Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Local Governance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Petersburg Assembly unanimously extends cold‑storage lease, approves fire gear purchase and opposes statewide hatchery restrictions
Summary
The assembly voted 6–0 to extend the Petersburg Economic Development Council's lease of the community cold‑storage facility (adding limited seafood processing), approved a $301,327 sole‑source purchase for fire SCBA with most funding from a congressionally directed grant, and adopted a resolution opposing Board of Fisheries proposals 170–172. The assembly also extended the municipal solid‑waste contract for one year.
The Petersburg Borough Assembly on March 16 approved several unanimous measures affecting public safety, economic development and local services.
The assembly approved Resolution 2026‑04 to extend the Petersburg Economic Development Council’s lease for the community cold‑storage property for five years and to amend the lease to allow limited small‑scale seafood processing. Glorian Wallen, who said she represents PEEDC, told the assembly the facility supports small processors, hunters and seasonal businesses and that allowing processing in the lease helps secure an anchor tenant necessary to keep the facility operating.
The assembly also approved Resolution 2026‑05 to buy replacement self‑contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), tanks and masks. Fire Director Henkins showed sample packs and explained the department is moving to less bulky packs and 35‑minute bottles and will add rapid‑extrication (RIT) equipment. The packet lists a purchase of $301,327, of which $225,000 is covered by congressionally directed spending funds and $76,327 would come from general fund reserves. The assembly approved the sole‑source procurement 6–0.
Member Martin introduced Resolution 2026‑06 opposing Alaska Board of Fisheries proposals 170–172, which the assembly said would impose statewide restrictions on hatchery production that could harm local fisheries and fisheries‑dependent economies. The resolution passed unanimously.
The assembly also approved a one‑year extension of the borough’s municipal solid‑waste transportation and disposal agreement with Republic Services while a regional study completes in late 2026. The one‑year extension is expected to cost between $510,000 and $550,000 at an estimated rate of approximately $27.40 per ton for fiscal year Sept. 1, 2026–Aug. 31, 2027.
Other approved items included the appointment of Assistant Public Works Director Thomas Ruml as the borough’s alternate representative to the Southeast Alaska Solid Waste Authority and the mayor’s appointment of Thomas Kowalsski to the planning commission through Oct. 2026.
All recorded votes described at the meeting passed on unanimous voice or roll‑call votes with six votes in favor and none opposed or abstaining.
