CITY COUNCIL

In the mid-1960s, Robert "Tiny" Schasteen embarked on a life-changing adventure when he relocated to Unalaska, Alaska, to work in the thriving world of seafood production. It was within the bustling halls of PanAlaska where Schasteen crossed paths with the love of his life, Calette. Over the next nearly 40-plus years, Unalaska became his cherished home. He was known for his boundless generosity, quick wit, and contagious laughter. His involvement extended to public service and he was elected to Unalaska's City Council.

Six candidates will be running for five open seats in Unalaska’s upcoming general municipal election, according to the city. The filing period to declare candidacy in this year’s local election closed Monday.

The Unalaska City Council will weigh the city’s internet service provider options at its meeting Tuesday night, after unanimously deciding to postpone the discussion earlier this month.

Wheels are in motion to upgrade Robert Storrs Small Boat Harbor in Unalaska, a project that has been in the works for more than a decade.

“I think stability is the number one thing,” said City Manager Bil Homka. “We’re not really looking for excuses of why we couldn’t get something done. We’re looking for paths and resources to get things done.”

The Unalaska City Council has approved the Qawalangin Tribe’s full funding request for its annual summer culture camp.

The City Council voted 6-0 Tuesday to hire Bil Homka. The former Unalaska planning director has worked as assistant city manager since the fall, and has served in the role of acting city manager several times.

Unalaska’s schools and nonprofits will receive the city’s full financial support in fiscal year 2024. On Tuesday, the City Council voted 4-0 to grant the Unalaska City School District’s nearly $5.5 million funding request, along with fully funding seven organizations through the Community Support grant program.

The Unalaska City School District has asked the city to increase its contribution to local public schools in fiscal year 2024, including dedicating $140,000 in new funding for student activities. Superintendent Jim Wilson made the nearly $5.5 million request to the City Council this month. Meanwhile, councilors are also weighing funding for the Community Support program, which awards grants to local nonprofits. Eight organizations have requested a total of $1.5 million.

The City of Unalaska is facing a nearly $7 million deficit under the operating budget proposed for fiscal year 2024. Officials said costs are up significantly in a number of areas the city can’t control, including staff pay increases that have already been negotiated and higher prices for airfare, electricity, and heating oil.