Public commenters urge trail funding, recall boarding‑school history and propose land‑sale discount for Kodiak graduates

Several citizens spoke during the assembly’s two public comment periods May 1.

Sandra West, speaking for Island Trails Network and the Kodiak Short Trail, said the group received Denali Commission funds and is seeking design and engineering support. West asked the borough to consider including the Kodiak Short Trail — a shortened Phase 1 route from Boy Scout Lake at the beginning of Tom Stiles Road toward Bells Flats — in the comprehensive plan and to consider future support. She said the project has support from the Alaska Department of Transportation, planners, and the city of Kodiak (which adopted two resolutions in support).

Joseph Delgado, speaking by phone and identifying himself as a former assembly member, offered a personal reflection contrasting modern complaints about pandemic restrictions with the historical trauma of boarding schools for Alaska Native people. Delgado said, in part: “My people weren't just told to wear mask or stay home. We are taken from our homes, our language, our culture, our identity, systemically stripped away.” He said representation on the assembly matters to prevent erasure of Indigenous history.

Resident Mike Milligan suggested the borough consider giving a one‑time bidding discount (5–10%) on borough land sales to Kodiak High School graduates as a way to encourage local retention and raise the value of a local diploma. Milligan said the idea had mixed local support and suggested applying it to future land sales, including the 800 acres in Chiniak referenced in borough discussion.

Assembly members did not take formal action on these public comments at the meeting; they were heard as part of the citizen comment periods. Staff and assembly members acknowledged the trail project and noted the comprehensive plan process and grant opportunities as potential next steps.