Steven Hoke

This document, Phase II of the Fairbanks North Star Borough Community Wildfire Protection Plan, completes the wildfire protection plan for areas not covered under Phase I and updates existing projects. It outlines a collaborative strategy to mitigate wildfire risks through various goals, including reducing potential losses, building community participation, prioritizing fire protection actions, accessing grant funding, and promoting visible program successes. Key focus areas for this phase include identifying and mapping Zones of Concern, informing residents and providing Firewise training, reducing hazardous fuels through silvicultural treatments, developing and implementing evacuation plans, and integrating wildfire risk reduction into community planning.

The Assembly addressed several ordinances and resolutions. Key legislative actions included the adoption of ordinances regarding election official compensation, budget appropriations for solid waste disposal projects and a CNG bus, and a lease for the Pioneer Park Salmon Bake area. A resolution requesting the Regional Emergency Services Advisory Committee to review fire station management and service definitions was approved. Several other ordinances were introduced and referred to committees, including amendments to dangerous animal determinations, housing incentive tax exemptions, and various budget adjustments.

The Assembly addressed several key items including the appointment of the Deputy Borough Clerk, a cyber security contract award, and various board and commission appointments. Significant legislative activity occurred, including the adoption of the FY 2023 Capital Improvement Program, an ordinance to add a Code Enforcement Officer position, and the approval of a rezoning request. Additionally, the Assembly approved funding for municipal election tabulators, held an executive session regarding personnel matters, and discussed a resolution regarding the Manh Cho project. Several other resolutions and ordinances were introduced or advanced to future meetings.

The assembly meeting addressed various business items, including the approval of a recycling operator contract for the central recycling facility and an IFB award for the Graehl Park replacement. Discussions and actions were taken on ordinances regarding the delegation of Board of Adjustment duties, the establishment of the Pleasant Valley Two Rivers Fire Service Area, and the implementation of a premium pay program for school bus drivers. Additionally, a lease agreement with the FAA was authorized, and a budget amendment for the Graehl Park Mosaic project was approved. The assembly also deliberated on property tax exemptions for housing incentives and authorized the acquisition of land via gift.

The Assembly held a regular meeting covering various legislative and administrative items. Key actions included the approval of several liquor and marijuana licenses, the adoption of ordinances regarding the alteration of boundaries for various service areas, and an amendment to emergency management definitions concerning cybersecurity. Additionally, the Assembly approved budget appropriations for Growden Field upgrades and the transfer of surplus borough property to the Fairbanks Litter Patrol, Inc. Financial matters, including the introduction of budget amendments for landfill compactor repairs and gasline audit expense reimbursements, were also addressed.