Propositions: 2020 Ballot Propositions
PROPOSITION NO. 1
AREAWIDE LIFE/SAFETY ACCESS ROADS IMPROVEMENTS BONDS
For the purpose of constructing and maintaining life/safety access roads, including conducting pre-construction design work to construct a new segment of Boundary Avenue, a new segment of Mountain Air Drive and a new segment of Kullberg Drive, and related capital improvements in Anchorage as provided in AO 2020-2, As Amended, shall Anchorage borrow money and issue up to $1,110,000 in principal amount of general obligation bonds?
Voter approval of this bond proposition authorizes for each $100,000 of assessed taxable property value (based on the estimated 2020 areawide assessed valuation in Anchorage) an annual increase in taxes of approximately $0.25 to retire the proposed bonds.
The debt shall be paid from real and personal property taxes levied and collected areawide within Anchorage. The Municipality will also pledge its full faith and credit for payment of the bonds.
PROPOSITION NO. 2
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS FOR THE ANCHORAGE SCHOOL DISTRICT BONDS
For the purpose of providing educational capital improvements, construction, upgrades, design, planning, renovation and earthquake recovery of school facilities and educational facility building life extension projects within Anchorage, as provided in AO 2019-145, shall Anchorage borrow money and issue up to $82,833,000 in principal amount of general obligation bonds?
The general obligation bond proceeds will be used to pay costs of constructing, renovating, installing, designing, planning, acquiring and equipping educational capital improvement projects including, but not limited to, design funding to replace Inlet View Elementary School, design and construction funding for infrastructure capital improvements at Aquarian Charter School, designing and constructing building wide earthquake damage repairs, seismic upgrades and building improvements at Bartlett, East, King Tech, Chugiak, Eagle River, and Dimond High Schools, Mirror Lake and Central Middle Schools, Fire Lake, Chugiak, and Bear Valley Elementary Schools and Whaley School, designing and constructing building wide earthquake damage repairs, seismic upgrades, building, security and educational improvements at Gruening Middle School and Eagle River Elementary School, and planning and design projects for 2022 deferred capital requirement projects.
Voter approval of this bond proposition authorizes for each $100,000 of assessed taxable property value (based on the estimated 2020 assessed valuation) an annual increase in taxes of approximately $18.45 to retire the proposed bonds.
The debt will be paid from real and personal property taxes levied and collected areawide in Anchorage. Anchorage will also pledge its full faith and credit for payment of the bonds.
PROPOSITION NO. 3
ANCHORAGE ROADS AND DRAINAGE SERVICE AREA ROAD AND STORM DRAINAGE BONDS
For the purpose of providing roads and storm drainage capital acquisition, construction, renovation, upgrades and related capital improvements in the Anchorage Roads and Drainage Service Area, as provided in AO 2020-6, shall Anchorage borrow money and issue up to $43,000,000 in principal amount of general obligation bonds and increase the municipal tax cap by an annual amount not to exceed $313,000 to pay for associated annual operations and maintenance costs?
Voter approval of this bond proposition authorizes for each $100,000 of assessed taxable property value (based on the estimated 2020 assessed valuation in the Anchorage Roads and Drainage Service Area): (i) an annual increase in taxes of approximately $12.19 to retire the proposed bonds, and (ii) an annual increase in the municipal tax cap (Charter 14.03(b)(2)) of approximately $1.15 to pay for annual operation and maintenance costs related to the proposed capital improvements.
The debt shall be paid from real and personal property taxes levied and collected within the Anchorage Roads and Drainage Service Area, without cost to properties in Chugiak, Eagle River, Girdwood and other areas outside the Service Area. The Municipality will also pledge its full faith and credit for payment of the debt.
PROPOSITION NO. 4
ANCHORAGE FIRE SERVICE AREA FIRE PROTECTION BONDS
For the purpose of acquiring a replacement fire ladder truck, making AFD facility improvements and expanding the shop in the Anchorage Fire Service Area, as provided in AO 2019-152, shall Anchorage borrow money and issue up to $2,050,000 in principal amount of general obligation bonds?
Voter approval of this bond proposition authorizes for each $100,000 of assessed taxable property value (based on the estimated 2020 assessed valuation in the Anchorage Fire Service Area) an annual increase in taxes of approximately $0.49 to retire the proposed bonds.
The debt shall be paid from real and personal property taxes levied and collected within the Anchorage Fire Service Area without cost to properties in Chugiak, Girdwood, and other areas outside the Service Area. The Municipality will also pledge its full faith and credit for payment of the bonds.
PROPOSITION NO. 5
ANCHORAGE PARKS AND RECREATION SERVICE AREA CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT BONDS
For the purpose of renovating and rehabilitating trails and parks, making playground, parking, safety, ADA and park improvements at various parks and recreational facilities, and making related capital improvements in the Anchorage Parks and Recreation Service Area, as provided in AO 2019-150, shall Anchorage borrow money and issue up to $3,950,000 in principal amount of general obligation bonds and increase the municipal tax cap by an annual amount not to exceed $197,000 to pay for associated annual operations and maintenance costs?
Voter approval of this bond proposition authorizes for each $100,000 of assessed taxable property value (based on the estimated 2020 assessed valuation in the Anchorage Parks and Recreation Service Area): (i) an annual increase in taxes of approximately $1.02 to retire the proposed bonds, and (ii) an annual increase in the municipal tax cap (Charter 14.03(b)(2)) of approximately $0.66 to pay for annual operation and maintenance costs related to the proposed capital improvements.
The debt shall be paid from real and personal property taxes levied and collected within the Anchorage Parks and Recreation Service Area, without cost to properties in Chugiak, Eagle River, Girdwood, and other areas outside the Service Area. The Municipality will also pledge its full faith and credit for payment of the bonds.
PROPOSITION NO. 6
ANCHORAGE METROPOLITAN POLICE SERVICE AREA FACILITIES BONDS
For the purpose of acquiring new APD replacement fleet vehicles and undertaking certain capital improvements in the Anchorage Metropolitan Police Service Area as provided in AO 2019-151, shall Anchorage borrow money and issue up to $2,400,000 in principal amount of general obligation bonds and increase the municipal tax cap by an annual amount not to exceed $30,000 to pay for associated annual operations and maintenance costs?
Voter approval of this bond proposition authorizes for each $100,000 of assessed taxable property value (based on the estimated 2020 assessed valuation in the Anchorage Metropolitan Police Service Area) (i) an annual increase in taxes of approximately $0.55 to retire the proposed bonds and (ii) an annual increase in the municipal tax cap (Charter 14.03(b)(2)) of approximately $0.09 to pay for annual operation and maintenance costs related to the proposed capital improvements.
The debt shall be paid from real and personal property taxes levied and collected within the Anchorage Metropolitan Police Service Area, which consists of areas north of McHugh Creek (other than Fire Island), without cost to properties in Girdwood, Bird, Indian, Rainbow, Portage and other areas outside the Service Area. The Municipality will also pledge its full faith and credit for payment of the bonds.
PROPOSITION NO. 7
AREAWIDE FACILITIES CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT BONDS
For the purpose of providing areawide facilities capital improvements within the Municipality of Anchorage, including at the Anchorage Senior Activity Center and Chugiak-Eagle River Senior Center and the Loussac and Mt. View libraries, said improvements involving building safety rehabilitation and upgrades, facility renovations, code improvement projects, elevator modernization, ADA compliance, seismic modifications and other capital improvements, as provided in AO 2019-154, As Amended, shall Anchorage borrow money and issue up to $5,375,000 in principal amount of general obligation bonds and increase the municipal tax cap by an annual amount not to exceed $52,000 to pay for associated annual operations and maintenance costs?
Voter approval of this bond proposition authorizes for each $100,000 of assessed taxable property value (based on the estimated 2020 areawide assessed valuation in Anchorage) (i) an annual increase in taxes of approximately $1.20 to retire the proposed bonds and (ii) an annual increase in the municipal tax cap (Charter 14.03(b)(2)) of approximately $0.15 to pay for annual operation and maintenance costs related to the proposed capital improvements.
The debt shall be paid from real and personal property taxes levied and collected areawide within Anchorage. The Municipality will also pledge its full faith and credit for payment of the bonds.
PROPOSITION NO. 8
AREAWIDE PUBLIC SAFETY AND TRANSIT CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT BONDS
For the purpose of upgrading the infrastructure of the Anchorage Area-Wide Radio Network, acquiring new replacement ambulances and replacement cardiac monitors, making improvements to transit facilities and centers, acquiring and replacing transit vehicles and support equipment, updating automated operating system/management information systems and undertaking bus stop improvements and related capital improvements in Anchorage as provided in AO 2019-153, shall Anchorage borrow money and issue up to $5,095,000 in principal amount of general obligation bonds?
Voter approval of this bond proposition authorizes for each $100,000 of assessed taxable property value (based on the estimated 2020 areawide assessed valuation in Anchorage) an annual increase in taxes of approximately $1.13 to retire the proposed bonds.
The debt shall be paid from real and personal property taxes levied and collected areawide within Anchorage. The Municipality will also pledge its full faith and credit for payment of the bonds.
PROPOSITION NO. 9
AREAWIDE EMERGENCY MEDICAL SUPPLIES AND SYSTEMS SPECIAL LEVY AND REDUCTION OF VOTER-APPROVED INDEBTEDNESS
For the purpose of renting or leasing cardiac monitors, chest compression systems, automated external defibrillators (AEDs), power gurney systems, and other emergency medical equipment and systems, as provided in AO 2020-3, shall Anchorage levy a special tax in the amount of $830,000 annually, dedicated solely to those purposes, and rescind voter authorization in 2019, and any further voter authorization in 2020, to incur general obligation debt to purchase cardiac monitors and chest compression systems?
Voter approval of this proposition authorizes for each $100,000 of assessed property value (based on the estimated 2020 areawide assessed valuation in Anchorage) an annual increase in taxes of approximately $2.40.
Among other things, approval of this proposition will permit the Anchorage, Chugiak and Girdwood fire departments and the Anchorage Police Department to deploy uniform cardiac monitors, chest compression systems and AEDs, through a leasing arrangement. To purchase the equipment using the proceeds of general obligation bonds, rather than lease it, bonds in the principal amount of not less than $11,260,533.94 would have to be issued over the next ten years. This proposition will eliminate that need.
If passed, this proposition would eliminate $400,000 from the principal amount of indebtedness that could be authorized by the separate “Areawide Public Safety and Transit Capital Improvement Bonds” proposition, included as Proposition 8 on this ballot. It would also reduce the principal amount of indebtedness authorized by voters in 2019 by $280,000.
The tax shall be from real and personal property taxes levied and collected areawide within Anchorage.
PROPOSITION NO. 10
GIRDWOOD VALLEY SERVICE AREA FACILITIES BONDS
For the purpose of building a new community building to replace Glacier City Hall and Little Bears facilities and making related capital improvements in the Girdwood Valley Service Area, as provided in AO 2020-1, shall Anchorage borrow money and issue up to $2,200,000 in principal amount of general obligation bonds?
Voter approval of this bond proposition authorizes for each $100,000 of assessed taxable property value (based on the estimated 2020 assessed valuation in the Girdwood Valley Service Area) an annual cost in taxes of approximately $28.70 to retire the proposed bonds. The proposed bonds will not increase the maximum attainable Girdwood Valley Service Area mill rate approved pursuant to AMC 27.30.020.
The debt is anticipated to be paid from real and personal property taxes levied and collected within the Girdwood Valley Service Area, without cost to properties in Anchorage, Chugiak, Eagle River and other areas outside the Service Area. The Municipality will also pledge its full faith and credit for payment of the debt.
PROPOSITION NO. 11
ALLOWING ON-SITE CONSUMPTION OF MARIJUANA BY SMOKING OR INHALATION PER APPLICABLE LAW IN LICENSED RETAIL MARIJUANA STORES WITH AN ENDORSEMENT FOR AN ON-SITE CONSUMPTION AREA
This proposition would make it legal for licensed retail marijuana stores with a license and special land use permit endorsement approved by the Municipality and the State of Alaska to allow their customers to consume marijuana bud or flower by inhalation or smoking in their marijuana consumption areas. Currently it is legal for only edible marijuana products to be consumed in marijuana consumption areas.
As of October 2019 applicable law includes the following requirements for marijuana consumption areas where smoking or inhalation is allowed:
- Shall be separated by a secure door from the retail store or in sight-obscured outdoor areas.
- Shall only be accessible from the retail marijuana store premises.
- The odor of marijuana is not allowed to be detected by a person with a normal sense of smell at any lot line.
- A smoke-free area for employees shall be provided, to monitor the marijuana consumption area at all times to ensure consumption is in compliance with applicable law.
- Signs in the consumption area warning that marijuana
- has intoxicating effects,
- impairs concentration, coordination and judgment, and not to operate a vehicle or machinery under its influence,
- has health risks,
- use is restricted to adults twenty-one years and older,
- should not be used by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding,
- is unlawful to consume in public,
- is prohibited by federal law to transport or carry on the Alaska waterways, including by cruise ships, or by air carrier,
- is prohibited by federal law to transport or ship outside of the State of Alaska, and
- is unlawful to provide to persons under the age of 21.
In addition, if this proposition is approved the Anchorage Municipal Code will be amended as provided in AO 2019-103(S), As Amended, to add these additional legal requirements or restrictions:
- Up to one gram of marijuana bud or flower may be sold by a licensed retail store to any one person per day for on-site consumption.
- The operating plan submitted with an application for an on-site consumption endorsement shall include plans for immediate cessation of smoking and inhalation use by persons in the consumption area, extinguishment of lighted marijuana, and rapid clearing of visible smoke in case of emergency circumstances.
- Additional signs required in the consumption area or at its entrance access:
- “Drive under the influence – lose your car” and describing applicable penalties.
- “Exposure to secondhand marijuana smoke may be harmful to your health, have intoxicating effects, and cause a positive drug test result.”
- Amendments to the Secondhand Smoke Control Ordinance, AMC Chapter 16.65, that
- Excepts approved on-site consumption areas from the prohibitions on smoking in enclosed public places and enclosed areas that are places of employment,
- Implements the smoke-free area requirements for employees to monitor the consumption area consistent with the requirements of AMC chapter 10.80,
- Prohibits employees from entering the marijuana consumption area when in use for smoking, except in emergency circumstances, and
- Incorporates by reference the ventilation requirements of AMC sections 10.80.306 and 21.05.055 for the consumption area.
Shall it be legal in the Municipality for licensed retail marijuana stores to allow marijuana consumption by smoking or inhalation in on-site consumption areas?
(To view the ordinance, click here: AO 2019-103(S), As Amended)
PROPOSITION NO. 12
CHARTER AMENDMENT TO
REQUIRE 12 ASSEMBLY MEMBERS AND 2 MEMBERS FOR EACH ASSEMBLY DISTRICT
This proposition would amend the Anchorage Municipal Charter sections 4.01 and 4.04, as follows (underlined and bolded words are proposed new words; [strikeouts in bold] are proposed deletions):
Section 4.01. – Power, composition and apportionment.
The legislative power of Anchorage is vested in an assembly of 12 [11]
members. There shall be six e[E]lection districts; each [, if established,]
shall have two assembly members, and they shall be formed of compact and
contiguous territory containing as nearly as practicable a relatively integrated
socioeconomic area. …
* * * * * * * * *
Section 4.04. – Presiding officer, meetings and procedures.
* * * * * * * * *
(e) Seven [Six] members of the assembly shall constitute a quorum; however, a
smaller number may recess from time to time and compel the attendance of
absent members as prescribed by assembly rule.
If approved by a majority of the voters voting on the question at the April 7, 2020 Regular Election, the amendments to the Charter above shall be effective upon the adoption of a final state redistricting plan by the Redistricting Board of the State of Alaska following the official reporting of the 2020 Census of the United States, and applicable to the next reapportionment of the Assembly per Charter § 4.01.
Shall the Anchorage Municipal Charter be amended as set forth above? (AO 2019-82)
(To view the ordinance, click here: AO 2019-82)
PROPOSITION NO. 13
CHARTER AMENDMENT
RETAIL SALES TAX ON ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES OF 5% DEDICATING THE REVENUE TO PUBLIC SAFETY AND HEALTH PURPOSES
This proposition would amend the Anchorage Municipal Charter by adding a new section 14.07 to read as follows:
Section 14.07 Alcoholic beverages retail sales tax.
(a) Tax levy and effective date:
The assembly is hereby authorized to levy a five percent (5%) tax on all retail sales of alcoholic beverages. The tax levy shall be effective February 1, 2021.
(b) Dedication of proceeds:
The net receipts from the alcoholic beverages retail sales tax, after payment of the costs of administration, collection and audit to the municipality, are dedicated and shall be available to use only for:
(1) Funding for police, related criminal justice personnel, and first responders;
(2) Funding to combat and address child abuse, sexual assault, and domestic violence; and
(3) Funding for substance misuse treatment, prevention programs, detoxification or long-term addiction recovery facilities, mental and behavioral health programs, and resources to prevent and address Anchorage’s homelessness crisis.
(c) No increase of the alcoholic beverages retail sales tax above five percent (5%) or change of the use of its proceeds may be made without approval of the majority of qualified voters voting on the question.
(d) At least 120 days before the end of the fiscal year of the municipality and at such other times as the assembly directs, the mayor shall submit to the assembly a report of the tax revenues collected and expended. The report of expenses shall be itemized by each authorized use or purpose and presented to the public.
(e) The net receipts described in subsection (b) shall not be used to supplant funding for existing service levels contained in the actual operating budget for fiscal year 2020 and the funding to provide for and maintain that level of service in subsequent years. The dedicated net receipts shall only be used to provide additional service levels above the 2020 baseline.
And by amending Anchorage Municipal Charter, Article II (4), and Charter §14.01(b) as follows (underlined and bolded words are proposed new words; strikeouts in bold are proposed deletions):
ARTICLE II BILL OF RIGHTS
This Charter guarantees rights to the people of Anchorage that are in addition to rights guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States of America and the Constitution of the State of Alaska. Among rights guaranteed by this Charter are:
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(4) The right of immunity from sales taxes, except upon approval by three-fifths (3/5) of the qualified voters voting on the question, except the taxes imposed by Charter § Section 14.05 and § 14.07 shall be effective if approved by a majority (50 percent + one) of the qualified voters voting on the question.
Section 14.01 Taxing Authority
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(b) Unless otherwise provided in this Charter, no sales tax ordinance is valid until ratified by three-fifths (3/5) of those voting on the question at a regular or special election, except the taxes imposed by Charter § 14.05 and § 14.07 shall be effective if approved by a majority (50%+ one) of the qualified voters voting on the question.
If approved by a majority of the voters voting on the question at the April 7, 2020 Regular Election, the amendments to the Charter above shall be effective upon certification of the election.
Shall the Anchorage Municipal Charter be amended as set forth above, and the 5% retail sales tax on alcoholic beverages be approved? (AO 2019-148(S-1), As Amended)
(To view the ordinance, click here: AO 2019-148(S-1), As Amended)