Kodiak Island Borough planning commission hears lands committee update; elections deferred

At a Feb. 12 work session in Assembly Chambers, the Kodiak Island Borough Planning and Zoning Commission received an update from Borough Mayor Scott Arndt on lands committee activity, including proposed surplus land proceedings, potential rezones and forthcoming subdivision work. Commissioners discussed committee representation and deferred formal elections and appointments to the commission's next regular meeting on Feb. 19.

The update from Scott Arndt, Borough Mayor, said the lands committee approved minutes from its January meeting and recommended the assembly “go ahead and start the process for 4 lots out at Island Lake there — 3 on Island Lake Road, 1 on Scout Circle,” and that the committee plans to pursue rezoning for those parcels, ideally to R-2. Arndt said those matters will go to the borough assembly first before returning to the Planning and Zoning Commission for further action.

The borough lands committee also plans to forward three tracts on Beaver Lake Drive to the assembly and examine two other properties: the Chiniak site where salvage logging followed a forest fire (described as located behind the school in Chiniak) and the Klarney Hills Subdivision, which committee members have discussed previously. Arndt said GIS staff are preparing maps for Chiniak and that more cases and a separate rezone case are expected in coming meetings.

Commissioners discussed internal appointments. The commission’s new-business item included election of a chair and vice chair; Commissioner Fraser volunteered to serve as chair, and a commissioner indicated an intent to nominate for vice chair, but members agreed no binding election would be conducted at the work session because nominations and decisions must occur at a regular meeting. Commissioner Court indicated he would make the motion at the Feb. 19 regular meeting. The commission also said it will reappoint its ex officio representative and alternate to the Parks and Recreation Committee and fill Planning & Zoning seats on the Borough Lands Committee at the Feb. 19 meeting; Chris Paulson was identified as the former alternate whose term has expired.

Staff and administrative notes included that Amy Williams, identified in the discussion as borough manager, and other staff will serve as resources for the lands work and that additional staff support may be needed while another staff member, Megan, is out of town for a month. Staff member James confirmed a minor change to a memo removing an alternate from a list of attendees.

During citizen's comments, Scott Arndt — speaking both as mayor and a lands committee participant — encouraged use of available staff resources and reminded the public that planning staff can answer questions. Commissioners expressed general support for the lands committee work, citing interest in making more land available for community housing. Commissioner comments closed with appreciation for a full commission and a readiness to address upcoming cases.

No formal votes or final decisions on land transfers, rezones or appointments were taken at the Feb. 12 work session; the commission adjourned at 6:44 p.m.