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Resident asks borough to review lease accounting and threatened float removal at Penic Island
Summary
A long‑time Penic Island resident told the assembly he received unexpected lease accounting statements and a letter indicating referral to collections and possible removal of his pilings and float; he asked staff to meet and report back.
KETCHIKAN, Alaska — During public comment at the June 2 Ketchikan Gateway Borough Assembly meeting, a Penic Island resident raised concerns about borough billing and the possibility the borough could require removal of his dock pilings and float.
The resident, who signed up as Mike Holman and identified himself in remarks as "Mike Coleman," said he has lived on Penic Island for decades and holds a submersible‑lands lease the state originally issued in 1996 and later conveyed to the borough. He brought an account statement that showed a balance forward of zero in December 2023, followed by a series of small $300 postings concentrated on the same dates over several years. He said he had previously discussed the account with staff and was told finance had stopped billing him, but the latest statement included a line noting the account would be referred to collections.
Why it matters: The resident said his float, ramp and pilings represent 30–40 years of private improvements and his only access to his home. He asked the borough to meet with him and staff to resolve billing and legal questions rather than proceed to collections or to require removal of mooring structures.
What the resident told the assembly: He explained investments on the tidelands predate his lease, that he had a cottage industry permit he relies on and that local enforcement and practice had varied over decades. He asked the assembly to direct staff to meet with him and seek a negotiated resolution. The mayor asked whether he had been in contact with staff since September; he said he had not received a final resolution and was surprised to get a notice saying the account would go to collections.
Assembly response: The mayor asked the resident to meet with the manager or assistant manager this week and asked staff to report back to the assembly on any potential remedies or progress. No formal action or vote occurred—the matter was taken as public comment and staff follow‑up was requested.
Ending: The resident left the meeting asking the assembly to direct staff to meet with him, explore options and return to brief the assembly; the borough manager and assistant manager were asked to follow up.
