Assembly approves base award for mental‑health building demolition, funds pool design and emergency equipment from ARPA; UST alternate postponed

The Kodiak Island Borough Assembly approved several capital and operations contracts Dec. 19, allocating remaining ARPA and other funds to a mix of facility work and operational equipment while reserving judgment on an $80,000 environmental alternate tied to an underground storage tank.

Demolition and abatement: The assembly awarded the base bid for the mental‑health buildings demolition and abatement (contract FY2025‑35) to Far North Services LLC for $1,310,000 after staff confirmed Far North was the lowest responsible bidder. Assembly members discussed a late subcontractor cost increase and disposal options before approving the base award. A separate $80,000 additive alternate (for removal/closure of an underground storage tank at the Red Cross building) was split from the base award and postponed indefinitely to allow staff to confirm whether the tank should be closed under regulated UST procedures and whether $80,000 is an appropriate budget for the environmental closure and testing.

Pool repairs design: The assembly authorized a design contract (FY2025‑36) with Water Technology Inc. in the amount of $88,900 for needed pool repairs and 100% construction documents. Staff said WTI will assess pool vessel concrete and corroded rebar and prepare documents; the design phase is expected to take 14–18 weeks after notice to proceed. The vote to approve the design authorization passed after discussion about whether ARPA is the appropriate funding source and about competing priorities; proponents said design work is needed now to avoid escalating repair costs.

Public safety and equipment purchases: The assembly approved purchase of PFAS‑free turnout gear (FY2025‑37) from Municipal Equipment Supply for $171,340 to replace 10‑year‑old gear containing PFAS. Chiefs and staff said replacing gear reduces long‑term exposure risk for volunteer firefighters and strengthens an Assistance to Firefighters grant application due the next day. The assembly authorized the purchase by roll call, 6–0. The borough also authorized a TimeClock Plus electronic time and attendance system (FY2025‑38) not to exceed $25,000 to replace Excel‑based timekeeping, and approved procurement of a Bobcat skid‑steer (FY2025‑39) through state procurement channels ($61,708.82 plus freight/insurance) to rotate equipment between facilities.

Other contracting items: The assembly voted to rescind prior authorization to award an Otis Elevator maintenance contract for the Kodiak Fisheries Research Center (KFRC) because both bidders had received cancellation letters and did not wish to move forward; staff said a new template and solicitation will be advertised. Separately, the assembly approved an amendment renewing the lease and material sales agreement with Brecken Construction LLC for the Bells Flats gravel pits (FY2010‑36B, amendment #2) after correcting duplicated language.

What the assembly directed: Staff was told to clarify the regulatory status and testing scope for the UST alternate before returning it to the assembly. For the pool design and mental‑health demolition base award, staff will proceed with contract execution and return with implementation details and cost tracking for the ARPA reporting cycle.

Votes at a glance: - FY2025‑35 mental‑health demolition & abatement: base award to Far North Services LLC — approved (roll call; base award passed; alternate postponed indefinitely) - FY2025‑36 pool design (Water Technology Inc.) $88,900 — approved (roll call) - FY2025‑37 PFAS‑free turnout gear $171,340 — approved (roll call 6–0) - FY2025‑38 TimeClock Plus (electronic time & attendance) not to exceed $25,000 — approved (roll call 6–0) - FY2025‑39 Bobcat purchase $61,708.82 plus freight/insurance — approved (roll call 6–0) - Rescind authorization for Otis Elevator FY2024‑38 (KFRC) — approved (roll call) - FY2010‑36B Bells Flats lease amendment #2 — approved (roll call 6–0)

Assembly members discussed competing ARPA priorities and the borough’s remaining ARPA obligation balance before voting. Staff reminded members that some projects already on the active list are considered obligated and will be included in federal reporting.