Wrangell Sentinel - the oldest continuously published paper in Alaska.

Assembly discusses powers,

authority of WMC Board

Ryan Long

Exactly how autonomous the Wrangell Medical Center (WMC) Board of Directors is in the Borough was the subject of discussion at the July 27 Borough Assembly Meeting.

The issue was brought up in part as a question of reevaluation WMC Board policy in regards to a potential case of nepotism involving Noel Rea, WMC CEO and Mari Selle-Rea.

However, the matter has wider implications and will be referred to the Borough Attorney who will advise the Assembly on just how much authority the WMC Board has and how much authority the Assembly has over the WMC Board.

Assembly member Warren Edgley outlined why he put the item on the Assembly’s agenda for the July 27 meeting.

“I really don’t get heartburn over the fact that there is possible nepotism. I don’t get heartburn over the fact that there may be some issues with a disgruntled employee. What troubles me is that the WMC board seems to think that they are somehow sovereign and don’t think that they have to live under the municipal code,” said Edgley.

Assembly member David Jack was the acting Mayor during the discussion of the WMC Board’s authority as Vice-Mayor Jeremy Maxand had recused himself from the discussion.

“The board has the authority has the ability to create its own bylaws elect its own officials and that’s about it,” said Jack. “It seems to have got off doing its own thing and not complying with ordinance,” continued Jack.

The Assembly decided to confer with the Borough Attorney as to WMC’s responsibility to follow Municipal Code and directed staff to draft a letter to address the Assembly’s concerns to the WMC Board with input from the Borough Attorney.

In other Assembly business:

A $5,000 line item to increase wages and salaries and for light maintenance to the pool from the Borough’s budget was approved by unanimous consent.

The Assembly approved reducing the Port fill tax by 25 percent despite concern from Edgley who was the only Assembly member opposed.

“We went through a big long brouhaha about this tax that was charged to the port. I don’t think we need to open up this can of worms again this year. If this was for the 2011/2012 budget I’d be fine with it” said Edgley.

The 25 percent reduction equates to around $11,000 out of the Borough’s budget.

Assembly decided unanimously to ask for quotes for material and repair to the Swim Pool roof.

The Assembly Removed Harbor accounts receivables for June and July 2010. Most of the accounts will be given over to a collections service.

Earl and Mary Benitz's property tax exemption was approved unanimously.

A reel trailer from Brooks Brothers in Montana for $14,372 for the Electrical Department will be purchased and was approved unanimously.

A list of items to be disposed of as surplus property was approved unanimously.

A proposal for electrical design for front street submitted by Dowl HKM for the amount of $210,489 as a portion of the downtown revitalization project.

The Assembly approved sending a letter echoing the sentiments of Governor Sean Parnell to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture regarding the transition of management of the Tongass.

The Assembly unanimously approved the continuation of legal services with the firm of Hoffman, Silver, Gilman and Blasco for the fee of $3,333 per month for legal services.