City and Borough of Wrangell

The agenda for the meeting includes approval of the January 15, 2026, Port Commission Minutes and review of the March Harbormaster Report. New business features two main items: a request from TIDELINE CONSTRUCTION LLC to lease tidelands and real property (Parcel ID 03-011-200) for constructing and operating a barge and support facility for a 20-year term, which staff recommends approving; and a request from RICHARD KAER to purchase tidelands (Lot 2, Block 84B, Parcel ID 02-013-101), which staff recommends forwarding to the Borough Assembly for initiation of the sale process. The Commissioners are also scheduled to discuss next agenda items.

Key discussions during the meeting included public comments regarding waterfront design, the community market, and water line improvements. The Assembly approved the consent agenda, which included adopting an alternative allocation method for the FY26 Shared Fisheries Business Tax Program. Assembly business covered updates from the SSRAA Board Meeting and directing the Borough Manager to address zoning violations and derelict vehicles. A public hearing resulted in the approval of Ordinance No. 1097 concerning inactive vessels. New business involved approving a Memorandum of Understanding with Wrangell Rod & Gun Club, a contract for Federal Lobbying services, a resolution approving seasonal commercial permits for the city dock, and approvals for a budget amendment and contract award related to the High School and Public Safety Building Fuel Tanks Replacement Project. The Assembly also approved agreements with JAG Marine Group, LLC and The Pearlson Group, and a contract award for the Deep-Water Port Development Planning Project. An executive session was held to discuss strategic land exchange negotiations.

Key discussions included a conflict of interest declaration regarding Tideland reassessments due to an Assembly Member's employment status. Reports were provided by the Borough Manager, Public Works Director concerning water quality, the Police Chief regarding an application, and the Finance Director on quarterly analysis and accounts receivable. Assembly business involved deciding not to pursue the financial lead for extending the airport footprint for additional hanger space, and sharing information regarding American Cruise Lines. New business involved the approval of Ordinance No. 1097 regarding 'Inactive Vessels,' with a public hearing scheduled for a future date. Budget amendments were approved via resolutions for the Residential Construction Fund (sale of Alder Top Subdivision lots), transferring funds to the St Michael Street Rehabilitation Project, and transferring funds within the Port Fund for the Waterfront Tideland Fill and Abutment Project. A contract award to PND Engineers for the Waterfront Tideland Fill and Abutment Project was also approved, contingent on renegotiation of the scope based on a reduced funding amount. Finally, the Assembly entered into executive session to discuss strategic land exchange options.

The meeting included a presentation on the EDA Disaster Supplemental Grant Preliminary Engineering Reports for the Borough's project components. Key agenda items for the Assembly Meeting involved authorizing the establishment and use of Revocable Seasonal Commercial Permits for the City Dock Cul-de-Sac area to support seasonal economic activity, which includes authorizing the Harbormaster to administer the program. The Assembly was also scheduled to consider approving a Memorandum of Understanding with the Wrangell Rod and Gun Club regarding the management of the Wrangell Shooting Range, and approving a three-year contract for Federal Lobbying Services with Robertson Monagle & Eastaugh. Furthermore, the agenda included resolutions related to adopting an alternative allocation method for the FY26 Shared Fisheries Business Tax Program, approving budget amendments for the High School and Public Safety Building Fuel Tanks Replacement Project, and awarding contracts for that same project. An ordinance adding Chapter 14.10, titled "Inactive Vessels," to the Municipal Code was also scheduled for a Public Hearing.

The meeting involved a disclosure of a conflict of interest regarding a timber consultant service agreement. Key discussions centered on the Green Sparc proposal, where public members raised concerns regarding water use, waste management, heat expulsion, and the potential increase in the cost of living. The Board recommended that the Borough Assembly approve the lease request for the 10,000-square-foot GreenSparc facility at the Deep-Water Port, subject to conditions including a required power assessment and community presentation by GreenSparc, and incorporating various provisions related to utilities, environmental impact, and workforce development into lease negotiations. Additionally, the Board recommended approval for JAG Marine Group's lease request for tidelands and real property at the Deep-Water Port, focusing on its potential for maritime industrial activity and workforce development, contingent on stipulations regarding employment programs. Finally, the Board recommended designating the Earl West Entitlement Lands for Timber Management to support local economy and revenue generation, which involves coordinating with the Forest Service for a stewardship agreement.