[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6541479,"mediaKeyId","3415620-fbed32b85de3f21f32e9b36636dde332","parentId",3415620,"title","Assembly approves lease to Nordic Real Estate LLC; renews Elks Lodge club alcohol license","audioSeconds",106,"startMs",4320000,"endMs",4426000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3415620-fbed32b85de3f21f32e9b36636dde332&start=4320&end=4426","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3415620-fbed32b85de3f21f32e9b36636dde332/thumbnail_4320000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6541479/Petersburg-Borough/Alaska/Assembly-approves-lease-to-Nordic-Real-Estate-LLC-renews-Elks-Lodge-club-alcohol-license","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6541479-80df44645ffc1ec2a0a9e0525dfa746e/orig.mp4?Expires=1777214715&Signature=OnCCZ4~awcLJ6EEtXGV98duAXbTeidGLyqG7PzrpglGsmQW3NkQCCrk9L73glPJLl6F4AT~Xa4UZUAVtswvFlmiLy36lvXcr0Ec22gHQq6~XHaudyAY1oOE6se-nRDQPoMoaJF0s61VXW-vsRW8GHDJOZwKS3KefBN8Fy3SeINXcmHhH3pds-OC465gAxKQSwjV2FcPxKNiX0uNg7RE9v2BMc8cejFhJfdvy6aVBDSS5WDsrtRYwMoA7HLGeTlpZ68kbrAocVQPhd~FTmjRR7hGvD2XemCCUoNOV5MINM6~wOT6JN2NwDXEpBI5CEHvKlszPwA8O5rrbCxExUebAaA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Petersburg Borough","date","2025-05-21T00:58:27Z","article","The Petersburg Borough Assembly on May 19 unanimously approved a resolution to lease borough property identified as Lot 4A, Block 222, Skylark 2 Subdivision (Plat 90‑14, parcel ID 01‑010‑737) to Nordic Real Estate LLC under the terms in the attached lease agreement. The assembly had previously authorized staff to draft the lease; the resolution authorized execution of the completed lease.

In consent business, the assembly also approved a request to support the Elks Lodge club alcohol license renewal. The Alcohol and Marijuana Control Office (AMCO) determined the Elks application complete and the assembly voted to approve the local action; no protests were filed at the meeting.

Why it matters: Both actions are standard municipal approvals of property and licensing transactions. The lease authorizes the manager and borough attorney to proceed under the terms included in the packet; the alcohol license renewal affirms local government review required by state rules.

Votes
- Resolution 2025‑10 (lease to Nordic Real Estate LLC): passed unanimously by roll call.
- Consent agenda: Elks Lodge club license renewal recommendation approved unanimously by roll call.

Ending note
Staff indicated the lease had been negotiated following prior assembly direction and the executed lease will be carried out under the terms contained in the packet.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","5 19 2025 Assembly Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The assembly unanimously approved a lease of borough property to Nordic Real Estate LLC and approved a renewal of the Elks Lodge club alcohol license; both were approved by roll call votes during the May 19 meeting.","taxTitle","Petersburg Borough, Alaska","taxId",14865,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6541483,"Petersburg Assembly approves first readings of utility rate increases and a new marine passenger refuse fee",1077,3251000,4328000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3415620-fbed32b85de3f21f32e9b36636dde332&start=3251&end=4328","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3415620-fbed32b85de3f21f32e9b36636dde332/thumbnail_3251000.jpg","/articles/6541483/Petersburg-Borough/Alaska/Petersburg-Assembly-approves-first-readings-of-utility-rate-increases-and-a-new-marine-passenger-refuse-fee","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6541483-5871c7137feb610dff347da508224611/orig.mp4?Expires=1777214715&Signature=IZCFRc8UI0UeSIZCeGNnaV-x01txnoQCYFBQszAw2ejWsTkwAI0gzcx0cXwkUdZojZkkQfOh6v6Bo~BDctREiLIO5VtVSXlguZBUpe5XweYy7FeVrWq25me5R~NOjLuLwPZQ3H14QrghsFcm2-9k4gM-bau1nY12DTvRjaUE2ukIZK58Jn~4xUjbmqi8EBnXg7E4po3yvj0sumW-wGP1HfV~DH-80CnzIK1NDEX~TDab572JyN-W6noTIunhFCIEwh5WsSKssd1iuHNJpat9m7YUH05HSsvcHCE~lfWM3yrqvLGxKEenhqhQnAzmEm2UiwPO-l8KcYqR59ocJuBPQA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Petersburg Borough Assembly on May 19 approved in first readings a suite of utility ordinances that would raise electric, water and sewer rates and add a new flat refuse fee for marine passenger ships.

The actions, each approved unanimously on first reading, were:
- Ordinance 2025‑07: updates the electric utility chapter and implements a rate design change that moves away from a declining‑block structure to a single energy charge per kilowatt‑hour for each customer class; the package is intended to generate about a 4% increase in utility revenue.
- Ordinance 2025‑08: updates the water rate schedule.
- Ordinance 2025‑09: updates sewer collection rates.
- Ordinance 2025‑10: adds a new sanitation code section to allow a flat $800 fee for providing refuse service to marine passenger ships.

Why it matters: Utility rate changes affect monthly bills for residents, harbor users and commercial customers. Assembly members said they sought to balance cost recovery, system maintenance and fairness across customer classes while allowing customers clearer price signals to conserve energy.

Key details and staff explanation
Utility staff explained the electric changes. \"We're moving towards a much simpler, you know, one singular energy charge per kilowatt hour for each customer class,\" said Carl Hagerman, the utility director. He said the change reflects reduced surplus hydropower compared with earlier decades and aims to let customers see unit costs and manage consumption.

Hagerman and other staff said the package includes increases in customer base charges to stabilize revenue as rate design changes take effect; they cited harbor customer base charges rising more than residential base charges because of higher maintenance activity in harbor facilities. For example, the regular residential monthly customer charge would increase from $10 to $16 and the harbor user customer charge would increase from $10.50 to $20 (figures discussed in packet and at the meeting).

On the marine refuse item, sanitation staff said the borough had been collecting refuse from ships but had not fully recovered the extra staff and equipment time required to coordinate service. The proposed flat charge of $800 is designed to capture those added costs. Director Conner said the flat rate does not include an automatic inflation adjustment; the borough expects to revisit fixed rates periodically.

Assembly discussion
Assembly members acknowledged that rising costs are difficult for residents on fixed incomes, but many supported the package as necessary to maintain service and system reliability. Member Schwartz emphasized concern for fixed‑income residents, and Member Marsh asked about the long‑term effect of electrification trends on system demand; staff noted that load growth has been occurring and cited large year‑to‑year increases in some periods.

Next steps
Each ordinance passed its first reading and will return for additional readings and a staff‑recommended analysis before final adoption. Staff said they would monitor customer response after implementation and use rate‑modeling to adjust future proposals.

Votes at a glance
- Ordinance 2025‑07 (electric utility rates): first reading passed 7–0.
- Ordinance 2025‑08 (water rates): first reading passed 7–0.
- Ordinance 2025‑09 (sewer rates): first reading passed 7–0.
- Ordinance 2025‑10 (marine passenger ship refuse fee): first reading passed 7–0. The flat refuse fee was set at $800; staff does not yet plan an automatic inflation clause.","The assembly approved first readings of ordinances to raise electric, water and sewer rates and to add a flat $800 refuse fee for marine passenger ships; the electric proposal moves away from a declining-block rate toward a single per‑kWh energy charge and seeks roughly a 4% revenue increase.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6541488,"Petersburg Assembly votes to send sales‑tax exemption change for low‑income seniors to the ballot",430,2802000,3232000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3415620-fbed32b85de3f21f32e9b36636dde332&start=2802&end=3232","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3415620-fbed32b85de3f21f32e9b36636dde332/thumbnail_2802000.jpg","/articles/6541488/Petersburg-Borough/Alaska/Petersburg-Assembly-votes-to-send-salestax-exemption-change-for-lowincome-seniors-to-the-ballot","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6541488-ffafc7b71da5903a96a5e24d7220ac04/orig.mp4?Expires=1777214715&Signature=oJxy13BQdn0XB6kAywdio07wm9DGNM9wGbgBC2i8d6RmMbY92M-13RuHEC-sHwnCJ4TDES67TF9WiJBJph8kbQ4C6ZKIzJ0cowF4Ry9AZVxZvI7tSxjhgyk5IDiLjJIQqgGk2sJryqdG9CeS11Y23xkWbkPR2VsijO8eseRLQahP1h8XwBOg2rKb51StVCFbyBWMXXUp16sgVm~BiihzBood8OVkUL69tV6KfeUdJ9Bjzn4kTiLPmfY7N1GVJXAGNUj-bzuS37pCh8MWMfWha5NuEBpfmgjVc8z86A1UtZ8kjOBE6SbmVtZUNI4fuiRkPrRANen2Z5wmOwWTxck8kw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Petersburg Borough Assembly voted unanimously May 19 to advance an ordinance that would limit the municipal sales‑tax exemption for seniors to low‑income residents and submit the question to voters at the borough’s October election.

If adopted in three readings and approved by voters, the ordinance would amend Section 4.28.013 of the Petersburg Municipal Code to restrict the exemption to seniors who meet income thresholds defined by the state senior benefits program. The assembly approved the ordinance in its first reading; further public hearings and two additional readings are required before final action and placement on the ballot.

Why it matters: Borough staff said the existing broad exemption, created in 1981, leads to an estimated annual sales‑tax revenue loss of about $450,000. The proposed change is intended to focus the exemption on those who are income‑eligible for state senior benefits and to protect borough revenues used to fund services such as schools and elder programs.

Staff explanation and eligibility details
Jody Telle explained procedural details and eligibility. \"Currently, we have 477 senior exemption cards in Petersburg out. This would limit it to low income seniors,\" Telle said. She told the assembly that 61 borough residents currently receive state senior benefits. The packet included income guidelines: an eligible individual’s income cap was listed at $34,213 and a married couple’s cap at $46,253 (figures provided in the staff packet).

Telle said the senior benefits application is administered by the state of Alaska and can be submitted online or by mail, and that the borough would rely on the state’s vetting rather than reviewing tax returns locally.

Assembly reaction and next steps
Assembly members said the measure would allow voters to decide the policy change; Member Dan Gregor (referred to in the meeting as Dan Greger) urged that the issue go before the electorate. The ordinance passed its first reading by unanimous roll call; it will return for additional readings and a public hearing before being placed on the October ballot if advanced through the remaining steps.

Votes
- Ordinance 2025‑06 (amend senior sales‑tax exemption; submit to October ballot): first reading passed unanimously (7–0).

Ending note
Because the ordinance ties eligibility to a state program, borough staff said residents who qualify for state senior benefits should receive instructions about applying, and the borough can verify state eligibility when issuing local exemption cards.","The assembly passed the ordinance on first reading unanimously to limit the sales‑tax exemption to low‑income seniors and direct that change to the October ballot; staff said eligibility will rely on the state senior benefits determination and listed income thresholds.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6541495,"Petersburg Assembly approves second reading of FY2026 budget; amends to explore $1 million contribution toward American Cruise Lines dock design",714,2046000,2760000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3415620-fbed32b85de3f21f32e9b36636dde332&start=2046&end=2760","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3415620-fbed32b85de3f21f32e9b36636dde332/thumbnail_2046000.jpg","/articles/6541495/Petersburg-Borough/Alaska/Petersburg-Assembly-approves-second-reading-of-FY2026-budget-amends-to-explore-1-million-contribution-toward-American-Cruise-Lines-dock-design","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6541495-0e2ec4d09ad50bbcc9e2e11daeab8074/orig.mp4?Expires=1777214715&Signature=ZuXdBoEwS5AiiWP5J~jcwAW-n0SjGtUbLi~Ty6ZIklv9Sf-QWcxd6luugXTl0fqlvVyRs1PZ9bgwrDNdUKWvvG4gdPnn2mTVQhGP~-MGQ0dHzoglXJOJ~eEBS1F7KNB0hDlRPc8vOXGpa9mSjuheeHE0J-Pp4jzdcRZNGi9ypQ7WeZcfR~ChzyDD5kzTaC5CoJmoq6txWY7FQRpTBdTL3zcrjnaLEF3Fee4TsCgZIzrgkjtZsXlDOYidz1v97k0x0Rh5hHJiALcq~P87uausRudpB73tvEk4b2Sf9bKGAwDTQUmoty2YgCOHrznftmko9gS0pEy5kXFizK6JLbMmmg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Petersburg Borough Assembly on May 19 approved the second reading of the fiscal year 2026 budget, setting the borough’s spending plan for July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, and passed an amendment to direct further work exploring a $1,000,000 contribution from the harbor reserves toward a proposed dock facility for American Cruise Lines.

The budget passed by a 6–1 roll call vote, with Mayor Mark Jensen the lone dissenting vote. Member Newman moved the amendment to appropriate $1,000,000 from harbor reserves for a contribution to the proposed dock facility and to direct the borough manager to contact American Cruise Lines to seek agreement on a design — including consideration of “concept number 7” — and to return with a financial plan and timeline. Member Marsh seconded the amendment; it passed 6–1 with the mayor voting no. The amendment specifies that no funds may be spent without a subsequent assembly-approved written agreement.

Why it matters: The amendment would commit the borough to exploring a public‑private collaboration with American Cruise Lines, potentially affecting harbor operations, capital planning and the harbor enterprise fund, which is supported by harbor ratepayers. Assembly members and staff framed the amendment as an effort to keep the borough “at the table” during design discussions and to preserve local control over any new cruise facility.

Budget highlights and public testimony
Members heard public testimony during a public hearing on the budget before the vote. Robin Taylor, superintendent of the Petersburg School District, thanked the borough for support to the school district as state funding remained uncertain after the governor vetoed House Bill 57. “We do at least appreciate knowing that there is a piece of fiscal security there to help support next year’s funds,” Taylor said.

Ashley Kawashima, president and founding member of Humanity in Progress, thanked the assembly for including the organization in the community services line item, saying that local support helps the group serve residents amid rising costs. Liz Bacon, a Mountain View Manor board member, described the borough’s proposed $42,000 line item for the program that delivers evening meals to homebound residents. Bacon said the program relies heavily on federal grant passthroughs and local support; she gave program details including that the program serves about 27 meals on average with roughly 95% delivered, and she said the average cost to prepare one meal is about $15.

Assembly debate and harbor concerns
Assembly discussion before the amendment focused on balancing economic development opportunities with the harbor enterprise fund’s responsibility to maintain existing infrastructure. Harbormaster Wollan told the assembly the harbor had funds that could keep the borough “at the table” during design discussions but could not cover the full cost of a private facility. \"The million dollars would, I believe, keep us at the table, in the design area,\" Wollan said.

Several assembly members supported pursuing talks with American Cruise Lines as a way to maintain local control over cruise operations and to relieve congestion at existing docks; others warned that taking $1,000,000 from the harbor enterprise fund — which is supported by harbor ratepayers — could reduce capacity to address existing infrastructure needs, including aging concrete floats and ongoing maintenance.

Next steps
Because the amendment passed at the second reading, the proposed appropriation will move forward to the third reading where any final appropriation and written agreement would require a subsequent assembly vote. The main budget ordinance also passed its second reading; final adoption will follow the assembly’s remaining readings and any legally required public notice and process.

Votes at a glance
- Ordinance 2025‑05 (FY2026 borough budget): second reading passed 6–1 (Mayor Jensen voted no).
- Amendment to ordinance 2025‑05 to appropriate $1,000,000 from harbor reserves for discussions/design with American Cruise Lines: passed 6–1 (Mayor Jensen voted no). The amendment requires a later written agreement before any funds are spent.

What assembly members said
- \"This could be a great opportunity for a public private partnership,\" Member Stanton Greger said in support of the amendment.
- \"I'm not in support of taking a million dollars out of the harbor enterprise fund,\" Mayor Mark Jensen said, citing infrastructure needs.

Ending note
Assembly members thanked staff for producing a balanced budget in a challenging fiscal environment and noted the item will return for final action in upcoming meetings.","The Petersburg Borough Assembly approved the second reading of the fiscal year 2026 budget 6–1 and approved an amendment directing staff to explore a possible $1,000,000 appropriation from harbor reserves to support design talks with American Cruise Lines; no money may be spent without a later written agreement.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Assembly approves lease to Nordic Real Estate LLC; renews Elks Lodge club alcohol license

Petersburg Assembly approves first readings of utility rate increases and a new marine passenger refuse fee

Petersburg Assembly votes to send sales‑tax exemption change for low‑income seniors to the ballot

Petersburg Assembly approves second reading of FY2026 budget; amends to explore $1 million contribution toward American Cruise Lines dock design