Assembly adopts budget amendment, approves elevator contract and hazard plan; postpones temporary‑manager resolution

The Kodiak Island Borough Assembly on March 6 adopted an ordinance amending the FY2025 budget, approved modernization work on elevators across borough facilities, and adopted a multi‑jurisdictional hazard mitigation plan. The Assembly postponed action on a resolution designating a temporary administrative official and left in place its earlier protest of a State of Alaska alcohol license transfer following an informal hearing.

Votes at a glance - Ordinance FY2025‑02a (FY2025 budget amendment): Adopted on a roll‑call vote, 5‑0. The amendment moved funds between projects and adjusted several fund balances, including a $700,000 increase to the hospital facilities fund and a $250,000 addition to the treatment aeration plant project. (Staff: Finance Director Dora Cross.) - Contract FY2025‑43 (multifacility elevator modernization, TK Elevator Corporation): Authorized, not to exceed $677,804.45; passed 5‑0. The award covers two separate modernization contracts (Providence Kodiak Island Medical Center and Kodiak Middle School) that staff said were selected because replacement parts are discontinued. Lead time for parts was estimated at 26 weeks; expected out‑of‑service windows are six weeks for the medical center and three weeks for the middle school. Staff estimated the modernization will extend elevator service life about 10–15 years. - Resolution FY2025‑14 (Kodiak Island Borough Multi‑Jurisdictional Multi‑Hazard Mitigation Plan update): Adopted, 5‑0. The 64‑page plan documents hazard risks, required FEMA sections, and a public participation process; the borough will submit the plan to the Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management and then to FEMA for approval. - Resolution FY2025‑19 (designated administrative official during manager absence): Adopted, 5‑0. The assembly confirmed Seema Giroux as the designated administrative official in the borough manager's absence. - Resolution FY2025‑20 (temporary administrative official during manager and designated official absence): Postponed to the next regular meeting by a 4‑1 motion. The item would have appointed Dave Conrad as temporary administrative official; several members asked for more time and broader assembly input. - Nomination of Elijah Jackson to the Prince William Sound Regional Citizens Advisory Council (Village Mayors Association seat): Confirmed, 5‑0. - AMCO liquor license protest (Second Floor restaurant / Nunak Nuniak transfer): After an informal hearing the Assembly did not withdraw the local protest it had adopted earlier; the protest therefore stands and will be forwarded consistent with state procedure.

What changed in the budget Finance Director Dora Cross told the Assembly this is the quarterly amendment covering project closures and transfers. Key adjustments included a $700,000 increase to the hospital facility fund, a $250,000 addition to the treatment aeration plant project, and reductions to a set of completed projects. Cross said some funds are being moved into the fisheries economic fund and the Kodiak Fisheries Research Center account.

Why the elevator contract matters Public works staff and the borough's E&F office described procurement for elevator modernization as a qualifications‑based selection after limited contractor interest. Only one proposal was received and the architecture review board reviewed it before staff recommended award. Patricia Valerio of E&F gave the contract cost breakdown: $437,828.45 for the Providence Kodiak Island Medical Center scope and approximately $239,009.76 for Kodiak Middle School. Borough code language discussed by staff requires mayoral/administrative approval of change orders up to 5% of the contract or $50,000 (whichever is lower); change orders above that threshold must involve the Assembly.

Hazard mitigation plan and grants Community Development staff said the updated mitigation plan identifies 11 hazards and includes public meetings, an online survey and a 30‑plus day comment period. Staff emphasized that adopting the plan is necessary for eligibility for certain FEMA hazard mitigation grants and that the borough will ask municipalities within the borough to adopt the plan as well.

Postponement of temporary administrative official Several assembly members said they wanted more time and more members present to consider appointing a temporary administrative official who would act during the manager's and the designated official's absence. A motion to postpone passed 4‑1; the item will return at the next regular meeting.

What happens next The adopted ordinance and resolutions will be transmitted per normal procedure: the budget amendment becomes effective as specified; the hazard mitigation plan will go to state and federal review; the contract award will proceed to manager execution; the postponed resolution will return at the next regular meeting.

Votes and official motions here are recorded from the March 6, 2025 assembly meeting minutes and staff presentations.