Zoom Information
When: May 18, 2026 6:00 PM Alaska
Topic: Regular Assembly Meeting
https://petersburgak-gov.zoom.us/j/82468822879?pwd=b1blYRO24Ph8TQaPQ2seD6L3tPZ9vp.1
Webinar ID: 824 6882 2879
Passcode: 346452
Call-in (Audio Only) (253) 215-8782
Any public testimony regarding Ordinance #2026-06 should be given during this public hearing. A copy of Ordinance #2026-09 may be found under agenda item 14A.
Any public testimony regarding Ordinance #2026-07 should be given during this public hearing. A copy of Ordinance #2026-07 may be found under agenda item 14B.
Any public testimony regarding Ordinance #2026-08 should be given during this public hearing. A copy of Ordinance #2026-08 may be found under agenda item 14C.
Any public testimony regarding Ordinance #2026-09 should be given during this public hearing. A copy of Ordinance #2026-09 may be found under agenda item 14D.
Persons wishing to share their views on any item on today's agenda may do so at this time.
Persons with views on subjects not on today's agenda may share those views at this time.
If approved, this ordinance would update and codify existing watershed management regulations into the borough code, reflect borough formation, and continue protections for the City Creek and Cabin Creek water supply watersheds to safeguard water quality and quantity for Service Area 1.
Ordinance #2026-06 was unanimously approved in its first reading.
If approved, this ordinance would amend the Marine Passenger Fee by increasing the per‑passenger charge to address rising costs for public safety, harbor operations, sanitation, emergency response, and other Borough services and infrastructure impacted by marine passenger vessels, while codifying the change in the municipal code with the increase effective January 1, 2027.
Ordinance #2026-07 was unanimously approved in its first reading.
If approved, this ordinance would update electric utility rates and charges for FY 2027 to ensure Petersburg Municipal Power & Light can fully cover operating expenses, inflation, capital needs, reserve requirements, and debt coverage obligations, while maintaining reliable electric service and codifying the revised rates and fees in the municipal code. A memo from Director Hagerman is attached.
Ordinance #2026-08 was unanimously approved in its first reading.
If approved, this ordinance would adopt the Fiscal Year 2027 operating budget for the Petersburg Borough.
Ordinance #2026-09 was unanimously approved in its first reading.
If approved, Ordinance #2026-10 would increase the maximum single purchase amount subject to the borough sales tax from $1,200 to $5,000 and submit the change to borough voters at the October 6, 2026 regular election. The increase would raise the maximum sales tax on a single transaction from $72 to $300, modernize a cap that has changed only once since 1959, and help generate additional revenue to support essential borough services, including the Petersburg School District, while still remaining among the lowest caps in Southeast Alaska.
If approved, Ordinance #2026-11 would update sewer utility service rates for FY2027 through FY2030 based on the annual rate review, reflecting higher projected operating costs and planned capital needs. The changes amend Section 14.08.320A of the Municipal Code to establish updated service charges and commodity rates to support long-term financial sustainability of the Sewer Utility. A memo from Assistant Public Works Director Rummel is attached to this agenda item.
If approved, this ordinance would establish zoning and permitting standards for wireless communication facilities and other towers. It requires these facilities to be reviewed as conditional uses, providing public notice and Planning Commission review and approval, while remaining consistent with the Federal Telecommunications Act of 1996 and related regulations.
The ordinance creates a new chapter of the municipal code governing wireless facilities, prioritizes collocation and use of existing structures, and sets development standards addressing location, safety, visual impacts, and FCC compliance. It is intended to balance the community’s need for reliable wireless and other communication services with public safety and aesthetic concerns.
A memo from Director Cabrera is attached to this agenda item.
If approved, this resolution would establish the property tax millage rates for the fiscal year July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027, based on final assessed property values and in accordance with Borough code and charter limits. The adopted rates fund area-wide services, education, voter‑approved general obligation bond debt, and Service Area 1 services, and set the due date for 2026 property taxes.
If approved, this resolution would allow the Petersburg Volunteer Fire Department Association to take ownership of three antique fire apparatus it has restored and maintained. The Association will assume all insurance and maintenance responsibilities, continue to make the vehicles available for public display, and return ownership to the Borough if the Association dissolves. A letter from William Tremblay, the PVFD Association President, is attached to this agenda item.
If approved, Resolution #2026‑15 would authorize the sale of a Borough‑owned parcel at 505 Mill Street to Taylor Jensen under the negotiated Contract of Sale.
The Planning Commission recommended approval after a public hearing, and the Assembly later authorized direct negotiations. The parcels are not needed for municipal use, and PMC 16.12.160(C) requires Assembly approval by resolution for their disposal.
The Contract of Sale is attached to this agenda item.
The Borough has received an application from Robert Funk to purchase Borough‑owned property at 502 Lumber Street. The Planning Commission held a public hearing on April 14, 2026, as required by PMC § 16.12.080, and recommends approval of the sale of the property to the applicant. The assessed value of the property is $33,100. The Planning Commission's Report is attached to this agenda item.
During this meeting, the Assembly shall determine whether the application shall move forward in the application process or be denied. If the application is to move forward, the Assembly shall schedule a public sale or exempt the application and disposal from public sale.
If public sale, the Assembly shall determine if the sale shall be by Outcry Auction or Sealed Bid, and shall choose a date/time for the sale. If exempted from public sale, the Assembly shall establish the alternative method, terms and conditions of disposal.
The Assembly has received a letter of interest from Jim Floyd expressing his willingness to serve on the Planning Commission. His letter is presented for Assembly review and consideration for appointment. If appointed, Mr. Floyd will serve until the October 2026 election.
This agenda item requested by Member Meucci
Consider directing the Borough Manager to develop a plan to relocate the Scow Bay Fire Station training props to a site adjacent to Fire Station One.
The plan shall include a proposed timeline for the move, detailed cost estimates for relocating the training vans, burn tower, and associated gear, estimated engineering and construction costs for a suitable pad at the Fire Station One site, and identification of potential funding options. The plan shall also include coordination with and required approval from the Department of Transportation (DOT). If DOT does not grant approval for the proposed location, staff shall immediately begin evaluation and planning for an alternative site.
This agenda item requested by Member Meucci
Consider the formation of a Housing Task Force. Discussion to include proposed guidelines, goals, and objectives for the task force. See the attached list for additional details.
This discussion item requested by Member Meucci
Discussion regarding the potential for Petersburg to be considered as a homeport location for one of the 11 Arctic Security Coast Guard Cutters. Discussion to include whether any formal outreach or expressions of interest with the U.S. Coast Guard has occurred and the Borough’s level of interest in pursuing this opportunity.
This discussion item requested by Member Meucci
Update and discussion on any potential or proposed uses of the former South Mitkof Ferry Terminal as part of a larger Coast Guard facility or related operations.
This discussion item requested by Member Meucci
Discussion regarding potential updates to the Power and Light ordinances as they relate to Large Commercial Users, including but not limited to data centers and other high‑volume consumers of electricity.