Kodiak Island Borough

The meeting commenced with an invocation and pledge of allegiance, followed by a land acknowledgment recognizing the Supic people. A quorum was established after excusing Assembly Member Gardner. Key agenda items included approval of the agenda and consent agenda, noting that previous minutes were already approved. Citizens' comments featured a representative from the senior center updating the assembly on meal services, transportation statistics, and new collaborations, followed by a resident expressing concerns regarding the school district's deferred action on school closures and suggesting budget cuts in technology and fees to avoid further deficits. A public hearing was held for Ordinance FY2026-9, which modifies budget and capital program submittal dates to improve the bureau's budgeting process by realigning deadlines and removing the requirement to include the school district's funding request in the main budget. The ordinance was passed. Bureau Manager reports detailed ongoing participation in the AML property tax working group, the launch of the Citizens Academy, and updates on the FY27 budget timeline. Further reports covered the expiring collective bargaining agreement, progress on the Kodiak Russian and Sergeant Creek PEL study, current recruitment statuses, progress on the 2025 foreclosure process, dual entry for tax collection systems, staffing transitions in IT, GIS map creation, and scheduled exemption hearings. Engineering and Facilities reported on leak remediation, building monitoring system updates, a bid opening for landfill soil remediation, and the need for a sole source procurement for the LTP citric acid dosing skid replacement. Architectural review items related to Providence Kodiak Island Medical Center projects were postponed by the Assembly and referred to the Architectural Review Board. Other topics included the regional solid waste management plan update and landfill scale repair quotes.

The meeting included citizens' comments primarily focused on a proposed code change related to the Alaska Waste solid waste disposal contract, where concerns were raised about the scope of the amendment and potential misinformation regarding business charges. A commercial fisherman also expressed confusion and concern regarding the complexity and contract language used in the proposed code amendment. The main segment involved a presentation by architects from Jensen Yee Wall and DLR Group regarding the Providence Kodiak Hospital facilities master plan. The presentation detailed the building's historical phases, identified critical facility needs such as outdated systems, inadequate seismic bracing in the 1969 portion, inefficiency due to layout, and insufficient parking and accessibility. Key space deficiencies were highlighted, particularly for KCHC, which requires significant expansion. The architects presented Option Zero, which involves renovating the outdated single-story wing, addressing seismic concerns, and expanding KCHC space within the existing structure, necessitating temporary relocation of departments requiring 26,000 square feet for 18-24 months.

The work session commenced with citizen comments, followed by departmental updates. Key discussion points included the municipal government meeting night overlap potentially discouraging citizen participation, and a suggestion to include topics discussed during citizen comments in the minutes. Nonprofit funding methodology was debated, with a preference stated for funding based on need rather than entitlement. Manager's comments focused on ongoing participation in the property tax workgroup, advocacy efforts in Juneau regarding legislative priorities such as PERS and school maintenance funding, and the launch of the Citizens Academy. Updates were provided on the collective bargaining agreement negotiations timeline. Finance matters covered the start of the 2025 foreclosure process and ongoing issues with the property assessment and tax implementation project, delaying the dual entry into legacy and new systems. Community Development reported on recommended cases from the commission meeting and the development of an upcoming meetings page on the website. Information Technology is reviewing remote access agreements and setting up disaster recovery for KFRC systems, while also preparing for a network analyst departure. GIS is addressing missing zoning records and validating addresses. Assessing reported on late filed applications and scheduled hearings for goods cause exemptions. Engineering facilities addressed updates to building monitoring systems and requested an extension for the solid waste contract finalization. Community pool design and construction oversight fees were noted. Landfill soil remediation planning is underway. The Long-term Care Center and Carluk facility reviews, Providence Kodiak Medical Center items, and Leech Treatment Plant laboratory contract extension (which necessitated finding a new courier service) were mentioned. Finally, an update was provided on the regional solid waste management plan, landfill scale maintenance, and small projects including the Port Lions Fire alarm panel replacement and picnic table replacement quotes review. Alaska Aerospace Corporation provided an extensive presentation detailing their operations at the Pacific Spaceport Complex Alaska, including employment statistics, economic impact, past launches, available launch pads (LP1, LP2, Area 3), site layout, and technical capabilities such as flight termination systems, noting they have operated without state funding since 2014.

The meeting focused on continuing the discussion regarding the Northstar Facility, which the borough will be taking possession of. Several organizations expressed interest in leasing space, including the City of Parks and Recreation requesting use of the gym and restrooms for the 'little dribblers' program, and the Shunak Tribe requesting information on a lease rate for one wing. The YMCA of Alaska's interest was redirected to college cottage buildings. Discussion centered on determining viable use rates, including utility costs, insurance rates (estimated at $27,000 annually), and snow/ice control costs (over $11,000 in FY24). A significant portion of the discussion addressed whether tenants should cover maintenance costs, as Assembly members expressed concern over the borough's historical maintenance capabilities, with some members suggesting disposal of the facility if maintenance responsibilities cannot be transferred. The potential need for the facility in future school capacity planning was also raised, noting that any lease would include a two-year exit clause for the borough if student counts increase.

The work session commenced with citizen comments, where a member expressed concern regarding the emergence of a synthetic opioid named nazine, described as worse than fentanyl, and advocated for community awareness and potential treatment options through programs like World Challenge Adult and Teen Challenge. The primary agenda item involved conducting interviews for the position of Bureau Attorney, as the current contract was set to expire on November 30, 2025. The Assembly heard an interview with a representative from the law firm Germaine Dunigan and Owens (JDO). The discussion covered JDO's extensive experience serving Alaskan public entities and municipalities, their team's capabilities in municipal law, drafting legal documents such as ordinances and contracts, litigation experience on behalf of governments (including police personnel matters and public records), and experience with property taxation collection processes.