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Commission backs 25‑year lease renewal to keep Kodiak Rodeo and State Fair on borough land
Summary
The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of a negotiated 25‑year lease renewal with Kodiak Rodeo and State Fair Inc. to continue operations of the rodeo and state fair on borough property; staff said the lease supports recreational uses cited in the 2008 comprehensive plan.
The Kodiak Island Borough Planning and Zoning Commission on Sept. 17 voted to recommend approval of a negotiated 25‑year lease renewal with Kodiak Rodeo and State Fair Incorporated for continued operation of the state fair and rodeo on borough land.
A planning staff member presented the Title 18 land disposal review and said the subject property was formerly owned by the State of Alaska under a 55‑year lease with the Kodiak JC's, and that Kodiak Island Borough later assumed ownership and the lease. The original lease expires Nov. 3, 2025; the organization requested a 25‑year renewal to continue events and related activities on the site.
"The requested land disposal is disposal by negotiated lease. The proposed lease is for 25 years and allows for the continuation of the relationship with the Kodiak Rodeo and State Fair for the operation of the rodeo and state fair program and related activities," the staff report said. The staff analysis recommended approval, noting the continued public recreational opportunities are consistent with goals in the borough's 2008 comprehensive plan.
Commissioners who spoke during the item described the fair and rodeo as community assets for youth and families. By roll call the commission approved the resolution recommending renewal: Mr. Neff, Mr. Degan, Mr. Cleary and Mr. Mangini voted yes; the motion passed unanimously.
The staff report cited KABC 18.20.60(a) and KABC 18.20.30(a) as the review authorities for land disposals by negotiated lease and said the commission's role was to determine whether a public purpose exists for the property. Staff concluded the continued lease and events provide recreational opportunities and therefore satisfy the criteria for a negotiated lease.
The proposed 25‑year lease will move to the borough assembly for final action. The staff report noted the lease helps maintain longstanding public programming on the property and retains the current terms of the previous agreement except for the revised lease period.
