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When: May 20, 2024 06:00 PM Alaska
Topic: May 20, 2024 Borough Assembly Meeting
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Any public testimony regarding Ordinance #2024-07 should be given during this public hearing. A copy of Ordinance #2024-07 may be found under agenda item 14B.
Any public testimony regarding Ordinance #2024-08 should be given during this public hearing. A copy of Ordinance #2024-08 may be found under agenda item 14C.
Any public testimony regarding Ordinance #2024-09 should be given during this public hearing. A copy of Ordinance #2024-09 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.
Alaska Commercial Electronics LLC wishes to renew their lease with the Borough through May 14, 2029 at an annual rental rate of $2,172.
There is no written Mayor's Report for this meeting.
Ordinance #2024-06 will rezone lots named from Single-Family Residential to Public Use at the request of the Petersburg Children's Center, who currently leases the property, for future development of childcare and learning facilities. The Assembly unanimously approved Ordinance #2024-06 in its first and second readings.
If approved in three readings, Ordinance #2024-07 will bring a proposition before Borough voters at the October 2024 municipal election to increase the Transient Room Tax from 4% to 7%. Transient Room Tax is levied on rental of rooms at hotels, motels, or other lodging, for fewer than 30 days. It is estimated that increasing the Transient Room Tax to 7% will generate approximately $53,000 in additional funds to support Borough infrastructure and expenses related to tourism in Petersburg. The Assembly unanimously approved Ordinance #2024-07 in its first reading.
If adopted in three readings, Ordinance #2024-08 will clarify uses for the proceeds of the Transient Room Tax by adding visitor-related signage, park maintenance and improvements, borough beautification and improvement projects, and repair and maintenance of visitor-related borough infrastructure, including stairs and sidewalks in the downtown area. The Assembly unanimously approved Ordinance #2024-08 in its first reading.
Ordinance #2024-09 will set the Borough budget for FY 2025. The Assembly unanimously approved Ordinance #2024-09 in its first reading.
If adopted by the Assembly in three readings, Ordinance #2024-10 will place a proposition on the 2024 Municipal Election ballot to increase the maximum taxable transaction amount from $1,200 to $5,000, resulting in an increase of the maximum collectible sales tax from $72 to $300 per single purchase of goods or services.
Adoption of Resolution #2024-07 will show support for the Borough's application to the State of Alaska for conveyance of 21 acres of state-owned tidelands in Scow Bay for the purpose of developing a vessel haul out and harbor.
The Petersburg Vessel Owner's Association requests Assembly support, by passage of this Resolution, for Amendment 123 of the NMFS Fishery Management Plan which links the halibut bycatch for the commercial groundfish trawl fleet to halibut abundance.
Alaska Department of Natural Resources issued a preliminary decision to convey 1,758 acres of municipal entitlement lands to the Borough and is accepting public comment on the decision until May 24, 2024. The lands are on Mitkof Island (Frederick Point, Woodpecker, and the parcel containing the shooting range) and also include three small islands in Sumner Strait. The Borough's comments to the decision are attached in this packet for Assembly approval.
The State of Alaska, Department of Natural Resources, requires borough mayors to sign for acceptance of any land dedicated for public use and for public purposes within the borough, regardless of whether or not the borough has platting authority in the area. This land dedication is south of the Papke's Landing area, which is currently exempt from platting authority. Acceptance of lands for public use or public purpose does not obligate the public or any governing body to construct, operate or maintain improvements. DNR is requesting Mayor Jensen sign the plat of the South Mitkof Subdivision.
At the September 5, 2023 meeting, the Assembly unanimously rejected the request for Mayor Jensen to sign the plat and accept the proposed subdivision lands dedicated for public use. Vice Mayor Marsh requests the subject be reconsidered.
Per Municipal Code Section 14.16.720, Rates - Fuel and Purchased Power Adjustment Charge, the Assembly has the discretion to implement a fuel adjustment charge to all kilowatt hours sold in the billing period that includes the annual SEAPA maintenance shutdown and the resulting 10-day diesel plant run by our electric utility. Utility Director Hagerman is requesting the fuel adjustment charge be implemented for the billing period between May 27 and June 27, 2024. The SEAPA maintenance period is scheduled for June 6 - 12, 2024. The fuel adjustment charge will appear on the July, 2024 electric bill.