Zoom Information
When: July 20, 2026 6:00 PM Alaska
Topic: Regular Assembly Meeting
https://petersburgak-gov.zoom.us/j/89079679649?pwd=3bIofckY9JGVn4m1eAlbg7QaUeTMoa.1
Webinar ID: 890 7967 9649
Passcode: 536792
Call-in (Audio Only) (253) 215-8782
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.
PMPL is requesting approval of Ordinance #2026-13 authorizing the issuance of revenue bonds in the amount of $3,315,000 for the completion of the Scow Bay Standby Generation project. Construction cost increases since the project's initiation caused a dramatic budget shortfall that would be funded through this bond issuance. If approved by the Assembly in three readings, the question of issuing the revenue bond debt will be placed on the October 6, 2026, local ballot for consideration by Petersburg voters.
Ordinance #2026-13 was unanimously approved in its first and second readings.
If approved in three readings, 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. It would prioritize collocation, sets development standards, and provides a waiver procedure if strict adherence to the development standards would require technically impossible designs, cause structural instability, or result in an inability to close a significant coverage gap or leave a coverage area functionally unable to handle emergency calls. It is intended to balance the community’s need for reliable wireless and other communication services with public safety and aesthetic concerns.
A list of proposed amendments and supporting maps are attached.
Ordinance #2026-14A was approved, as amended, in its first and second readings.
If approved in three readings, this ordinance will amend Title 3 of the Petersburg Borough Code to establish nepotism standards for elected officials, as required by the Borough Charter. The ordinance creates disclosure and recusal requirements when an elected official's family member has a substantial financial interest in a matter before the Borough and prohibits participation in certain employment-related decisions involving family members.
The Borough has received and certified an initiative petition proposing a senior sales tax exemption for qualified Borough residents 70 years of age and older. Pursuant to PMC 2.44.080, this ordinance is being presented to the assembly for its consideration.
If the assembly adopts a substantially similar measure, the initiative petition is void and the initiated matter is not put on the ballot, however, because this ordinance would create a sales tax exemption, it would still require voter ratification under Borough charter section 12.02B. If this ordinance is not adopted, the initiated matter will be submitted to the voters.
If approved in three readings, Ordinance #2026-17 establishes the Thomas Bay Service Area within the Petersburg Borough and creates a new chapter in the Borough Code defining its boundaries, services, and financing. The service area would include all property within ASLS 81-235, excluding the federally owned parcel, and would authorize the provision of services, such as fire and EMS, police, road construction and maintenance, and parks and recreation.
The ordinance does not mandate a specific level of service; the level and form of services, if any, will be determined subsequently by the Assembly through the annual budgeting process.
Because no voters reside within the proposed service area, its creation is based on the consent of the Borough and the State of Alaska as the sole property owners within the area.
A memo from Director Cabrera, a Letter of Consent from DNR and a map of the area are attached to this agenda item.
If approved in three readings, this ordinance will update the Petersburg Municipal Code by removing outdated provisions, consolidating utility extension requirements into a single chapter, and updating Cabin Creek Road use fees. The changes are intended to modernize code language, clarify utility extension procedures, and better reflect current Borough operations and costs.
If approved, Resolution #2026‑19 would authorize the sale of a Borough‑owned parcel at 503 Lumber Street to Robert Funk 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.
If approved, this resolution will authorize the Borough Manager to apply for and execute a State Revolving Fund loan of up to $150,000 through the Alaska Clean Water Fund to complete a Wastewater Disinfection Study. The study will evaluate wastewater disinfection alternatives, develop preliminary engineering recommendations, and identify improvements needed to meet current and future regulatory requirements.
If approved, this resolution will authorize the Borough Manager to apply for and execute a State Revolving Fund loan of up to $150,000 through the Alaska Clean Water Fund to develop and implement an Industrial Pretreatment Program for the Borough's wastewater treatment system.
The program will help the Borough meet state and federal wastewater pretreatment requirements by evaluating industrial discharges, developing local limits, and establishing monitoring and enforcement procedures.
The Borough has received an application from Brian Newman to purchase Borough‑owned property at 1205 Lake Street. The Planning Commission held a public hearing on June 9, 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 $15,000. 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.
If approved, this Special Use Permit will allow Brian Newman to use a portion of the undeveloped Lake Street right-of-way for access to 1205 Lake Street. The Planning Commission recommended approval, contingent upon conveyance of the property to the applicant.
If someone other than Mr. Newman purchases the property; the new owner will need to submit an application for a special use permit to access the lot.
The Petersburg Indian Association is seeking Federal Transit Administration funding through the FY26 Tribal Transit Competitive Program for replacement of a transit vehicle. The attached letter provides the Borough Assembly's endorsement of the application and support for continued transit services in Petersburg.