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Assembly approves Selawik $4.5M solar project, COPS grant, Kivalina lease and tax-accounting contract
Summary
At its Dec. 16 meeting in Kotzebue the Northwest Arctic Borough Assembly unanimously approved four resolutions: a $4.5 million Selawik solar/battery contract, a $575,797 Maniilaq COPS grant MOA, a ground lease for a Kivalina warm storage facility, and hiring Baker Tilly for tax accounting.
The Northwest Arctic Borough Assembly voted unanimously Dec. 16 to approve four resolutions covering energy, public safety, land use and accounting.
The measures included a $4.5 million contract for a Selawik solar and battery project, a memorandum of agreement to accept a $575,797 Department of Justice Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) grant administered with Maniilaq Association, a ground lease with the City of Kivalina for a public safety warm storage facility, and an engagement of Baker Tilly to perform tax-related accounting work.
Public Services Director Clara Johnson summarized each item and recommended approval. On Resolution 25-45, Assembly members were told the correct contract amount is $4.5 million (per a handout) for work with Alaska Native Renewable Industries LLC to design, construct and commission the Selawik Solar/Battery Project. Derek Haviland Lie moved to approve 25-45 and Walter Sampson seconded; the motion carried by roll call vote.
Resolution 25-46 authorizes a memorandum of agreement with Maniilaq Association to accept and implement the DOJ COPS grant for $575,797; Walter Sampson moved the measure, Billy Lee seconded and it passed. Resolution 25-47 approves a ground lease with the City of Kivalina to build and operate a warm storage facility for public safety equipment; Sampson moved, Raven Sheldon seconded and the motion carried. Resolution 25-48 engages Baker Tilly for tax-related accounting work; Finance Treasurer Jade Hill noted this is an unbudgeted expense and indicated a budget amendment will be needed; Raven Sheldon moved the resolution and Sampson seconded.
All four measures were described by staff as routine steps to advance projects or accept grant funding; the assembly recorded each motion as carried unanimously. Several members raised procedural and budget questions during discussion, including whether existing agreements and memoranda of understanding provide adequate oversight and whether unbudgeted accounting fees should be amended into the budget before work begins.
The Assembly recessed for lunch and later adjourned at 1:23 p.m. The next regular meeting was set for Jan. 26–27, 2026.
