Planning commission backs changes to utility notification and appeals process

The Matanuska-Susitna Borough Planning Commission on May 19, 2025 unanimously approved Resolution 25-09 recommending that the borough assembly adopt Ordinance 25-50, which amends MSB 17.05 (essential service utilities) to add notification standards, a permitting step, and an appeal route to the borough's Board of Adjustment and Appeals.

Planning and Land Use Director Alex Straune told commissioners the amendment was drafted at the request of Assembly members Bill Gamble and Tim Hale and is intended to create a clearer public process for large utilities such as major power or gas lines. Straune said the change adds a required public meeting sequence, clarifies notification requirements, requires a written decisional document from the utility describing how public input was addressed, and makes the planning director's determination on whether the process was followed appealable to the Board of Adjustment and Appeals.

The ordinance is the product of a multi-year revision effort. Jennifer Castro, speaking on behalf of Matanuska Electric Association, said MEA supports Resolution 25-09 and described the amendments as a “balanced approach” that improves public participation while streamlining procedures needed to install critical infrastructure. Amber McDonough said the current proposal differs from an earlier, broader package and credited a multi-stakeholder process involving utilities and residents for producing the changes before the commission.

Commissioner McCabe moved approval of Resolution 25-09; Commissioner Glenn seconded. After brief questions about whether other utilities had weighed in—Straune said he had notified NSTAR but had not received formal comment—the commission approved the resolution by unanimous voice vote. The commission’s recommendation will be forwarded to the borough assembly for final consideration.

The commission approved its consent agenda at the start of the meeting; the consent items included the regular meeting minutes from May 5, 2025, and the introduction of Resolution 25-08, a conditional use permit introduction concerning a proposed marijuana retail facility known as Magic Flower at 8874 West Business Park Drive (tax ID 3209B08L006). No quasi-judicial public hearings were held that evening.

In brief commissioner and staff remarks after the vote, planning staff recognized Tawny Boothby for 20 years as a certified floodplain manager. The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. and adjourned at 6:13 p.m.