Meredith Basdaras

The Platting Board discussed several agenda items, including the removal of plat notes 3 and 9 for the Wentworth Subdivision to permit the construction of an accessory dwelling unit. Additionally, the board reviewed a preliminary plat application for a subdivision and the associated vacation of a roadway easement, which included an analysis of shared access agreements and dimensional standards in the R3 zoning district.

The committee meeting covered a proposal for an ordinance to prohibit the flushing of disposable wipes into the sewer system to reduce maintenance costs and protect the environment, emphasizing public education as the primary enforcement tool. The committee also discussed annual levy upon connection rates for water services and received a presentation on the ongoing pump storage hydro project, which aims to improve water supply for fish and hydroelectric power by rewatering portions of the river.

The committee discussed updates on coordinated shelter operations, including challenges related to capacity, timing of intake, and hospital discharges. The committee addressed the need for additional shelter beds and explored strategies for integrating support for individuals who cannot perform daily living activities independently. Additionally, the meeting featured a presentation on a proposed HUD grant for the acquisition of a facility to provide outpatient services and administrative space, with a focus on ensuring future adherence to the proposed service scope.

The committee meeting focused on updates from the Municipal of Anchorage Trust Fund Board and the Budget Advisory Commission. Key topics included a performance review of the trust fund's asset allocation and future revisions to code regarding allowable investments. Discussions were also held regarding the budget advisory commission's upcoming meeting topics, specifically concerning the school district foundation formula and service area understanding. The committee reviewed year-to-date revenue reports, with particular attention to real property tax collection, room tax trends, motor fuel excise tax, building safety activity, and the declining revenue from alcohol and marijuana taxes. Additionally, the committee reviewed budget-to-actuals expenditure reports across municipal departments, noting areas of increased spending due to snowfall response and contractual encumbrances, and discussed the process for tax bill mailing.

The worksession focused on proposed amendments to Anchorage Municipal Code Title 21 to create a new missing middle housing opportunity overlay. Key discussion topics included the history and purpose of the legislation, which aims to increase housing supply and affordability by implementing transit-supportive development corridors established in the Anchorage 2040 land use plan. The presentation highlighted regulatory barriers in existing zoning codes, the history of previous zoning reform efforts, and how the proposed overlay would provide flexibility in building placement, lot dimensions, and density to encourage diverse housing types.