Kodiak Assembly approves 2025 grant for Bayside Volunteer Fire Department equipment

The Kodiak Island Borough Assembly convened on February 20, 2025, to discuss several key resolutions and ordinances aimed at enhancing local fire protection and prioritizing capital improvement projects.

One of the primary topics was the adoption of Resolution FY2025-15, which authorizes the acceptance of a grant from the USDA Forest Service for the Bayside Volunteer Fire Department. Acting Administrative Official Seema Garrett explained that the grant aims to improve fire safety and capabilities in rural areas, with funds designated for essential equipment such as portable radios and flood lights. Assembly Member Whiteside praised the efforts of Chief Scott Ellis and the volunteer firefighters, highlighting their recent success in managing a small structure fire, which underscored the importance of community support for volunteer services.

The assembly also passed Resolution FY2025-16, which establishes a priority list for state legislative capital improvement projects for the upcoming session. This list, developed through community input and collaboration with the planning and zoning commission, includes significant projects such as the Saint Herman Harbor infrastructure replacement and the rehabilitation of local parks.

Additionally, the assembly adopted Resolution FY2025-17, which identifies federal project priorities for fiscal years 2025 and 2026. This resolution follows a similar collaborative process with federal lobbyists to ensure that local needs are represented at the federal level.

In terms of budgetary matters, the assembly introduced Ordinance FY2025-02A, which amends the current fiscal year's budget to account for various revenue adjustments and additional expenditures. Finance Director Dora Cross detailed several budget items, including reallocations for completed projects and additional funding for a treatment plant upgrade.

Overall, the meeting reflected the assembly's commitment to enhancing community safety and infrastructure while ensuring fiscal responsibility. The resolutions and ordinances passed will guide the borough's efforts in the coming year, with a focus on supporting volunteer services and addressing critical infrastructure needs.