[{"_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",6524065,"mediaKeyId","5021296-8fe1f5f51fe3df8f45d982e7937b6149","parentId",5021296,"title","Assembly divides and amends Bogard‑Selden corridor access management plan; ultimately postpones final adoption to Aug. 5","audioSeconds",4447,"startMs",3252000,"endMs",7699000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5021296-8fe1f5f51fe3df8f45d982e7937b6149&start=3252&end=7699","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5021296-8fe1f5f51fe3df8f45d982e7937b6149/thumbnail_3252000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6524065/Matanuska-Susitna-Borough/Alaska/Assembly-divides-and-amends-BogardSelden-corridor-access-management-plan-ultimately-postpones-final-adoption-to-Aug-5","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6524065-2124e935af7d0746d4f539b5a5889c19/orig.mp4?Expires=1770445900&Signature=WMlCGCWAJtBEbDt4nYvR9bLLeUARKy0ZY-Ey6K5achjGyfv6MVH~-x944eIhZqgZmu-a8~IMlmCa~ejE3~0OxyiYgxiJ~MuvqXNiSzikMaoig2aYGe7KpLJrcekmLOAVEaP2N1ojAEy6jyoyvSKlc~yVEtDVL-6y8gNDa04gtmSQIaKkAYw3DzTPxj3EuRhDYIfpHit7kIRNvEuSZ~zaDNU~M9ofAFHu79JZC8WWNJdJ1deYKMhA5MPyUGpiudhT6O08ArqQVXxTy~~GA8zK18lgiVLKthkRfcyG-h4F4LW-nwIhrk9dGhWocqGdkocFlfsi7hSKDR4uP2IJMkIinA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Matanuska-Susitna Borough","date","2025-06-18T06:18:10Z","article","The assembly’s long‑running review of the Bogard‑Selden Corridor Access Management Plan (AM 25‑054) dominated the June 17 meeting and lasted late into the evening. Assembly members and staff considered multiple amendments affecting segments of the corridor; several amendments were adopted, others failed, and the assembly ultimately postponed final adoption until Aug. 5 to allow staff time to consolidate the changes and publish an edited version.

Planning Director Alex Tron and Public Works Director Tom Adams briefed the assembly on the ordinance and its origin. Tron said the changes were prompted in part by public reaction to a recent Matanuska Electric Association transmission project and that the amendment package clarified intent, improved notification and added an explicit appeal path to the borough’s Board of Adjustment and Appeals.

A sizable public turnout included property owners who urged specific changes to preserve local access, neighborhood groups that supported corridor principles and community councils that filed formal letters. Residents of Woodfield Park and East Village Loop asked the assembly to avoid creating new through routes into neighborhoods; the North Lakes Community Council testified in favor of the plan overall but sought targeted adjustments.

Assembly debate focused on a set of numbered amendments divided out of a larger omnibus motion. Among the actions the assembly took (selected highlights): it adopted a frontage‑road preference in part of Segment C (extending a proposed frontage connection between North Bear Street and North Grayling Street) while retaining alternative alignment options in the plan text; it added an option and map symbol to preserve a short frontage connection in Segment E (Old Squaw Loop to realigned Snow Goose) rather than opening multiple new intersections; and it made several smaller corrections and map clarifications requested by staff (naming corrections and map symbols for turn lanes).

Several amendments failed in roll calls, and a few amendments passed only after separate votes on divided questions. After substantial deliberation and a request from staff and the maker of multiple secondary amendments, the assembly voted to postpone final adoption to Aug. 5 so that staff can prepare an updated plan that incorporates all passed amendments and provide the edited documents for review. Borough staff committed to publishing the consolidated materials July 23 so assembly members will have time to review before the Aug. 5 meeting.

Why it matters: The corridor plan is intended to reduce the number of direct accesses to Selden Road, improve intersection spacing and guide the location of future right‑of‑way and projects. Assembly members stressed the balance between corridor‑scale spacing principles and neighborhood access; public commenters urged the assembly to avoid unintended impacts to existing subdivisions.

What’s next: Staff will prepare an updated plan that reflects all adopted amendments and publish it July 23. The assembly set a reconvened decision date of Aug. 5, 2025, allowing further review and a final vote.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Assembly Regular Meeting - June 16, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","After a marathon debate over dozens of amendments, the Matanuska‑Susitna Borough Assembly adopted several targeted changes to the Bogard‑Selden corridor access management plan and postponed final adoption to Aug. 5 to allow staff to consolidate edits and publish an updated plan.","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},6524070,"Mat-Su Borough staff outline fuel excise tax proposal as long‑term pay‑as‑you‑go option for roads",458,314000,772000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5021296-8fe1f5f51fe3df8f45d982e7937b6149&start=314&end=772","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5021296-8fe1f5f51fe3df8f45d982e7937b6149/thumbnail_314000.jpg","/articles/6524070/Matanuska-Susitna-Borough/Alaska/Mat-Su-Borough-staff-outline-fuel-excise-tax-proposal-as-longterm-payasyougo-option-for-roads","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6524070-17088623d760e7f53ca39663263c8960/orig.mp4?Expires=1770445900&Signature=FLjcsMo5wQAHZ0f5UOB6ZC~uUemIzTXqksm4wWqOP0232UpBwfB0R3oTmgcnc2rRbokjCxUsAi2e7gunKOxjbilpg1DGTRoQ3I3ISFXn~GWYOSCq~hoq46DBfnPLOvguKBnHwmRzqKmWkaPwnJyWeoO6~9BwvIwBW-kc5iiqvw6A6qJbzuxESLUSUm-tO0YkLzhGyk2xg09u5BZim3Ff5NYleazTKqhXQjo6LmJ~VhOOqvku2I831ULZLSb-HU7IQJLCkWCaGhGlF2P7UVc3jOr~2z4ygXs61PJLru969xL3weXZCQhoaxGwCtF4RTK-jWByxWsH-El6C9sHpx3GTQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Matanuska‑Susitna Borough manager presented a draft fuel excise tax proposal at the June 17 assembly meeting, framing it as a pay‑as‑you‑go funding option for future capital needs and a way to avoid increasing long‑term debt.

Manager Sam Brown told the assembly the borough is in “a very good financial position” but faces rising long‑term debt pressures if state participation in school and road packages continues to fall to zero. He said the excise tax would be dedicated to capital improvements, would not apply to aviation, marine or home‑heating fuels, and would capture revenue from non‑residents who use borough roads.

“To look 10 years out,” Brown said, the borough modeled $330 million in road packages and $250 million in school packages and found debt service and the millage equivalent could grow substantially if the state stops participating in reimbursements. “The proposal … is really about establishing a pay‑as‑you‑go mechanism as opposed to selling bonds or accruing debt in the future for road improvements,” he said.

Brown said the borough received recent double‑A plus bond ratings and wanted to be clear the proposal is about future funding choices rather than current fiscal distress. He said the ordinance would not be scheduled for public hearing until July 15 so the community will have time to comment.

Public comment at the meeting included both support and opposition. John Miller, a resident, said he favors shifting some burden away from property taxes and suggested the tax include a sunset clause so the community can reassess; he also said people will be wary unless they see a clear property‑tax offset.

By contrast, Linda Spohn told the assembly she opposes any tax increases without cuts, saying public safety and road maintenance should be prioritized and expressing distrust that the tax would be limited to roads. “This is a tax increase that would go into the general fund probably for everything but roads,” she said.

Other speakers urged assurances that fuel excise revenue would reduce property‑tax pressure or be placed on a ballot. Manager Brown later told the assembly staff is preparing additional material, including a draft resolution to clarify how any new revenue should be used and that possible amendments — including a sunset clause — were expected to be discussed before any final ordinance.

Why it matters: Brown said the analysis shows state participation in school‑debt reimbursement and road matches is eroding toward zero, which would shift more of the burden to local taxpayers. The manager and staff presented the tax as a tool to broaden the revenue base to include all road users, not just property owners, and to avoid larger future debt loads that could crowd out other municipal services.

What’s next: The borough will publish supporting material online ahead of the July 15 public hearing. Staff said a draft resolution to guide how revenue would be used and at least one assembly member intends to propose a sunset amendment; both items are expected before the public hearing.","Borough administration presented a proposed fuel excise tax as a mechanism to raise pay‑as‑you‑go revenue for road and school capital needs and to avoid increased long‑term debt; public commenters expressed mixed reactions including calls for property tax relief and protections against new taxes.",{"_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},6524055,"Votes at a glance: ordinances, resolutions and contract actions from the June 17 Mat‑Su Borough Assembly meeting",224,3184000,3408000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5021296-8fe1f5f51fe3df8f45d982e7937b6149&start=3184&end=3408","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5021296-8fe1f5f51fe3df8f45d982e7937b6149/thumbnail_3184000.jpg","/articles/6524055/Matanuska-Susitna-Borough/Alaska/Votes-at-a-glance-ordinances-resolutions-and-contract-actions-from-the-June-17-MatSu-Borough-Assembly-meeting","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6524055-9afd462d086a1a5e0ad169444fe01ff0/orig.mp4?Expires=1770445900&Signature=hfZyHCkRI7X6L13SPL-a5YQ9-WIi4fMh8OrmyQsQriq7z6ds2PGQmZhT-0mdBlT3UDs7JK4FIrPUhvaUILEwoeUWar38tzLqfsTCOm1zMxR-xnhIvWdZss3oREhtQUfNywoRGGCny3HMew2OczxxNgozQL5K1BMYtef7OWMl7-bW7CLv9uxDWa-~ac19-FntMsUNK7-kEAArkhCnwdYoaIhOyPrP1z13NkGOwGbVQFSSfHeG50ERybDJn0ILTPhw0iKV6BjUFNBLxYxjpEVwJoV0MQcTjYO2UDuhBwHRRFIZrDk4F9FsDFgBxEONOj5970V1MrdQ2o6zTCLibt1Xhg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","This section summarizes formal actions (motions and votes) taken or recorded during the June 17 Matanuska‑Susitna Borough Assembly meeting. Where the transcript recorded clear outcomes, those outcomes are shown; where the transcript used voice votes and did not provide a roll‑call tally, the record indicates the recorded outcome and notes when tallies were not specified in the public record.

Key actions (selected):

1) Ordinance 25‑042 and Resolution 25‑035 — Palmer Avesta 9‑1‑1 telephone system reimbursement
- Motion: Adopt ordinance 25‑042 and resolution 25‑035 as amended (reduce appropriation and update memorandum and add five years of support/monitoring). Moved by Assemblymember Nowers; amendment offered to replace $793,703 with $448,174 and add updated memorandum and extended support. The amendment passed with no objection and the ordinance/resolution passed as amended.
- Outcome: Passed (amendment reduced requested appropriation from $793,703 to $448,174; council recorded amendment passage by voice vote; transcript indicates no roll‑call tally was recorded in the public record).

2) Ordinance 25‑050 — Amend MSB 17.05 (essential service utilities)
- Motion: Adopt ordinance 25‑050 to amend code 17.05 clarifying public‑notice, hearings and appeals for major utility transmission projects. Assemblymember Hale moved; multiple friendly amendments were made (including adding web links to public notices). Motion passed by voice vote.
- Outcome: Passed (one amendment to add a project information link to public notices was adopted). Assemblymember Sumner recused from the debate earlier; the ordinance passed after amendments.

3) Ordinance 25‑074 and Resolution 25‑060 — Accept & appropriate $19,618.11 in public donations for animal care facility upgrades
- Motion: Adopt ordinance 25‑074 and resolution 25‑060 (accept donations and appropriate funds for exterior facility upgrades). Moved and adopted by voice vote.
- Outcome: Passed.

4) Ordinance 25‑075 — Appropriating RSA operating funds to RSA capital project funds
- Motion: Adopt ordinance 25‑075. Staff requested failure (to allow audit and later transfer) and the assembly ultimately voted. The motion to adopt was brought forward and the vote recorded as failed unanimously in the transcript.
- Outcome: Failed (voice vote recorded as unanimously failed).

5) Consent agenda and contract awards (selected items)
- The assembly approved a multi‑item consent agenda that included contract awards and amendments (examples recorded in the meeting minutes/transcript):
- Bid 25075B Orion Construction — Wasilla Pool Drain repairs ($441,631.02) — reported.
- Bid 25174B Battle Ground LLC — North Colony RSA annual maintenance ($302,956) — consented.
- Bid 25177B QAP — Meadow Lakes Loop Improvements Phase 1 ($1,171,815) — awarded on consent.
- Other procurement and contract amendments listed in the clerk’s reading were approved as part of the consent agenda.
- Outcome: Consent agenda approved (voice vote; details listed in clerk’s IMs). The clerk read the items into the record and the assembly approved the consent agenda with no objections.

6) Ordinance 25‑046 — Conditional uses (homeless shelters and related permits)
- Motion: Reconsider ordinance 25‑046 and consider an amendment to provide a renewal pathway for certain conditional‑use permits. The assembly voted to reconsider. Amendment proposing a renewal process (including renewal application timeline, notification radius, hearing timing and factors for renewal) was moved but failed on a recorded vote. The ordinance then was considered and passed under the reconsideration motion.
- Outcome: Reconsideration granted; renewal amendment failed on recorded vote; ordinance passed by assembly on final motion.

Notes on vote tallies and procedure
- The transcript principally records voice votes and instances of “hearing none” to indicate no objection; the clerk sometimes read roll names for recorded divisions on amendments where individual members were named. For voice votes where the transcript recorded “no objection,” the assembly chair recorded passage; the transcript generally does not include a full roll‑call tally for those items.
- Several amendments to the Bogard‑Selden corridor plan were taken as divided questions and recorded with individual aye/nay results in the transcript (e.g., some amendments passed with one or more named members recorded as opposed). The assembly ultimately postponed the consolidated corridor plan to Aug. 5, 2025 so staff can publish a consolidated version of adopted amendments.

Where to find documentation: The clerk read ordinance and resolution numbers into the record; full text, AMs and procurement documents are available on the borough’s meeting packet (Granicus) and the clerk’s IMs listed during the meeting. For exact vote counts on any given item, see the official minutes and recorded roll call attached to the borough’s posted minutes for June 17, 2025.","A rundown of motions, votes and outcomes recorded at the June 17 assembly meeting, including 9‑1‑1 reimbursement for Palmer, code changes for essential utilities, animal care donation appropriation, and other consent‑agenda awards.",{"_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},6524060,"Residents press Mat‑Su Assembly on library books and parental concerns during public comment",2776,1118000,3894000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5021296-8fe1f5f51fe3df8f45d982e7937b6149&start=1118&end=3894","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5021296-8fe1f5f51fe3df8f45d982e7937b6149/thumbnail_1118000.jpg","/articles/6524060/Matanuska-Susitna-Borough/Alaska/Residents-press-MatSu-Assembly-on-library-books-and-parental-concerns-during-public-comment","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6524060-84de841140180c5352b511681744e3a1/orig.mp4?Expires=1770445900&Signature=ZATG5kBBL14t3L1-AjM4X1Vyf37bxuXZi2iWbtTiUjZHVDrE9GPf~23mzKCp1~f3ncq3HRXa3fwtGJCjY03FxU3LDJr7RfUO0~1hfyNDWwyxLLOKCPotKtbdLwPMhAsuCgtvbvxWx2NgAWf~jxYVIRFBP80uNBGcBvy8ETOxOVLKLOM6VCggubHWZIz5erFS3un3602rHhKyA3fBHVdcxw85PSd2-oaHx3oM5BTYtlxOW7RqTEWZ9ZRb49S5yWJI7Jv137CueTolmVMF51opMI7IneESlwtosH-lN5r-0IJgtNywBOLgba~oW8q3m3P8wxSEU5BgZougqL3P6HucTg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","During the public‑comment period of the June 17 meeting, numerous residents addressed library collections and expressed strong and conflicting views about materials available in borough libraries and school libraries.

Jackie GoForth, who said she had been speaking to the assembly since March 2023 about “obscenity in the library books,” said she had legal proof that several titles should be restricted from circulation to minors and called for action. “There is obscenity in the libraries, and it is being issued to children,” she said.

Several commenters amplified and contested her claims. Karen Lewis and Linda Spohn urged removal of particular titles from youth areas and called for stricter controls on what minors can check out. Lewis suggested marking adult‑section titles so that juvenile cards cannot be used to check them out.

Other speakers pushed back against removal and urged tolerance and free access. Helen Vincent called for resisting book bans and described libraries as “windows into different lives, cultures, and perspectives” that help readers learn about identity, injustice and mental health. A local resident, Bridal Carpenter, said he does not view the borough’s handling as a ban because patrons can obtain contested material elsewhere.

Several speakers also noted tensions between vocal library critics and library staff. Mary Robinson apologized publicly for a mistaken comment that had strained relations with library volunteers and staff and urged civility; other speakers said library employees had endured harassment and intimidation while serving multiple branch communities.

Why it matters: The public comments reflect an ongoing local debate over library collection content, access by minors, and how public servants and volunteers are treated. Library policies and advisory‑committee work were mentioned repeatedly; commenters on both sides urged the assembly to take account of community standards and the library’s role.

What’s next: These remarks were part of the public‑comment record ahead of any board or assembly action. Several speakers said advisory committees and school boards have been involved; no formal action or motion about library collections was taken at the meeting.","Multiple residents used the June 17 public‑comment period to urge the assembly and library staff to remove or restrict books they consider obscene, to defend library staff and collections, and to warn against harassment of library employees.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Assembly divides and amends Bogard‑Selden corridor access management plan; ultimately postpones final adoption to Aug. 5

Mat-Su Borough staff outline fuel excise tax proposal as long‑term pay‑as‑you‑go option for roads

Votes at a glance: ordinances, resolutions and contract actions from the June 17 Mat‑Su Borough Assembly meeting

Residents press Mat‑Su Assembly on library books and parental concerns during public comment