support online services for very small businesses. At this point, the Chairs do not feel they can make a
recommendation. Ms. Thomas said that given the timing of the request, their program will not make the
deadline for CARES Act eligibility. If there is an extension of funds and timelines, this may be reconsidered.
Adjourn
At 4:28 p.m. the meeting was adjourned.
Page 9 of 26
3260 Hospital Drive, Juneau, Alaska 99801 907.796.8900 www.bartletthospital.org
Impacts of COVID‐19 on Children’s Mental and
Behavioral Health Update 11.5.2020
Children's Psychiatric Emergency Department
Non‐Unique Visits
14% Post
COVID
12% Impacts
FY21 Q1 Post
Post COVID
10%
COVID Impacts
Post
Impacts FY21 Q1
COVID
8% FY20 Q4
Impacts
FY20 Q4
6%
Pre‐COVID
4% Impacts
2% Pre‐COVID
Impacts
0%
Age 14 ‐ 17 Age 13 Under
July 2019 ‐ March 2020 April 2020 ‐ June 2020 July 2020 ‐ September 2020
Age 13 and Younger Number Percentages Monthly Average
July 2019 – March 2020 (3 Quarters) 6 1% 1
April 2020 – June 2020 (FY20 Q4) 22 6% 7
July 2020 – September 2020 (FY21 Q1) 30 8% 10
Age 14 – 17 Number Percentages Monthly Average
July 2019 – March 2020 (3 Quarters) 33 3% 4
April 2020 – June 2020 (FY20 Q4) 27 7% 9
July 2020 – September 2020 (FY21 Q1) 41 11% 14
A majority of the children and adult patients assessed during the April 2020 – June 2020 period expressed this
was their first time experiencing a Behavioral Health Crisis. Patients communicated a sharp increase in
depression, anxiety, and substance misuse due to stressors around their employment, housing, and family, due to
impacts of COVID‐19 on their lives.
Stressors communicated by youth included isolation from their social support networks, lack of sports, and
struggles with school during the academic year.
Bartlett Regional Hospital — A City and Borough of Juneau Enterprise Fund
Page 10 of 26
3260 Hospital Drive, Juneau, Alaska 99801 907.796.8900 www.bartletthospital.org
Monthly Average of New Unique Patients
Bartlett Outpatient Psychiatric Services Caseload Post
18 COVID
Impacts
Post FY21 Q1
16
COVID
14 Post Impacts
Post COVID FY20 Q4
12 COVID Impacts
Impacts FY21 Q1
10 FY20 Q4
8 Pre‐COVID
Impacts
6 Pre‐COVID
Impacts
4
2
0
Adults Children
July 2019 ‐ March 2020 April 2020 ‐ June 2020 July 2020 ‐ September 2020
Adults 18 and Older Number of New Patients Monthly Average
July 2019 – March 2020 (3 Quarters) 56 6.2
April 2020 – June 2020 (FY20 Q4) 28 9.3
July 2020 – September 2020 (FY21 Q1) 31 10.3
Children 17 and Younger Number of New Patients Monthly Average
July 2019 – March 2020 (3 Quarters) 37 4.1
April 2020 – June 2020 (FY20 Q4) 38 12.7
July 2020 – September 2020 (FY21 Q1) 47 15.6
During the July 2019 – March 2020 pre‐COVID period, Bartlett Outpatient Psychiatric Services evidenced an
average of 4 new child intakes per month (ages 17 and under).
During the April 2020 – September 2020 post‐COVID Impacts period, Bartlett Outpatient Psychiatric Services
evidenced an average of nearly 13 new child intakes per month in FY20 Quarter 4, and nearly 16 new child intakes
per month in FY21 Quarter 1. (ages 17 and under).
Stressors communicated by youth included isolation from their social support networks, lack of sports, and
struggles with school during the academic year.
Bartlett Regional Hospital — A City and Borough of Juneau Enterprise Fund
Page 11 of 26
3260 Hospital Drive, Juneau, Alaska 99801 907.796.8900 www.bartletthospital.org
Suicide Attempts by Children Under 18
9
8 Post COVID
Impacts
7
6 Post COVID
Impacts
5
4
3 Pre‐COVID
Impacts Pre‐COVID
2
Impacts
1
0
Age 14 ‐ 17 Age 13 Under
July 2019 ‐ March 2020 April 2020 ‐ September 2020
Suicide Attempts in Children 17 & Younger Age 14 – 17 Age 13 and Under
July 2019 – March 2020 (3 Quarters) 2 1
April 2020 – September 2020 (2 Quarters) 5 7
Data represents patients seen in the Bartlett Regional Hospital’s Emergency Department and Bartlett Outpatient
Psychiatric Services, and is not inclusive of other mental and behavioral health providers in Juneau. Data sourced from
Bartlett Behavioral Health.
Bartlett Regional Hospital — A City and Borough of Juneau Enterprise Fund
Page 12 of 26
Potential CBJ Allocation of CARES Act Funds
FY21 COVID‐related Emergency
Operations, $12,500,000 Business Sustainability Grants ‐ Ph 2 & 3,
$8,500,000
Pending Legislation:, $4,703,100
FY20 COVID‐related Emergency
Operations, $8,000,000
Shepherd of the Valley Grant, $70,000
Wastewater COVID Testing Program,
$75,000
Southeast Alaska Food Bank Grant, $79,300
St. Vincent de Paul Grant, $85,000
AML Supplemental Billing, $130,979
Kallaco Company COVID‐19 Detection
Platform, $175,000
Rental Assistance, $200,000 Business Sustainability Grants ‐ Phase 1,
$3,500,000
Art Sustainability Grants, $300,000
TJ "Juneau Cares Campaign", $383,775
Airlift Northwest Support, $500,000
FY21 JSD RALLY Support, $600,000 Non‐Profit Organization Sustainability Grants, $3,000,000
FY21 JSD COVID‐19 Related Operations, $700,000
Housing Assistance Grants, $3,000,000
COVID Testing Equipment & Operations, $700,000
Juneau Conservation Corp Program, $1,000,000 Business Sustainability Grants Supplemental Funding ‐ Ph 2 & 3, $2,000,000
Childcare Support, $1,057,000 FY21 JSD CARES Supplemental Request, $1,653,000
Page 13 of 26
Potential CBJ Allocation of CARES Act Funds
Appropriation Amount Running
Committed:
FY21 COVID‐related Emergency Operations $ 12,500,000
Business Sustainability Grants ‐ Ph 2 & 3 $ 8,500,000
FY20 COVID‐related Emergency Operations $ 8,000,000
Business Sustainability Grants ‐ Phase 1 $ 3,500,000
Non‐Profit Organization Sustainability Grants $ 3,000,000
Housing Assistance Grants $ 3,000,000
Business Sustainability Grants Supplemental Funding ‐ Ph 2 & 3 $ 2,000,000
FY21 JSD CARES Supplemental Request $ 1,653,000
Childcare Support $ 1,057,000
Juneau Conservation Corp Program $ 1,000,000
COVID Testing Equipment & Operations $ 700,000
FY21 JSD COVID‐19 Related Operations $ 700,000
FY21 JSD RALLY Support $ 600,000
Airlift Northwest Support $ 500,000
TJ "Juneau Cares Campaign" $ 383,775
Art Sustainability Grants $ 300,000
Rental Assistance $ 200,000
Kallaco Company COVID‐19 Detection Platform $ 175,000
AML Supplemental Billing $ 130,979
St. Vincent de Paul Grant $ 85,000
Southeast Alaska Food Bank Grant $ 79,300
Wastewater COVID Testing Program $ 75,000
Shepherd of the Valley Grant $ 70,000 $ 48,209,054
Pending Legislation: $ 4,703,100 $ 52,912,154
Uncommitted/(Over‐committed) $ 298,788
Total CARES Act Funding Available $ 53,210,942
Page 14 of 26
Potential CBJ Allocation of CARES Act Funds ‐ Pending Legislation
Economic Stimulus Grants,
$2,000,000
Family Promise Grant, $300,000
Art Sustainability Supplemental
Grants, $30,000
FY21 Eaglecrest COVID‐19 Related
Operations, $73,100
Extreme Hardship Grants,
$2,300,000
Page 15 of 26
Potential CBJ Allocation of CARES Act Funds ‐ Pending Legislation
Appropriation Amount Running
Pending Legislation:
Extreme Hardship Grants $ 2,300,000
Economic Stimulus Grants $ 2,000,000
Family Promise Grant $ 300,000
Art Sustainability Supplemental Grants $ 30,000
FY21 Eaglecrest COVID‐19 Related Operations $ 73,100 $ 4,703,100
Uncommitted/(Over‐committed) $ 298,788
Total CARES Act Funding Available $ 53,210,942
Page 16 of 26
ASSEMBLY FINANCE COMMITTEE
THE CITY AND BOROUGH OF JUNEAU, ALASKA
Tuesday, November 10, 2020, 6:00 PM.
Zoom Webinar & FB Live Stream
(webinar: https://juneau.zoom.us/j/91964878774 or call: 1-346-248-7799 Webinar ID: 919
6487 8774)
I. CALL TO ORDER
II. ROLL CALL
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a. Wednesday, November 4, 2020
IV. INFORMATION ITEMS
a. School District CARES Act Funding and RALLY Update
b. Housing Assistance Grant Program Update
c. Non-Profit Sustainability Grant Program Update
V. ITEMS FOR ACTION
a. Extreme Hardship Grant - Ordinance 2020-09(U) - $2,300,000 CARES Funds - Introduced
10/26 & Public Hearing 11/16
b. Family Promise Grant - Ordinance 2020-09(W) - $300,000 CARES Funds - Introduced 10/26 &
Public Hearing 11/16
c. Economic Stimulus Grant - Ordinance 2020-09(Y) - $2,000,000 CARES Funds - Introduced
10/26 & Public Hearing 11/16 or 11/23
d. ArtWorks Program Supplemental Grant - Emergency Appropriation Resolution 2919 - $30,000
CARES Funds - Introduction & Public Hearing TBD
VI. NEXT MEETING DATE
a. Wednesday, December 9, 2020
VII. ADJOURNMENT
ADA accommodations available upon request: Please contact the Clerk's office 72 hours prior to any meeting so arrangements can be made to have a sign
language interpreter present or an audiotape containing the Assembly's agenda made available. The Clerk's office telephone number is 586-5278, TDD 586-
5351, e-mail: city.clerk@juneau.org
Page 17 of 26
Presented by: Weldon
Presented: 10/26/2020
Drafted by: R. Palmer
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY AND BOROUGH OF JUNEAU, ALASKA
Serial No. 2020-09(U)
An Ordinance Appropriating up to $2,300,000 to the Manager for a
COVID-19 Extreme Hardship Business Grant Program; Funding
Provided by the CARES Act Special Revenue Fund.
WHEREAS, the Economic Stabilization Task Force recommended that the Assembly
consider financial support to businesses disproportionately impacted due to COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, on April 9, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
renewed the No Sail Order and Other Measures related to cruise ships to prohibit certain
cruise ships from transporting passengers to ports in the United States; and
WHEREAS, since early March, 2020, the State of Alaska issued COVID-19 Health
Mandates that reasonably restricted travel, gatherings, close personal interactions, schools,
and medical and dental procedures; and
WHEREAS, since early March 2020, the Assembly issued COVID-19 directions
regarding travel quarantines (Res. 2886), hunkering down (Res. 2885), and cloth face
coverings (Res. 2890); and
WHEREAS, the public health mandates and directions protected the health of the
people in the City and Borough of Juneau and nearby communities; and
WHEREAS, COVID-19 caused severe economic harm to businesses in the City and
Borough of Juneau because people were encouraged to hunker down, businesses were
mandated to close or severely limit operations, and nearly all of the forecasted cruise ship
tourism has been canceled; and
WHEREAS, failing to support businesses that suffered severe loss of revenue would
result in further adverse impacts to Juneau’s economic and social service network; and
WHEREAS, the COVID-19 Extreme Hardship Business Grant Program is necessary
due to the public health emergency with respect to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-
19); and
Page 18 of 26
WHEREAS, the COVID-19 Extreme Hardship Business Grant Program is being
created by this ordinance and program expenses were not accounted for in the FY20 budget;
and
WHEREAS, the COVID-19 Extreme Hardship Business Grant Program expenses are
incurred during the period that begins on March 1, 2020, and ends on December 31, 2020.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE ASSEMBLY OF THE CITY AND BOROUGH OF JUNEAU, ALASKA:
Section 1. Classification. This ordinance is a noncode ordinance.
Section 2. Appropriation. There is appropriated to the Manager the sum of two
million and three hundred thousand dollars ($2,300,000.00) for a COVID-19 Extreme
Hardship Business Grant Program. This is an appropriation for the fiscal year beginning
July 1, 2020, and ending June 30, 2021.
Section 3. Source of Funds:
CARES Act Special Revenue Fund $2,300,000.00
Section 4. COVID-19 Extreme Hardship Business Grant Program. The
program is subject to the following terms and conditions:
(a) Intent. The intent of this program is to provide support, in addition to the
COVID-19 Business Sustainability Grant Program, to businesses that were
disproportionately harmed by COVID-19 to offset the following expenses from
November 1 through December 30, 2020: payroll, inventory, training, license fees,
and fixed costs (lease/rent, utility, long-term debt).
(b) Administration. The Manager is authorized to execute a grant agreement with
the Juneau Economic Development Council (“Grant Administrator”) for
disbursement of COVID-19 Extreme Hardship Business Grant Program funds.
The Grant Administrator is responsible for assuring the program funds are
disbursed only to eligible businesses. The Grant Administrator shall be provided
a reasonable administration fee based on actual expenses. The Grant
Administrator shall provide the Manager with program status reports at
reasonable intervals. The Manager shall provide updates to the Finance
Committee or Assembly.
(c) Eligible Applicants. The program is open to all qualifying businesses (including
a nonprofit), regardless of whether they have applied for or have obtained any
other state or federal COVID-19 related assistance if the following is satisfied:
(1) Registered in Alaska. The business was registered in Alaska on or
before January 1, 2019;
(2) Physical Presence. The business had a physical presence in Juneau,
Alaska in 2019;
Page 19 of 26
(3) Year-round Operations. The business must provide proof of operations
in Juneau during Q4 2019 and Q1 2020, which can be verified with box 1
of IRS form 941 or sales tax return;
(4) COVID-19 Extreme Hardship. The business suffered at least a fifty
percent loss in gross receipts during Q3 2020 as compared with Q3 2019;
(5) Anticipated expenses. The applicant must estimate and attest that the
following expenses from November 1 through December 30, 2020 exceed
the grant request amount: payroll, inventory, insurance, training, license
fees, and fixed costs (lease/rent, utility, long-term debt);
(6) Payroll Pledge. The applicant must pledge to spend at least thirty
percent of the grant proceeds on payroll, including employee benefits.
(7) Additional information. The Grant Administrator may request
additional information from applicants when the application contains
insufficient or contradictory information or the Grant Administrator may
deem the application incomplete.
(d) Assertion of Need. An applicant shall disclose if the business has applied for or
received any other grant or forgivable loan. An applicant that has received any
other grant or forgivable loan must attest that a grant from this program is still
necessary to sustain business operations through December 30, 2020.
(e) Compliance
(1) Sales and property tax compliance. A business with any sales or
property tax delinquency as of March 1, 2020, is not eligible for a grant. A
business that executes a confession of judgment with the City and Borough
of Juneau for all outstanding sales tax deficiencies can be eligible for this
program. A business that is fully compliant with a confession of judgment
payment plan can be eligible for this program.
(2) Federal compliance. No grant may be issued to an applicant that is
engaged in business or conduct that violates federal law and any grant so
issued must be immediately returned in full. For example, no grant may
be issued to an applicant engaged in or conducting a marijuana related
business at the same location as the residence.
(f) Grant amount. The grant amount shall be determined by the following formula:
grant amount equals (the difference in the applicant’s Q3 2019 and Q3 2020
taxable sales divided by the difference in all eligible applicants' Q3 2019 and Q3
2020 taxable sales) multiplied by the appropriation in Section 2. However, no
grant shall exceed $50,000; the Grant Administrator shall either cap any
presumptive grant exceeding $50,000 at $50,000 or the Grant Administrator may
apply a reduction factor so no grant exceeds $50,000.
(g) Exceptions. The Grant Administrator, after receiving direction from the
Manager or designee, has the authority to make reasonable exceptions that
match the intent of this grant program.
Page 20 of 26
(h) Confidentiality. Except as provided in this legislation, all application material
submitted for this program and all information contained therein (Grant Data)
shall be kept confidential except for inspection by:
(1) Employees and agents of the City and Borough whose job responsibilities
are directly related to such applications and information;
(2) The business owner, managing member, or equivalent person supplying
such application and information; and
(3) Court order.
However, nothing in this ordinance shall be construed to provide confidentiality
to the name of the applicant, address of the applicant, and the amount of grant
award, if any.
(i) Grant application period. The grant application period shall be two weeks.
The Grant Administrator shall review applications and notify applicants if the
application is incomplete. An applicant with an incomplete application has five
business days to cure to keep the original application filing date; otherwise the
application must be resubmitted, if at all.
Section 5. Effective Date. This ordinance shall become effective upon adoption.
Adopted this _____ day of ____________, 2020.
Beth A. Weldon, Mayor
Attest:
Elizabeth J. McEwen, Municipal Clerk
Page 21 of 26
Presented by: The Manager
Introduced: October 26, 2020
Drafted by: Finance
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY AND BOROUGH OF JUNEAU, ALASKA
Serial No. 2020-09(W)
An Ordinance Appropriating $300,000 to the Manager as a Grant to
Family Promise of Juneau to Purchase a Building to Support
Vulnerable Families During the COVID-19 Pandemic; Funding
Provided by the CARES Act Special Revenue Fund.
WHEREAS, the COVID-19 Grant to Family Promise of Juneau is
necessary due to the public health emergency with respect to the Coronavirus
Disease 2019 (COVID-19); and
WHEREAS, the COVID-19 Grant to Family Promise of Juneau is being
initiated by this ordinance and the grant expense was not accounted for in
the FY20 or FY21 budget; and
WHEREAS, the COVID-19 Grant to Family Promise of Juneau expense
is incurred during the period that begins on March 1, 2020, and ends on
December 30, 2020.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE ASSEMBLY OF THE CITY AND BOROUGH OF JUNEAU,
ALASKA:
Section 1. Classification. This ordinance is a noncode ordinance.
Section 2. Appropriation. There is appropriated to the Manager
the sum of $300,000 as funding for a grant to Family Promise of Juneau to
purchase a building to support vulnerable families during the COVID-19
pandemic.
Section 3. Source of Funds
CARES Act Special Revenue Fund $300,000
Page 22 of 26
Section 4. Effective Date. This ordinance shall become effective
upon adoption.
Adopted this ________ day of ____________, 2020.
Beth A. Weldon, Mayor
Attest:
Elizabeth J. McEwen, Municipal Clerk
Page 23 of 26
Presented by: Hughes-Skandijs
Presented: 10/26/2020
Drafted by: R. Palmer III
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY AND BOROUGH OF JUNEAU, ALASKA
Serial No. 2020-09(Y)
An Ordinance Appropriating up to $2,000,000 to the Manager for a
COVID-19 Emergency Individual Assistance Program; Funding
Provided by the CARES Act Special Revenue Fund.
WHEREAS, due to COVID-19, Southeast Alaska lost nearly 7,000 jobs or 17% of the
workforce between April and July 2020, and the unemployment rate in the City and
Borough of Juneau (“CBJ”) was 10.2%; and
WHEREAS, many residents in the CBJ rely upon the tourism industry for financial
stability; and
WHEREAS, many CBJ residents were unable to be employed in the tourism and
tourism dependent industries this year due to the widespread cancellation of cruises to
Alaska; and
WHEREAS, Southeast Alaska is also experiencing one of the worst fishing seasons on
record and reduced prices as the COVID-19 pandemic has limited global seafood demand;
and
WHEREAS, many CBJ residents were unable to maintain stable employment in the
food and beverage industry due to necessary COVID-19 mitigation measures; and
WHEREAS, the Assembly creates this COVID-19 Emergency Individual Assistance
Program to mitigate the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the health and financial
stability of the residents in the CBJ; and
WHEREAS, the COVID-19 Emergency Individual Assistance Program costs are
necessary due to the public health emergency with respect to the Coronavirus Disease 2019
(COVID-19); and
WHEREAS, the COVID-19 Emergency Individual Assistance Program costs were not
accounted for in the FY20 budget; and
WHEREAS, the COVID-19 Emergency Individual Assistance Program expenses are
incurred during the period that begins on March 1, 2020, and ends on December 30, 2020.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE ASSEMBLY OF THE CITY AND BOROUGH OF
JUNEAU, ALASKA:
Section 1. Classification. This ordinance is a noncode ordinance.
Page 24 of 26
Section 2. Appropriation. There is appropriated to the Manager the sum of two
million dollars ($2,000,000.00) for a COVID-19 Emergency Individual Assistance Program.
This is an appropriation for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2020, and ending June 30,
2021.
Section 3. Source of Funds:
CARES Act Special Revenue Fund $ 2,000,000.00
Section 4. COVID-19 Emergency Individual Assistance Grant Program
Purpose and Terms. The program is subject to the following terms and conditions:
(a) Intent. The intent of this grant program is to provide a simple application for
financial support to people residing in the City and Borough of Juneau who have
been financially harmed by COVID-19 and need assistance paying for basic needs
like food, healthcare, nondiscretionary transportation, utilities, and housing from
March 1 through December 30, 2020.
(b) Administration. The Grant Administrator is Catholic Community Services. The
Manager is authorized to execute an agreement with the Grant Administrator for
disbursement of program funds. The Grant Administrator is responsible for
assuring the program funds are disbursed only to eligible applicants. The Grant
Administrator shall be provided a reasonable administration fee based on actual
expenses, which are anticipated to be around $40,000.00. The Grant
Administrator shall provide the Manager with program status reports at
reasonable intervals. The Manager shall provide updates to the Finance
Committee or Assembly. The Grant Administrator shall review applications,
make eligibility determinations, and request grant disbursement from the City
and Borough of Juneau for the eligible recipients.
(c) Eligible Applicants.
(1) Individuals residing in the CBJ. This program is only open to individuals
and not businesses. An applicant must be eighteen years of age or older and
reside in the CBJ. Residence in the CBJ may be established by voter
registration in the CBJ, an Alaska driver’s license with an address in the CBJ,
or similar documentation.
(2) COVID-19 financial hardship. The applicant must describe how the
applicant has been financially harmed by COVID-19.
(3) Income and livability costs. The applicant must provide sufficient proof of
income and proof basic needs expenses, which may be self-attested.
(4) Additional information. The Grant Administrator may request additional
information from applicants when the application contains insufficient or
contradictory information or the Grant Administrator may deem the
application incomplete. The Grant Administrator shall not keep a copy of any
income verification. The Grant Administrator shall notify applicants of
incomplete applications. Incomplete applications have five working days to
cure to keep the original application filing date; otherwise the application is
deemed complete on the date it is cured.
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(d) Grants.
(1) Amount. The grant amount is determined by the following income levels:
Index Income limit Grant Amount
50% Area Median $58,900 $1000
Income (AMI)
40% AMI $47,120 $1500
30% AMI $29,450 $2000
(2) Payment Process. The Grant Administrator shall send, or instruct the City
and Borough of Juneau to send, the grant payments to applicants.
(e) Exceptions. The Grant Administrator, after receiving direction from the
Manager or designee, has the authority to make reasonable exceptions that
match the intent of this grant program.
(f) Confidentiality. Except as provided in this ordinance, all application material
submitted for this grant and all information contained therein shall be kept
confidential except for inspection by:
(1) Employees, auditors, and agents of the City and Borough, including the Grant
Administrator, whose job responsibilities are directly related to such
applications and information;
(2) The applicant; and
(3) Court order.
However, nothing in this ordinance shall be construed to provide confidentiality to
summary information about program status and effectiveness. Upon balancing the
public’s right to know and privacy of disadvantaged individuals, this confidentiality
provision is intended to provide the same level of confidentiality as provided in A.S.
47.05.020 and 7 AAC 37.030 (prohibition on disclosure of public assistance records).
(g) Priority. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. The
Grant Administrator will continue to expend funds until funds are fully
exhausted or until December 30, 2020, whichever occurs first.
Section 4. Effective Date. This ordinance shall become effective upon adoption.
Adopted this ______ day of ___________, 2020.
Attest: Beth A. Weldon, Mayor
Elizabeth J. McEwen, Municipal Clerk
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Public Comment Summary
November 4, 2020
New Comments since October 7th
New comments refer to previously discussed initiatives.