Assembly authorizes structural redesign for Northstar roof, members debate skylight removal

The Kodiak Island Borough Assembly unanimously authorized a change order to contract FY201910U on May 15, 2025, to add structural engineering for the Northstar roof and skylight replacement. The change order, numbered 21.1, was described by borough staff as a scope modification to remove skylight glazing and replace it with a closed-in roof to reduce future leaking risk.

Borough Manager Amy Williams said staff had directed a modification to the design after the architect determined existing substructure support and to avoid additional work that would require re‑engineering supports. "The modification removes the replacement of the skylight with a newer skylight feature and instead structurally replaces it with a closed-in roof to reduce the risk of future leaking," Williams said.

Assembly members asked whether the original user assumptions for the building—made when the facility was a school—still applied now that the building’s future use is uncertain. One assembly member said several members were concerned about the construction cost implications and whether the borough should wait to finalize a design until the building’s long-term use is decided. Staff and the architect told the assembly the proposed change minimizes additional structural work and avoids inserting new interior supports that could be costly.

Assemblymember comments also noted that the engineering cost in question was a small percentage of the overall construction cost; however, the construction estimates were not before the assembly at this meeting. Following discussion, the motion to authorize the manager to execute the change order with Jensen Yerba Wall passed by roll call with all recorded votes in the affirmative.

Staff said the change order covers design and structural engineering only; any construction contract to implement the roof changes will return to the assembly for approval and budget authorization.