Assembly adopts Government Peak Chalet fee schedule amendment but rejects motion to allow alcohol at Big Lake Lions center

At its Dec. 16 meeting the Assembly amended and approved the FY27 schedule of rates and fees (Resolution 25-114) to add rental fees and operating rules for the Government Peak Chalet beginning Jan. 1, 2027. The adopted amendment sets full‑day and half‑day rental rates, an hourly overtime rate, a security deposit tied to rental type, and a cleaning fee structure; the assembly removed a proposed bereavement waiver after legal concern about defining "memorial service" on borough property.

Community Development Director Jillian Morrissey told the assembly the borough will manage the chalet directly beginning in 2027; staff compared proposed rates with similar facilities and said the amendment is intended to increase community access while recovering more operating costs.

Separately, the assembly considered Ordinance 25-133 to permit renters of the Big Lake Lions Recreation Center to serve alcohol under terms of the rental agreement (insurance, TAPS compliance, indemnification). Testimony was split: local volunteers and former Lions Club members said alcohol service has long been part of community fundraisers and weddings, while other residents and some assembly members raised liability and youth‑exposure concerns. A motion to adopt the ordinance failed on the floor; staff said the borough will continue to refine permit language and insurance/indemnity requirements for facility rentals.

Both items prompted debate about equitable application of facility rules across borough properties and how the borough will manage liability and operations when it assumes direct control of some facilities in 2027.