[{"_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",6532186,"mediaKeyId","3415594-94353cbe3b3db745d223ed4996bc4748","parentId",3415594,"title","Assembly passes package of ordinances and appropriations, including Big Lake recreation center purchase and grant-funded riparian project","audioSeconds",620,"startMs",4660000,"endMs",5280000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3415594-94353cbe3b3db745d223ed4996bc4748&start=4660&end=5280","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3415594-94353cbe3b3db745d223ed4996bc4748/thumbnail_4660000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6532186/Matanuska-Susitna-Borough/Alaska/Assembly-passes-package-of-ordinances-and-appropriations-including-Big-Lake-recreation-center-purchase-and-grant-funded-riparian-project","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6532186-b99c216ecfe928d4095c26766a681ac3/orig.mp4?Expires=1770827417&Signature=ZNuKm9XWTgx0-KFMK2vM7V6tW7debfDdQTmRgDvI35LP97vFq1VesUkt4Xuq8sB5yjuxPJlZil1jn5S1Kimb2lrb6TR8is8W1Jj9HaT924rQAfh8nYXsgbPcTbYcjZ5IHB2b7cpDAzh71L9fBuPyuPXzxdsCahW4sNQDmoWdmPsOj6taRoswJKf4ESmYB1JRPcpd~ssuWVa3dT4iqBP8~CdVKXuNryZS825ge~Rk0ZB7ZwhJi9uy7aoZBC9uWpjYFxrYw1~f9krIgahAhcbPoiMc7SoN0qHJuew9AC2y-HTALJTjdHDZPXCJDbHjFEZIL7nFHiiLsajTpwnLFG8HIQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Matanuska-Susitna Borough","date","2025-05-20T00:00:00Z","article","The Matanuska-Susitna Borough Assembly approved a package of ordinances and resolutions at its May 20 meeting, covering property conversions, local improvement districts, grants, facility purchase, equipment replacement and project timeline extensions. Most measures passed with little debate; several were bundled by staff or were routine accept-and-appropriate requests.

Key actions passed at the meeting (summary with key details):

- Ordinance 25-023: Convey and merge the borough’s development rights with agricultural rights to convey fee-simple title with perpetual agricultural covenants for Tax ID 19N05W13C002 to Tory and Cynthia Lehi. Staff said the agriculture advisory board unanimously supported the conversion; no public comments were received. Assembly adopted the ordinance.

- Ordinances 25-031 through 25-038: Four pairs of ordinances confirming assessment rolls and authorizing internal-service-fund financing for several Natural Gas Local Improvement Districts (North Kurt Circle #650, Easy Street & Cozy Circle #658, Echo Lake Drive & Neckaracinth Drive #663, Homestead Drive #667). Staff reported the work is complete and financing via internal service funds will finalize assessment accounting; the assembly adopted the package as presented.

- Ordinance 25-039 and Resolution 25-030: Accept and appropriate a $113,500 grant from the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation for an outreach project to reduce nonpoint-source pollution in riparian areas. Staff described the borough’s education and outreach initiative to protect riparian zones; assembly adopted the ordinance and companion resolution.

- Ordinance 25-048: Authorization to purchase the Big Lake Lions Club Recreation Center and adjacent parking lot for $400,000 (purchase subject to FY26 appropriation, which the assembly had approved in the FY26 budget). Staff reported the 2025 appraisal listed the building at $4,950,000 and the parking at $28,000; assembly adopted the ordinance to let the manager complete acquisition under previously approved budget authority.

- Ordinance 25-053 and Resolution 25-039: Reappropriated $90,000 within the Animal Care and Regulation budget to purchase a replacement cremator. Staff said refurbishing was not feasible because the original manufacturer no longer exists and parts are unavailable; total new-unit cost with installation is about $125,000. Staff noted operating cost comparisons and that outsourcing cremations would cost roughly $3,500 per month. Assembly adopted the reappropriation and companion resolution.

- Ordinance 25-056: Extension of time limits for completion on expiring projects (to 06/30/2026). Staff said the ordinance would extend roughly $13.4 million in ongoing project funds that otherwise would expire; the assembly adopted the extension.

- Ordinance 25-057 and Resolution 25-045: Acceptance and appropriation of a $2,000 reimbursement grant to send the borough’s floodplain administrator to the Association of State Floodplain Managers conference; staff noted the attendee will be recognized for 20 years as a certified floodplain manager. Assembly adopted the pair.

- Ordinance 25-058 and Resolution 25-049: Annexation of three parcels off the Glenn Highway into the Greater Palmer Consolidated Fire Service Area (petition-based annexation; the service-area board approved without objection). Assembly adopted the ordinance and companion resolution.

- Ordinance 25-059: Amendment to remove term limits for the Agricultural Advisory Board — the assembly postponed consideration to the June 3 meeting to solicit the agricultural board’s view (the motion was referred to a future meeting at the request of several members).

- Ordinance 25-060 and Resolution 25-050: Acceptance and appropriation of $2,064,750 from the city of Houston (state funds passed through) for reconstruction of King Arthur Drive; the assembly adopted the ordinance and companion resolution.

- Ordinance 25-062: Extension of time-limit for Emergency Services Station 129 building project to 06/30/2029; staff said design funding is available and additional funds are on federal/state priority lists. Assembly adopted the ordinance.

- Bond-related ordinances (25-063, 25-064): Acceptance and appropriation of bond issuance proceeds and issuance costs for school and transportation bonds (series sales and refunding); assembly adopted the appropriation ordinances.

Votes and objections: Most items passed with no roll-call objections. A handful of measures drew recorded no votes (for example, purchase of the Big Lake recreation center drew recorded no votes from Assemblymember Ron Bernier and Assemblymember Dimitri Fonoff). Several items were adopted as packaged motions to streamline routine financings.

Ending: Staff will implement the adopted appropriations, advertise financing where needed, and return project and procurement results to the assembly for any required further approvals.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Assembly Regular Meeting - May 20, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Matanuska-Susitna Borough Assembly on May 20 approved a package of ordinances and resolutions including an ag-conversion sale, multiple local improvement district financing ordinances, a DEC riparian grant, purchase-authority for the Big Lake Lions Club recreation center, and funding for a replacement cremator at the borough animal facility.","taxTitle","Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska","taxId",14460,"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},6532191,"Assembly refers proposed changes to water-body setbacks and land-use rules to multiple advisory boards and commissions",51,6330000,6381000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3415594-94353cbe3b3db745d223ed4996bc4748&start=6330&end=6381","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3415594-94353cbe3b3db745d223ed4996bc4748/thumbnail_6330000.jpg","/articles/6532191/Matanuska-Susitna-Borough/Alaska/Assembly-refers-proposed-changes-to-water-body-setbacks-and-land-use-rules-to-multiple-advisory-boards-and-commissions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6532191-1009666277a6a05c2786d95815cbbdfd/orig.mp4?Expires=1770827417&Signature=BIVW2MVbyEw~bOX7BJUmYapufUO7JEfvz0c4nA86VN61~FbTQ2BxtYYxocHmapUvI3UUccTAqLKlH034DzIQsNCnxZePqmnuDljqWILtKIx2Kvw9zXd-YxG6zuxnPgN-Yi7th-hmc4Z2qT7mSDJQQo8KneOo5dqwjTzrOY~SpwJEedAFOVS~m9bxxcfmipg2CT2iZJro0bSHXAOn8FjNxQuSQdFwnYa1Q-UKQkDActCBHKVSKqlD~8hsbtAopi3Cw8fuUmYwJsX1yMlsxT1dEOBjpR0nMDBuiaKxblRAC2WWBuoYE9kbVDK6WBkCKVkt1mSXRf1rOTGpkREmvi5OKQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Matanuska-Susitna Borough Assembly on May 20 referred a broad package of land-use code changes — filed as Ordinance 25-073 — for concurrent review by multiple advisory boards and commissions.

Ordinance 25-073 proposes amendments to several borough code sections, including mandatory land-use permits (MSP 17.02), setback and screening rules for water bodies (MSP 17.55), variances (MSP 17.65), nonconforming structures (MSP 17.80) and definitions (MSP 17.125). Given the ordinance’s scope, the assembly voted to send the draft to the Planning Commission and the Fish and Wildlife Commission, and also to solicit input from the Parks, Recreation and Trails Advisory Board, the Transportation Advisory Board, the Agricultural Advisory Board, and the Waste and Water Body Advisory Board; the assembly approved having the reviews run concurrently.

Assemblymembers debated how much external review to require and how long to allow for comment. Some members wanted a shorter process or simultaneous review; others argued the ordinance affects a wide set of stakeholders — property owners, lakeshore residents, agricultural users, recreationists, infrastructure planners — and should be vetted by multiple expert groups before coming back for public hearing. Assemblymember Maxwell Sumner and others emphasized the ordinance’s nuanced effects, and some members said they were especially concerned about homeowners who lack “grandfather” protections and are trying to sell property.

The final motion, as adopted, sends the ordinance concurrently to the listed advisory boards and commissions for a 120-day review period; staff and boards will gather feedback and return recommendations to the Planning Commission and ultimately to the assembly for public hearings and further action. Several assembly members asked staff to solicit input from community councils as well.

Ending: The referral starts the formal review process. Boards and commissions will schedule comment periods and may hold special meetings if necessary; the Planning Commission will receive the collected comments and forward its recommendation to the assembly for a future public hearing and vote.","The assembly voted to refer ordinance 25-073 — which proposes changes to mandatory land-use permits, setbacks and definitions including water-body setback sections — for concurrent review by multiple advisory boards and commissions for 120 days.",{"_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},6532195,"Assembly directs manager to rebid several road-service-area maintenance contracts after debate",507,4978000,5485000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3415594-94353cbe3b3db745d223ed4996bc4748&start=4978&end=5485","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3415594-94353cbe3b3db745d223ed4996bc4748/thumbnail_4978000.jpg","/articles/6532195/Matanuska-Susitna-Borough/Alaska/Assembly-directs-manager-to-rebid-several-road-service-area-maintenance-contracts-after-debate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6532195-12dea7dcc82d1eaff998484a6b13740c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770827417&Signature=aTn9a3ryAu-CdJSQopfGAgb0DSLyWT2Jb~nW7-5E7q4uUUVV8ovnvWf2-Zc24GLIwfe5HI5xtVGS7D4FxIN3ve-lITGOS9Za~3VGZqUq0lofylOGdH9hcW3CY-yMgPRavynCnxjg8cFpdGRwwXzLJ~N11gW07ZcSqvTjDN1sOgbNuVsp6cFwgIgqQfcmwWKeP7vBLG8oHy8HWALq-7unRgpEEh2IatFJrWmnGG8eo01MGfRSzPBstvK6F3Dx0i4bkvdx~-YNmcdPcteKcSWaRBX1FzmaUCfxtVnDd2fFkeP2D5fFF-kge4KAwG3-2S2r6WtE0A8Q-81l-jjq~B0ReQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Matanuska-Susitna Borough Assembly voted May 20 to direct the borough manager to rebid road maintenance contracts for several road service areas (RSAs) next season after a contentious discussion among assembly members and public commenters.

Assemblymembers who sponsored the measures said some maintenance contracts appeared higher than comparable bids and that rebidding could save taxpayers money. Assemblymember Bill Gamble and Assemblymember Maxwell Sumner led motions to rebid specific RSAs in their districts; the items on the floor included directives for Gold Trail Road Service Area (RSA number 28), Meadow Lakes Road Service Area (RSA number 27), and Bogart Road Service Area (identified in the record as RSA number 205). The assembly first considered a set of similar motions; some initially failed and were then reconsidered and passed as amended to direct next-season rebids.

During the debate, members raising concerns about late rebids said contractors make business decisions—leasing equipment, hiring staff, arranging subcontractors—based on expected contract length, and that issuing a rebid at the end of a contract year risks disrupting local businesses and increasing costs. Opponents warned rebidding every RSA at once would impose a heavy administrative burden and could backfire if prices rose.

Supporters argued the borough should seek competitive pricing and said evidence showed disparities among awarded contracts. Assemblymember Sumner successfully moved reconsideration and amendment on one resolution to specify rebidding next season (for the 2026 contract year), rather than immediate cancellation of existing contract terms. After amendments narrowed the scope and established a timetable for rebids, the assembly adopted the directed rebids for the named RSAs.

The borough clerk recorded roll-call votes for the amendments and final motions. Some members who had supported rebids for their own districts acknowledged the political sensitivity of rebidding contracts already awarded this year and stressed they were directing the manager to put those specific RSAs on next season’s rebid list, not to terminate current contracts midterm. The deputy borough attorney advised that the assembly may direct manager action for future procurements, and that taking up un-noticed RSAs beyond those named would raise notice issues.

Ending: The manager’s office will prepare the rebid schedules and public procurement notices for the named RSAs for next season; staff indicated they would publicize the rebids and provide information to local contractors. Assembly members asked managers to coordinate timing so contractors have adequate notice before rebid advertising and to report back on results.","Following contentious debate, the Assembly voted to direct the borough manager to rebid maintenance contracts for several road service areas next season; members cited public comments about cost and contractor behavior, while others warned of business impacts from late rebids.",{"_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},6532198,"Assembly removes Pat Daniels from Big Lake RSA 21 after members and public raise conduct concerns",469,2885000,3354000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3415594-94353cbe3b3db745d223ed4996bc4748&start=2885&end=3354","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3415594-94353cbe3b3db745d223ed4996bc4748/thumbnail_2885000.jpg","/articles/6532198/Matanuska-Susitna-Borough/Alaska/Assembly-removes-Pat-Daniels-from-Big-Lake-RSA-21-after-members-and-public-raise-conduct-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6532198-ca764315b957e9fdc6e7e2df265dab8f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770827417&Signature=CFjlyexioCpNzgp91jgbmYpj-XL6msU5y-LEPYZMEELBewT7lr5PPqDMIEBMq7OKvA~0Z6qQUP-Wr9PpUJp~kjuAstDa8YP1PCBBVU~riZlp9qVD7Tad~Xt8EYjo2mxUEOONLrTb5AcFUtCbwgIWdsRSfmN-426D7oU8N4UaPoHeiEsRYaVEQBVaWsoaGB8orVgADKPZJZ1ku099aN5ih4msCysri~CKcdblXEwzrkNwujfBSKEo-o~XMjZCXxOwiEtdxT7mYZwxLa3bJbQtyvnayqxPZMLWBiC32kCn8zJfTpOQGN66QTk05VV3y~3wOzphKLWodTlJ9fMEVIuLYQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Matanuska-Susitna Borough Assembly voted on May 20 to remove Pat Daniels from the Big Lake Road Service Area (RSA) 21 Board of Supervisors, after a heated process that began as a proposal to remove all five board members and was amended to target Daniels alone.

Assemblymember Bill Gamble moved the original resolution to remove all board members from RSA 21, then offered and carried an amendment narrowing the action to a single member, Pat Daniels. Gamble said he had attended an April RSA 21 meeting where public attendees left after a meeting discussion “digressed” into allegations about borough administration spending and the meeting became “embarrassing.” He told the assembly that four of the five board members had “stopped engaging in activities and tactics” cited in the information memorandum, but that Daniels had not.

The amended resolution recited multiple concerns: allegations that Daniels had continued to “sow discord,” used borough staff time on personal matters, advocated individually without board concurrence, and otherwise disrupted public participation. The amended resolution removed Daniels from RSA 21 and declared the seat immediately vacant.

Deputy Borough Attorney John Ashenbrenner told the assembly the public notice for the removal was adequate because the original resolution had listed removal of all board members; narrowing the target to one individual did not require a new notice period. The mayor’s concurrence reduced the required assembly votes for removal; the motion carried with Assemblymembers Bill Gamble, Maxwell Sumner, and two others voting in favor. Assemblymembers Dimitri Fonoff and Ron Bernier voted no. (See vote record below.)

Members of the public and RSA 21 callers testified both in person and by phone before the vote. Garland Morrison, an RSA 21 board member, urged the assembly not to dissolve or remove members and described the board as exercising differences of opinion rather than dysfunction. A caller representing RSA 21 said the board’s members were “quality people” and deserved to finish their terms. Gamble and other assembly members said they had seen one board member’s conduct continue after the resolution was introduced and that the amendment was intended to remove the source of disruption while keeping the other four members.

The assembly’s action removes Daniels and declares the seat vacant; the mayor and borough administration will follow the borough’s appointment process to fill the vacancy.

Votes at the meeting showed strong debate over whether removal of board members is appropriate mid-term and whether the assembly should intervene directly in RSA composition. Several members said the late timing of previous notices and the public meeting behavior justified targeted removal; others said the assembly should not remove members for disagreement or for conduct short of statutory cause.

The assembly also discussed how the action might set precedent for future removals and whether alternative remedies (warning letters, mediation, or requiring certain procedural changes) would have been preferable. The borough’s information memorandum and the RSA 21 meeting minutes were cited repeatedly during debate.

Ending: The seat declared vacant is for Big Lake RSA 21; the mayor will follow standard appointment procedures. The assembly’s resolution and the supporting information memorandum were entered into the record; several callers indicated they would submit written comments and documentation to borough staff following the meeting.

","The Matanuska-Susitna Borough Assembly voted to remove Pat Daniels from the Big Lake Road Service Area (RSA) 21 Board of Supervisors, citing ongoing disruptive conduct and public complaints; the resolution was amended mid-process to remove only Daniels rather than all RSA members.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Assembly passes package of ordinances and appropriations, including Big Lake recreation center purchase and grant-funded riparian project

Assembly refers proposed changes to water-body setbacks and land-use rules to multiple advisory boards and commissions

Assembly directs manager to rebid several road-service-area maintenance contracts after debate

Assembly removes Pat Daniels from Big Lake RSA 21 after members and public raise conduct concerns