[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-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",6552869,"mediaKeyId","5089384-de4fee1868cb609e7789b3d522f354af","parentId",5089384,"title","Kodiak assembly hears bid to back national ocean and fisheries emergency declaration; members ask for more science","audioSeconds",2729,"startMs",2823000,"endMs",5552000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5089384-de4fee1868cb609e7789b3d522f354af&start=2823&end=5552","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5089384-de4fee1868cb609e7789b3d522f354af/thumbnail_2823000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6552869/Kodiak-Island-Borough/Alaska/Kodiak-assembly-hears-bid-to-back-national-ocean-and-fisheries-emergency-declaration-members-ask-for-more-science","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6552869-f2b4777d0a660eb017d76796caa63e1c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771160025&Signature=EJRZ9eeBFuP14ZgN8OSSjhBJDnkKCVWVJKbLHU4l90t1S7Uz7wsOI8YQxjYLLk11sOBF1C~hhHY4LxFqjELh3gliCiubKXukIfcBd8KeM8Vp4QVtsgruS4iE8FVzSCbLL4Y1E31zRB-iUR-AtzeN6xXVQzUNcWhhGPz6DvdbuxWgJQyp9fAxPoQmUYpWM91YseGi3zUICJvlRhHCFs0rkVnt8fw3tXQMhItQyxLfr9M4g253nr73XORsQCTKuCluWJQAFSngxVuZGR9E1XQhzHolQAvGvWHsmfFg4iJaqSCusHvoC3syqvp-abKZU~Auit0fMNENtk49h7G7eeb8NQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Kodiak Island Borough","date","2025-06-27T05:31:09Z","article","Robert Lindsay of OPR Alaska and ocean restoration advocate Russ George told the Kodiak Island Borough Assembly on June 26 they sought local support for a national presidential emergency declaration addressing perceived ocean and fisheries decline and to elevate federal attention to restoration projects.

Lindsay described local observations — seabird die‑offs, low gray whale calving counts and long‑term changes in forage availability — and said the group believes the nation’s ocean resources are at risk. “We think the resources of the ocean in general are in jeopardy and could well be declared a disaster and should be considered a disaster,” Lindsay told the assembly.

Russ George described an approach based on iron‑fertilization experiments (he cited the 2012 Haida Gwaii project) and said his proposal is for a meso‑scale, targeted application in ocean eddies; he said the Environmental Protection Agency had recently shown renewed interest and that federal discussion about an “Ocean Recovery Act” and related executive measures had occurred. George asked the borough for a letter of support demonstrating local grassroots concern and to show community backing for further federally‑led research and possible pilots.

Assembly members and other participants raised substantive scientific and ecological questions. Assemblyman Beau asked specifically about potential unintended consequences — notably domoic acid levels in nearshore shellfish and the risk that large phytoplankton blooms could increase harmful algal toxins. He said the borough packet and the presenters’ materials lacked analysis of those risks and asked for peer‑reviewed studies and input from federal agencies before endorsing a specific project. \"Without having this information, I'm just gonna say I can't support it yet,\" Beau said.

Other assembly members expressed similar caution. Several members asked for controlled, peer‑reviewed studies and at least one university endorsement before the assembly would consider a formal support resolution. Assemblyman Ryan, who identified himself as an environmental scientist, said he would want a controlled study and peer review before offering unconditional support.

Presenters said they were not asking the borough for funding. George and Lindsay described the request as a community declaration of emergency or a letter stating that local leaders view fisheries and ocean resources as sufficiently threatened to warrant federal attention and agency coordination; they said such local statements could help secure federal agency engagement and private or philanthropic backing for research. Presenters also said the group had potential wealthy benefactors interested in funding pilot work and that the project proponents saw the effort as part of developing national legislation (an “Ocean Recovery Act”) and a coordinated federal program.

No resolution was introduced or voted on at the work session. The assembly asked presenters to pursue additional, peer‑reviewed science and agency endorsements and to return with clearer, documented risk‑assessment materials and a narrower set of proposed actions.

Why this matters: Kodiak is a major U.S. fishing port and assembly members described long‑standing economic dependence on marine resources; the proposal would engage federal agencies and potentially authorize experimental restoration work with wide ecological implications.

Looking ahead: Presenters said they will seek additional scientific partners and federal agency conversations; assembly members asked for peer‑reviewed evidence, university endorsements and more detailed risk assessments before the borough would consider formal support.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Kodiak Island Borough Livestream","oneSentenceSummary","Robert Lindsay of OPR Alaska and ocean restoration advocate Russ George asked the Kodiak Island Borough Assembly on June 26 for local backing of a presidential emergency declaration and federal engagement to address what they described as a decline in ocean productivity affecting fisheries.","taxTitle","Kodiak Island Borough, Alaska","taxId",13713,"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},6552871,"Kodiak volunteers outline plan to expand child care and after-school programs",949,423000,1372000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5089384-de4fee1868cb609e7789b3d522f354af&start=423&end=1372","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5089384-de4fee1868cb609e7789b3d522f354af/thumbnail_423000.jpg","/articles/6552871/Kodiak-Island-Borough/Alaska/Kodiak-volunteers-outline-plan-to-expand-child-care-and-after-school-programs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6552871-624ecc7fd0ef282e3cd4aa62c01ec2d3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771160025&Signature=obbI6GNfvEljADudfNIVSL5h3kaEI3dMx3~nCH3Ru5Vm~JMzF2O-k1IcFlUqiuIY39ZSjk3RygsAenYPtc1FdXDX9SP1vJ-0Hm9Pf03RsmfK700BymdU6P07UMib2ctWoN899mWPMkbyqDX-betJ8gErQdxqVa1hUmksrjg9KObyGojbklOGIMmHfSk60xKSLWwdQmudK0PGsRtXF9yV5gKGN8H5tO1gUWh4nqLGPGTXY7uo5hk86qRE4j6kJ9ki~JsKAhiWb8n1i8G-k393MwikdSP0hKuLbbMdxCvNIvtV64uGX4HRxVhmZriZifSvS8RSqHI34CcIUhhlekS18Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Erica Blondin, a founder of the Kodiak Collaborative, told the Kodiak Island Borough Assembly at its June 26 work session that a volunteer group of parents and local organizations is working to address a local child care shortage across three age ranges: infant–pre-K, K–5 after-school care and sixth–twelfth grade programming.

The group presented survey results and a “three-pronged” approach aimed at increasing licensed in‑home providers, enabling a YMCA-run K–5 after‑school program and expanding supports for teens. Blondin said the Collaborative wants borough assistance in areas such as facility use and in exploring incentives for in‑home providers.

The Collaborative described its origins as informal conversations at local events that grew into a community partnership. “We’re a grassroots movement of volunteers and local entities trying child care crisis in Kodiak,” Blondin said in her presentation. She and partner Yalta Daly said the group has met repeatedly with local stakeholders, including borough staff and the YMCA.

The presenters said the Collaborative distributed a community survey and received “a little over 230 responses” from households with children. Presenters reported that a sizeable share of respondents seeking infant‑to‑5 care had not secured a slot and that wait lists are lengthy at some providers. They said the survey also found strong interest in after‑school programming: “96 percent of the respondents would utilize an after school program if it was available,” a presenter reported. Presenters said the most requested program content included life skills, art and STEM; parents also listed availability and cost as primary barriers.

Assembly members asked for more data on costs and program sustainability. Assemblyman Bridal confirmed the 230‑response sample and asked whether separate surveys had produced other findings. Amy Williams, Kodiak Island Borough manager, and presenters clarified that the Kodiak Economic Development Corporation conducted a separate survey showing many high‑school students want to stay in Kodiak, and that the Collaborative is coordinating results to avoid duplicative surveying.

Cost and affordability were a recurring question. Presenters said the YMCA plans to use an income‑based sliding scale and to charge the state’s school‑age child care assistance rate as a maximum; presenters also said scholarships and other subsidy sources would be available so children would not be turned away.

Assembly members discussed supply versus cost drivers. Several members, including Assemblyman Ryan and Assemblyman Larry, pressed presenters on whether the immediate shortage is chiefly space and licensing constraints (especially for infants under age 2, which have tighter staff‑to‑child ratios) or a function of wages and family wages. Presenters said both factors are important: infant‑to‑2 care is harder to add because licensing and ratio rules restrict capacity, while older age brackets may scale faster with after‑school programs and teen‑center improvements.

Presenters described local steps they are pursuing: coordinating licensing support with workforce development (CANNa/CANNA was referenced as a local workforce/tribal resource in the presentation), hosting information nights to recruit new in‑home providers, and convening an informational symposium linking prospective providers with licensing, grant and training resources. The group also suggested looking at innovative funding models used elsewhere — presenters noted Anchorage voters approved a child care trust funded by a local tax and suggested the idea as one example for local leaders to consider.

No formal action or vote was recorded at the work session. Presenters asked only for feedback and for the assembly to keep child care needs in mind when discussing facility uses and community supports.

Why this matters: Assembly members said expanding reliable child care is tied to workforce participation and long‑term community retention, especially for working parents and women professionals. Several members said improving child care capacity could make local hiring easier for a range of employers.

Looking ahead: The Collaborative said it will continue coordinating with the YMCA, Kodiak Island Housing Authority, workforce development partners and existing in‑home providers. The borough assembly and staff asked for more detailed cost data and follow‑up materials in the next packet or a future work session.","A grassroots group, Kodiak Collaborative, presented survey findings and a three-pronged plan to expand infant–pre-K care, K–5 after-school programs and services for teens, asking the Kodiak Island Borough Assembly for support and collaboration.",{"_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},6552859,"Kodiak assembly debates nonprofit funding process; manager delegation and reporting suggested",1980,7244000,9224000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5089384-de4fee1868cb609e7789b3d522f354af&start=7244&end=9224","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5089384-de4fee1868cb609e7789b3d522f354af/thumbnail_7244000.jpg","/articles/6552859/Kodiak-Island-Borough/Alaska/Kodiak-assembly-debates-nonprofit-funding-process-manager-delegation-and-reporting-suggested","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6552859-1a6f66e4213a2b0917daa7adc1c02ada/orig.mp4?Expires=1771160025&Signature=nkpzU7OlRzygVlFlYcly8bErSqm-8PtIss0mH4YG7715lHLsFSucqbHh5HECyh1mHT2V2gV4nVDNjKNpOsRZJe1Pg5eNwf2DpTKLCmjhA28WMaLPINzMRwnV5Z~os1V932HOvccXCQ5YEM5Q8MwugjlISEaw3osEroPZ4Cp6cpofXfTgunk8qmIpXwUx-vY2EVayiDf5tcR5zz53kJztMBWIyrhSzD0av~Kiarhr1ZeTutlQPNljdQX8jg2f9VDa5pp22gyaxhF887iaWQnlOP3OsQ-leXdPYf3Qz6HGZTH~JEuw9DvK54u5j4rQ-D7F98YnTEvUD1-WhiZJnTlwHg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Kodiak Island Borough Assembly reviewed options for annual nonprofit funding at its June 26 work session and asked staff how the assembly wished to allocate three existing line items (Kodiak College & Libraries; Health & Social Services; Education, Culture & Recreation) and whether to include Fund 273 (opioid settlement proceeds) in the distribution process.

Borough manager Amy Williams said the packet included $100,000 in each of the three line items and that Fund 273 currently held $119,506; she told the assembly applications were due Monday, June 30 and staff would present recommendations at the July 10 work session if the assembly wanted staff input before awards.

Assemblyman Jared proposed delegating award administration to the borough manager and a small staff review team that would apply assembly‑set priorities and present a final proposed award list to the full assembly, rather than negotiating individual line items at length during the annual budget process. \"I don't think that we should be the micromanagers of funds, especially when we're talking about $3,000 grants,\" Jared said, arguing a manager‑led, transparent process could provide predictability and reduce duplicative outreach by nonprofits.

Other assembly members voiced concerns about oversight and the potential for skewed decisions. Steve said he favored the assembly voting on final awards to provide accountability. Several members suggested adding application questions requiring nonprofits to report past use of borough funds and to appear before the assembly or provide regular reports; staff said the application already asks awardees to report how funds were used and that Kodiak College returns unused dollars to the borough when appropriate.

Amy Williams recommended the assembly again set a clear ranking of priorities (a short list used several years ago proved administratively helpful) so staff could apply those priorities in adjudicating awards. Members also proposed requiring large awardees to report more frequently and asking applicants whether they had publicly advocated for their funding prior to the request.

No final decision was recorded; staff said it would return with the applications and a suggested starting allocation at the July 10 work session and that modifications could be made before final awards.

Why this matters: Annual nonprofit awards are a predictable but politically sensitive portion of the borough budget; members said improving transparency, predictability and reporting could reduce last‑minute negotiation and improve accountability.

Looking ahead: Applications are due June 30; staff will prepare a recommendation for the July 10 work session that could include a manager‑led review process and recommended priorities for assembly guidance.","Assembly members discussed how to distribute roughly $100,000 in annual line‑items (college/libraries; health and social services; education/culture/recreation) plus $119,506 in an opioid settlement fund and considered delegating award decisions to the borough manager with a staff review process and a priority matrix.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6552864,"Assembly proposes holding North Star building for community use while tracking school enrollment",0,10078000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5089384-de4fee1868cb609e7789b3d522f354af&start=10078&end=10078","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5089384-de4fee1868cb609e7789b3d522f354af/thumbnail_10078000.jpg","/articles/6552864/Kodiak-Island-Borough/Alaska/Assembly-proposes-holding-North-Star-building-for-community-use-while-tracking-school-enrollment","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6552864-a09ba697d1b98d093740941b9525c93e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771160025&Signature=BP5tkEmcf4xbT0FSIuxp8oXVpf4uTfjR~1GKPiEkorGejZtKg8G83TRbBrUxB~Aq~4Dwnj8MqEnyr6IHcZrDrs5HEEpBMf0KDFEnF87gUBVdV8F1O8JxFAJL6EW4DJlMe9BV5Q9q7kBKY-03VVCj7O0Mq-7md8nzKDHgZ9pCHUe7eTL1adATHp~vRFTymW0HTPg3Dv3~F0QDoa63NHFZHl-wTcV94Dh3bliipWHeQqXNYVqUkU5D0wDU9c52qblmJD0oANcfzO1wp9rV37b1hmYuMq5K7YqFeUk2X0cEux~LvViPUdxS5tFzVI4Pv5usnA9CvaphQh0hkdSHFz-oUA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Kodiak Island Borough Assembly discussed options for the future use of North Star Elementary School at its June 26 work session, including a staff recommendation to retain the property for two to three years while monitoring student enrollment.

Mayor Arndt and borough staff described the work group’s August continuation and a proposed change to the group’s membership to add a City of Kodiak ex officio member (city council member Bob Stanford). The assembly packet shows preliminary cost estimates and a staffing/building‑use strategy that would seek renters to offset operating costs while preserving the option to reuse the building if enrollment increases.

Borough manager Amy Williams reported that staff toured the building with interested community organizations. She said Shunák (Shunack/Shunak in meeting text) expressed interest in relocating a daycare program into an entire wing and the library space. The YMCA also asked about office space related to its new K–5 after‑school efforts. The Kodiak Island Housing Authority has discussed possible financial support that could help child‑care tenants adapt the space.

At the facility work‑group meeting staff noted an estimated operating cost of roughly $90,000 a year and drew attention to a security camera/server cost the school district associated with North Star — the packet listed a recurring figure of about $47,205 tied to camera access and district server connectivity. Staff and the work group said costs and connectivity options still need clarification and that a plan to bring tenants on board could reduce the district’s operating burden.

Assembly members urged caution about selling the building. Assemblyman Larry noted the building was originally built with heavy community investment and that replacing it would be much more expensive; he argued the borough should retain the asset to keep future school‑use options. Several members said any renter should be made aware that the borough and the school district would ask for at least two years’ notice if the district needed to reclaim the building for school use.

Assembly members and staff discussed maintenance capacity. Borough staff said they plan to hire additional engineering and facilities staff (including a maintenance coordinator) and to use a preventive‑maintenance program (MaintainX) to address long‑term upkeep. Members asked staff to produce a clear scope of immediate repairs (roof, exterior steel painting and other deferred maintenance) and to specify which maintenance costs would fall to any tenant.

No vote was taken. A resolution to add the City of Kodiak council member as an ex officio participant on the North Star facility work group was presented to the assembly for consideration and will be scheduled for formal action at a future meeting.

Why this matters: North Star is a substantial borough asset; keeping it available to the district preserves flexibility if enrollment rebounds while temporary community uses could reduce short‑term carrying costs.

Looking ahead: The work group will continue meeting (next session planned in August) to refine cost estimates, draft tenant agreements with clear maintenance and notice provisions, and report back to the assembly.","The assembly’s North Star facility work group recommended retaining the North Star Elementary School for two to three years to allow community organizations to rent space while Kodiak Island Borough School District enrollment trends remain uncertain.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Kodiak assembly hears bid to back national ocean and fisheries emergency declaration; members ask for more science

Kodiak volunteers outline plan to expand child care and after-school programs

Kodiak assembly debates nonprofit funding process; manager delegation and reporting suggested

Assembly proposes holding North Star building for community use while tracking school enrollment