[0:02] I'm going to go ahead and call a meeting to order, please.

[0:10] I'm going to call this meeting to order at 6 p.m. This is a regular meeting. Can I have order in the house, please?

[0:19] Thank you. I'm going to call this meeting to order at 6 p.m. This is a regular meeting for Tuesday, October 1st, 2024. Madam Clerk, will you please take the role? I will. Tim Hale. Here. Stephanie Nowers. Here. Dean McKee. Here. Bill Gamble.

[0:37] Dmitry Fona, Ron Gurnier, Madam Mayor, you have a quorum.

[0:43] Thank you.

[0:44] Is there anything that any of the members would like to pull from the consent deputy mayor go ahead?

[0:59] I'd like to pull RS 24-078 and RS 24-105.

[1:07] Okay.

[1:08] Other members of the assembly want to pull anything?

[1:11] Assembly for some fauna go ahead.

[1:21] I'm sorry Assemblyperson Pondoff, I didn't hear what you were saying.

[1:24] I'd like to put one on six, the resolution one on six, one on six.

[1:29] Thank you.

[1:30] Can I get some people to stop talking about?

[1:33] Oh, can we have order, please, thank you.

[1:40] any other things that anybody would like to pull and change on the agenda.

[1:50] So now the

[1:51] agenda has been approved. If you'd all stand with me, please. And Madam Clerk, would

[1:58] you lead us on the point?

[1:59] I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which

[2:06] which expands one nation under God, individual,

[2:11] with liberty and justice for all.

[2:15] Thank you.

[2:21] The next item on our agenda is the meetings

[2:24] from previous meetings, the minutes from previous meetings,

[2:28] assembly, special meeting on the 10th of August of 24,

[2:35] assembly regular meeting of the 24th or the 20th

[2:40] on August of 24, the assembly regular meeting on September 3rd of 24, a joint assembly

[2:49] school board meeting on September 10th of 24, assembly regular meeting on September 10th

[2:57] of 24. Are there any changes to these minutes as presented?

[3:05] Seeing and hearing none, then the minutes are approved as presented.

[3:10] Let's, the next item on our agenda is do we have a report from any of the cities?

[3:18] Yeah, I do not see anybody.

[3:21] I know, I know you're all from the city, some place probably, but

[3:27] we have any report

[3:30] from the school district.

[3:34] Don't see anybody.

[3:35] Don't see Todd here for the state of Alaska.

[3:39] And there has not been a meeting of the assembly and school board on special issues, right?

[3:49] Okay, thank you.

[3:51] The next is assembly public relations.

[3:54] Does anybody have anything under public relations that they would like to stay?

[4:02] I have a couple of things.

[4:06] The Burrell today presented and was a program at Wasilla Chamber of Commerce.

[4:15] And I want to thank all of the directors that presented an outstanding job there at

[4:22] presenting where we are in the Burrell and the things that are going on in the Burrell.

[4:27] And I got many nice compliments afterwards.

[4:29] and so thank you manager Brown for putting that together and then we will be

[4:38] manager Brown and I will be doing an abbreviated presentation to the Palmer

[4:45] Chamber on the ninth which is next week and then also the Metzubero is one of

[4:54] sponsors for the economic summit that will be held on the 15th of

[5:00] October, and at that for the luncheon, the city manager, I mean the borough manager has presented

[5:12] a publication to present to those people that will be there at the summit regarding what's

[5:20] going on in the borough and the two ballot questions that we have for the borough and in dealing

[5:27] with the one ballot question regarding charter schools, we have made, like Brown has made

[5:36] arrangements for a one member of each one of the charter schools to come at that new

[5:43] time and give I think five minutes, right, presentation on the borough as well as the assembly,

[5:52] We can't take a position on those ballot questions, but we can present information, and so that's what we will be doing on the fifth date.

[6:05] So that's all I have under public relations. Mr. Brown, do you have a report for us?

[6:11] Yes, Madam Mayor. Thank you. And real quick for the assembly in your red folder is a flyer of the ballot proposition, specifically well or for.

[6:19] But it really allows you to see what roads were included in Prop 4 and what schools and information are in Prop 1

[6:27] So it's a reference for you if you're getting questions or calls from constituents

[6:31] I'll keep the report fairly short

[6:33] I ask our public affairs team to put together a short video of

[6:37] Construction activities this summer just to highlight some of the good work that's been done since the assembly doesn't get it to go out and see all of these different

[6:45] projects, try to pull it together in a visual way so that you can kind of get some sense

[6:49] for some of the things that were accomplished. So with that said, you wouldn't matter

[6:52] me. Clerk. Before a matter of a clerk, you start that.

[6:56] There are a couple seats up here in the front. Sorry, we're in a close, close smaller area

[7:04] because of the voting that's going on in the city of Palmer.

[7:10] Okay, and the directors are going to be moving into the staff room so there'll be some more seats back over here if you would like to sit.

[7:23] Thank you directors for doing that.

[7:29] Okay, go ahead Madam Clerk. Thank you for letting me interrupt you.

[7:33] This

[7:52] is Point McKinsey in case you don't know where these pictures are coming from.

[13:42] Excellent. Thank you. That's all I have for the report tonight, Madam Mayor. Okay. Mr. Attorney, do you have a report? No, Madam Clerk. The Clerk's report is in your red folder. Also attached to the Clerk's report is the agenda for Thursday and then the Joint Assembly Planning Commission meeting for next Tuesday. And also every year in December, the Assembly is January. The Assembly to schedule the schedules on meeting with the state delegation. We'd like to suggest December 19th.

[14:11] It's a Thursday at 10 a.m.

[14:14] With that date, work for the assembly to meet with the state delegation at the LAO office.

[14:25] Comments?

[14:27] Yes, assembly person here will go ahead.

[14:29] I won't be here, but I don't think that'll be a problem.

[14:35] Any other comments from any of the assembly?

[14:38] Anybody checking their calendars?

[14:48] Any objections, Madam Clerk?

[14:50] That is it, Madam Mayor.

[14:51] Okay.

[14:53] The next item on our agenda is citizens and other correspondents.

[15:00] Are there any comments on the citizens and other correspondence from the assembly?

[15:08] Okay. I hear we none, and they are presented. Madam Clerk, would you read the IMs? Thank you. I am 24183 reporting conclusion of contract number 24029b with K&H civil constructors and the total contract amount of $473,876.70 for the Papu's Twins Road Improvement Project.

[15:33] Okay.

[15:37] Is there any comments?

[15:43] The next item we have is audience participation, this is the first audience participation.

[15:50] We have available in tonight's meeting.

[15:54] We do have a sign-up sheet, but even if you didn't sign up and you do want to testify

[15:59] at this time after we call on the people that have signed up, we will make it open to anybody

[16:06] else.

[16:07] And if there are resolutions, we do not have public hearing.

[16:14] So if there is a resolution that you're interested in and that you want to give the assembly

[16:20] comments on it, this would be the time for you to do it.

[16:24] And your comments will be limited to three minutes.

[16:27] and the Deputy Barrel Clerk will have a calendar, I mean, a timer, and you'll see it up on the overhand.

[16:39] So, first person that has signed up is Franklin Wong.

[16:46] Okay, did you want to come, sir?

[16:50] And Mr. Wong, can I get you to press the button on the mic there, and you'll see it turn green.

[16:55] There you go, you're good.

[16:55] I just wanted to ask a question.

[16:59] I've lived on Grandview Road for 34 years, and I live in the Bradley Lakes subdivision,

[17:06] and we've had snow removal service for all of them years until three years ago, and they're

[17:15] going to put a new Grandview Road in, but they stopped it at my property line and put a

[17:20] of maintenance ends here and for the last three years has cost me over $2,400 to have

[17:26] snow removal and twice I've been this past year I was stuck in my house for four days

[17:32] because we couldn't get out and had to hire a loader to come and plow the road and get

[17:37] us out of our yard and my wife and I are at both in our 70s and I just want to know when

[17:44] I know they can give me a snow removal service again.

[17:48] Okay.

[17:49] I need to have you first of all state your name for the room.

[17:51] Oh, I'm sorry.

[17:52] That's okay.

[17:53] Frank Wall.

[17:53] I flew for the Coast Guard for 21 years.

[17:56] Thank you for your service.

[17:59] So there, we have the staff that are in there.

[18:04] I'm sure one of the staff will can meet with you and give you some answers.

[18:10] Go speak to them.

[18:11] Yeah.

[18:11] You can go in there now if you want to.

[18:13] or afterwards. Okay. All right. All right. Thank you, sir. Julie.

[18:26] My name is Julie

[18:27] Pollard. I am in favor of the resolution 24-105. I think it would be we need to

[18:40] be reminded of where we come from and so to our children.

[18:47] I hope that when it gets brought

[18:50] up, that way it will pass. Thank you. Thank you.

[18:54] And Lauren, what would you say there, yes?

[18:59] Carrow?

[19:00] Carrow.

[19:01] Carrow as close.

[19:02] Okay.

[19:03] Thank you.

[19:05] Thank you.

[19:06] My name is Lauren Carrow.

[19:08] I live in Buckshot Drive on Palmer.

[19:11] Within the Connect Community Council area.

[19:13] Connect River Community Council area.

[19:16] Thank you for the opportunity to comment.

[19:18] I urge the assembly to adopt resolution 24-078

[19:23] as presented, keeping all three options available.

[19:27] In late 2008, I became a member of the Connect River Comprehensive Planning Team.

[19:33] I had lived in the area for over 30, or almost, I've lived in the area for

[19:36] almost 30 years and have seen a lot of change.

[19:39] The team included home stethers, newer residents, and

[19:43] the original owner manager of the Connect River Lodge.

[19:47] In February of 2009, we sent out a survey to all area residents, and

[19:52] and we use the results of this survey to guide the process.

[19:56] For over two years, we met twice a month, riding the drought-

[20:04] All meetings were open to the public and the interested residents besides the planning team were present at almost every meeting. Anyone was allowed to comment and provide input. It was a very open, grassroots, grassroots, excuse me, process. The plan was presented to the community council and voted on, presented to the borough and finally passed in 2014.

[20:29] As written, it has no teeth. It has no means of enforcement. Formation of a special use

[20:36] district is a natural outcome and next step in the process. The proposed resolution

[20:42] allows each community council to choose between options to form a draft spud. This allows

[20:49] each council to decide how much assistance they might need and who will develop the spud

[20:55] specifics. Maximum community input will be guiding

[20:59] Spud Development. Any resident of a community council area may attend the community council

[21:04] meetings and vote on the proceedings before it. Option 3 offers the most restrictive community

[21:11] input in the draft Spud by limiting the advisory board to people appointed by the mayor and assembly.

[21:18] Although a suggested makeup of the board is included, it is also noted that feasibility

[21:24] of such a makeup is to determine by whoever the mayor is at the time.

[21:29] Nothing in the ordinance, and I quote, obligates the mayor to make specific appointments.

[21:35] I strongly believe that to limit the spread development choice to just option three, eliminating

[21:41] the other two options would be a serious mistake.

[21:44] It would not just eliminate community council choice, but limit initial community involvement

[21:51] and to put it too much power in the hand of the political appointees and electors, excuse me,

[21:58] who probably do not live in the district.

[22:01] Adopting the resolution with all three options allows this necessary process to go forward

[22:07] with the fullest measure of community involvement.

[22:10] Thank you.

[22:13] Crystal Roberts?

[22:28] Thank you for the opportunity to speak today.

[22:30] My name is Crystal Roberts, and I move to the Maxu Valley in 1993.

[22:35] I have some concerning with the wording in a couple areas of the proposed community council process for

[22:41] developing a community comprehensive plan or special use district in the MSB document.

[22:48] On page two, under option one, section B at state's community council conducts outreach to the property owners and

[22:56] residents within its boundaries regarding the initiation and progress associated with creating

[23:02] a plan or a spud.

[23:04] It concerns me that this isn't listed first before any proposal can be formed.

[23:10] It also concerns me that outreach isn't clearly defined.

[23:15] The South Connect River Community Council was able to initiate the formation of a special

[23:19] use district without any community outreach.

[23:22] When the council was confronted with angry community members, those community members were told that they should have attended monthly meetings if they had wanted a voice.

[23:32] Outreach should be defined as a valid attempt to not only reach out to each member of the community, but to take into account whether this is something that the majority wants.

[23:42] My other concern is with the wording, property owners and residents.

[23:47] Our community council has stripped property owners of the right to vote on community matters and less they are also residents.

[23:54] Someone renting or leasing in the area can have a voice in decision concerning the community.

[23:59] But mere property owners cannot if they do not live there.

[24:03] I believe this should be redefined as property owners and or residents, or even property owners who reside in the community if that is the intention.

[24:11] simply saying landowners and residents leave some doubt as to the intention.

[24:17] With this current wording, I believe that our community council should be forced to allow landowners to have a voice in matters that clearly affect the land that they are paying taxes on, even if not residing on.

[24:29] This same paragraph is included in option two, on page three listed under D. Again, I feel that this should be listed first, a community as a whole should have a voice.

[24:39] In the creation of a special use district from the beginning of the initiation process,

[24:45] there isn't similar wording included in option three at all.

[24:49] This is also a concern to me for the previously mentioned reasons.

[24:54] I've been a property owner and resident in my community for 30 years.

[24:58] We chose our land for the very reason.

[25:00] Thank you for your presence, that a special use district could potentially threaten. Please do not give power to a community council to inflict their residents with rules and regulations without protecting the voice of tax paying owners within their boundaries. Thank you.

[25:23] Thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak. My name is Millie Tormi. I've lived

[25:31] in the Matsubaro for several years. The subject of the special use district has become

[25:36] very important to me and my family. As our community council, the South Connect River

[25:42] community council is able to initiate the formation of a special use district in my

[25:48] community without any outreach to the best of my knowledge to the residents of the community.

[25:55] I feel that before the assembly can vote to accept the documents that outline the three choices

[26:00] for forming the slide some changes need to be made to the document. Getting a majority of the

[26:06] land owners in agreement should be the very first step of each of the three options. If this is not

[26:12] not achieve the community council should not be able to proceed.

[26:16] In the case of the South Connect River Community Council, I feel that the initiation process

[26:21] should have to start over and only proceed if the majority of the landowners are in agreement.

[26:28] Our council does not allow landowners to have a vote in the process unless they are also

[26:33] read residents.

[26:35] I feel that as taxpayers on the property and question, they should have a voice.

[26:40] In permanent rules and regulations being considered by a community council, please consider

[26:47] the wording of each of the three options to protect land owners from decisions made

[26:51] by the community council.

[26:53] Not only should outreach be the first step, but even the term outreach should be clearly

[26:58] defined to ensure that steps are taken to reach a majority vote before the council can proceed

[27:05] with selecting an option.

[27:07] Thank you very much.

[27:08] Thank you.

[27:10] Jackie.

[27:23] Good evening, Madam Mayor and Assembly Members and Manager Brown.

[27:27] My name is Jackie Goforth.

[27:29] I have in my possession the answer from our Attorney General to the Palmer Query when

[27:33] they asked about those books.

[27:35] They asked specifically about books.

[27:36] It was answered back in June.

[27:39] And part of it says a robust public debate should be had about whether a community wants

[27:43] these books available to children and teens in their public or school libraries.

[27:47] communities can and should make tailored decisions about what material is available and to whom

[27:52] it is available in taxpayer-funded libraries. Parents should then make decisions regarding

[27:57] their own children based upon what the community has chosen to make available in those libraries.

[28:01] And I didn't give you a copy because every time I give too many copies I overstep my time,

[28:05] so I'll try not to do that. Now, I want you to know in the last month

[28:09] I have been speaking with librarians in the valley. This book was pulled and moved to the

[28:15] adult section in Willow.

[28:17] This book was moved to the adult section in Sutton.

[28:21] This book was moved to the adult section in Trapper Creek.

[28:29] This book and the eight that go with it were also

[28:32] moved to the adult section.

[28:34] And the reason why is the letter you have in front of you

[28:36] from Palmer.

[28:37] I challenged this book, Empire of Storms.

[28:40] It's from a series called Throne of Glass.

[28:41] I challenged it in Palmer and in Los Angeles and in Willow.

[28:47] The reason why is it's in the young adult section and it contains a 19 year old and

[28:51] as you can see a lot of concerning sections.

[28:55] The letter I got back says that Bloomsbury publishing reprinted this title.

[29:00] They took the children's imprint off of it and it's now in the adult section.

[29:06] So the publisher is now moving books to the adult section.

[29:10] Publishers are moving books to the adult section.

[29:13] This book and the eight books, seven books to go with it, moved in Palmer and they moved

[29:20] in Wasilla and I believe they're moving in the valley also.

[29:24] Oh, wait, wait.

[29:26] I'd like to know, to let you know what happens when you challenge one of these books with

[29:30] a librarian.

[29:31] Your treat it as though your brain cells haven't passed the amoeba stage, okay?

[29:36] And when I did tell her that I wanted to speak about this book because it was in the young

[29:39] adult section she said I was misinformed because it's not it's in the adult

[29:44] section and I want people to know that when I first made up my list which you

[29:48] have I took screenshots of all the books okay that was last year and so I

[29:53] apologized because I hadn't looked to see if I had if it had been changed so what

[29:58] I want you to know and ask

[30:01] If moving a book from the young adult section, children, two adults is book banning, didn't

[30:08] a publisher just ban books, and don't librarians ban, didn't these three librarians just ban

[30:14] books? Four, if you can't. Seriously, it's not book banning, it's trying to protect children

[30:21] just like the labels on the music and on movies and on every other indecent material is.

[30:30] Thank you for your time.

[30:45] I want to thank you for setting up the Library Citizens Advisory Committee

[30:50] and especially for assembly men, fun, off, and burnier and assembly lady, McKee,

[30:56] for working to bring it forward. It was a wise and courageous decision.

[31:01] I believe it needs some tweaking.

[31:04] On two of the challenge books, the committee voted unanimously that there was no redeeming

[31:09] quality in either identical or red hood and the committee majority voted to have them

[31:16] removed from the library.

[31:18] My question is why are they still in the library?

[31:22] When the library citizens advisory committee reads these vulgar evil books, it isn't an easy

[31:28] task by any means.

[31:29] Then they vote, and the majority gets completely ignored.

[31:34] I feel as a tax-paying citizen that my voice is still not heard on this issue, and I feel the committee members who have to read this smut and vote and vote, and their vote seems irrelevant.

[31:49] I don't want the adult section of the libraries turned into a vile adult bookstore with our tax funds.

[31:56] the book should be removed like the committee voted.

[32:01] Anyone fighting to keep books in our libraries

[32:04] that aren't even worth the paper they are printed on,

[32:07] these people have questionable character

[32:10] and should not be running our libraries.

[32:13] Their paychecks come from taxpayer funds.

[32:16] They work for the taxpayer.

[32:18] here.

[32:20] Also, I am in favor of RS-24-105. I think it's a wonderful idea and educational.

[32:32] Thank you so much.

[32:35] Karen?

[32:45] Assembly, everybody. I'm all for what our founding fathers founded our nation upon. I'd like

[32:58] to read a few things. Our first US President George Washington said, do not let anyone claim

[33:03] tribute to American patriotism if they even attempt to remove religion from politics.

[33:10] Thomas Jefferson said, God, who gave us life, gave us liberty. And can the liberties of a nation

[33:17] be thought secure when we remove their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people

[33:23] that these liberties are a gift of God, that they are not to be violated, but with his wrath.

[33:30] Indeed, I tremble from my country when I reflect that God is just, that is just as cannot sleep forever.

[33:38] He also said, this is Thomas Jefferson, the first amendment has created a wall of separation between church and state,

[33:45] but that wall is the one way directional wall.

[33:47] It keeps government from running the church, but it makes sure that Christian principles will always stand government.

[33:53] Here's one from George Mason who is a delegate to the Constitutional Convention and called

[33:58] the father of the U.S. Bill of Rights.

[34:00] The laws of nature are laws are the laws of God whose authority can be superseded by

[34:09] no power on earth.

[34:11] Patrick Henry, the modifier of the U.S. Constitution, it cannot be emphasized too strongly or too

[34:16] often that this great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians, not

[34:22] unreligion, but on the gospel of Jesus Christ.

[34:26] Thomas Paine, writer and revolutionary leader.

[34:29] The cause of America is in a great measure, the cause of all mankind.

[34:34] Where say some is the king of America?

[34:37] I'll tell you, brand, he reigns above.

[34:43] Patrick Henry, member of the first Continental Congress and Governor of Virginia.

[34:49] The great pillars of all government are virtue, morality, and religion.

[34:54] This is the arm of my friend and this alone that renders us invincible.

[35:01] John Jay, who is the first justice of the United States Supreme Court, providence has given to our people the choice of their rulers, and it is the duty as well as the privilege and interest of our Christian nation to select and prefer Christians for their rulers.

[35:17] Benjamin Franklin, constitutional convention delegate and signer of the Constitution and Declaration of Independence. I have lived a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth.

[35:30] that God governs in the affairs of men.

[35:34] And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without his notice,

[35:38] is it probable that an empire can rise without his aid?

[35:45] George Washington, okay.

[35:48] Karen, Karen, I need your name.

[35:51] I'm so sorry, I was Karen Lewis.

[35:54] Thank you.

[35:57] Joe Irvine?

[36:09] My name is Joe Irvine.

[36:10] I'm a vice president of the Fischer Community Council and normally I would ask for five minutes,

[36:16] but we haven't had a meeting in our bylaws state that you have to have permission of the meeting of the body to claim the five minutes to speak for them.

[36:28] So I'm speaking for myself, but I am the vice president of the Fischer Community Council and I've been active as a secretary for the last 20 plus years in that capacity.

[36:39] Before I start, I would like to give a shout out to some of the boroughs staff that we work with and I have worked with over the years.

[36:47] I've found them always to be very helpful and return phone calls in a timely manner or at least answer even right then.

[36:56] So I'd like to call out specifically Joe Metzger, these are planning, planning, community development folks.

[37:03] Once again, Joel Metzger, Julie Speckman, Rodney Fodge, Natasha, I'm not sure of her last name,

[37:12] Heindel, and Hugh Leslie, those folks have worked personally with in the last few months,

[37:19] and they've been very helpful.

[37:21] So in 2013, we started our community council comp plan process, and it took us three years

[37:31] to do it.

[37:32] We reached out to the community and asked for volunteers to serve on the committee.

[37:39] We have 33 people volunteer and no one was rejected.

[37:47] We let everybody participate.

[37:49] We had a meeting every month for three years before we finally got our comp plan finalized.

[37:55] So, in the end, we had about 17 people that consistently stayed in attendance, but it was

[38:05] come and go for three years.

[38:06] I mean, you can understand how it would be hard to get people to every month come for

[38:11] three years.

[38:13] But right now, we are in the process of looking at revising this complaint or creating a

[38:20] but because I'm sure you might know it that we are being inundated, I shouldn't say inundated,

[38:27] but we're one of the fastest, if not the fastest growing community in the borough and we have

[38:33] more subdivisions, more four plexes, detached four plexes, we have three giant recreational areas

[38:42] in our area. So people really want to move here. So I would like to recommend that you leave

[38:49] in the three options in RS-24-078 because it gives our community we did

[39:00] basically option two and it worked out tremendously so I would definitely not

[39:08] want you to remove options to. So I'm in favor of leaving all three options in place

[39:16] and let the communities decide which option they're going to use for a

[39:20] Spud or a Conplan. Thank you. Thank you. Andy.

[39:32] Mayor DeBrees and members of the

[39:33] Assembly. My name is Andy Couch. I'm the chairman of the Matsu Burial

[39:39] Fish and Wildlife Commission.

[39:42] Assembly Member Gamble had a resolution 24107

[39:48] that I would ask you to support, it's on the consent agenda and it would urge the

[39:59] Yeah.

[40:01] Board of Fisheries to consider two different agenda change requests, and those agenda change requests are to consider

[40:12] Susitna drainage, the whole drainage Chinook salmon population is a stock of yield concern. And the yield from that population has dropped.

[40:24] I don't have the exact figure, but it's over 90 percent since the early 2000s.

[40:31] And that was sent to the Board of Fisheries by the Bureau of Fish and Wildlife Commission.

[40:39] And then there's another agenda change request in there, too, that was sent by the legislative

[40:46] delegation for the Matsu Valley and that would designate Little Susitna River

[40:56] Koosamon as a stock of yield concern. It's measured by the in-river sport

[41:01] fishery and the in-river sport fishery harvest has declined by I believe it is

[41:11] 84% according to the agenda change request and I looked at those numbers and

[41:18] And that seemed to be right about where it was.

[41:21] And that was from early 2000s to now.

[41:26] Those familiar with sport fishing in the Valley know that there was very little opportunity

[41:32] to fish for King Salmon or to harvest coho salmon this year.

[41:38] And a little sassetna had not this year because they don't have the figures yet, but last year

[41:45] It had the lowest sport harvest on records since the state started doing harvest survey

[41:53] estimates in 1977, so all this would do is make a designation and then the department

[42:01] efficiently would be, well first off the board would have to, the board of fisheries would

[42:08] have to say yes, we'll hear these agenda change requests. And then if the board said yes,

[42:15] we agree with these, then an action plan would have to be developed for each as to how

[42:22] to bring back that yield from those two fisheries. Thank you. If you have any questions, I'd

[42:34] Thank you Anthony Nichols evening

[42:46] I'm Tony nice to meet you all I'm done

[42:49] South Kinnick River especially yeah sorry I came to talk about the

[42:54] special use district area I moved in there about two and a half years ago

[42:58] started going to community council meetings I figured I'd clear up a couple of

[43:01] things maybe give you guys some info from the inside perspective on there I'm

[43:06] pretty individualized liberty. I don't think we should tell people what they

[43:09] should be doing with their properties, per se, including business owners. Some

[43:14] of them earlier. But some things have been coming around. A lot of rumors have

[43:18] been getting spread and a lot of people have been kind of slinging mud left and

[43:21] right going on down that road. So there was absolutely an attempt by that

[43:27] community council to let everybody know. And I would know because I've been attending

[43:30] most of those meetings, I work an average of 70 hours a week, sometimes 80 hours

[43:35] a week. I have a new child. I am exhausted. I study 20 hours a week at a minimum for my job.

[43:42] Just to maintain my current education requirements and to maintain proficiency,

[43:46] I was still able to make it over to 50% of those council meetings going on down there.

[43:51] So that being said, if they were not in the know, that was kind of on them. The one thing that I will

[43:57] state that a lot of people seem to be very upset about. I think Tim was there on the meeting where I was

[44:00] It was also very upset about it, not to apologize to people for.

[44:04] Special use district, that was the term that came out.

[44:07] Most people thought they were talking about the public use area down at the beginning of that road.

[44:13] When they found out that it was essentially zoning requirements, as initiated by the community council,

[44:20] that's where most people seemed to get upset with this.

[44:23] So I think, I don't know why it's called a spud.

[44:27] I don't know why they didn't just state it was zoning.

[44:29] I would say that's probably the biggest part of your issue and a big huge chunk of the drama that's going on involving that

[44:35] As for the lodge and everything else that seems to be the the crux of the issue going on down there

[44:41] I would say the lodge needs to come down to the community council meeting

[44:45] Talk to them talk to the people that are having concerns with them

[44:49] There is concerns of abuse going on by the lodge right now and with their helicopter business

[44:55] That's what's causing a lot of the drama going in there that being said

[45:00] That community council I don't think was doing anything to try and be underhanded involving in this. They have absolutely taken public testimony at every single meeting that I have gone to with them. There has not been anything. Every question that I have asked since I have been there, they have answered quickly and to the best of their ability and anytime they've had to get back to me, they have gotten back to me promptly. I don't believe there's any abuse. I personally would like to see all three options on the ballot. I think that gives everyone else involved in the area.

[45:29] better say and what's going on and for the other guys down there at the

[45:34] lodge I think if they actually came down and did some diplomacy they might be

[45:40] able to get a better outcome that's amicable for everybody in terms of

[45:43] solving that issue that's pretty much all I have to say thank you

[45:52] for

[46:08] your

[46:08] and I am with Big Lake Trails.

[46:11] It's in Resolution 24-099.

[46:17] Big Lake Trails is a nonprofit 5013C

[46:19] with members and followers tolling over 4,500.

[46:23] I'd like to encourage the Matt Superl assembly

[46:25] to pass a resolution to keep the Alaska Long Trail

[46:28] and National Scenic Trail designation

[46:30] off Matt Superl Trails.

[46:32] By designating the Alaska Long Trails

[46:34] as a national scenic designation

[46:36] and it will create federal overreach on that Subaru Trails.

[46:40] Let's keep it the Alaska way of life and play.

[46:43] So many people use some machines to access their homes

[46:46] and recreational remote cabins.

[46:49] So please vote no and say no to the Alaska long trail.

[46:54] That's it.

[46:54] Thank you very much.

[46:56] Thank you.

[46:57] Mary Robinson.

[47:04] Good evening.

[47:05] Mary Robinson, Borough resident, and I represent myself.

[47:09] Tonight I'm going to speak against resolution 24-05 and against the applicant for the Matzu Library Advisory Board.

[47:20] Looking over paperwork for upcoming elections, mayor, assembly, school board, city councils, there is absolutely no mention of religious affiliation.

[47:31] Freedom without favor, equality without exception.

[47:35] I'm bewildered why religion continues to wind its way through the Matsu Burrow Boards,

[47:42] commissions, and assembly.

[47:44] Mayor DeVries, Matsu Burrow Bio, state she attends King's Chapel.

[47:49] Mr. Yant's going away gift was to carve out $100,000 from the 2025 Matsu Burrow budget for

[47:57] a waterline for King's Chapel Extension.

[48:00] Deputy Mayor Bernier twisted himself into knots to appoint his pastor and friend from

[48:06] outside of District 7 to the Matsu Burrow Library Citizen Advisory Committee.

[48:13] Deputy Mayor Bernier completely ignored the 13 people that applied for the Burrow Library

[48:19] Citizen Advisory Committee because he knew that the Talkiitna 13, as we've started to call

[48:26] them, had an agenda, and did they even believe in God. The first meeting of the Matsu

[48:32] Burrow Library Citizen Advisory Committee was barred for the first couple of minutes prior

[48:38] to the 5 p.m. meeting, because Mayor DeVries was giving a tour to her prayer group. All

[48:45] well and good in of itself, no problem. I just bewildered why religion continues to be

[48:54] such a part of the burrow when some of us have no religious affiliation, did any other

[49:03] churches receive money from the burrow budget for a waterline extension or any infrastructure?

[49:10] Devoting significant resources in time to an issue that could be construed as partisan.

[49:16] To governments he gives the power of the sword, to churches he gives the power of the keys.

[49:21] Yet, to none of the parties, does God give the authority to coerce true worship or criminalize false worship?

[49:29] It all comes back to intent, how are government officials using the platform that they've been given?

[49:35] To affect temporary change in a physical world or permanent change in an internal soul?

[49:41] Again, I am against Resolution 24-05 and I am against the applicant for the Matsu Library Advisory Board. Thank you.

[49:50] Thank you.

[49:57] Okay Lisa next.

[50:00] Hi.

[50:11] Good evening. I've never attended assembly meeting. I think there's a lot of people tonight that haven't. So you're probably in a very similar situation. So go ahead. Thank you, Madam Mayor. And thank you to my community for showing up. And it's because of members of our community that I'm here. Tim, you're one of them. I know you don't know me, but I just started going to the connect, the South Connect River Community Council.

[50:40] meetings. And I'm here to discuss something that I have no authority to speaking about, the

[50:48] Spud, the Comprehensive Plan. I guess we're supposed to be voting on the three columns here.

[50:56] And I just, the wording of it in general, I know it's up to us to inform ourselves and that's the problem.

[51:02] When you go to websites and you're trying to read things, you don't quite always get your questions

[51:08] So when you show up in person, though, to community council meetings and things like this, I think we find a lot more information.

[51:14] So I am trying to be informed, but I do think I'm very ignorant when it comes to most everything that we have to vote on.

[51:21] And the wording here, like option one, limited assistance from MSB staff, option two, moderate assistance from MSB staff.

[51:29] And then option three, it says in-depth formal assistance from MSB staff.

[51:34] So option three basically means us, the community, has no say.

[51:40] Option three is going to make sure that our voices aren't heard from my understanding.

[51:45] I would love somebody to explain to me, you know, better than that.

[51:48] But bottom line for me, I don't have a lot of time to look into every single word and every

[51:53] single document that I'm getting and understand it all.

[51:56] And so I'm voting that we keep all three options if that's what I'm here to vote on today.

[52:02] Because I feel as though the community needs to say and the community needs to be informed and I believe that the outreach that we have right now does not help us be informed.

[52:12] And it's a matter of fact, it fills us with our own judgments like, oh, I didn't read enough.

[52:16] Oh, I wasn't informed enough. But where do we get this information?

[52:20] We don't have, you know, 20 hours every day to look into this stuff.

[52:25] We have 20 minutes maybe, and so I would like us to do a better outreach from our community members, our leaders, our community in general, the way we help each other is by talking about this stuff and making sure it's not convoluted or it's not being hidden, or there's an agenda being hidden, people are scared, and they want to use their voices, but a lot of times they're scared to use their voices, just like me right now, I do not public speak at all ever, but I just, I'm really passionate that we have our

[52:55] options in front of us and that we have our choices and we're allowed to use our voices

[53:00] and not be lied to our gas lit or whatever else is out there. But know what the facts are,

[53:05] know what the actual vote is about. I don't even know what this vote is about. There's three options.

[53:10] I don't think the third option should be the only option. I don't think that the third option

[53:14] should be like you as the mayor get to make up the minds for our community when we haven't even had

[53:21] voice. You know we need choices and we need to have a voice about it and we need to be informed

[53:25] and outreach needs to be better. Thank you. Lisa Nash. Lisa Nash. You did very well. So be encouraged.

[53:45] John Traumane. T-R-E-M-A-Y-N-E. Okay.

[53:53] Hello everyone. My name is John Traumane and I represent

[53:56] adult and teen challenge in Wastella and Houston I just wanted to speak a

[54:02] little bit to all of you and thank you for the opportunity to serve with the

[54:06] borough in our cash for cleanup program it's really been a lot a lot of work

[54:12] but it's really been a real blessing to our students as well as some of the

[54:15] people in the community it gives us a chance to go out in the community and to

[54:21] recognize you know people's veterans elderly basically recognize their needs

[54:29] and it's a chance for us to serve through our ministry share the word if

[54:34] that's what they need and just move forward and I would really like to see some

[54:40] kind of a a winter program that involves the veterans and involves the senior

[54:46] citizens especially in the outline areas to receive our services. And so if you

[54:53] all could like do what you all do and make it happen, that'd be great. I'm

[54:59] not a great speaker.

[55:00] Here, but I appreciate y'all. Thank you. Thank you.

[55:22] She'll straighten us out here. Hi. Hi. I'm Gretchen Kym. I'm a resident district one.

[55:28] I've lived in the valley for half of my life and I have a, I wanted to state my

[55:33] opposition to Mr. Barener's proposal to display the ten amendments.

[55:41] I'm ready to voice my position to Mr. Barener's proposal for displaying the ten commandments.

[55:45] The Magna Carta, the Mayflower Compact, and the Declaration of Independence.

[55:50] The Prambal of the U.S. Constitution and the Prambal to the Alaska Constitution in Masoop

[55:54] Public Libraries and in the lobby of the Manus-Gustit number of buildings.

[56:00] Mr. Berner has stated that he was inspired by recent laws passed in Louisiana that ordered

[56:04] the ten commandments to be displayed in public school classrooms, and the only reason the

[56:09] other doctrines are included is not to open up the burn administration to legal action.

[56:13] Looking beyond the preamble of the U.S. Constitution of First Amendment, which states, Congress shall

[56:19] make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof,

[56:23] or bridging the freedom of speech or of the press, or the right of people to peacefully

[56:27] of symbol and to petition the government for a readiness of grievances.

[56:34] Posting the 10 Commandments can easily be perceived as an informal establishment of religion

[56:39] by which the residents of the MSB may expect government operations to be guided by.

[56:44] Well, this may be a comfort to some folks whose belief system incorporates the 10 Commandments.

[56:49] It is exclusive to where residents who don't consider themselves to be Christian.

[56:53] This includes people considering themselves the atheist, agnostic, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh, Hindu,

[56:59] pagan, or any other belief system.

[57:01] All members of our community have to be to feel and be included in the conduct of our

[57:05] government without concern of bias for one belief system or prejudice towards their own.

[57:11] I'm a lifelong last and I've lived with the MSB for more than half my life.

[57:14] During that time I've seen the diversity that continues to grow in our communities.

[57:17] This diversity brings this new business like international grocery stores or ethnic

[57:22] restaurants. It brings diversity of thought of new ideas and new ways and ways to solve

[57:26] old problems. It allows us to learn from each other in many ways and to its grants of life

[57:33] a bit differently than we're used to. The separation of church and state is a strongly

[57:37] held American and Alaskan value. To allow the ten commandments to be posted as a violation of

[57:42] this value and is simply an American and an Alaskan. People have a great right to not practice or

[57:47] practice the religion of a choice but that religion has no place in government. Thank you.

[57:52] Thank you.

[57:56] Okay.

[57:57] Randall Wilber.

[58:06] Excuse me.

[58:07] My name is Randall Wilber.

[58:09] I just want to say thank you for the opportunity to share.

[58:13] I appreciate the humility that you guys have to display on a regular basis, having your

[58:18] perspectives questioned and poked and prodded.

[58:22] I want to say thank you to Assemblymember Fawnoff for the opportunity.

[58:27] I would like to share my support for 24-106, the partnership with the borough and adult

[58:34] and teen challenge.

[58:36] We are a program that helps people that struggle with drug and alcohol addictions, and

[58:41] the partnership with the borough, I think it's just a good fit for the borough.

[58:48] We're providing a service that is needed.

[58:51] There's a lot of opportunity to help pour back into the communities.

[58:57] For our students, some of which are here this evening, addiction causes a lot of damage

[59:05] to themselves personally and also to family and community.

[59:09] And so an opportunity to partner with the borough to provide the opposite and to bring healing

[59:17] and good things.

[59:19] I think it's just such a positive thing, and I just want to fully support that resolution

[59:26] and appreciate what you guys do, so thank you.

[59:31] So that concludes the number of people that signed up, but we will now open it up to

[59:38] anybody that hasn't spoken yet, and good

[59:46] evening, Madam Mayor Assembly, I'm Kathy Kaiser.

[59:48] You will see on the vacancy report that it states that Adam Jenkins resigned from the Matsubar library board.

[59:55] That's not exactly what happened.

[59:58] At our last board meeting on September

[1:00:00] Number 10th in Talketna. The board voted to remove Adam Jenkins because he had never attended a single meeting since his appointment by the mayor. According to the Burrow Code 4.05.030, this removal meets both two and six under Section B. It states, a vacancy occurs on the board when, too, a confirmed appointee fails to qualify and assume the duties of office within 30 counter days of confirmation and six. The board member is absent from more than three

[1:00:29] consecutive board meetings, and the respective board requests the removal in writing to the assembly.

[1:00:36] Since I was acting chair at the meeting because our chair was out of the country,

[1:00:40] I wrote the letter to the assembly and hand delivered it to the clerk's office last Thursday around 4.30 p.m.

[1:00:45] You will notice in the attachments to the vacancy report that Adam Jenkins sent his notice of resignation via email to the mayor at 8.30 p.m.

[1:00:54] Four hours after I submitted the request to have him removed.

[1:00:57] Now, either this is a grand coincidence, or the mayor contacted Mr. Jenkins and asked him to submit his resignation.

[1:01:04] Not so coincidentally, having him resign looks much better on record than having him removed, and so it goes.

[1:01:11] I just want to do the assembly to understand what really happened and know that the mayor is now directly appointing someone to take his place without allowing for any time for additional applications.

[1:01:22] You may remember me telling you several months ago that Mr. Jenkins had never even stepped foot in the willow library

[1:01:28] which he was representing until after his appointment to the board.

[1:01:32] As Shakespeare would say, something is rotten in the state of Denmark.

[1:01:36] So now I ask you not to rubber stamp the mayor's appointment of the new representative Mark Spahn to the library board.

[1:01:43] Please wait for the residents of the willow area and advocates of the willow library to be informed of this vacancy and give them time to submit applications.

[1:01:51] Mr. Spahn has not proven himself as a library advocate.

[1:01:55] In fact, he's done quite the opposite.

[1:01:58] If you continue to rubber stamp these appointments by the mayor,

[1:02:01] you will be responsible for the continued denigration of the library board,

[1:02:05] which is supposed to be, according to Barrow Code, filled with library advocates.

[1:02:10] I'd also like to invite you to watch the recording of our last board meeting,

[1:02:14] the audience participation period in particular,

[1:02:16] where you will hear numerous Taokitna residents express their disappointment in the appointment of pastor Chad Scott to the chair position on the Library Citizens Advisory Committee.

[1:02:27] Remember me telling you that he proudly doesn't even have a library card?

[1:02:32] I ask you to please listen to what all of your constituents are saying, not just those you go to church with.

[1:02:42] Anyone else would like to address you, Assembly?

[1:02:51] I fully support as a member of the community resolution 24-106 the borough's

[1:02:57] partnership with adult and teen challenge not only as a member of the

[1:03:01] community but I personally went through the program I was the first graduate

[1:03:06] for the Matsu Valley for adult and teen challenge and I strongly support this

[1:03:12] partnership with the Matsu borough and adult and teen challenge it would give

[1:03:16] benefits both ways. It's a great opportunity for them to get involved in the

[1:03:21] community to understand from the burrow standpoint a lot of things and it's a

[1:03:28] benefit for the Matsu burrow and the assembly to also get involved with adult

[1:03:32] and teen challenge on what exactly they do just to emphasize on what their

[1:03:37] director said. They're not just a drug and alcohol treatment facility. They're

[1:03:42] We're actually the first 2.1 inpatient treatment center for the state of Alaska, so they take

[1:03:49] anybody with drug, alcohol, homelessness, addiction, domestic violence, sexual abuse,

[1:03:57] anybody that's been has some type of an addiction, or is needing rehabilitation, and they're treated

[1:04:03] from a psychological standpoint.

[1:04:05] point. They're certified drug and alcohol counselor is not just a CDC. She's also has

[1:04:12] her master's in psychology. And so it's a great benefit all the way around. And so I strongly

[1:04:19] support the partnership with the borough and teen challenge. It's something you guys will

[1:04:23] not regret. Thank you. Thank you.

[1:04:33] So I have no prepared remarks, but I would just like to hear your name. Yes, it's Jeff Smith.

[1:04:39] Okay so I have no prepared remarks but I've come here and I've heard a band of

[1:04:45] charlatans and demagogues up here try to hoodwink the audience with talk of

[1:04:51] religious mumbo jumbo superstition and hob goblins in adult books

[1:05:00] These are books. They're not pornographic. They're not strange. They're literature. Get over it. Now, I ask you all in the audience, what are these people trying to distract you from with their nonsense? I think you should look at them, see what their interests are, see what they're trying to distract you from. Because I think that's the bigger deal than jamming public buildings full of nonsense or keeping books out of libraries.

[1:05:28] Okay. Somebody else would like to testify?

[1:05:31] Mark

[1:05:36] Spone, Mayor and Assembly Manager, thank you for letting us speak.

[1:05:43] As far as 24.099, that would definitely in my mind have to be a no anytime you're

[1:05:50] going to restrict motorized vehicles on a trail or possibly getting the federal government

[1:05:55] involved in things I'd be a no.

[1:05:56] So, um, 24-105 sponsored by assembly and premier,

[1:06:03] I'm sorry, um, definitely appreciate that.

[1:06:07] That's long overdue.

[1:06:09] That's common sense.

[1:06:09] How can somebody be against having these things posted

[1:06:14] in a burrow building or the libraries of the school

[1:06:16] or anywhere else?

[1:06:17] That's freedom in America.

[1:06:19] That's what we're all here for.

[1:06:21] We all want to be in a free country.

[1:06:22] And this is how the founding fathers came up.

[1:06:25] and that's all our laws are based on.

[1:06:28] So that would definitely thank you for supporting

[1:06:31] or bringing that up.

[1:06:34] And also thank you for the people that voted

[1:06:37] to try and do something to protect our children

[1:06:41] from the pornography that's being introduced

[1:06:44] for kids in these libraries with tax payer dollars.

[1:06:49] So thank you for making a committee.

[1:06:51] I think the committee could use a little more teeth.

[1:06:53] they shouldn't be overruled by a burrow employee, I think they're trying to do a good job.

[1:07:01] And if anybody has ever tried to read one of those books that these people are tasked

[1:07:06] with reading, there's nothing in your life that could probably be effective worse than to

[1:07:14] have to do what they're doing, so we should thank them for what they're doing.

[1:07:18] And thank you for everything you're doing.

[1:07:19] Thank you.

[1:07:29] Do you need me to state my name?

[1:07:31] Please.

[1:07:33] I'm Ryan Newman.

[1:07:34] I'm 21 years old.

[1:07:36] I was recently a minor, relatively.

[1:07:39] And during that I've read all sorts of books.

[1:07:42] I read books from the Founding Fathers,

[1:07:44] to Fascist Communists, and any ideology between.

[1:07:48] And I've even read some of these people

[1:07:52] would consider pornographic in nature.

[1:07:55] And I've read books that would be considered

[1:07:57] too old for me at that time.

[1:08:00] And some of you want to pull a ban or a totally not ban

[1:08:05] on these books.

[1:08:07] I would respond, you are far away from your youth.

[1:08:11] How are you to say anything along the lines of you

[1:08:14] understand the maturity of children

[1:08:16] when your childhood was at the very least before the

[1:08:20] Clinton era and for some of you during the Nixon or even the Johnson era or even before.

[1:08:28] I believe you who are for this totally not a book band are scared because you are scared

[1:08:34] of the freedom of press and speech.

[1:08:36] Let the children develop how they will.

[1:08:38] That's how my late father handled me.

[1:08:41] Let me think, do and read as I want, as long as I do not hurt anybody.

[1:08:46] And he raised an intellectual, but perhaps you're afraid because you know the higher education

[1:08:52] level, the less likely you are to vote Republican.

[1:08:56] Thank you, and God bless America.

[1:09:03] Anyone else like to present testimony to the...

[1:09:13] Okay.

[1:09:13] Hello.

[1:09:19] My name is Carol Carmen.

[1:09:20] I live up on off of Palmer Fish Hook.

[1:09:23] and I'm in support of 24-105, thank you for the quotes that you shared.

[1:09:30] It is part of our history, it's part of who we are as a country.

[1:09:36] I appreciate that resolution very much.

[1:09:39] All the components of the resolution belong there, every single one of them.

[1:09:45] And I'd like you, I hope you vote as a patriotic citizen in favor of that resolution, because

[1:09:52] That's what it is. It's patriotism. It's supporting our country, which is what we ought to do.

[1:09:58] Governments a different story.

[1:10:00] We support government when they deserve it. Country, we need to support all the time, and that's patriotism. Thank you. Good evening.

[1:10:17] My name is Michael Baker. I'm here in support of keeping all three options available in resolutions 24-078. I'm here also at tonight to set the stretch, excuse me, to set straight at least a portion of the controversy surrounding the end of Connect River Road. Three minutes of truth telling is simply not enough, but it's where we've been given

[1:10:37] and matter, given in the matter set before I use

[1:10:40] too important to remain silent.

[1:10:42] At the Pioneer Commission meeting last month,

[1:10:44] Chad M. Zweiler testified, quote,

[1:10:47] I recently had a demand letter for 700,000

[1:10:50] based on noise and other damages that they are trying to do.

[1:10:54] This is from the leaders of the community council.

[1:10:57] No, the leaders of the community council

[1:10:59] president Craig Price and then vice president Dennis Sayer

[1:11:02] were not parties to that letter.

[1:11:04] Nor was it ever brought before the council

[1:11:06] that I've been made aware of.

[1:11:07] And the 700,000 is not about noise at all.

[1:11:10] The fact is that Chad Emsweiler, owner of a lodge

[1:11:13] and helicopter company next door to me,

[1:11:15] has trespassed and destroyed property that is not his own.

[1:11:19] My journey to Alaska started long before I ever set here

[1:11:22] 24 years, set foot here 24 years ago.

[1:11:27] To travel with and support the formation of future world

[1:11:30] leaders through adventures of the mind and body

[1:11:33] in the wilderness of Alaska, a boutique tourism venture designed to strengthen the hearts

[1:11:37] and minds of those that will someday lead their area of the world.

[1:11:41] We had one incident with a lodge prior to Chad's arrival, and the result was a lifelong friendship

[1:11:46] with the previous folks.

[1:11:48] We spent countless hours volunteering for the former owner and manager enjoying good company

[1:11:53] and meals in the lodge deck.

[1:11:55] For years we opened our home to employees for thanksgiving, Christmas, skating parties,

[1:11:59] birthdays, and anniversaries.

[1:12:00] the love and support we receive from these employees has been invaluable and I

[1:12:04] consider them dear friends. Our roots run deep in Alaska, two of my daughters

[1:12:10] belonged to the Didnayna people and our members of the Ecclutna tribe. My

[1:12:14] grandson is Eupick. Our son-in-law hails from a five-generation commercial fishing

[1:12:19] family. We have no intentions of abandoning our home or the land of mom which we

[1:12:24] drive as a family. In June 2023 my youngest son was on our property when our

[1:12:31] relationship with the lodge dramatically changed due to the actions of Chad

[1:12:36] M. Zweiler, owner and operator. An unknown man at the time, months later,

[1:12:40] identified as Chad personally trespassed on our property causing devastating

[1:12:44] damage with heavy equipment. One of our 75-plus-foot tall birch trees came

[1:12:50] crashing down where my youngest children play.

[1:12:54] My eldest daughter and a neighbor rushed to investigate the noise.

[1:12:58] Had my children been playing where they play,

[1:13:01] the time Chad toppled our tree more than 60 feet into our property?

[1:13:05] I don't know what would have happened.

[1:13:08] Or what?

[1:13:09] Yeah.

[1:13:10] Despite my daughter and my neighbor's

[1:13:12] pleas to stop Chad's activities, trees professionally

[1:13:15] marked by handsome surveyors who surveyed

[1:13:17] take clearly marking the property lines,

[1:13:20] were toppled and debris from a watch

[1:13:21] as side was pushed onto our land.

[1:13:24] When I arrived, I confronted an unknown man

[1:13:26] later identified as Chad.

[1:13:28] He was dredging our drinking water.

[1:13:31] Can I have you wrap it up?

[1:13:32] It has to matter.

[1:13:33] And I'll let the rest be said by my son.

[1:13:36] OK, thank you.

[1:13:56] My name is Isaac Baker.

[1:13:59] I just want to finish my dad's statement here.

[1:14:01] When I arrived, I confronted an unknown man later identified

[1:14:04] as Chad M. Zwiler.

[1:14:06] As an excavator Chad, as the excavator Chad was operating, was dredging our drinking water source.

[1:14:12] Our spring was severely damaged with severed pipes and water as it muddied that became undrinkable.

[1:14:18] Chad refused to identify himself, apologized, apologized or cease his operations.

[1:14:24] It took a call to the troopers and my furious insistence as a protective father to halt the destruction of our property and drinking water that sustained us.

[1:14:37] Regarding firearms, Chad mentioned, I indeed personally witnessed the taking of statements

[1:14:41] following a firearm incident that rocked our community.

[1:14:44] The incidents involving multiple lodge employees, I was not in the scene following the event

[1:14:49] and I personally heard one of these lodge employees telling the troopers and the lodge manager

[1:14:54] that her husband, a fellow employee, had fired a pistol into the ground in front of a minor

[1:14:58] and I'm in a minor neighbor's...

[1:15:00] Child. We had worked at the lodge for a week. I heard her voice as she stated that her husband,

[1:15:06] a fellow lodge employee's intention, was solely to scare the boy. This is the same child

[1:15:10] the lodge employee admitted they had sold alcohol to and assaulted.

[1:15:23] I believe that's all.

[1:15:24] Thank you.

[1:15:45] My name is Shelby Baker. As to setting the record straight for what Chad

[1:15:50] That employer said his statements to the planning committee last month about his neighbors

[1:15:56] at about the $700,000 about just noise.

[1:16:01] Some of it was addressed by my husband Mike about the trees that he damaged.

[1:16:07] This was the letter that we had sent from our lawyer after I tried to go and talk to them

[1:16:12] and vocally about the incident.

[1:16:14] They refused to speak to me and have their lawyer call me the next day.

[1:16:18] So we had to get a lawyer as well.

[1:16:21] The last good glacier lodge is bordered on three sides by residential property owners,

[1:16:25] thus it should have been obvious that construction of other activities at the lodge needed to be carried out with appropriate care.

[1:16:31] Unfortunately, this was not done in 2018.

[1:16:34] Those acting for the lodge cut a trail across the Baker and Pearson properties so that the lodge guest could access a new for viewing.

[1:16:41] No one representing the lodge asked for permission, both properties were posted.

[1:16:45] And there was no question that the lodge knew what it was doing was wrong after being confronted

[1:16:49] the lodge manager at the time promise that this would never happen again and that the

[1:16:54] lodge would keep those working for or on its behalf off the neighbor's property.

[1:16:59] Earlier this year, however, the new lodge manager in place, the lodge built a helicopter pad

[1:17:05] near the property boundary line.

[1:17:06] As a part of the project, Birch Cottonwood and all their trees on the Bakerside of property

[1:17:10] were destroyed, damaged as a result, the Baker property has suffered not only a loss of the

[1:17:15] trees, but also reduced surface runoff erosion impact to drinking water in the commensurate

[1:17:20] of loss of screening against the noise of the helicopter traffic. The value of the

[1:17:24] lost damage trees has been estimated at $66,435 to $221,450. These were all estimates that

[1:17:35] that we're given from reports from Maria, she's a tree specialist and then it goes on

[1:17:44] to talk about in the state of Alaska, we have trouble cause and it was well known earlier

[1:17:52] that this property line was put in place.

[1:17:57] The damage was whether it was intentional or voluntary because the property line is well

[1:18:02] known in light of earlier intrusion is highly likely the result and the event of legal dispute

[1:18:07] would be trouble damages on at least 44,000 and perhaps as much as 221,450.

[1:18:13] In other words, the tree issue alone is likely to result in a liability between 100, and 32,000

[1:18:20] to 664,350.

[1:18:24] So this was the letter that he was claiming was all against the noise, which was actually

[1:18:29] just the property damages that he had done to his neighboring properties.

[1:18:34] Thank you.

[1:18:36] Anyone else that hasn't testified that I could do a dress to the assembly?

[1:18:44] Okay.

[1:18:45] I don't see any names on the phone.

[1:18:46] We have four people.

[1:18:48] Go ahead, whoever's first on the phone.

[1:18:54] Adam Mayer and members of the assembly.

[1:18:57] My name is Mark Masteller.

[1:18:58] That's M-A-S-T-E-L-L-L-E-R from Palmer.

[1:19:01] and I just want to address two resolutions on the consent agenda, the first being RS-24-078

[1:19:10] about community councils and developing comp plans and special land use districts.

[1:19:15] I understand this resolution originated with circumstances in the Southkinnick River Community Council area,

[1:19:21] and I empathize with their concerns. But as written, this resolution has burrow-wide impacts,

[1:19:27] And the public and community councils were not noticed or allowed to be engaged in this proposal.

[1:19:32] An action with significant impacts to community planning processes across the borough,

[1:19:36] like comp plans and special land use districts, should not be addressed through a consent agenda process.

[1:19:42] So I'd like to see RS-247-8 pulled entirely in return to the Planning Commission and staff or staff

[1:19:50] so that community councils and the public can be engaged and allowed input.

[1:19:55] The second one is RS24105 regarding the documents to be

[1:20:01] I just think this is a guarantee way for our tax dollars to be spent on lawyers rather than on roads and other services the borough is responsible for. The resolution doesn't conform to the requirement of separation of church and state, which is clearly outlined in our U.S. Constitution. And I guess we do want to see that one on display the Constitution. So, you know, I guess I'm frustrated. These types of things just waste valuable money and time. And I think the assembly should focus on being good.

[1:20:30] good stewards of our limited tax dollars.

[1:20:32] So RS24105 should also be pulled from the consent agenda

[1:20:36] to allow thorough discussion.

[1:20:38] Thanks for your consideration.

[1:20:42] Next person on the line, please.

[1:20:48] Yes, my name is Mary McCrum.

[1:20:49] My last name is both MCC, RUM.

[1:20:53] The assembly's proposal to display the Christian 10 commandments

[1:20:57] in our bureau libraries is unconstitutional.

[1:21:00] The first amendment of the United States Constitution

[1:21:03] and forbids promoting one religion over another.

[1:21:06] This proposal is a restriction on our freedom.

[1:21:10] Our burrowed libraries and Sutton, Big Lake, Willow,

[1:21:14] Trapper Creek, and Chalkeaton are under siege.

[1:21:17] And that's an assembly appointed a library citizen's advisory

[1:21:20] committee has recommended removal of two books

[1:21:23] from our libraries.

[1:21:25] And in itself, threatened to prosecute the librarians

[1:21:28] who have these on their shelves.

[1:21:30] The Burroughs Committee Development Department has the final say about these books.

[1:21:37] If forced to litigate on any of these actions, the funding would bankrupt this agency.

[1:21:42] The libraries would be forced to close, and this would also affect other community development

[1:21:48] programs in the recreational areas like our swimming pools.

[1:21:52] What price do we pay to have unconstitutional censorship in our Burrough?

[1:21:59] thank you very much. Next person online please.

[1:22:09] Good evening. My name is Craig

[1:22:11] Price. I'm the president of the South Connect River Community Council. I'm

[1:22:16] speaking to you tonight in support of 24-078 with all three options in

[1:22:22] tack for a community to choose its process to form a special use district or

[1:22:27] comprehensive plan. Planning department has done a fine job of putting together

[1:22:33] There are 2478 and it's a thoughtful process

[1:22:37] for all communities worldwide,

[1:22:40] wishing to develop a comprehensive plan

[1:22:42] for special use district.

[1:22:46] Four votes by our community council have been made this year

[1:22:49] and supportive and preparation for a special use district.

[1:22:54] One of those votes was with over 40 members

[1:22:57] of the community present.

[1:23:00] All votes pass with over two thirds majority

[1:23:04] in favor. I bring this information to you because of comments made in the 916 planning commission meeting regarding community councils as follows.

[1:23:13] It's a small group of people making decisions. I'm not a big fan of giving a lot of power to them.

[1:23:20] This, as I watched five individuals making a vote, which affects not just our community, but all communities were allied.

[1:23:26] The irony of these statements, a few deciding for the many, was not missed.

[1:23:32] SKRCC is a good example of democracy and action.

[1:23:36] Not a few making decisions for many.

[1:23:39] Our voting record of majorities in support of pursuing this but 24nd for 24-278 demonstrate

[1:23:47] this.

[1:23:48] I am sympathetic to property owners within the Valley or within the SKRCC that would like

[1:23:56] to have a vote at our community council meetings, but the community council did vote to amend

[1:24:03] their bylaws in order to conform with both borough and state laws, which state that you need

[1:24:14] to reside in the community in which you vote.

[1:24:19] Why not allow a vote of the community to take place to decide which option works for

[1:24:24] this community?

[1:24:26] There's been different suggestions made.

[1:24:30] Lauren Carro was one.

[1:24:31] Joe Irvin was one of great examples of how process can work and community can be involved.

[1:24:38] And I don't see any reason why this wouldn't be the same situation with our especially

[1:24:44] use district application. So, again, I'm asking you to go ahead and pass resolution 24-078

[1:24:54] with all three options in place. Thank you.

[1:24:58] Thank you.

[1:24:59] Wait.

[1:25:00] I have another person. Okay. Next person on the phone, please.

[1:25:09] Thank you for taking my call this evening. My name is Judy cybert. My last name is spelled S E I B E R T. I'm speaking today. This is for the amendment to resolution 24-099 opposing the national scenic designation of the Alaska Long Trail within our boroughs boundaries. Well, we all treasure less natural beauty. This designation would introduce too much federal

[1:25:34] government's overreach. One of the biggest concerns is how this designation could alienate

[1:25:40] motorized vehicle users. Motorized access is crucial for residents and visitors alike.

[1:25:46] Whether for recreation, hunting, or simply reaching remote areas, a national scenic designation would

[1:25:54] likely impose restrictions that limit these activities infringing on our ability to use a land as we

[1:26:01] We should decide how to best manage our lands, not the federal government.

[1:26:05] Vocal voices and needs should drive these decisions, not broad regulations that may, that may not reflect the realities of life and Alaska.

[1:26:14] I urge you to support this resolution and protect our autonomy, land, and motorized vehicle users rights.

[1:26:21] Thank you for taking my call this evening.

[1:26:24] Thank you.

[1:26:26] One last time for anyone in the audience that we'd like to address the assembly on any

[1:26:32] audience?

[1:26:33] Come for us, sir.

[1:26:35] Oh.

[1:26:36] I thought he only put up his hand with four.

[1:26:40] I'm sorry.

[1:26:40] No.

[1:26:41] More people call them.

[1:26:41] Oh, more people called in since when.

[1:26:43] Okay.

[1:26:44] We'll go ahead and take your testimony, sir.

[1:26:46] And then we'll come back to the phone.

[1:26:49] Thank you.

[1:26:49] My name is Fred Searn.

[1:26:51] and I'm a resident of the Connect River Road Community Council meetings, I've been to

[1:27:00] meetings quite a few times. The council is fair and the people there are fair and I've

[1:27:11] just asked the assembly to approve the resolutions of options one, two, and three to include

[1:27:20] leaving the community choice and tax.

[1:27:23] I strongly urge the maximum number of community members

[1:27:28] to be involved with the voting that goes on

[1:27:32] and not have political appointees be avoided at all cost.

[1:27:40] So this is on resolution 24-078.

[1:27:44] Thank you.

[1:27:45] Thank you.

[1:27:49] My

[1:27:54] name is Tom Smith and I'm just here tonight to show my support for posting the 10 Commandments

[1:28:03] on the, I think that's a good idea.

[1:28:07] I moved up here 24 years ago to get away from insanity and liberalism and wokeness and

[1:28:16] and all this bad stuff that's going on

[1:28:19] and I think that this is a step in the right direction.

[1:28:23] Okay,

[1:28:27] okay, I'm gonna go to, I'll come back, Michelle,

[1:28:30] but I'm gonna go to the other four people online.

[1:28:33] So go ahead to the next person online, please.

[1:28:41] Good evening, Madam Mayor and the Burrow Assembly.

[1:28:45] My name is Julie Nistrum and I reside at 115-4-0

[1:28:50] South-South, come to out.

[1:28:52] I would like to see all property owners have to stay at the table when it comes to a community making decisions.

[1:29:01] I am in support of 24-078-3 or a way where all people could have a stay and a vote if we are going to have one, two, and three.

[1:29:16] All people should be able to have a stay when there's community places.

[1:29:20] My husband and I, we have a 164 acres, he homesteaded back in 2016 and he was a founding member of the community council.

[1:29:35] Ten years ago when we lived in Palmer for a while, we did not have a boat.

[1:29:41] We didn't live there, we lived in Palmer, although we had the homestead, we were not able to vote.

[1:29:47] Although our renter who lived in our homestead problem for a while did have a vote, and then later burned the cap and down.

[1:29:56] So I just think that all people...

[1:30:04] We will probably need to live in Palmer again for medical reasons, and I would like to be able

[1:30:10] to think that being a homesteader that we should actually be able to have a vote. I'm asking you

[1:30:16] to support the resolution of options to leave.

[1:30:21] I think everybody should have a say. All property owners

[1:30:24] should have a seat at the table and the discussion of which way our community goes.

[1:30:32] Thank you.

[1:30:33] Thank you.

[1:30:34] Next person online, please.

[1:30:41] Good evening, Madam Mayor and the Assembly.

[1:30:44] This is CJ Cone, and I'm calling in favor of resolution 24-105.

[1:30:51] I'd like to thank Assemblyman for bringing this forward.

[1:30:54] I believe that our community is built on a strong foundation and I believe the 10 commandments

[1:31:02] is something to be proud of that would be a great thing to be having on our walls in

[1:31:08] the burrow building.

[1:31:10] So I just wanted to call in favor of this and just wanted to thank you for putting it on

[1:31:16] the agenda for this night, right?

[1:31:20] Thank you very much.

[1:31:21] Have a good night.

[1:31:21] Thank you.

[1:31:23] Next person on the line, please.

[1:31:29] For the record, Austin, a muscle class name, A-H-M-A-S-U-K.

[1:31:35] Tonight I'm speaking in opposition to resolution 24-105.

[1:31:41] Our government buildings and our public spaces, they need to be spaces of inclusivity.

[1:31:48] and this resolution destroys that very important principle of our democracy.

[1:31:56] The Ten Commandments are Judeo-Christian things, and the problem that I think you have to wrestle with is,

[1:32:05] which version are you going to choose to post? Are you going to choose the Jewish version,

[1:32:12] Catholic version, or the Protestant version?

[1:32:14] If you choose one of those, you're going to alienate the others.

[1:32:20] And I think that the recipe for really destroying democracy, destroying values that we think

[1:32:27] are very important.

[1:32:30] Ultimately, displaying the ten commandments in a public building, our government building,

[1:32:34] is illegal.

[1:32:36] Violence, our state constitution, the state of Alaska constitution, Article 1, Section

[1:32:41] 4.

[1:32:41] or clearly there will be a violation of that article in that section.

[1:32:46] It would also be a violation of the establishment clause of the U.S. Constitution, both of

[1:32:51] which clauses stipulate that government is prohibited, prohibited from establishing a

[1:32:58] religion or favoring one religion over others.

[1:33:03] So the problem of course you have here is that resolution 24105 isn't just a will

[1:33:11] or an expressed will or an expressed opinion of this body, it appears to be a law because

[1:33:18] you are directing action. It has a permanent timeline, a mandate of compliance that the

[1:33:29] manager shall post these things. So the resolution has a form of law and so it absolutely appears

[1:33:37] if the assembly is creating law, creating an illegal law, I find it opposing that the author

[1:33:43] would choose to include things like the Magna Carta, Magna Carta, a medieval English document

[1:33:51] that has no bearing on our democracy or our country or our state even. What's more sort of peculiar

[1:33:58] is the approval of the Mayflower Compact, the Mayflower Compact. That's a document

[1:34:05] of the colonists, but a climate colony, it was signed amongst themselves for some worthy

[1:34:13] values, but the Mayflower Complex clearly articulated allegiance to the King. They pledged

[1:34:22] allegiance to King James. Here in this country we don't have kings. We fought against kings.

[1:34:27] And those documents are very much far removed from our election way of life.

[1:34:33] Please oppose resolution 24105, thank you.

[1:34:39] Next person online, please.

[1:34:46] My name is Joseph Palmer.

[1:34:49] I'm calling interguards to item 24107-8.

[1:34:56] I think that all three options should be available.

[1:34:58] board.

[1:35:00] I think that everyone should be able to weigh in. There was some comments made by Mr. Scoggins that a small group of people shouldn't be making all these choices, but limiting option three isn't that exactly what we're doing in regards to some of the things that Chad M's while they were saying.

[1:35:21] He's done so many things at the end of this road. It doesn't even make sense to list them all. But his general refrain every time that something is brought to him is take any legal

[1:35:32] recourse that you have. He says that when he crosses property lines, he says that when

[1:35:38] he steals from his young employees, he says that basically at every turn take any legal

[1:35:43] recourse you have. So to try to complain when people actually take the legal recourse

[1:35:48] that they have seems a little hilarious to me.

[1:35:56] I believe it was, I'm sorry if I'm getting

[1:35:59] the name wrong, but Dee McKee maybe mentioned that one of the previous meetings that maybe

[1:36:06] people should come to the table and have this discussion.

[1:36:11] If he and the people who back in came to the table and operated in good faith, maybe

[1:36:18] that would be something they could be done.

[1:36:21] Maybe that's the better way to handle all of this, but the thing is, is that he, at every

[1:36:26] returns, says, take any legal recourse you have. He doesn't want these, you know, bodies

[1:36:32] being, you know, these government entities like the FAA being, you know, quote, weaponized

[1:36:38] against me. Well, then operate a business in a way that that's not really a problem for

[1:36:43] you since that's the way that you tell everyone to solve their problems to bring it to these

[1:36:48] people. So I don't want to be all long-winded here, but some of this stuff is just absolutely

[1:36:54] So I think all three options should be available so that the community can have a say in the thing that are happening within the community.

[1:37:02] Thanks for giving me the time.

[1:37:04] Thank you.

[1:37:06] Do we still have people online?

[1:37:08] Okay. Go ahead.

[1:37:09] The next person online, please.

[1:37:13] Hello.

[1:37:14] My name is Marietta Plummer, PLU, M-M-E-R.

[1:37:19] I have lived out in this valley for six years.

[1:37:22] When I first moved out here, we were told about how great the community was, and there was a local community council, and that is exactly what we were looking for.

[1:37:32] A place to raise our family and have a connection to our neighbors.

[1:37:36] I forgot the state that I'm for resolution 24-07.

[1:37:41] seven, making all option available. I do prefer option two though. Tourism brings in a lot of money,

[1:37:49] and it should not be the person with the most money just to have the most say or just come in and

[1:37:54] do what they want within a residential community. We all have a responsibility to protect the area.

[1:38:01] Over the past two years, things have taken a turn, and the voice of the community has been diminished

[1:38:06] by businesses that seek to capitalize on this area.

[1:38:10] This is bringing more road traffic and air traffic

[1:38:12] in various unsafe ways.

[1:38:15] The CUNY community council has been working hard

[1:38:17] to bring these issues to the assembly

[1:38:19] and not just as a way to get rid of

[1:38:21] or stop reasonable growth

[1:38:22] as outlined in the comprehensive plan.

[1:38:25] There have been times that people have tried

[1:38:27] to speak with business owners and have been ignored.

[1:38:30] There's only when both parties agree with one

[1:38:32] to the table that resolutions can be made.

[1:38:34] That is why I believe proceeding with a spud will bring these sides to the table.

[1:38:41] Our local community is addressing issues in topics such as biking, air traffic, noise,

[1:38:46] parking issues, shooting, race meeting, political topics, and so much more, plus our continued

[1:38:52] effort to build a strong community council for future residents and generations.

[1:38:57] Lately, the council has been spoken about with a lot of uncouth and discreditation.

[1:39:02] I encourage you to visit the community website to see many of the outline accomplishments

[1:39:07] of the community.

[1:39:08] The missions accomplished have gotten done through people volunteering their precious

[1:39:12] time.

[1:39:14] I believe giving the local community a platform upon which to make decisions for what is best

[1:39:19] for the general consensus of the community is the best way to uphold the vision and values

[1:39:25] outlined in the RITUS constructed community comprehension plan.

[1:39:29] Last time I spoke, it was mentioned how the Planning Commission does not have the manpower

[1:39:35] to fully assist the community with the flood process.

[1:39:39] So it is my suggestion that the Assembly vote on an option that gives both parties a fair share of the workload,

[1:39:46] which would be up to two, which is the middle ground for tax enrolled.

[1:39:51] It is our responsibility as a community to participate in local decisions and not have those decisions taken from them.

[1:40:00] Thank you for your time. Thank you. Right. You will come back and take care of everybody. Okay. For now. Right. Okay. Michelle, did you want to say something before we close audience participation?

[1:40:34] Hello.

[1:40:44] I'm Michelle Stevens. And I'm with the Alaska snowmishing alliance. And I'm here to support resolution zero.

[1:40:54] So, 2, 4, 0, 9, 9 and I think my poster says everything, we've shown you a video, we've

[1:41:08] shown everything that we can and I hope that we can vote on this tonight and I hope that

[1:41:14] the public can see this too.

[1:41:16] So Louis,

[1:41:21] no federal overreach please.

[1:41:25] Thank you for your time.

[1:41:27] Go ahead, I think there's, did you get a picture?

[1:41:32] Okay.

[1:41:33] Does everybody have a chance to see it?

[1:41:37] I don't know.

[1:41:39] I'm sorry, did she use up all her time?

[1:41:45] Okay, I thought so too.

[1:41:47] I saw people still trying to look at the sign,

[1:41:50] so I didn't.

[1:41:57] Okay, thank you.

[1:41:58] Thank you.

[1:41:59] Is there anyone that hasn't testified

[1:42:02] that would like to address the assembly on any matter.

[1:42:06] It doesn't have to be something that's already been discussed tonight.

[1:42:11] It can be anything.

[1:42:14] I'm going to be able to do just a couple of seconds and then we'll close audience participation.

[1:42:23] I'm sorry.

[1:42:24] We have to press start for you or you won't know.

[1:42:29] Okay.

[1:42:29] Thank you.

[1:42:32] Okay.

[1:42:37] We have audience participation, public hearings, and then people that haven't spoken already.

[1:42:42] audience participation the second time

[1:42:46] already so I think your fingers are

[1:42:51] multiplying over there Caleb but anyway we want to give everybody a chance to

[1:42:56] be heard so the next person on line please add

[1:43:04] Scott of metal lakes I'm calling

[1:43:06] in favor of resolution 24-105 the resolution directing the display of the

[1:43:17] Ten Commandments, the Magna Carta, the Mayflower Compact, the Declaration of Independence,

[1:43:23] and the Prambles of the United States Constitution, and Alaska Constitution as historical documents

[1:43:28] that I think are important to display, I believe, the community at large as a majority still

[1:43:35] believes that these are important principles to govern by and to live by.

[1:43:39] And I believe most of you were elected with the majority of citizens that they would like to uphold these as well.

[1:43:47] And so with elections coming up, I think this is an important vote to show voters where you stand on these issues, as well as just to have them on display.

[1:43:57] It sounds a lot like a lot of people who've been commenting on the constitutional issues.

[1:44:04] one of the callers quoted the establishment clause

[1:44:09] and then added to it not only not establishing religions

[1:44:13] but preferring one religion over another

[1:44:15] and something that is not in the bill of rights

[1:44:18] or the Constitution and it means

[1:44:20] and that separation of church and state

[1:44:22] wasn't not only not constitutional

[1:44:25] but not to protect the state from religion

[1:44:27] but the religion from the state.

[1:44:29] The founding fathers displayed all of these documents

[1:44:33] and support them, even publishing the Bible early on.

[1:44:37] These are not offensive to the constitutional standing

[1:44:42] and shouldn't be offensive to anyone in the community.

[1:44:47] And so I just want to thank Assemblyman Bernier

[1:44:49] for bringing this forward and thank you in advance

[1:44:52] to all those that voted in support of it.

[1:44:56] Thank you.

[1:44:57] The next person online.

[1:44:58] Thank you.

[1:45:03] Hi. My name is Randy Crosby, C-R-O-S-B-Y, and I live in Trafford Creek, and I want to give some input to the resolution 24-099. I agree with that resolution, not want the federal government to have any oversight on the trails in our borough.

[1:45:31] I have a long history of promoting trails in the Trapper Creek and Peter's Hill area

[1:45:39] as well as most of the Masu Valley started giving input in 1994 to the then proposed trail plan for the Masu Burrow.

[1:45:50] And in 98 finally was able to get the ear of the burrow and find out why you know

[1:45:59] the community of Traver Creek was kind of excluded

[1:46:01] from the planning process and was informed

[1:46:06] that since we didn't have a trail committee,

[1:46:09] they really didn't know how to take our input.

[1:46:13] And so at that point, our community council

[1:46:15] created a trail committee made me chairperson.

[1:46:20] And for the next two winters,

[1:46:22] every other week had meetings going over the planning process

[1:46:27] as for what are now the trail system in our community.

[1:46:32] And we joined forces with Peter's Hill

[1:46:34] and a

[1:46:38] lot of local input went into the trails

[1:46:41] on where they would be, what they would be for,

[1:46:44] how they would be built, how they'd be maintained

[1:46:46] and a lot of back and forth from people

[1:46:50] that kind of opposed the idea

[1:46:52] and people that were for the idea.

[1:46:54] Finally, in 2000, our trails were adopted

[1:46:57] into the Matzu Burrow Recreational Trail Plant.

[1:47:01] Then we spent many years primarily local snow machineers,

[1:47:06] the snowmobile club, the career ridge writers,

[1:47:09] which my family and I established back in 1995,

[1:47:16] building these trails and working with all the entities,

[1:47:19] all the grant processes, all the right of ways and easements

[1:47:23] and working with the Burrow and working with the state

[1:47:26] of Alaska to get all these trails established, just as all the other communities have done,

[1:47:32] Willow, Big Lake, Mid Valley, and many more, and it's all community driven, and it is

[1:47:43] kind of shocking that this trail planning process, the proposed Alaska Long Trail is just

[1:47:52] It's kind of like steam rolling in and identifying our trails and immediately shooting for this

[1:48:01] scenic band

[1:48:04] aid put on it and allow

[1:48:09] the federal government to then dictate what can

[1:48:12] it happen.

[1:48:13] And so I do appreciate you to forward that resolution.

[1:48:20] Thank you.

[1:48:24] Oh, two more.

[1:48:26] Okay.

[1:48:26] Go ahead.

[1:48:27] The next person online, please.

[1:48:28] Good evening. My name is Jennifer Mezich and I'm a resident business and property owner in the South Kineck River area. I'm calling to support resolution 24-071, including all three options so the community can choose its path.

[1:48:46] In my opinion, this seems to be kind of a gold standard for all communities.

[1:48:51] We live in Alaska, New Valley, none of us, you know, really want a Starbucks.

[1:48:56] We want small business drives, you coffee shops, we want local air BNBs, not Princess Lodge.

[1:49:02] We don't need developers to co-op community council meetings.

[1:49:06] There are lots of opportunities for external forces to engage.

[1:49:09] A spread process is not just about avoiding unwanted developments.

[1:49:13] it's also about envisioning and fostering what residents want for their

[1:49:18] community. I want to see my neighbors grow and flourish as long as the growth is

[1:49:22] sustainably managed. It's essential to encourage growth that aligns with

[1:49:27] residents' quality of life expectations. I don't think that a new

[1:49:32] heliport built within a residential subdivision on South Tnick River is what

[1:49:36] really any of us envisions when I say quality of life. I prefer decisions that

[1:49:42] made by community members because, respectfully, to the Assembly, the Planning Commission,

[1:49:48] are you're not now not be fully aware or feel as passionate as a community member about local

[1:49:54] issues? I don't think anyone outside our community can make a mindful decision in our

[1:49:58] red.

[1:50:00] Your support of this resolution with all three options intact is critical to not just our staff in the river community, but all the map to communities. Please support our voices tonight. Thank you for listening to me and to everyone else in support of this resolution and for your mindful decisions tonight. Thank you. Next person online, please.

[1:50:24] Hi, yes, my name is Bridget Kelly, and I live on East Justin Road, also in the South Connect River Council area. And I'm just calling in for my support of

[1:50:34] resolution 24-078 with all three options intact, so that communities and residents in these

[1:50:42] communities can decide our own path. This resolution offers citizens the opportunity

[1:50:48] for involvement and decisions directly impacting our quality of life in our immediate environment.

[1:50:54] I chose to live here and to build a small business in this area, and I did so because we have

[1:50:59] much say as we do in our community. I prefer decisions to be made by residents rather than planning

[1:51:06] commissions who don't and planning commissioners who don't live in our areas or communities. Again,

[1:51:11] I just wanted to call in with my support for resolution 24-078 with all three options in place.

[1:51:27] Thank

[1:51:28] last time anyone here that hasn't testified that would like to okay

[1:51:36] so I am

[1:51:38] going to close audience participation and then we're going to take a break

[1:51:42] until eight o'clock and we'll be back

[1:51:57] back to the podium and then if I can have

[1:52:01] order in the council chambers please see

[1:52:17] we're so waiting for one assembly

[1:53:20] Okay, I'm going to go ahead and call a meeting bar to order and the next item on our agenda is public hearings and

[1:53:29] Madam Clerk whenever you're ready.

[1:53:31] Ordnance, 24 is 079 and an ordinance creating homestead drive natural gas local improvement district number 667.

[1:53:39] Approving the improvement plan for the district, authorizing the manager to proceed with the improvement and

[1:53:44] And assessing equally among the properties within the district, the costs of the improvement

[1:53:47] if you're on the phone and would like to speak to this press star free.

[1:53:52] Okay, and we do have a stand for the mayor to the assembly.

[1:53:56] Before you as creation legislation for homestead drive natural gas LID on this LID has 15 lots

[1:54:04] so 15 ballots were mailed, nine ballots were returned, seven were marked yes to a mark no so 78% of

[1:54:12] those ballots returned approved this LID.

[1:54:14] The cost per lot is $4,563.73.

[1:54:20] Questions or staff?

[1:54:25] All right, thank you.

[1:54:26] I'll now go ahead and open the public hearing on our ordinance 24-079.

[1:54:33] And for those that haven't been here before, the testimony at this time will only be taken on this ordinance.

[1:54:43] Okay. We will have another time for audience participation later in the meeting, but if you're

[1:54:49] going to testify now, you are to testify on on this 24-dash 7-9. We do not have a sign

[1:54:58] and up to you.

[1:54:59] Okay.

[1:55:01] Do we have one person online? Okay, go ahead whoever's online, please.

[1:55:16] No, okay. One last chance. Anyone here would like to testify in this? Okay? Seeing none, now we'll go ahead and close public hearing and assembly person gamble. Thank you Madam Mayor. I moved to adopt ordinance 24-079 and I just want to re-emphasize that almost 80% of those who were asked

[1:55:41] If they wanted to prove it or not, voted to approve it.

[1:55:44] Thank you.

[1:55:45] Any other discussion?

[1:55:48] Any objection?

[1:55:51] Seeing and hearing no objection, the legislation passes.

[1:55:54] Madam Clerk.

[1:55:55] Ordinance 24093, an ordinance accepting and appropriating an additional January 2022,

[1:56:00] Mt. Sue Windstorms Disaster Relief Funds, in the amount of $658.49 from the Federal Emergency

[1:56:07] agency management agency in $219.50 from the Alaska State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management with the company Resolution 24092, a resolution of proving the amended budget for the January 2002, 22, Matt Sue Windstorm Disaster.

[1:56:23] Your on the phone would like to speak to this, press star 3.

[1:56:26] Hello again, hello, through the mayor to the assembly before you again as an accepted appropriate for a total of $877.99.

[1:56:34] since regarding the 2022 windstorms, this $877.99 is the result of cost of

[1:56:43] a run for actual damages that we paid for. Questions of staff?

[1:56:51] Okay, so go ahead

[1:56:52] and open the public hearing on orders 24-0-9-3, no sign-up sheet, anyone,

[1:57:02] thank

[1:57:02] have been put on this ordinance. Anyone online? Okay, I'll close the public hearing then

[1:57:12] on ordinance 24-093 and I moved to adopt ordinance 24-093 and resolution 24-092.

[1:57:29] Any objection to the legislation?

[1:57:33] Hearing none and legislation passes, Madam Clerk.

[1:57:38] Ordinance 24094, Norton Inn's accepting and appropriating the 11,000 from the Matzue

[1:57:43] Trails and Parks Foundation with the company resolution 24094, a resolution approving the

[1:57:48] Scopelwork and Budget and authorizing the manager to enter into the grant agreement amendment

[1:57:52] for a setter, 500 traildozer.

[1:57:54] If you're on the phone, I would like to speak to this, press star three.

[1:57:57] Staff.

[1:57:58] Good evening, Madam Mayor and Assembly Members.

[1:58:01] Jillian Morrissey, Community Development Director.

[1:58:03] And if you think you have seen this before, you have.

[1:58:07] But we needed a little bit more funding in order to secure the traildozer.

[1:58:13] Matsu, trails and parks foundation was kind enough to be able to give us the additional funding

[1:58:17] that we needed in order to secure it since the quote had gone up by the time that you had

[1:58:22] So kindly pass this legislation.

[1:58:24] I'm here for any other questions.

[1:58:26] Anyone have questions?

[1:58:29] Okay, I'll go ahead and open the public hearing on ordinance 24-094

[1:58:34] and resolution 24-094.

[1:58:37] How did you manage to do that?

[1:58:39] The ordinance and the resolution have the same number.

[1:58:42] Next one's the same way.

[1:58:43] Is that right?

[1:58:45] Anyway, we do not have a sign-up sheet.

[1:58:47] Okay.

[1:58:48] Anyone that would like to testify,

[1:58:50] I am either this ordinance or this resolution.

[1:58:57] Nobody's online, okay?

[1:59:00] I'm gonna go ahead and close the public hearing

[1:59:03] and Deputy Mayor.

[1:59:05] I move to adopt ordinance 24-094 and resolution 24-094.

[1:59:12] Discussion by the assembly.

[1:59:17] Any objection from the assembly?

[1:59:20] Here we know objection, then the legislation passes.

[1:59:25] Okay, Madam Court.

[1:59:27] Ordnance 24-095 in ordinance accepting and appropriating, excuse me, $1,440,340 from the Environmental Protection Agency Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grants for Communities with the Company Resolution.

[1:59:41] 24-095, a resolution approved in a scope of work and budget for the Solid Waste Division's Sustainable Organic Materials, Compost Program, and Infrastructure Development.

[1:59:50] If you're on the phone, I would like to speak to this press star three.

[1:59:53] Go ahead, sir.

[1:59:58] uh, through the mail

[2:00:00] Chair to the assembly, public works director, Tom Adams. As you might recall, a solid waste vision of the public works department came before this body in early 2023 seeking permission to make application for a grant to the US EPA to implement a compost program. We were successful and were notified of an incremental award in August of this year. So that's what this grant seeks to do is accept that incremental award so we can start our compost program.

[2:00:30] Okay, questions, Deputy Mayor?

[2:00:34] So is infrastructure for recycling grants for communities?

[2:00:39] We got communities involved with it, or is it at the landfill itself?

[2:00:43] So we're in the mayor to some of you remember Bernier.

[2:00:47] It's twofold.

[2:00:48] I mean, there is infrastructure improvements at the landfill to improve facilities to handle

[2:00:53] compost program, but also we have plans to improve both the big lake and Talkeet.

[2:00:59] and transfer stations to help participate in that compost program.

[2:01:05] So they'll have special dumpsters and stuff like that.

[2:01:08] We'll ask that current board and that's exactly right.

[2:01:11] Okay, thank you.

[2:01:13] Any further questions to the staff?

[2:01:16] Okay, thank you, sir.

[2:01:18] I'll go ahead and open the public hearing.

[2:01:20] Not in order, just 24, dash 095 and resolution 24, dash 095.

[2:01:26] five. Anyone like to testify and either this ordinance or resolution?

[2:01:34] We have

[2:01:35] anybody. We do not have anybody online. We'll go ahead and close public hearing

[2:01:41] and deputy mayor. I move to adopt ordinance 24-095 and resolution 24-095.

[2:01:52] Discussion by the assembly? Yes. Assemblyperson, follow up. Go ahead. Maybe

[2:01:58] Any question to staff or maybe it was there a match from the the borough for this grant that we needed to come up with.

[2:02:08] You know through the mayor to Mr. follow up typically there are matches but in this case there is no non federal match.

[2:02:16] Okay, thank you.

[2:02:18] Further discussion.

[2:02:21] Any objection to the legislation hearing none and the legislation passes.

[2:02:29] Now, we have come to another portion for audience participation and we have a sign-up sheet.

[2:02:38] I would like to remind the people that if you have testified under audience participation

[2:02:44] the first earlier in the meeting that we will not accept testimony under this time also.

[2:02:52] Okay, so if I call you name and you have testified before just wave me on or something like that, okay?

[2:03:02] So Michelle, okay, and

[2:03:06] And have seal.

[2:03:15] Hi, my name is Ann Housiel when I reside south of the Kniq River and have been a part of and concerned about that community

[2:03:22] Even while on active duty since the 90s because I reside there

[2:03:27] I cannot vote where I own property outside those boundaries, but I do have a voice in those communities

[2:03:34] Through other processes

[2:03:36] Resolution 24-078 is a proposed process for all communities within the Mathew Borough to follow while pursuing a vision and implementing a plan for their area

[2:03:46] I support including all three options proposed by the planning department the planning commission meeting public comments on

[2:03:54] in 16 September began with an emotional accusations

[2:03:57] pitting a local business against a community council

[2:04:00] in which it resides.

[2:04:02] In fact, it seems virtually the entire meeting

[2:04:05] was focused on that and completely left out

[2:04:07] 24 other community councils who would also be impacted

[2:04:11] by this proposal.

[2:04:12] We did not hear from any of them.

[2:04:15] The Planning Commission owed all the communities

[2:04:17] in the borough better consideration.

[2:04:20] Commissioner Skoggins insinuated

[2:04:21] he doesn't even like community councils by stating,

[2:04:24] I've only ever gone to one meeting

[2:04:26] and it's only 12 to 15 people making decisions

[2:04:29] and we can't get out every time.

[2:04:31] I'm not a big fan of giving them a lot of power.

[2:04:35] And yet he never batted an eye to the fact

[2:04:37] that the Planning Commission made a decision

[2:04:39] at the 16th September meeting with half as many people

[2:04:43] and not hearing from 24 of the 25 community councils

[2:04:47] across the borough.

[2:04:49] Now, isn't that calling the kettle black?

[2:04:51] I don't know what is. Furthermore, if people in businesses would seek to understand the process,

[2:04:57] they would learn that all businesses with energy...

[2:05:00] The geographic area are grandfathered. And they are also encouraged to participate in moving forward to create something for the greater community of a special land district is pursued. Our comprehensive plan was written over several years with the guidance of a long-range planner who worked closely with the planning team using the 2009 process. Our planning team included at least three business owners then. Rollin wasn't even an American citizen but was an investor and a general manager.

[2:05:29] We anticipated using the same process moving forward until we were informed that the planning

[2:05:35] department was proposing new guidelines and we were asked to cease.

[2:05:39] As stated in our comprehensive plan, we desire a quiet rural atmosphere, blending recreation

[2:05:45] and personal use to preserve our quality of life, with safety and primary concern.

[2:05:51] If we don't follow our comprehensive plan, why did the borough encourage us to create

[2:05:55] it to begin with?

[2:05:56] We were led to believe it was a document that the borough would use in making decisions but we haven't seen evidence of that yet.

[2:06:04] The comprehensive plan for each of the 25 communities is their vision for their future and how they want to preserve their quality of life.

[2:06:12] That will be defined differently by each community.

[2:06:15] Please pass the proposed procedures with all three options in touch.

[2:06:30] I'm Paul Hauser. I'm a 33 year Alaska resident and a 30 year resident in the South

[2:06:36] Connecticut River Community Council. A lot of growth and change have occurred in the

[2:06:40] Valley, more in some areas than others. If an area formed a community council and if

[2:06:46] the community council formed a comprehensive plan laying out the desires of that community,

[2:06:52] It was understood that the Matsu assembly would support the community's wishes according to the adopted plan.

[2:06:59] We have found that this is not the case and seems clear that sometimes the voice of a community council is no stronger than the voice of a single business entity or just a few individuals.

[2:07:12] And their desire to challenge the wishes of the community.

[2:07:16] This meeting is about how a community should write a comprehensive plan.

[2:07:21] and or especially use district.

[2:07:24] The rights and wishes of actual residents of the affected areas should always carry the most weight in any decision by the assembly and all the opinions should be of the community councils involved.

[2:07:42] In the 16, this is gone over three times already, planning meeting, one of the members said that you shouldn't give that much power to community councils.

[2:07:53] even though again there were only six members there and with tens of thousands

[2:07:57] of people in all the community councils with a voice unheard,

[2:08:03] how hypocritical.

[2:08:06] However, I do agree with the statement that there shouldn't be just a few

[2:08:11] people in charge of so many votes. I agree there should be more so extend those

[2:08:16] votes down into the community council by adopting one, two, and three on

[2:08:21] and resolution 24-078.

[2:08:30] On a similar note, there

[2:08:36] were several people at the spoke

[2:08:37] against the South Comet River Community Council.

[2:08:40] Most of those were not residents.

[2:08:43] Three of them were of those three.

[2:08:45] One was against and two were for the adoption of a spot.

[2:08:50] As a past president of the Community Council for seven years,

[2:08:53] and a current and past member for several other years, I can assure you that the South

[2:08:58] County River Community Council has always conducted open meetings, respecting all who

[2:09:05] wish to speak. There are people out there who would say otherwise and who are often misinformed

[2:09:14] or just critical of anything or anyone resembling the system. I'm sure none of you on the assembly

[2:09:21] have ever had to deal with criticism or fabricated tales.

[2:09:25] Thank you.

[2:09:27] Aren't you listening tonight?

[2:09:36] Kitty.

[2:09:38] Kitty.

[2:09:42] K-A-T-E-R-I?

[2:09:45] Kitty?

[2:09:46] No.

[2:09:47] You don't.

[2:09:47] You must not pronounce it that way.

[2:09:49] Help me out.

[2:09:50] Thank you.

[2:09:51] Hello.

[2:09:51] My name is Kateri Hauser.

[2:09:53] Oh.

[2:09:54] Okay.

[2:09:54] Thank you.

[2:09:56] I am a part of the South Canna Grover Community Council as well.

[2:10:00] To begin, I am in favor of RS 24-105 as far as the other resolution. Due to my work schedule, I am not able to attend community council meetings as often as I would like, but the community council has always been very communicative and I have never gotten the impression that they are underhanded or wish to do something without community involvement. I also think community involvement in decisions is crucial and so I support the adoption of resolution 24-078 with all three options.

[2:10:29] Thank you. John Nicestrom.

[2:10:39] My name is John Nicestrom and Madame Mayor and assembly and with

[2:10:46] particular note to our good district one assembly member Tim Hale, who quite often when he's not

[2:10:53] up working, he's attending our committee council with great concern and information. But yes, I'd like to

[2:11:00] say I do support resolution serial number 24-078 and we considered pretty strongly option

[2:11:13] three because of the large animus in perhaps with some concerns because of my good friends

[2:11:22] and neighbors, the bakers and the reads and other good friends at the end of the road

[2:11:30] that feel some concerns are impact by the lodge. On the other hand, with this strong set

[2:11:40] of animus towards the lodge, I feel very concerned with their representation, so really they're

[2:11:49] are not ganged up on, so to speak.

[2:11:52] We have a couple of businesses back there or so.

[2:11:54] I'd eat back too long in the sense, 60 years.

[2:11:58] I homesteaded out there in 1967, 160 acres.

[2:12:02] Couldn't even find it.

[2:12:04] It had to go to a con tour map and the people

[2:12:07] at BLM did their best to keep me out of other state lands

[2:12:11] and other lands.

[2:12:13] And I had the opportunity with the council

[2:12:17] to help with their with our needs and to fast forward in 7172, we got a road out there

[2:12:28] and there were objections that that car is traveling too fast, it was 100 grounds that

[2:12:34] we invaded all understandable. We did in 91, I was very honored to be the community council

[2:12:44] in those early days we secured a fire station and we worked towards the road

[2:12:52] pavement at the end of the road later so the school bus could get back

[2:12:58] there as it would stop at the Hunter Creek turnaround but again I'm very

[2:13:04] concerned from my neighbors out there as well as my soul when I do know the

[2:13:10] owners owner and the intent I've always felt at all times is concerned for the

[2:13:19] area and of course good business I'll end saying that again I appreciate these

[2:13:28] considerations and I guess I have to end I have a lot more here of all time

[2:13:35] notes. You don't want to hear too much history. You want to know how we feel right now. Thank you.

[2:13:43] Marshall Alexander?

[2:13:49] Hello. I am Marshall Alexander. I work for Alaska Helicopter Tours

[2:13:54] in Alaska Glacier Lodge. I'm currently a resident of Anchorage and previously I was a resident

[2:13:59] and property owner and Palmer and potentially will be so in the future possibly on Kinnick River Road.

[2:14:06] I've worked for Alaska Helicopter Tours and Alaska Glacier Lodge for over three seasons

[2:14:11] now.

[2:14:12] And I think both companies are kind of shining examples of Alaska non-picture entrepreneurship,

[2:14:20] responsible outdoor recreation.

[2:14:22] And we do help thousands and thousands of Alaskans and visitors witness the breathtaking part

[2:14:29] of creation that is at the end of, that is the Connect River Valley.

[2:14:34] It's been a highlight of my professional career to be a part of the families of companies

[2:14:39] that operate at the end of Kinnick River Road.

[2:14:43] Sorry, I've edited some of these comments since I've arrived here, but I did attend the

[2:14:48] Planning Commission and regarding the Special Use District, and I would like to make four

[2:14:53] points.

[2:14:56] Basically, we're afraid that option 1

[2:15:01] Could give the South Connect Community Council the power to damage Alaska helicopter tours

[2:15:09] and Alaska Glacier Law and other businesses and entrepreneurs in the area. The Community

[2:15:15] Council really, in our view, isn't a fair representation of residents, property owners

[2:15:20] and business owners. Obviously, it's a fair representation of people registered to vote

[2:15:24] on that road, but not property owners and business owners.

[2:15:28] If this assembly was to pass RS24-078, I believe the only option would be option three

[2:15:37] with formal assistance from Matt Superl staff.

[2:15:40] I think definitely option one gives the community council too much power.

[2:15:46] That we, I mean, we could attend meetings and we do it in meetings and I do know we voice

[2:15:52] are concerns, but without the power to vote, I think it just, I think it could lead to

[2:16:01] like regulation without representations what I wrote down here. I think the best decision

[2:16:08] would be not to pass any resolution until all the details and consequences are fully understood

[2:16:13] and that there's buy-in and feedback from all community members, which includes residents,

[2:16:18] property owners, and businesses.

[2:16:22] Yep, thank you.

[2:16:22] Thank you.

[2:16:24] Elijah.

[2:16:25] Hi.

[2:16:26] Could I just ask that last gentleman's name?

[2:16:29] I didn't hear when he said his name.

[2:16:32] Marshal.

[2:16:33] Marshal.

[2:16:34] Marshal Allison.

[2:16:35] Thank you.

[2:16:37] Hello.

[2:16:37] Good evening everyone.

[2:16:38] My name is Eli Hai and I recently began working for Alaska Glacier Lodge and Alaska Helicopter

[2:16:45] Tours.

[2:16:46] And although I'm new to the company, I have lived and worked in Alaska since 2016.

[2:16:51] Nothing brings me more joy than showing people the place that I love and call home.

[2:16:56] I met my fiancee in Alaska and we're going to get married right here in Palmer next summer.

[2:17:01] We hope to buy a home here and fingers crossed, start a family shortly thereafter.

[2:17:05] One of the things I like about working for the company is it gives access to individuals

[2:17:11] who experience nature as it was intended, wild and rugged.

[2:17:15] When you immerse people into wild places, it helps plant seeds of stewardship.

[2:17:19] So future generations can care and preserve these places, future generations that I hope

[2:17:24] include some children of my own.

[2:17:27] I encourage the assembly to not pass RS-24-078 until all details and consequences are fully

[2:17:33] understood to those that it affects and realize as it relates to the resolution.

[2:17:39] Thank you for your time.

[2:17:42] Hi,

[2:17:48] my name is Trudy Lorenzen and I am an employee of Alaska helicopter tours.

[2:17:55] I am a driver.

[2:17:56] I drive people from Anchorage out to their tours and then back again.

[2:18:01] I'm here today because I strongly believe that everyone should have a voice in decision-making

[2:18:06] of what happens in a community, whether it may be large or small.

[2:18:10] A community consists of not just people that live there, but also people that work there and they need a voice also.

[2:18:18] That's why we need somebody on any council to represent local businesses and property owners.

[2:18:24] There is no reason why we cannot coexist in an area that we all love.

[2:18:29] We do not fly our helicopters before 8 a.m. and after 8 p.m., out of respect for our neighbors.

[2:18:36] There are an extra four hours in the day during the summer time that we could be flying but we choose not to and that, again, is out of respect.

[2:18:47] I support the right to operate and have a voice in decisions that affect businesses and many livelihoods. Thank you.

[2:18:56] I

[2:19:07] am John Tiznik, a weird way to pronounce it, and I live in the Connect River community.

[2:19:16] I support Resolution 24-078 with all three options.

[2:19:20] I'm also in favor of 24-105.

[2:19:23] Thank you.

[2:19:26] Ryan Newman?

[2:19:31] Ryan?

[2:19:35] You've already testified once tonight.

[2:19:43] Okay.

[2:19:44] Amy, we read.

[2:19:54] Good evening, I'm Amy Reed, R-E-A-T, and I just want to thank...

[2:20:00] Thank you for the opportunity to express my support for retaining options one, two, and three in this burrow-wide resolution 24-078 and not just option three. That was recommended by the planning commission that you've already heard about in September. Option three is the only process that ultimately allows for the sole discretion of the mayor to appoint members of a boarder committee to develop these individual community plans.

[2:20:29] no offense to the mayor, any mayor.

[2:20:32] And while there are suggested guidelines

[2:20:34] for determining those appointments,

[2:20:36] these are just suggestions as I have been told

[2:20:39] by the planning department.

[2:20:41] They're not requirements.

[2:20:43] So as mentioned in this resolution,

[2:20:46] that is for all communities worldwide,

[2:20:49] not just the South Coneck River,

[2:20:50] although we seem to be pretty popular right now,

[2:20:53] I'm getting a lot of attention.

[2:20:56] But because you're hearing a lot from us,

[2:20:58] Let me just address what this community and its members have done without being limited

[2:21:05] to just one option for a process, namely option three.

[2:21:09] Since the late 60s, you've heard residents, land and business owners have consistently

[2:21:16] demonstrated their ability to work together with the borough to obtain and support growth

[2:21:20] and development.

[2:21:21] They not only encourage and support it this, but I am sure at times begged for it.

[2:21:27] So in the early days, this involves solutions like how to transport homestead children over

[2:21:34] 10 miles of cat trail to meet a school bus so they could attend public school.

[2:21:38] I was one of those children, so thank you community members for making that happen.

[2:21:43] As the time passed and the community grew, if members continue to play an integral part

[2:21:47] of that growth, which is why there is not only a beautiful connect river road, but also

[2:21:52] access to amenities along it, thank you again.

[2:21:55] I would also imagine that anyone, especially Taurus, who traveled Connect River Road, enjoyed

[2:22:00] the absolutely stunning view of that connection from the spacious and, say, pull out that's

[2:22:06] right around mile seven.

[2:22:08] Again, thank you, community members for making that happen.

[2:22:11] The ability to engage community members in the growth and development of our areas also

[2:22:16] clearly reflected in the South Connect River comprehensive plan that you've heard about.

[2:22:20] This plan was not developed by a few families at the end of the road, conspiring to stop businesses

[2:22:26] and tourism, as has been stated many times, over the last month, plainly listed at the

[2:22:33] beginning of the plan or the 11 planning team members from the community chosen by the

[2:22:37] community. Of those names, some are probably still well known to many around. For instance,

[2:22:43] John Neistrum was on that complete planning committee and has a gravel business.

[2:22:49] Peter, I think his name is Shady, was the manager and I believe also part owner at one time

[2:22:55] of the lodge that you've also heard about at the end of the road, and I saw Tom Placet

[2:23:01] who also has a tourist business.

[2:23:03] So I just wanted to demonstrate that communities have proven that they can be part of the process

[2:23:09] and engage all community members.

[2:23:11] and so I encourage you to consider that whenever you decide to leave options 1, 2, and 3 in this resolution.

[2:23:20] Thank you.

[2:23:21] Thank you.

[2:23:23] Janet Reed.

[2:23:26] Janet?

[2:23:36] Good evening. I am Janet Reed, R-E-A-D. I'm Amy Sister.

[2:23:41] So I rode the big truck to meet the regalos school bus when we were kids across the cat trail when we homesteaded.

[2:23:49] But anyway, I'm here in, I want to thank you all for being here tonight, and I wanted

[2:23:56] to let you know that I'm in support of all three options of RS 24-078.

[2:24:05] I am a military veteran.

[2:24:07] I have served 21 years solely with the Alaska International Guard.

[2:24:12] I'm a retired teamster from the Anchorage Independent Longshore Union.

[2:24:16] I have operated my own tourism business for 13 years.

[2:24:21] I am also a resident of the Matzu Burrow and a land owner,

[2:24:26] and I intend to reside here until I die.

[2:24:30] I am a member of one of those homestead families

[2:24:34] that homesteaded in the Connect River Valley on Hunter Creek

[2:24:38] beginning in 1968.

[2:24:40] So that's 56 years my family has a history here

[2:24:44] in helping to guide the growth of our area in the Connect River Valley.

[2:24:50] So I do want you to support all rural residents in the ability to help guide the

[2:24:55] growth in each of their own community living spaces. I urge you to

[2:25:00] Vote in favor of all three options and consider. If you if you did include option three, I would recommend

[2:25:10] amending it with a language that would state any board appointees must be a resident living in the

[2:25:17] geographic area being applied for. And after the committee completes the final draft of its

[2:25:24] comprehensive plan or its but it will then be brought to the local community councils for a vote of confidence before proceeding to the assembly for approval.

[2:25:36] These additions would ensure local community involvement.

[2:25:41] As long time residents, our family and many other homestead family members have been there from the beginning of our resident-based community involvement to usher in the very basics.

[2:25:52] any community wants for itself.

[2:25:55] A passable road, a school bus service,

[2:25:58] and electricity are a few of the basics

[2:26:01] that our community brought forth.

[2:26:05] And since then, our community involvement

[2:26:07] has continued to be very active to help guide all growth,

[2:26:11] including being involved in the lengthy

[2:26:14] burrow process called a community comprehensive plan,

[2:26:18] which you already heard we've developed one already,

[2:26:20] which are local community in collaboration with the borough created to support our vision for where we live.

[2:26:27] So I do urge you to approve the consent to agenda item RS-24-078, options 1, 2, and 3.

[2:26:39] And this will facilitate our community growth.

[2:26:43] Thank you very much.

[2:26:46] And thank you for your service.

[2:26:49] Susan Edge.

[2:26:50] Oh,

[2:26:55] my name is Susan Hedge, thank you for being here tonight.

[2:27:00] And I'm a sister to Janet, name me, however I don't live on Connect River Road.

[2:27:07] I live in your district.

[2:27:10] I'm here tonight because, well let me give you a little Bible.

[2:27:18] I have lived in the Matsu boroughs since 1968.

[2:27:23] I have deep roots in the community.

[2:27:26] Three generations of my family have been educated in the Matsu borough,

[2:27:32] have graduated from high school.

[2:27:35] I own several properties in the borough.

[2:27:37] Taokitna, Gateway, Connect River Road, and just a moment, and I paid property taxes since

[2:27:51] 1980. That's 44 years, every year. I vote. I have testified concerning development

[2:28:02] and the gateway community when the gravel pit was trying to build the prison, the coal-fired power plant, and the toxic waste dump.

[2:28:18] So I've been before, this assembly before, for those issues.

[2:28:26] I'm here tonight because I support Resolution 24-078 with all three options included.

[2:28:36] Limiting the voice of a community in development issues is a bad idea.

[2:28:44] Disempowering residents of an area in favor of political appointees is an

[2:28:51] Undemocratic option which I do not support.

[2:28:55] Thank you for listening.

[2:28:57] Thank you.

[2:28:59] Cheyenne.

[2:29:01] Cheyenne Guard.

[2:29:06] I must have missed.

[2:29:07] Hello.

[2:29:09] My name is Cheyenne Guard.

[2:29:11] G-U-A-R-D.

[2:29:13] I live in the Palmer area.

[2:29:16] Yours.

[2:29:17] I have own property and yours.

[2:29:21] Yours.

[2:29:24] yours and I should have a say what goes on my property we the people for the people

[2:29:34] by the people all three you can eliminate three if you like but we can stay with all three

[2:29:44] on 2 4 0 7 8 seems like we've been brought into this situation because of something you

[2:29:52] it should be settled by a lawsuit and then in court and leave that there

[2:30:00] I'll let the rest of us have a say on what goes on in our community and our property. Thank you. Thank you.

[2:30:10] Shelby Baker. Oh, that's you. So you already. Okay. Thank you. And IZ Baker. And he's already testified to. Okay. And Mike also. Okay.

[2:30:30] And then Fred.

[2:30:31] Fred, Si, Fred Si, Diddy already testified to.

[2:30:39] Okay, great.

[2:30:40] Thank you.

[2:30:41] We have one, maybe Samuel Schelling.

[2:30:50] Is it?

[2:30:51] Okay.

[2:30:58] Good evening.

[2:30:59] Name Samuel Schilling, resident of the Caswell area, also a lifelong Warner Laskin, originally

[2:31:05] from Moose Pass on the key-knight peninsula, and also 80-second airborne veteran.

[2:31:11] And I'm here to talk a little bit more.

[2:31:12] We talked last month about resolution 24-099, about restricting, cutting the feds out

[2:31:19] of restrictions on our trails.

[2:31:22] Some of the things I wanted to touch on, we touched last month on it, on some of the process

[2:31:26] to this of these restrictions, this course extra permitting that comes down to even your

[2:31:30] blueberry picking becomes permanent, that comes down to restrictions for motorized access.

[2:31:34] It also adds restrictions to hunting, fishing, trapping, and even our recreational uses,

[2:31:40] even if it is non-motorize, it comes down to extra restrictions.

[2:31:43] Some of those restrictions when they come down, they can do for a administration change.

[2:31:48] So even if we have plans in place now, they are subject to change later over in a administration

[2:31:54] change in with our presidential elections.

[2:31:58] So some of the other things I want to get on that is when it comes down to after the designation

[2:32:01] goes through is that after it's been approved by Congress for this designation, is that then

[2:32:07] the management plan comes into effect. Part of that process is that whoever manage

[2:32:11] the existing trail now, whether it's Peter's Vail or the Willow community, or even Tau

[2:32:18] Keaton, if they manage to trail themselves and they've applied for their own funding, their

[2:32:21] own grants to maintain these trails, whether it's motorized or non-motorized, that management

[2:32:27] can change. That includes also search and rescue can change, and with that the funding

[2:32:32] for those trails can change over to the new management. So the community members that

[2:32:38] originally took care of these trail systems have now been possibly subject to change

[2:32:42] and along with their funding to maintain all this. So I here again to stress about keeping

[2:32:47] federal oversight on it and being from the key night peninsula on the eastern side, all

[2:32:51] of it is federal oversight. And these are some of the some of the changes that you're subject

[2:32:56] to when you allow federal oversight to come in to our trail systems now.

[2:32:59] I believe the borough has done a really good job on managing our trails with the community members,

[2:33:03] and I believe it needs to stay there.

[2:33:05] Thank you.

[2:33:07] Thank you.

[2:33:11] That takes care of the people that had signed up, okay?

[2:33:15] Is there anyone that didn't sign up that would like to testify at this time,

[2:33:19] that hasn't testified already once tonight,

[2:33:26] okay?

[2:33:27] Yes, come on.

[2:33:45] Thank you.

[2:33:46] go

[2:33:52] ahead somebody.

[2:33:56] Hi. Can you hear me? Yes, go ahead. Okay, thank you for allowing me to speak

[2:34:04] this evening regarding to my opposition of RS24-078. My name is Ginger Hoffman, I'm a longtime resident

[2:34:11] of Alaska and a small business owner and I have fallen in love with the connector of our valley

[2:34:16] over the last two years and I love the freedom beauty and peace that it has to offer. I personally

[2:34:23] don't believe that this spot is good for business or even necessary. It allows parties such as the

[2:34:29] Connect River Community Council to make decisions that are completely self-seeking. The family members

[2:34:34] that lead and monopolize this particular Community Council are trying to take freedom from others.

[2:34:40] Even tonight, they continue to embellish the truth and are telling outright lies in order to get

[2:34:45] what they want. They're not the welcoming bunch that they claim to be. They want to live and enjoy

[2:34:50] the freedoms of the Valley, but they don't seem to want others to be able to do the same.

[2:34:54] You heard earlier from three members of the Baker family. This is the same family that has shot

[2:35:00] I'm here when pilots have flown by. They've sent their kids into the woods to bang on drums near the lodge while guests are eating. And I've seen the area regarding the trees that they spoke of and it is quite the embellishment actually not true. Interestingly enough, Mr. Baker got a sizable judgment from the previous lodge owner and it seems he's just looking for more money once again. The lodge has been in operation since 2006 and helicopters have been operating since 2008. This is nothing new in only a beautiful display.

[2:35:29] of how small business can thrive in Alaska.

[2:35:32] I think most of us love Alaska because of the freedoms we get.

[2:35:35] But the Community Council only wants to spread the Punish Small Business, and it seems

[2:35:39] they don't actually want the business owners and property owners to have any input.

[2:35:44] If the study is even necessary, which I don't think it is, but at the very least everyone

[2:35:48] should get a say.

[2:35:49] Not just a few who are monopolies, the Community Council, and trying to keep people from all

[2:35:54] the Alaska and the Valley has to offer.

[2:35:57] I love sharing Alaska with others and seeing the look on people's faces when they get to experience the Connect River Valley, especially for the first time.

[2:36:05] I'm asking you to see how this spot is bad for small business and against Alaska and what we want from this amazing state.

[2:36:11] If it should go forward, then it needs to have the input of business owners and property owners, which is option three.

[2:36:17] Thank you.

[2:36:18] Thank you.

[2:36:20] We have.

[2:36:22] Okay.

[2:36:22] Go ahead.

[2:36:23] Next person online.

[2:36:28] Hello.

[2:36:28] My name is Mackenzie Hutchins.

[2:36:30] I am a resident of Kinnick River Road.

[2:36:33] And I actually am not for the special use district, but if it does pass, I would like

[2:36:39] all three options to remain intact.

[2:36:41] And I just want to make sure my opinion was heard.

[2:36:44] Thank you.

[2:36:45] Thank you.

[2:36:46] Next person online, please.

[2:36:48] Hi,

[2:36:53] my name is Chad M. Zwarler, last name EMF, W-I-L-E-R. I'm a 20-year resident of Alaska

[2:37:01] of veteran and the owner of the lodge that is in contention. I just, like I said before,

[2:37:08] I get started on a full support of teen challenge and the Association of the Borough, they do

[2:37:13] fantastic work. With respect to 24078, then the owner of the lodge since 2020, Mike, our

[2:37:22] general manager on myself have attended most of the community council meetings, left the last one

[2:37:27] due to a moose hunt. We participated in the community road cleanup and even opened up the lodge to

[2:37:32] allow all the residents to fly for free and come back and have a community for free food. We're a very

[2:37:38] grow community and want to work with the community council.

[2:37:43] I'm all for the community making decisions

[2:37:46] collectively, but that just hasn't been the case. The community leadership with no committee at all

[2:37:53] rewrote the bylaws and then put them up for vote. And in those bylaws, they said that they could write

[2:37:58] if they're discretion. They removed everyone else from voting other than residents and they even took

[2:38:04] a way the proxy voting of residents to be out there.

[2:38:09] They continue to have as far as being open communication,

[2:38:13] they have held private meeting at the community council

[2:38:16] and the building to which we showed up to,

[2:38:19] because it was specifically directed at us.

[2:38:21] It was invited in representation to which we were allowed

[2:38:25] to have no say in it and no voice in what was actually said.

[2:38:29] a micro-general manager who attended the meeting even tried to vote on one of the options

[2:38:33] and he was publicly shut down by the Community Council right there on every one.

[2:38:40] This hasn't been an open process by any stretch.

[2:38:44] The planning commission rightly identified the fact that things that have such a gravity

[2:38:50] and effect on small businesses like this flood could have need to have accurate representation

[2:38:56] and options one and two, just as much as the community council wants to have a voice, property owners and business want to have a voice.

[2:39:03] And option three at least has to do with elected officials that have the ability to put things in place that allow all of us to have a voice in that process.

[2:39:13] That option three allows community council members. They allow property managers that has business owners and all of that.

[2:39:19] All of the things that are talked about about the Community Comprehensive Plan were back

[2:39:23] before me rewrote the bylaws and excluded everyone.

[2:39:26] So the process used to be open.

[2:39:29] As far as the rest of the controversy associated with Mr. Baker and things along that nature,

[2:39:34] I want to work with Mr. Baker, Uptried.

[2:39:36] I got the coughs called on me right away.

[2:39:38] I've got the man letters, Schrawl, I know it's a financial interest for him and I totally

[2:39:44] understand.

[2:39:44] I want to work towards a resolution however it's not been we've met with gunshots from our helicopter pilots

[2:39:50] We've been met with banging drums in the woods and and we want to go that way

[2:39:54] We want to I hope you hear that and I want I want that to be known, but we also can't have

[2:40:00] People that don't do business dictate how businesses are ran. And we operate in full compliance of

[2:40:08] all the laws of the lands where a designated healthy port, we want to serve the community. We

[2:40:13] we don't feel like this is a fair representation of the community. Most of the residents that come in

[2:40:18] and eat at our restaurant are completely opposed to the spread. And this seems to be a representation of

[2:40:23] just leaders within the community council that are trying to shut down that portion that

[2:40:29] affects them in their view. I appreciate the time that you guys have put towards this

[2:40:34] and I think the planning commission coming from a business and what the best for the community

[2:40:40] has rightly determined that option three or no spot at all would probably be the best movement

[2:40:46] forward on these things. I appreciate your time. Thank you.

[2:40:58] Thank you, go ahead and state your name and your testimony, please.

[2:41:02] Thank you. My name is Lisa Agnew. Many of you know me already and I might be beating a

[2:41:07] dead horse at this point, but I'll repeat some things. And as I've also said in the past like the

[2:41:12] more we dig into this is kind of like peeling back an onion and you find more and more.

[2:41:16] So I'll start with the information that we found recently and that is national scenic

[2:41:21] Trials are governed by a net and a federal act and that federal act is also information

[2:41:27] regarding national historic trails.

[2:41:29] Something that some of us may have not known here is that the original I did or odd national

[2:41:33] historic trail was designated through a valley from Grandview to Spencer Glacier.

[2:41:38] That I did or odd national historic trail has now been relocated for feasibility reasons

[2:41:44] to run alongside the highway.

[2:41:46] The question is, could this be something that happens to a national scenic trail in the future?

[2:41:50] sure if it's designated could it be relocated elsewhere and what would that cause for citizens?

[2:41:55] And I'll make some key points real quick just for the sake of time and since there's

[2:42:01] an audience here for those that don't know.

[2:42:03] The National Scenic Trail designation is very important for us to be concerned about is

[2:42:09] because it could transfer management away from local and state authorities while conservation's

[2:42:15] important, a national scenic trail designation that restricts trail access maintenance and

[2:42:20] development could lead to over-regulation, potentially conflicting with existing land use plans

[2:42:25] and local stakeholder interests. Additionally, I'm concerned about the timeline of it. The

[2:42:30] designation of a national scenic trail often occurs before any management plans are developed,

[2:42:35] which could leave a period of uncertainty regarding how the trail will be regulated and maintained.

[2:42:41] Under a national scenic trail designation, a corridor of up to a quarter mile on either

[2:42:44] side of the trail could fall under federal regulation, additionally connecting inside

[2:42:49] trails can be designated without congressional designation.

[2:42:53] This could allow for rerouting, as I just mentioned, like I did around national historic trail.

[2:42:58] A national scenic trail designation could hinder access to areas essential for subsistence

[2:43:03] hunting, fishing, gathering, as well as activities like reaching your remote cabin or trapping.

[2:43:09] Restrictions on motorized access due to increased federal oversight may jeopardize the livelihoods and cultural traditions and many Alaskans.

[2:43:17] Designation could require permits for everyday recreational activities like very picking or hunting, as mentioned earlier tonight,

[2:43:24] which could add unnecessary bureaucratic barriers for local residents who rely on these activities.

[2:43:30] Permitting requirements may also hinder businesses.

[2:43:33] If a business has had to deal with federal permitting before, you would know that there could be an additional

[2:43:38] expenses to it and additional red tape. This would affect dog sledding tours, commercial

[2:43:44] photography, snow machine, ATV tours, rentals, guiding services. National CNIC trail designation

[2:43:50] can impose limitations on motorized trail use which is essential for local recreation,

[2:43:56] subsistence access and transportation in many communities in Alaska. A national CNIC trail

[2:44:03] Resignation can also include the power of eminent domain

[2:44:06] Just to reiterate a one-size-fiddle regulation imposed by the federal government may not be appropriate for Alaska

[2:44:13] Thank you. Thank you very much. Thank you

[2:44:19] Okay

[2:44:20] Anybody online? No one last chance in the room. Oh, yeah, come on

[2:44:30] Sorry, you didn't understand I agree with what the exam

[2:44:33] Thank you.

[2:44:35] My name is Kayla Beist.

[2:44:36] That's B-U-I-S-T.

[2:44:38] And I'm representing myself.

[2:44:40] I want to show my support for resolution 24105.

[2:44:44] Thank you.

[2:44:45] Thank you.

[2:44:48] Okay.

[2:44:50] Yeah.

[2:44:51] Cool.

[2:44:55] Good evening.

[2:44:56] Thank you for allowing us to speak.

[2:44:58] My name is Robert Mayor.

[2:45:00] And I live in a lazy mountain area. And I would like to voice my support for 24105. These documents are not archaic. They are our history. They set the foundation for our country and everybody that knows anything about construction. If you don't have a good foundation, the building will not stand. Our building is falling apart because of all the stones that are being thrown at it has nothing to do with the foundation.

[2:45:28] and these things, if people would read them and understand them, they wouldn't have

[2:45:36] the misconception that passiness and displaying the ten commandments in anywhere in schools

[2:45:44] like when I was in school, they were there and they influenced us, they influenced society.

[2:45:49] If our elected officials would understand the Constitution, we wouldn't have run away

[2:45:57] immigration, we wouldn't be funding foreign governments, and we would have three letter

[2:46:07] agencies that wouldn't be running amok.

[2:46:10] So as far as establishing a religion, these will not establish religion.

[2:46:17] There is a separation, but it is separating the federal government and our local entities

[2:46:24] from our beliefs.

[2:46:27] So thank you for not establishing a religion and posting these.

[2:46:32] And this is my first meeting, am I allowed to comment on another one?

[2:46:37] Sure.

[2:46:38] Okay.

[2:46:40] 24-106. Yes, because teen challenge is an asset to the community. And again, you

[2:46:49] honoring them will not make us go to their church services, believe what they

[2:46:55] believe, or support them in any way. So thank you.

[2:47:04] So one more chance for anyone else, nobody's online, okay?

[2:47:12] All righty, no, don't move there because I don't call on you.

[2:47:20] I'm

[2:47:23] a close public, the second public with hearing and we're at the consent agenda and

[2:47:28] there's already been three items pulled.

[2:47:32] Is there any other items that anybody wants to pull?

[2:47:38] Don't see anything?

[2:47:41] Resolution 24107, resolution urging the Alaska Board of Fisheries to approve agenda change requests ACR2 and ACR3, which were previously submitted and to designate the Susitna River Drainage Chinook Salmon and the little Susitna River Coho Salmon, both as a stock of yield concern and adopt regulatory action plans to rebuild the yield for both stocks, resolution 24108.

[2:48:05] A resolution ratifying the 2025 to 2027 per pro labor agreement with the Manuskas sent the Barrow Employees Association and authorizing the manager, design and execute set agreement AM-24107 approval of change order number one for the contract for contract 22-09-0-P-B with Lowns-Barian Associates to add $53,725 for the design of Hammer Road Extension Project and extend the final completion date to October 31st

[2:48:35] first, 2026, and 24109 informing the assembly of the manager's signature on in the fiscal year 2025.

[2:48:42] Enhanced 9-1-1 spending priorities agreement and approving the fiscal year 2025 payments of 144,000 each to the cities of Palmer and

[2:48:51] Wasilla for the call-taker wages and benefits, and 2410, a word of quote number 25049Q to the Bouteille company in the contract amount of $114,365 in 29 cents.

[2:49:05] to design fish passage improvements for Shushana Drive at Cole Creek.

[2:49:10] AM 24111, award of bid number 24160V to Raven Electric, then the contract amount of $225,336 to install security cameras at various emergency services buildings.

[2:49:24] Deputy Mayor.

[2:49:27] I move to approve the consent agenda as read into the record by the clerk.

[2:49:31] Is there any objection hearing none and the consent agenda has been approved?

[2:49:40] Resolution 24-078, a resolution adopting the process for community councils to develop

[2:49:45] a community comprehensive plan or special use district it was pulled by assembly member

[2:49:50] Bernier.

[2:49:52] Okay.

[2:49:52] Deputy Mayor.

[2:49:54] I move to adopt RS 24-078 and speak to it.

[2:49:59] Yes.

[2:50:02] You know, there's we the people, it's everyone that makes decisions. Now, some of them join clubs

[2:50:15] and their communities, and they have their voice, then you got others that work hard and never show up to anything, but they have a voice as well.

[2:50:26] and then you got people that are on planning commissions and stuff like that

[2:50:30] dealing out their stuff. I for one think there should be option four out of

[2:50:38] all the three because I need people need more voice whether you own the

[2:50:44] property you are resident there you should have a say in what's going on in your

[2:50:49] community. Not just a small handful of people that elect themselves to a

[2:50:55] community council. And I see it that a lot.

[2:51:01] I know in my community there's 9,000 people.

[2:51:05] There's, if we have .00052 of those people making up the rules for everybody else, it

[2:51:15] just doesn't figure out. And I would just shoot this down myself. Thank you.

[2:51:22] for their discussion on the motion on RS 24-070.

[2:51:30] I have a question for staff on this one.

[2:51:32] I could ask.

[2:51:34] The question I'm wondering is I know the South Connect area is,

[2:51:40] we've already said they could move forward with the plan.

[2:51:44] I don't like that the other community councils weren't able to weigh in on this,

[2:51:48] even though I know the, I just want to say that with the caveat, I know the intention

[2:51:53] was to create a process and so the intention was very good to set up something that you

[2:51:59] staff time wisely and got permission to do that. But I don't like that the community councils

[2:52:06] that could be affected by this didn't have a chance to comment so my question is if this

[2:52:11] is postponed so that we can get that additional comment from the community councils what does

[2:52:17] that do for the South Conec area at this point.

[2:52:26] Go ahead, sir.

[2:52:27] Mayor, thank you.

[2:52:29] Alex Tron, Planning Director for the Matt Subaru, to some of you over an hour, to the mayor.

[2:52:36] So when in May, the Disassembly adopted a resolution to proceed with especially use district in South

[2:52:45] Cancriver, Community Council, or any South Cancriver, Community Council area, and they came

[2:52:52] to us and said, so what's the process? And we said, well, we don't really have one.

[2:52:57] So we're going to develop one, and we developed a process, and when we developed it thought

[2:53:04] it might be a good idea, especially since this seems to be somewhat controversial, to bring

[2:53:09] this to the assembly and make it sort of a more formalized process that has buy and buy

[2:53:15] by the elected officials.

[2:53:16] At that point, we told the South Cancriber Community Council

[2:53:19] that we would like to hold off on moving forward

[2:53:22] with development of a spot while we work through this procedure.

[2:53:29] I think that answers your question.

[2:53:32] Yeah, so I guess I'm wondering if we postpone this,

[2:53:36] it just means that the South Cancriber Community Council,

[2:53:39] the folks who wanted to move forward

[2:53:41] I'm waiting this much longer to get started on whatever that process will look like.

[2:53:50] So I believe it would be prudent to wait until we have a process outlined, especially

[2:53:56] if, you know, given the controversial nature of this, we may want to go with option three,

[2:54:00] so that there's a better makeup of different interests in the community that the assembly

[2:54:08] has buy-in early on, so I think it would be prudent to have an adopted process in place

[2:54:13] before we move forward.

[2:54:16] Okay, that answers that question.

[2:54:18] If I can, I just have comments at this point, so thank you for the answer.

[2:54:25] I just want to say in terms of this process, I very much understand the concerns on both sides.

[2:54:33] What I have seen at the assembly level and in my own experience, the Gateway Community Council and as a resident in this area, is there is a very high hurdle for any special use plan to get passed.

[2:54:47] And at the end of the day, the Planning Commission gets to weigh in and this assembly gets to weigh in.

[2:54:52] So, I'm not a big fan unless the community chooses to first let the assembly weigh in on who...

[2:55:00] I want to represent you and not give communities the choice. To speak to directly to the businesses and feeling like they don't have a voice, I can tell you at the planning commission level, and certainly at this assembly level, if somebody comes to us with a plan, and it's clear that five people participated and the businesses were left out, that's not a plan that's going to pass. And you saw that at the planning commission. They're immediate response to hearing from the businesses that, you know,

[2:55:30] know, we don't feel like we're having a voice.

[2:55:31] They responded immediately to that.

[2:55:33] So I think we've all seen a lot of times at the assembly

[2:55:37] where a plan comes forward from the community,

[2:55:41] more often than not.

[2:55:43] If the work hasn't, the groundwork hasn't been done,

[2:55:47] there will be people come out of the woodwork who

[2:55:48] played no part in the process at all,

[2:55:51] and it will be torpedoed.

[2:55:53] And it will go down in flames.

[2:55:54] And I think staff is wise to try to come up with a process

[2:55:58] set of voids at because it's a lot of work for everybody. So I think given that the

[2:56:06] Kinnick area has been waiting since May to move forward on something, I would have liked

[2:56:15] to see this go before the community councils but I think the best option is to have all

[2:56:20] three options on the table and it's on the community council to do their work to reach out

[2:56:29] to the community because if you just decide well we're going to try to ram this through

[2:56:33] with five folks it's not going to get past this body so you need to sit down with the

[2:56:40] businesses and you need to send out with your neighbors and make sure that they are part

[2:56:46] the process and you try to find compromise. I know at the Gateway Community Council we always

[2:56:51] have the businesses have a voice at the table and I mean I found my neighbors were you know it was

[2:56:58] funny how much we had in common and that we tried to to work through so I would at this point support

[2:57:05] keeping all three options on the table with the knowledge that the community it gives the community

[2:57:12] Union Chance Society is not the assembly dictating and knowing that businesses who don't have

[2:57:17] a vote at the community council still very much have a voice that they should be allowed

[2:57:23] to express the community council and a very much a voice when it comes to the assembly

[2:57:27] up here from my point of view.

[2:57:30] Assemblyperson Hale, go ahead.

[2:57:31] Yeah, thank you Madam Mayor, so first first couple things I want to clear up the

[2:57:41] Requirement for a residency to vote at a community council meeting is

[2:57:46] Requirement handed down to us by state law and in trying to burrow code. It is not something that the community council

[2:57:54] changed suddenly in order to cut out non-resident property owners

[2:57:58] that is a state law and burrow co-requirement.

[2:58:03] Second of all, I have attended many community council meetings.

[2:58:10] There is generally very good participation at that meeting.

[2:58:15] The room is usually mostly full except for kind of the and areas around fishing and hunting season.

[2:58:22] and I have never ever seen them tell somebody that they could not speak at one of their meetings.

[2:58:30] I do think that all three options are the best way to go move forward with this because first of all,

[2:58:41] you know, the community council, the comprehensive plans and the special use districts are designed to be created

[2:58:51] by the local community. That is their entire purpose. The entire purpose of community council

[2:58:57] is for residents to have a say in what goes on in their neighborhoods. And to protect

[2:59:03] that, I think we need to have all three options. Now there may be a time when a community

[2:59:07] council asks for option number three, which is obviously the most labor intensive, the most

[2:59:15] costly to the borough, but there may be a time when that's something that they would like

[2:59:20] to see. I'm not a real big fan of option one. I think option one could lead to some plans

[2:59:29] that are half-baked or developed without any kind of knowledge of what the code is and

[2:59:40] what state law permits and does not permit. So I'm not a real big fan of option number one,

[2:59:46] but options number two and number three are very good and the planning department has developed

[2:59:52] this with a lot of thought. Alex puts a lot of thought into the things that he puts together.

[2:59:58] The other thing I would like to know

[3:00:00] So is that there is just because non-residents cannot vote at community council meetings, nothing

[3:00:06] precludes the community council from appointing a non-resident property owner or a non-resident

[3:00:12] business owner to the planning team. As you can see from the comprehensive plan that

[3:00:20] was developed from 2006-2014, there was a non-resident on that planning team. So I think

[3:00:29] that all three options are absolutely the way we should go with this.

[3:00:34] Assemblyperson McKee?

[3:00:37] I guess right off the bat I'd like to say that I would like to, I said that three times

[3:00:41] haven't they?

[3:00:41] Postpone this indefinitely.

[3:00:43] Not to you why.

[3:00:44] When the folks first came and I guess it was May I said and said all the things that they

[3:00:48] said I thought about the business out there, all dirty routes they can't do that.

[3:00:52] So what I always try to do, about 99% of the time, if something is presented at Assembly

[3:00:57] me. I don't want to just hear about it. I want to go see it. And so having heard all those

[3:01:02] comments, I went out there and I thought, oh my gosh, this enterprise is amazing. In college,

[3:01:09] travel industry management tourism emphasis was my major. And the reason that I did it is because

[3:01:14] I wanted everybody in the world to come see Alaska and see how beautiful it was so that we would do

[3:01:18] two things. Take care of it on the one hand, the environment. And the second thing is to promote

[3:01:23] to our resource development.

[3:01:24] And the cleanest resource development is tourism,

[3:01:27] they leave a very small footprint.

[3:01:28] So I went out there.

[3:01:30] And I actually even saw two of my former students

[3:01:32] working out there.

[3:01:34] The people that work there think is an incredible place.

[3:01:37] The people that we actually saw a wedding party come back

[3:01:41] in off the glacier.

[3:01:42] And if that was noise, I tell you, I couldn't hear it.

[3:01:45] We were in the lodge.

[3:01:47] And they came in in a helicopter.

[3:01:49] And they don't leave those rotors running for very much

[3:01:51] time because the cost of fuel is just intensely expensive, so they turn it on and take off,

[3:01:56] no more, you don't hear them, they come back, they sit and turn it off right away to say

[3:01:59] the fuel. So I thought, I'm going to go back to the assembly meeting and I'm going to say

[3:02:05] that is a major, amazing operation. If ever in my travel industry management history of studying,

[3:02:12] that would be the poster child for a clean, small footprint operation. But then we come

[3:02:18] back to the meeting tonight and we hear all kinds of other, pretty negative things.

[3:02:22] And we hear the word lies and stuff like that.

[3:02:24] And I don't know where to go with this right now.

[3:02:26] And I can't, I'm just not prepared to vote on something where I am a firm believer in the

[3:02:32] accuser and the accused being together in the same place.

[3:02:35] Because if I hear you one week and you two weeks later, it's like I really don't know who's

[3:02:41] got it.

[3:02:41] You need documentation.

[3:02:42] You need stuff that says this is how this complaint was brought.

[3:02:45] This was how it was resolved because apparently there's a lot of legal stuff going on here. I'm going to hear both sides of it.

[3:02:52] And I just finally, when I die and I go to heaven, and I think that's where I'm headed, and God says, come on in. I'm going to say, no, no, no, send me back to the Matsu Valley.

[3:03:01] Send me out to Connect Glacier maybe, because it's so incredible. And I think both sides have, we have to develop resources, and we have to honor the feelings of the people that live there.

[3:03:13] absolutely, I'd be right in the front of the line, just hanging on to everything I could possibly do, but I think that there must be a compromise in here somewhere.

[3:03:22] And that's the way I want to move forward with it, but I don't see that happening here tonight. I'm not willing to make that kind of a weighty decision.

[3:03:29] So if postponing indefinitely means okay everybody, get back to the drawing board, talk together. Come here together, both sides.

[3:03:37] because I heard a lot of good stuff on, you know, complements on one side and

[3:03:42] negatives on the other. I want to see everybody like in the same room. Let's

[3:03:46] get her done. So that's where I stand.

[3:03:50] I'm sorry, what? Are you recognizing that as a motion?

[3:03:53] Were you making a motion or just a comment at this time?

[3:03:57] Oh, I guess I would make that as a motion. Yeah, so how do I say that?

[3:04:00] I move to postpone this, yeah, resolution indefinitely.

[3:04:05] Okay, so can we discuss the postponement?

[3:04:11] Okay, so we have a motion on the floor to postpone indefinitely, so we come, the discussion

[3:04:18] will have to line up with that motion, okay, assembly person follow up, go ahead.

[3:04:27] So from the testimony, and it was from both sides, as it's presented with only one option,

[3:04:35] nobody really liked it.

[3:04:37] So I believe to expand as many votes as possible.

[3:04:44] So I will actually support your Ms. McKee's decision to vote this down completely.

[3:04:49] And briefly during a break, I've talked to some amendments and said, how can this be done

[3:04:57] so more people that are going to be affected.

[3:05:12] So, if you wanted to move forward with a spot, if there is enough vote majority passes that they do want to move forward with a spot, then we,

[3:05:30] Then we get, then we start moving process, but the way it was, it sounded like some people

[3:05:36] were left out of the process.

[3:05:38] For that reason, I'll support Ms. McKee's proposal, and I do work with attorney to draft

[3:05:45] ordinance so that we have a good, clear mechanism in place, a very democratic process so that

[3:05:52] when the somebody was spot wants to be started,

[3:05:57] that people that are gonna be affected will get your vote.

[3:06:00] Yes, to move forward or not to move forward

[3:06:02] with a spot process, and then if there is enough votes,

[3:06:06] then that moves forward.

[3:06:07] And I think that would be a,

[3:06:09] would set a very good presence moving forward.

[3:06:12] So with that, I hope everybody will support me

[3:06:15] and Ms. McKee, thank you.

[3:06:18] Okay, Assemblyperson Hale?

[3:06:19] Yeah, I'd just like to point out

[3:06:21] About that post-poinist indefinitely would revert us back to the process that currently exists, which is very clunky, and Alex does not like very much.

[3:06:34] In fact, it's so clunky that when we passed the original resolution saying that we were going to help South Connect, we were community council develop their spud.

[3:06:44] And we made a notwithstanding clause in that resolution Mr. Gamble put forward the amendment

[3:06:53] notwithstanding the current guidelines on the process because it was so clunky.

[3:06:58] So we're going to go back to a process which we set aside specifically for the South

[3:07:06] connect river, community council, spot, so.

[3:07:10] Somebody first from the key?

[3:07:12] Clunker or not, it's,

[3:07:15] it's something has to be done differently.

[3:07:17] You, one of was referring to a lake's management plan

[3:07:20] where they crossed all the tees and dotted all the eyes

[3:07:23] and came here with a 54% margin.

[3:07:25] They only needed a 50 or 51 something like that.

[3:07:28] And I don't know that the assembly, what we were doing,

[3:07:30] but we voted it down and said there wasn't enough

[3:07:33] representation.

[3:07:35] Maybe that's key here.

[3:07:36] not enough representation, we see a few people here tonight, they're very passionate as

[3:07:40] I would be. We hope to be the business owner who's very passionate as I would be, and

[3:07:44] some people that work for him. I think that we, if we don't do that, we're going to try

[3:07:50] to pass this thing, not having enough really hard information to actually make a fair decision.

[3:07:58] I don't want to go through the Beverly Lakes thing again. I want everybody who should

[3:08:02] be involved, to be involved. And that includes us. I don't like to vote on something when I'm

[3:08:06] I'm not sure about it, you know what?

[3:08:07] I ain't sure of it.

[3:08:10] Okay, do you have any more here?

[3:08:13] I have a question to staff.

[3:08:16] What's the population of South Pnek?

[3:08:20] Anybody?

[3:08:26] Okay.

[3:08:30] So there's quite a few people that could weigh in.

[3:08:42] I just trying to do some numbers in my head here

[3:08:45] versus what we've heard tonight and I agree.

[3:08:48] Everybody's got an opinion on one way or the other,

[3:08:51] but there's a lot of people that don't have

[3:08:55] a say right now that should have a say and that's I just want it equal for

[3:09:00] everybody.

[3:09:07] Thank you Madam Mayor.

[3:09:12] I've been through the

[3:09:13] comp plan process ours took between that and Lake Management I think it was

[3:09:17] five years total and the Lake Management Plan was even more controversial than

[3:09:21] the comp plan we actually had to have troopers come do a couple of our meetings

[3:09:24] because of all the people from Anchorage it came out that didn't have a vote but they own

[3:09:30] property in big like.

[3:09:35] So I get how controversial it can be and I simply remember Faunov and

[3:09:39] I were talking about maybe having a vote similar to an LID process where we could pull the residents,

[3:09:50] of the property owners in South

[3:09:53] Connecticut River and see how

[3:09:55] many are for a spot and how

[3:09:57] many aren't that maybe a good

[3:09:59] starting.

[3:10:00] Point for the process. Thank you. For their discussion by the assembly, yes, and the personnel.

[3:10:09] I just want to say that Ms. McKee, I don't think tonight we're trying to resolve the dispute in Kinnick. We're trying to find a process by which communities can come to us and express a vision for what they want. You know, we did.

[3:10:30] have this come before the assembly and that was advertised.

[3:10:34] So people had the ability to come forward.

[3:10:37] You know, we all are familiar with, you put it out there,

[3:10:40] but people don't, they don't hear about it or they don't know.

[3:10:47] I don't know about the idea of having a vote.

[3:10:51] If you, you know, on LID, we mail to 15 people, 15 property owners.

[3:10:57] and just in that recent one we had only what seven, nine responded.

[3:11:08] It's a really expensive

[3:11:09] way to try to get people to vote and it doesn't seem like it seems like a lot of people don't

[3:11:14] respond to that and or and or don't get their mail. I mean the number of times people

[3:11:21] said I didn't see it. I didn't know existed. I guess where I'm at is these three options allow a

[3:11:29] community to get started and they will have a voice because more often than not what happens is

[3:11:38] despite sometimes the best efforts of the people working on it to reach out to folks, there'll be

[3:11:50] burden most of the time, the bias is these things will not pass, so I do think that the voice is there, it just allows the community to get going, and our process is community councils.

[3:12:03] That is how this burrow has set up for the community to have a voice, and anybody who is an area resident can be on that.

[3:12:11] So, as far as postponing indefinitely, I could support postponing for a month to give the community councils more time, but I want to give communities an option to move forward and staff the ability to offer different levels of service because if staff spends a hundred hours on this, that's a lot of time.

[3:12:35] And you know, without, whereas if you have this process in place, there's some levels of amount of work they're going to do on it, but the community says this is what has to specify.

[3:12:47] So I see moving forward with the three options as an improvement over the current process.

[3:12:54] Assemblyperson Hale?

[3:12:55] Yeah, thank you Madam Mayor, I would absolutely support taking a vote of folks on the on the on the

[3:13:04] Spud after the final draft was prepared. With an LID when you get the ballot with the LID it tells

[3:13:13] you exactly what's going to be what exactly what work is going to be performed exactly how much

[3:13:18] is going to cost you. So I think that that is an excellent idea when the final version comes out,

[3:13:25] when whoever has decided upon the final version, we send it to the community out,

[3:13:33] we could put it on the ballot during the general election, just specifically for that precinct,

[3:13:40] we could mail them the ballots, like we do for LIDs, whatever, that would be fine. But I think it's

[3:13:47] premature to send a letter to somebody saying, hey, would you be in favor of a

[3:13:52] spud when they don't even know what that spud might entail? So if I would be in

[3:14:00] favor of post-poning but not indefinitely, if there are other community

[3:14:05] councils, we saw a lot of letters from community council presidents in our

[3:14:09] packet saying, you know, as a community council we'd like the way in on this to

[3:14:14] to give community councils a time to weigh in on it, to give assembly members time to

[3:14:21] draft any type of amendments they might like to see to the process that we could consider.

[3:14:27] I would offer a secondary amendment, Madam Clerk, I would offer a secondary amendment

[3:14:37] postponements for, let's say,

[3:14:42] well, after the election, obviously, yes.

[3:14:47] A motion to postpone indefinitely is not amendable.

[3:14:50] It's not amendable, well done.

[3:14:52] I oppose indefinitely.

[3:14:54] I was hoping it was amendable because I'm liking what you're saying.

[3:14:58] Can I speak now?

[3:14:59] or do we have a dream?

[3:15:00] You can withdraw. Can I withdraw? Yeah. Okay. I would draw the post, what did I say? Yeah, because I want there to be more flexibility. So, okay, that's, that's a done deal right now. Can I can? And then you have to ask if there's any objection to any objection? Yeah, her.

[3:15:20] Okay. The motion has been made to or she has withdrawn her motion to postpone indefinitely. Is there objection?

[3:15:29] from the assembly for her to do that.

[3:15:34] You have an objection?

[3:15:36] Okay. So I guess now we need to vote on that.

[3:15:40] Okay.

[3:15:41] So the motion before you is to postpone indefinitely.

[3:15:47] Hold on, Madam Mayor.

[3:15:48] Okay, just a minute.

[3:15:50] Let me think this through.

[3:15:51] Doesn't happen very often when somebody tries to withdraw their motion.

[3:15:55] Okay. So is it vote to withdraw?

[3:15:57] All right.

[3:16:01] So the motion on the floor is to withdraw.

[3:16:06] If you vote yes, you are in favor

[3:16:15] of withdrawing the motion and if you vote no, you want the motion to postpone and definitely

[3:16:20] to remain on the floor. Sorry, that took me a little bit to get through.

[3:16:23] Okay. So is everybody understand? Okay. All right. So, Madam Clerk, go ahead.

[3:16:29] Assemblymember Gamble.

[3:16:32] Madam Mayor, with draw pass with Assemblymember Fawnoff in

[3:16:39] Bernier a post. Okay. Can I speak now about? No, I want to make a new motion.

[3:16:47] I want to talk about post-poning, absolutely, but post-pone a month, something of

[3:16:53] this magnitude, I think is not enough time?

[3:16:56] Well, certainly in the world.

[3:16:57] I've been watching them.

[3:16:58] Am I not supposed to talk?

[3:16:59] No.

[3:17:01] But what time are you talking about?

[3:17:03] I don't know.

[3:17:03] You're doing the hand driving.

[3:17:04] I thought I was supposed to shut up, but um,

[3:17:09] I just, you know,

[3:17:11] when you look at LIDs and Stephanie,

[3:17:14] you were saying that they're expensive or somebody

[3:17:15] was saying they're expensive and blah, blah, blah, blah.

[3:17:16] Well, maybe they are.

[3:17:17] But maybe when you look at the way those things are so

[3:17:23] definitively resolved.

[3:17:24] It's on paper.

[3:17:25] You had the chance.

[3:17:26] It tells who, to me, that really works.

[3:17:28] I wish we had done that with the Lix Management thing.

[3:17:31] But with this, there is such passion here.

[3:17:36] And I want to know who really does want what?

[3:17:39] You can say all you want.

[3:17:40] Well, she said this or she said that or whatever.

[3:17:42] But it is not on paper and it's not set out like an LID.

[3:17:45] It doesn't mean anything.

[3:17:46] I was going to say a bad word.

[3:17:47] It doesn't mean anything to me.

[3:17:48] But really, I think this deserves all parties to be heard and no excuses.

[3:17:55] You don't vote, you don't vote.

[3:17:56] That's on you.

[3:17:58] But this way, it's just too much he said she said kind of a thing.

[3:18:01] So I don't know, you want to, you want to, somebody suggest a time other than just a month.

[3:18:05] Got to be more than that for me.

[3:18:10] Assembly person, assembly person, the hails input.

[3:18:18] Thank you Madam Mayor. I would move to postpone until the first meeting in December.

[3:18:24] First meeting in December. That would be December 3rd.

[3:18:27] Okay.

[3:18:30] Discussion on the motion to postpone until December 3rd.

[3:18:38] Discussion? Any objection? Could I ask one more thing before we shut this down?

[3:18:43] Now, how do we convey to the folks who are involved in this that an LID paper process

[3:18:52] would be better?

[3:18:53] I mean, Alex, do we do that with you, or how do we do that?

[3:18:56] Because I think that's what out of come out of this.

[3:18:58] Something really concrete.

[3:19:03] Go ahead, sir.

[3:19:04] If you want to answer, if not, say you pass it to the boss, or you want to do.

[3:19:11] Well, thank you, Madam Mayor.

[3:19:12] If this gets postponed until time certain in December, we would send out this draft to the community council's asking for their input.

[3:19:20] Anything additional that you wanted to put in there?

[3:19:24] I don't know, I guess I would put in some definite instructions.

[3:19:29] Yes, that what you're saying.

[3:19:30] Yes.

[3:19:31] And there are some instructions that are automatic with your motion, but if you want additional instructions, then it needs to be discussed at this point.

[3:19:39] And when I'm sorry what discussed when

[3:19:44] Then it has to be discussed when if it's additional

[3:19:47] Well, yeah now I guess right so they would know then how to reach out to not only that community council

[3:19:55] But all the community councils right because that's

[3:20:04] So can we actually ask, I guess it's Alex, to do whatever you do, and just have to say, like,

[3:20:14] these things, I don't know the link, oh, I really don't, but Mike's going to help us, sorry.

[3:20:19] Well, I don't know if I'm going to help you.

[3:20:22] So through the mayor, I think what we're saying is what we're hearing, and this is why we brought

[3:20:27] forward, right? These topics are often contentious. So we wanted to make sure the assembly had some

[3:20:33] input on the front end, not the back end when we handed you a product. So I understand it's not a

[3:20:39] fund debate necessarily, but I think what we're saying from what I'm hearing is we would take the

[3:20:45] existing process that's drafted on tonight's agenda, and we would get that out to all the community

[3:20:49] councils and allow them to provide input. If the assembly wants to look at a process by which you

[3:20:55] to use like an LID or Lake Management Petitioning process as part of the adoption for a

[3:21:04] spud. We would need somebody to kind of make that motion and agree as a body that that's

[3:21:08] what you want. We would incorporate that in and send that out to the community councils.

[3:21:12] If you're not ready to do that tonight, we'll send what we have out, but it won't have

[3:21:16] that adjustment in it. And then that would give you time as an assembly member if you want

[3:21:20] to work with Alex and draft an amendment down the line, but that likely wouldn't have

[3:21:24] community council review by the time we come back on December 3rd, is that fair?

[3:21:30] So if you, if it seems like there might be an appetite for a petition process, if you

[3:21:35] want that, make, somebody make a motion, we, we, you can talk about that, and then we can

[3:21:40] incorporate it in the process before it goes out to Queenie Council.

[3:21:42] Can I make that motion?

[3:21:44] Okay.

[3:21:44] Just a minute.

[3:21:45] Oh.

[3:21:46] I think maybe the clerk has some input here, so can you hold a minute?

[3:21:50] Okay, go ahead.

[3:21:51] I think the issue I'm having right now is we have a resolution in front of us or the assembly does

[3:21:56] There's no amendments to it, but you're trying to give different direction than what the resolution's stating

[3:22:04] So I don't think I mean you can always direct the manager to

[3:22:08] float these other ideas

[3:22:10] But I wouldn't include it in the adoption of this resolution maybe do it under comments at the end

[3:22:16] So would we, at this point, say we want what was our first meeting in December?

[3:22:21] Where are you voting for that?

[3:22:22] Yeah, the motion that's on the floor now is to postpone until December 3rd.

[3:22:30] Okay.

[3:22:30] Can we get that then?

[3:22:32] And so like what the clerk was saying, if you want to send out candy canes with that,

[3:22:38] when you send it to the committee, that's Christmas time.

[3:22:40] Yeah, it's Christmas time.

[3:22:41] You know, then under the parting comments you have tonight, then you would give

[3:22:46] those instructions to the lawyer.

[3:22:49] So right now we're just going to vote on who's voting until December or whenever,

[3:22:52] first meeting in December.

[3:22:55] Okay.

[3:22:55] Can I have people down here?

[3:22:59] Clerk, okay.

[3:23:00] All righty.

[3:23:01] Question of staff.

[3:23:03] What did the Planning Committee, I know they voted towards option three, but that was,

[3:23:10] Can you give us more detail?

[3:23:17] This is a motion to postpone, so let's take care of this first.

[3:23:21] Well, instead of kicking the can down the road, I'm trying to get some information,

[3:23:27] because in all reality, I think you should actually just kick.

[3:23:32] Stop this resolution and send him back.

[3:23:35] What do you, Deputy Mayor, what do you want from staff?

[3:23:38] I want to know what planning, the planning commission had come up with,

[3:23:42] because it didn't sound like they really wanted any of the three.

[3:23:46] I think what Demetri and Bill was saying about doing an LID style,

[3:23:53] that would be an option four or option five.

[3:23:57] There's a couple more things.

[3:23:58] We have to deal with the motion to follow.

[3:24:00] Right, so I'm trying to say, hey, instead of kicking the can down the road,

[3:24:04] let's shut this down, let's send it back,

[3:24:06] and let's have a good plan to introduce to everybody.

[3:24:10] The motion on the floor is what we need to discuss, that's the motion to postpone till December 3rd, okay, so Jim, no, go ahead.

[3:24:29] I oppose the December thing, we have a, it seems like it's far away, but in reality it's not.

[3:24:39] Because if we're going to take a decision such a big thing that affects, depending on the answers that were out from the public, from 902,000 people or families or residents, and then we're only going to send letters to community council, which is very limited.

[3:24:56] I believe that's still not going to give us that food.

[3:25:02] I still want to see the shutdown. We mail out and Mr. Hale said if we send out and notice, I think anybody who got the mail will take very seriously when they see an envelope from the burrow type of thing. Even if there is no details, but it says the community council is requesting to move forward with a spot or something along those lines. And now you can participate. That is a very well informed public.

[3:25:29] And those that then choose not to participate, they lost out on an opportunity.

[3:25:35] Depending on that number, how many stamps we need to use, I think it's a minimal cost relative to what impact that it would have for businesses, for residents, and things like that.

[3:25:47] So I don't think that's enough time I'm going to vote down on this specific date because we're just kind of named the date.

[3:25:53] and then vote on a process and I think effort that Alex has put forward, that doesn't defeat

[3:26:00] the purpose, that template and so that's already in place.

[3:26:06] But the process to get to that I think needs to be more democratic and then once we got

[3:26:11] enough yes and support to move forward with a spot, then those efforts will move forward.

[3:26:17] So I don't think one is not on the way of each other.

[3:26:21] I do want to postpone this indefinitely, reach out to community, whether it's 900 or 2000.

[3:26:29] And then based on that reference, based on those results, we'll move forward.

[3:26:34] I think it's a very reasonable request with that, that's what I would love to see as I'm

[3:26:40] related to today.

[3:26:41] Okay.

[3:26:42] So the motion before you is to postpone until December 3rd, is everybody ready to vote?

[3:26:56] Madam Mayor, it failed with Assembly Member Hale in hours in support.

[3:27:00] Okay.

[3:27:01] All right.

[3:27:01] So now we're back with the resolution before, Deputy Mayor.

[3:27:07] I call the question.

[3:27:11] All righty.

[3:27:12] So now is there objection to calling the question?

[3:27:23] Sorry.

[3:27:26] So we have to vote, we voted on the, on the, there was no, you can object to calling

[3:27:34] the question and then that will make everybody vote, but you can't have comment at this

[3:27:41] time.

[3:27:41] Okay.

[3:27:42] Okay.

[3:27:42] So we're calling the question, we'll stop debate and if you're, I ask if there was any objection

[3:27:51] If you are objecting,

[3:27:56] okay, okay, so is there any objection to calling the question?

[3:28:01] Okay, so then that stops debate and we have before us the motion to adopt, right?

[3:28:09] We have before you, you have the motion to adopt the resolution and

[3:28:17] no discussion because you've cut off debate.

[3:28:22] Okay. Madam Mayor, it failed with Assembly Member Hale and now we're in support.

[3:28:26] Okay. All right, so that takes care of the resolution.

[3:28:32] So where do we go from here on that?

[3:28:35] Right there, that way, and right there.

[3:28:38] You can, as we discussed earlier, under your parting comments, tonight for your parting

[3:28:46] comments if you have some instructions or Mr. Attorney's raising his finger at me.

[3:28:52] I was going to offer another alternative seeing as how it's going to be late at the end

[3:28:55] of the night.

[3:28:57] Every person at this table with the exception of the clerk and I has the power to introduce

[3:29:01] ordinances and resolutions.

[3:29:03] You are free to talk with administration or law tomorrow when you're clear headed next

[3:29:08] week when you get some input and direct someone to bring forward legislation and the manager's

[3:29:15] nodding as well.

[3:29:15] So if you can't form your thoughts tonight or it gets too late or you're just too, we can move on and it's not that the opportunity is lost.

[3:29:29] Okay.

[3:29:29] Okay. Everybody's straight now. We're ready to move for the next item.

[3:29:34] Okay.

[3:29:36] Resolution 24105, a resolution directly manager to place a display in the lobby of the Dorothy's one of Jones building to include the ten commandments.

[3:29:44] Magna Carta, the Mayflower Compact, Declaration of Independence, and the preambles to the United States Constitution and Alaska Constitution.

[3:29:52] Assemblymember Bernier pulled it.

[3:29:55] I move RS 24-105, and I'd like to speak.

[3:30:00] Let me speak to it. Yes, go ahead, sir. So, we homeschooled at home there. I've got nine kids. And some of the stuff that we were going over is history. And I get a lot of comments like, you know, declaration independence. It's kind of sunfaded and squarely writing. You can't even read it and this and that. So we took and got it in English.

[3:30:28] to where we can actually read it and stuff like that.

[3:30:32] And I was showing them, you know, on this display that I want

[3:30:38] to put here in the lobby, it starts off with the 10 Commandments

[3:30:42] because those were the first kind of laws that we had.

[3:30:47] And then I go to the Magna Carta because that's when the land

[3:30:52] parents when they had a tyrannical king and they wanted equal

[3:31:02] rights and stuff.

[3:31:06] And so all this display is basically a history of law, how we come to our laws today.

[3:31:13] And it starts off with the Ten Commandments, the Magna Carta, the Mayflower Compact.

[3:31:17] that was the first set of laws in the U.S. in 1620,

[3:31:24] then go say, or declaration of independence,

[3:31:28] and then the preamble to the Constitution,

[3:31:32] and then our Alaska Constitution, preamble.

[3:31:35] But these are things that,

[3:31:37] unless you know your history,

[3:31:39] you don't have anything to be proud of.

[3:31:41] Once you know your history,

[3:31:42] where you came from, how we got here,

[3:31:44] Those are, that's all, very, very important, that's what's wrong with this culture today.

[3:31:54] They don't know where they came from.

[3:31:56] They just, they came from this thing.

[3:32:02] For the discussion on the emotion, Assemblyperson Hale, go ahead.

[3:32:07] Yeah, thank you, Madam Mayor.

[3:32:08] I would like to move to adopt or move to amend Resolution 24-105 by placing the words synopsis

[3:32:17] of the code of Hammurabi at the beginning of the list of documents.

[3:32:22] I'd like to speak to it if I may.

[3:32:24] Yeah, the code of Hammurabi is one of the second oldest legal code

[3:32:30] that we have archeological evidence for and is considered the most comprehensive

[3:32:38] legal code of the Bronze Age and is so well respected

[3:32:45] in the history and lawmaking areas that a bust of Hammarabi is actually carved into

[3:32:54] the walls of the United States Capitol.

[3:32:58] Right.

[3:32:59] So we have motion to amend to add further discussion on that motion.

[3:33:07] That was actually on our list of things to put in there.

[3:33:12] We were just afraid that it was getting too busy or too big.

[3:33:15] but I support Tim's amendment and I got a second amendment.

[3:33:27] I moved to a

[3:33:28] man resolution. I think he or did you make a motion to a man so he's already

[3:33:34] made a motion to amend. Okay. And then on. So now it's the discussion on whether you

[3:33:40] want to adopt that amendment, okay, further questions, further discussion,

[3:33:49] any

[3:33:49] objection to the adding of that,

[3:33:55] okay, so now before you is resolution 24-105

[3:34:00] as amended, further discussion on that,

[3:34:08] Assemblyperson McKee. I was as all of you

[3:34:12] know by now, 26-year teacher of middle school and my one of my assignments was

[3:34:18] of social studies and studying the three great religions

[3:34:20] of the world, which were Judaism, Christianity, Islam.

[3:34:24] And all of these things built on each other.

[3:34:27] So when you have a document like the Constitution,

[3:34:30] you gotta say, okay, what went on before this?

[3:34:34] And so to exclude the Ten Commandments,

[3:34:37] or things like that, it's put aside the intentions

[3:34:45] of the people who were drawing up the document

[3:34:47] And the very first thing that I was looking at, Thomas Jefferson, on every question of construction,

[3:34:54] let us carry ourselves back to the time when the Constitution was adopted, recollect a spirit manifested in the debates.

[3:35:00] And instead of trying what meaning maybe squeezed out of the text or invented against it, conform to the probable, probable one in which it was passed. And they certainly consulted these other kinds of documents historically. And when I taught that in public school, if you think that I could teach the religions in the world as a religious matter, you'd be dead wrong. I would have been gone longer than 26 years. It was historical. That's a history that we have. It's written. So to say, well, it's religion.

[3:35:29] Yeah, that's kind of half religion, half the loss of the half government, half the law, a lot of halves there.

[3:35:34] But the whole idea is that we are simply, as Rhonda was saying, establishing the history of who we are today based on where we all came from.

[3:35:45] And to say that religion is somehow, let me say, one time I was giving a dissertation on ESOP's Fables and somebody said, well, you can't teach that.

[3:35:55] Why?

[3:35:55] Why? Because it has a moral. Yeah, that's why he wrote them. So we've gotten so far a

[3:36:02] field from what Thomas Jefferson just said that is absurd. A couple of other guys. Well,

[3:36:10] now I'll get to it. George Washington and his farewell address of all the dispositions and

[3:36:16] habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports.

[3:36:22] That's George Washington, pretty famous guy.

[3:36:25] Finally, Benjamin Franklin said, I have so much faith in the general government of the

[3:36:28] world by Providence, Capitol P, that I can hardly conceive a transaction of such a momentous

[3:36:33] importance to the welfare of millions, should be suffered to pass without being in some degree

[3:36:38] influenced, guided, and governed by that omnipotent, omnipresent, and beneficent Capitol R ruler.

[3:36:43] So, the guys that helped set up as the most successful nation ever, they knew what they

[3:36:52] were giving credit where credit was due and they were looking back to history.

[3:36:56] So, I don't ask my kids at school to believe in anything or anything, but history, it's written

[3:37:02] down.

[3:37:02] You can't rewrite it.

[3:37:04] You take what the original meanings were.

[3:37:08] So to me, if you were to say, well, I'm going to put the ten commandments in the and the

[3:37:12] Dorthus Wanda, whatever Joan's building, as I ain't going for that, because that's pretty specific.

[3:37:17] This is a historical progression of documentation of the history of who we are.

[3:37:22] So look at that as a religious thing if you want to do that.

[3:37:25] This historical thing is one or the other or both, but it is not a promotion.

[3:37:30] Somebody said, well, Catholic, Lutheran, Christian, Jewish, it's all those.

[3:37:37] So you're not pushing a religion.

[3:37:47] I move to move the meeting till 10 30, okay, is there any objection to moving the end

[3:38:00] in the meeting till 10 30, okay, here we know objection, okay, some of the person hours

[3:38:06] you had to comment.

[3:38:07] Thank you Madam Mayor.

[3:38:07] So my husband's a history major, so he would love this discussion, he would want it to go on on the business major, so I think, so while, you know, we loved that people would read it, I'm also conscious that a lot of folks in my district would not want to see a huge amount of money go, they'd rather go to filling the potholes or, you know, helping with the ambulance service.

[3:38:36] So I just want to there's no budget limit on this and I know you're hopeful to have donations

[3:38:42] So I just like to offer an amendment to cap the the maximum at

[3:38:49] You know shouldn't cost you much get a frame and stuff like that. So

[3:38:53] $750

[3:38:55] and

[3:38:57] just

[3:38:58] So the amendment is to cap with a maximum of

[3:39:02] $750 for these displays

[3:39:06] Okay. So there is an amendment to tap that discussion. Yes, a simpler person.

[3:39:15] On off, go ahead.

[3:39:17] Mr. Mouse, how did you come up with that specific price number?

[3:39:24] Just the cost of a frame and a display shouldn't be that much plus I'm just thinking about people's taxes and where they want them to go.

[3:39:35] So if the administration comes back to us and says we can't do it for 750 or the donations don't come forward

[3:39:41] We can we can come back to it, but I just like having a cap on it

[3:39:44] So folks recognize that we this is something we want to do

[3:39:48] But that we're also conscious that those dollars can't be spent elsewhere

[3:39:52] I

[3:39:53] For the discussion I would even move as much as

[3:39:57] capping out burrow spending zero

[3:40:00] For that, and if we open the page, and people can donate, I'm bitch, we can raise a lot more than 750 people from Matt's to residents for this cause.

[3:40:16] Assemblyperson Hale? Is that a motion? Yes, I believe, I think zero Matt's to borrow money should be spent on this. So, I'll admit, Matt, you are zero. What's coming out of the budget, but find out the right process where people, through GoFundMe or whatever, can donate specifically to the mayor.

[3:40:37] that process and I'm pretty sure there's going to be people enough and I hope as long as the provisions

[3:40:44] are placed that even us assembly can donate to that, I think we're not going to have problem

[3:40:49] finding that and nobody's going to miss out on the pothole, so.

[3:40:52] Okay, so Madam Clerk, if I can clarify to bring it back down to zero, you basically defeats the motion

[3:41:01] so you need to either vote yes or no on this motion that's on the floor.

[3:41:05] So if you don't agree with spending capping it at $750, you'd vote no.

[3:41:11] If you do agree with capping it at $750, you would vote yes.

[3:41:15] Could Stephanie, if she liked withdraw the your amendment, all the bottles are going to get filled and for that.

[3:41:27] I'm willing to withdraw it.

[3:41:28] I just want the staff to come up with an estimate, so we aren't collecting a bunch of money.

[3:41:35] Let's have an estimate and then, sure, we can try to raise the donations for it.

[3:41:41] I don't know, I just look for a little input from the, I'm willing to withdraw that.

[3:41:47] Okay, any objection to withdrawing?

[3:41:51] Okay, I know it's okay, are ready.

[3:41:54] So-

[3:41:54] I make a motion.

[3:41:56] Okay.

[3:41:56] I'm meant to make that legislation to be zero to the matter, but

[3:42:03] instruct a manager or the staff to put in place where people, the residents could donate to that.

[3:42:12] And we use zero funds from that, and then if there is a left over we can donate to the potholes or whatever.

[3:42:21] But something useful and meaningful.

[3:42:23] And I believe that would be a good gesture for us, how we do this process.

[3:42:31] And nobody would be able to blame even if a dollar of Matt Suburrao money was spent to display this all.

[3:42:38] Can I ask the attorney a question?

[3:42:42] Since currently and the clerk currently in the resolution, it doesn't talk about expenditure at all, right?

[3:42:53] So would we need to have more than just a motion or is it already understood the way it is that it's zero?

[3:43:02] I believe what Assemblymember Fawn have made was a motion to amend.

[3:43:07] You could take it as adding another, therefore be it further resolved that the burrow manager is directed to spend zero public dollars.

[3:43:17] but rather to solicit donations for the project.

[3:43:24] Okay, so the portion agreement with the attorney.

[3:43:27] I have rephrased the motion, but I believe that is the,

[3:43:30] as some of your members intend.

[3:43:31] Okay, does that indicate what I, and then I believe.

[3:43:35] Anybody have a question about the amendment then?

[3:43:40] Oh, I'm sorry.

[3:43:41] And to be clear, just in case anybody asks me later,

[3:43:43] the way I entered, the way I would interpret that amendment

[3:43:46] would be of course there's going to be some staff time used because the

[3:43:49] manager's going to put some work into it, maybe a small one and staff and stuff

[3:43:52] like that but no expenditure of money in terms of buying physical products for

[3:43:58] this.

[3:44:00] Is there any objection to the amendment then? Okay. Seeing no objection then back to

[3:44:12] to the main motion to adopt resolution 24-105 as amended,

[3:44:21] okay? Any objection?

[3:44:28] My turn. Okay, you have another amendment?

[3:44:32] I do have another amendment. Okay, okay.

[3:44:35] I move to amend the resolution serial number 24-105 to add an additional resolution clause

[3:44:43] as read as follows.

[3:44:46] Be it further resolved, the borough manager is directed to evaluate placing the same display

[3:44:53] at all borough libraries and report to the assembly the results of the evaluation.

[3:45:00] Okay. Discussion on the amendment.

[3:45:06] Any objection to that amendment?

[3:45:09] Should I do not hear anything? So then now we have two amendments to the resolution. Further discussion on the resolution is amended. Any objection to passing the resolution is amended.

[3:45:28] Don't see any objection. So legislation then is passed. Resolution 24106.

[3:45:35] a resolution recognizing the partnership and contributions of the adult and teen challenge

[3:45:40] Pacific Northwest to the efforts of community cleanup.

[3:45:44] That was pulled by Assemblymember Phanna.

[3:45:47] Okay.

[3:45:48] Assemblyperson Phanna.

[3:45:51] I move to adopt resolution 24-106 and I may speak to it.

[3:45:58] All the people had to go back because they were here from ATC earlier.

[3:46:02] Some of them got to speak and I believe there was a lot of good testimony that we got to hear for what we're doing and I think in the future in the next assembly meeting we'll get you see some before after pictures of what they have what the results have been with this partnership and one of the graduates who spoke who is now very productive member of our community spoke today and I just wanted to give credit, work ready to do it and it took a lot of

[3:46:32] This assembly body to approve for us to fund the community cleanup coordinator.

[3:46:41] And it's the money that was very well spent.

[3:46:43] I think right now we'll get and get the report next year, but it's close to a dozen severe properties that were cleaned up.

[3:46:51] There was even from that same partnership, I think wheelchair ramp was built.

[3:46:57] So there's a lot of good things that I actually would encourage more faith-based and non-profit

[3:47:05] people to get involved and reach out to us because this is a good opportunity and it

[3:47:09] shows that we want to work with people and which when I started, seemed like just a wish

[3:47:16] or a dream is now a reality and we're moving forward with this effort and I want to continue

[3:47:21] to not only clean up but help improve and I think it really helps people who are going

[3:47:27] through this recovery process also learn to give that to community and I noticed that

[3:47:33] actually learns them to be, teaches them the work ethic and also the communicating skills

[3:47:40] as they go and meet people and see the needs, it's something that I'm glad that we have

[3:47:46] of going and I hope that everybody

[3:47:49] supports this resolution.

[3:47:51] For their discussion, yes, is somebody pursuing it?

[3:47:55] Yeah, thank you, Madam Mayor.

[3:47:56] I just want to thank Assemblymember Fauna

[3:47:57] for bringing this, this is really good.

[3:48:00] And I also want to thank Mr. Tremaine, unfortunately,

[3:48:02] him and his team have left, but him and his team

[3:48:04] have done some incredible work.

[3:48:07] They cleaned up a property by Goat Creek out on the Old Glen

[3:48:12] highway there. It was the owner simply weren't capable of doing it and they actually went

[3:48:21] above and beyond and solicited private donations in order to build a handicap ramp for those

[3:48:31] folks. In fact, I'd like to big shout out to Mr. Ortiz as well. He talked to a lawyer friend

[3:48:39] of his who apparently had some extra money laying around and he was actually the one who

[3:48:44] was able to secure the donation for those folks to go ahead and build that handicap ramp

[3:48:48] for that couple out there.

[3:48:50] I think that these guys have done incredible work all over the borough, but particularly

[3:48:55] in district one.

[3:48:57] So I just want to say thank you for bringing this.

[3:49:00] For the discussion on Resolution 24-106, is there any objection?

[3:49:07] I want to thank them as well, it's very important that organizations like that are,

[3:49:16] they are

[3:49:19] blessing, you know, they're helping people that really need help.

[3:49:23] And when you do good things, that they can be proud of, I think that goes a long way.

[3:49:29] Because addiction, a lot of addiction is due to shame.

[3:49:33] If you're shamed and stuff like that, you cannot get out of addiction and when you start doing good things

[3:49:40] think good things are gonna happen and

[3:49:44] I'm glad to be able to partner with them. Thank you

[3:49:50] Any objection to passing the resolution 24-106

[3:49:56] I do not see any objection so the legislation has

[3:50:00] It's been passed. I'm Madam Clerk. I'm Spanish business. Yeah. Resolution 2409, a resolution opposing the release of land authority along the proposal. Last, the long trail as it pertains to the national scenic trail feasibility study. Okay, we have a main motion that is already on the floor is. Yes, Assemblyperson Gamble. Think Madam Mayor. I move to amend resolution number two, four to ask 099.

[3:50:28] 9, district 2 resolution clauses and replace them with.

[3:50:32] Now, therefore, be it resolved that the assembly is opposed to relinquishing authority over a burrow owned and or operated trails in lands and opposed to overreaching restrictions on the Alaska Long Trail within the boundaries of the burrow.

[3:50:45] Be it further resolved that the assembly specifically opposes the designation of the Alaska, the spell wrong, by the way.

[3:50:51] The designation of the Alaska Long Trail as a national scenic trail on Burrow-owned land because of the use restrictions and loss of local control over the trail.

[3:51:00] And be it further resolved that the Assembly reaffirms its commitment to the Alaska Long Trail for the reasons to express the resolution serial number 21-045 and I'd like to speak to it.

[3:51:09] Yes, go ahead and speak to it, sir.

[3:51:11] Thank you. First of all, I wish Michelle Stevens was here and Lisa Agnew with the Anchorage

[3:51:21] No Machine Club for all of the work and due diligence that they did to educate us

[3:51:28] about what the National Scenic Trail designation actually can do to harm our ability to manage

[3:51:36] our own trails within the burrow. I am very supportive of the Alaska Long Trail. It's

[3:51:42] concept. In fact, I support all trails, non-motorized, motorized, but especially multi-use trails.

[3:51:51] And after I introduced the last resolution in discussion with the burrow attorney, I guess

[3:51:56] I kind of shot myself in the foot and I narrowed the scope of what I was trying to accomplish.

[3:52:02] And so this actually goes back in broadens what I was trying to do by not just

[3:52:10] designating the National Scenic Trail by keeping that from happening but any by

[3:52:19] we don't want to relinquish any authority over borough owned or operated trails or lands by anybody.

[3:52:26] We want to manage our own trails and so that's what this resolution basically goes

[3:52:30] back and does is it just takes out that narrow designation and it broadens it so that we retain

[3:52:37] control over our trails and lands that the borough owns. And so I'm hoping that the rest of the

[3:52:47] assembly will support this amendment that I brought forward tonight. And so that's the intent of

[3:52:56] this? Okay, for their discussion, not named, yes, some way person hours go. Just a general

[3:53:02] comment that I don't oppose the amendment or this, but I understand the concerns that

[3:53:09] go with this trail, but I also see the great opportunity for the Valley to have a trail

[3:53:15] that passes through it that's like the Appalachian Trail, like I bring a lot of business, bring people

[3:53:20] will to the valley and so I hope will, with that opportunity, the folks who have the concerns will reach out to the folks who have started this effort and try to find ways to make that work so that we can, we don't end up with no trail that we end up with the motorized, the normalized, the multi-use that the opportunity is not lost because I think there's a fair amount of dollars that could flow our way if we can make this work.

[3:53:48] So just hope we're not at loggerheads.

[3:53:51] Let's try to find a way to make this work.

[3:53:53] And thanks for the focus on this bill.

[3:53:58] Assemblyperson Hale and then Mickey?

[3:54:00] Yeah, I just wanted to say this is really,

[3:54:01] this is a really well crafted amendment and thank you Bill.

[3:54:06] Assemblyperson Mickey?

[3:54:08] And I'm like most of folks on this assembly,

[3:54:10] give me a trail, I'll love it, I'll follow it.

[3:54:12] I think we need them.

[3:54:14] But during the pipeline, there was a bumper sticker

[3:54:16] that was pretty popular and says we don't give it damn

[3:54:18] how they do it outside. And so why can't we be different? You know that we did, remember that?

[3:54:23] Why can't we be different? Would your amendment is there some mechanism for negotiating with

[3:54:27] these folks and say we really like your idea, but we're going to want a little more control?

[3:54:31] Is that, are we just saying it, or how do we do it?

[3:54:37] Nick, do you want to speak to it?

[3:54:38] If you want me to, designation of a national senior trail is covered by the federal government.

[3:54:44] I mean, there's regulations in place. It will take acts of Congress to change them.

[3:54:50] I mean, I care how they do it on the outside, but I don't, I wouldn't know my breath to Congress actually changing the rules for all national scenic trails.

[3:55:00] Information sheets that are out there specifically say that motorized use is virtually prohibited, that it's allowed in some extreme circumstances for emergency response and fire response and things like that. So as Assemblymember Gamble said, this amendment A supports the trail, B says we don't want to relinquish authority and C specifically opposes that national designation because of the loss of control.

[3:55:26] So, for the discussion, I'm sorry, will you finish?

[3:55:33] Yeah, and just real quick, I want to re-emphasize the part where we're at the whim of whatever

[3:55:39] administration in Washington DC is in power at the time, and a lot of our bureaucrats in

[3:55:48] Washington DC don't always follow their own rules.

[3:55:50] They just make them up as they go along, and I don't want to be at their mercy.

[3:55:54] Thank you.

[3:55:57] So Bill, are you just, what are you wanting to accomplish by this?

[3:56:02] You like the trail idea, what's the end result of this your amendment?

[3:56:06] The end result is that we maintain sovereignty and control over all of our own borough owned trails in lands.

[3:56:14] Just that easy in that plan.

[3:56:15] Yeah, and if we designate the long trail as a national scenic trail, which I also learned is different than a historic trail.

[3:56:22] The store patrol doesn't have nearly the restrictions that a scenic designation has on it.

[3:56:27] So once we designate it as a scenic trail, that's one of the Feds command, and they can put a quarter mile on each side of the trail, they can basically say you can't cross it, you can't put anything on it unless they tell you you can.

[3:56:40] We heard all about the permitting process that could happen, it could tie up our trails in ways that we would never ever want to happen.

[3:56:52] I think the best part of this resolution or this amendment is the final be it further

[3:57:02] resolved that the assembly reaffirms its commitment to the Alaska long trail for the reasons

[3:57:07] expressed in resolution serial number 21-4-5.

[3:57:11] We want that trail, but we don't want the feds to control it.

[3:57:16] For the discussion on the amendment, is there any objection to the amendment?

[3:57:24] Seeing none.

[3:57:25] Now we're back to the main motion, where we already have the main motion on the floor, but

[3:57:32] now it is amended.

[3:57:34] So is there any objection to passing the RS-24-099 as amended, any objection?

[3:57:43] There is no objection then it is passed and so there are no vetoes and now we are down

[3:57:51] to new business.

[3:57:53] Madam Clerk.

[3:57:54] Introduction for public hearing on October 15 is Resolution 24097 Resolution 24098, Ordnance

[3:58:02] 24097 of the Company Resolution 24102, Ordnance 24098 with the Company Resolution 24103.

[3:58:11] and ordinance 24-100 with the company resolution 24-104.

[3:58:17] Okay, and deputy mayor.

[3:58:19] I move to introduce the legislation as read into the record by the clerk and set the public hearings for October 15th, 2024.

[3:58:30] Is there a discussion?

[3:58:32] Is there any objection?

[3:58:34] Okay, hearing none, then the legislation is introduced.

[3:58:38] Deputy mayor.

[3:58:39] I move to confirm the mayor's recommendation as follows.

[3:58:43] Enhance 9-1-1 Advisory Board, Jared Eason, Library Board, Resonation of Adam Jenkins and Mark

[3:58:56] Sofon to be on the Library Board.

[3:59:00] Local Emergency Planning Committee, Jared Eason.

[3:59:06] discussion on the vacancy report? Any objection? Okay, here is no objection and the vacancy

[3:59:17] report is approved. There is no new business and let's see, Madam Clerk, please read the

[3:59:26] referral into the record.

[3:59:28] Ordinance 24101 and ordinance emitting MSB 17.73 to change the notification requirements

[3:59:34] and process for multi-family developments.

[3:59:37] Assemblyperson Hale?

[3:59:39] I move to refer ordinance 24-101

[3:59:42] to the planning commission for 90 days.

[3:59:44] Okay.

[3:59:45] Did you want a time on that?

[3:59:47] You know, sometimes we put like 90 days on it

[3:59:50] or 60 days or something.

[3:59:52] Yep.

[3:59:52] Do you want to have something on there?

[3:59:54] It says 90 days, yes.

[3:59:55] Okay.

[3:59:56] All right.

[3:59:56] Do we need a amendment to that?

[4:00:00] Okay. All right. Great. And he said 90 days. Okay. Yeah. He said 90 days. Yeah. Okay. Any discussion on the referral? Any objection? Yes, assembly. It's not objection. I didn't look at it. Mr. Hill, would you be able to kind of summarize basically what this will do so that I know? Absolutely. It would change the notification.

[4:00:29] and public hearing requirements for the administrative permit to send out the notifications,

[4:00:36] the same radius as is done for a, like a conditional use permit.

[4:00:46] So they had to send out notifications to all the property owners within certain radius.

[4:00:50] And then the, there would be a public hearing held in front of the planning director prior to the issuance of the multi-family use permit.

[4:01:05] For a good discussion.

[4:01:07] Yeah.

[4:01:09] What is the process now and where is the multi-family start if I actually want to say because I just-

[4:01:19] We're just referring this to the planning commission and then it will come back to us for discussion before we do adoption.

[4:01:30] Yeah. Okay. So any objection to the referral? Okay. All right, hearing none, then it has been referred.

[4:01:39] There are no reconsiderations, and we are now to parting comments, Mr. Attorney, parting comments?

[4:01:50] No, I'll see you all Thursday, and thanks to some of you remember McKee for the shout out to ASAP, any time you reference labels is good.

[4:02:01] Assemblyperson McKee, parting comments?

[4:02:03] Yeah, this is a very contentious, exciting, and productive meeting, one of the best, and I think it kind of gets everybody thinking about very fundamental basics of our country and how we, how far we have straight and what we need to be looking at, so I'm glad we went where we went.

[4:02:21] Okay, Deputy Mayor, pardon comments?

[4:02:26] I want to thank everybody for coming out tonight, and I've had a lot of people say, well,

[4:02:34] you can't have the ten commandments and display on public property and all this.

[4:02:41] They're on the Supreme Court lawn, there's a picture of Moses in the Supreme Court.

[4:02:47] But just to ask Google, should the Ten Commandments be displayed in public spaces?

[4:02:56] And they can take and it's the First Amendment, right?

[4:03:01] There's no prohibition of displaying the use of the Ten Commandments as you would any other historical document.

[4:03:09] And it's when you make it by itself where it's a religious thing, then that's when you cross the line.

[4:03:17] But when it comes to this historical stuff, that's our First Amendment right.

[4:03:24] I just wanted to say thank you for everybody, and that really made me happy today.

[4:03:30] Thank you Stephanie, thank you Tim, everyone.

[4:03:35] Thank you, Lord. Thank you for all the love and mercy.

[4:03:39] Thank you for all your blessings.

[4:03:41] Please bless our veterans, our military, our first responders.

[4:03:45] Please bring love and peace into our valley.

[4:03:49] Love and understanding with our residents and bring us all together.

[4:03:53] Jesus name, amen.

[4:03:55] Assemblyperson Hale, parting comments?

[4:03:58] Yeah, thank you Madam Mayor.

[4:03:59] I'd like to move to direct the manager to have staff help the South

[4:04:03] Connect River Community Council develop a draft special use district plan and

[4:04:09] pursuant with the with the resolution that we all adopted in that

[4:04:16] Assemblyperson nowers parting comments. There's a motion on the

[4:04:21] That's a motion not just okay all right discussion on the motion

[4:04:27] Everybody here and understand it you understand it. Well, okay madam clerk will you read it again?

[4:04:35] again. Okay. Yeah, directing. The motion is directing the manager to have staff help.

[4:04:42] South Connect River Community Council develop a draft special use district plan in concurrence

[4:04:49] with the resolution that we passed in May. I don't have the serial number handy, sorry.

[4:04:58] Okay, did you?

[4:05:00] Go ahead. I don't know what resolution we voted down the resolution, so I don't think we did not. Pass if we're talking about resolution number 24 is 078. So.

[4:05:19] To be clear, what you voted down tonight was a process. The assembly has already directed the staff and 24.052 to do a community a spud for the committee council. And what.

[4:05:32] But his motion is to direct the manager to keep doing that.

[4:05:36] What you voted down tonight was the process that might apply to all spuds anywhere in

[4:05:41] the borough.

[4:05:42] But back in May, you passed 24-05-2, and I believe that's assembly.

[4:05:45] When he said he didn't have the resolution, 24-05-2 already says, assist the sub-community

[4:05:54] council.

[4:05:54] So, Assemblyperson Hale, do you feel your motion is still needed then since it's already

[4:06:01] resolution has already passed.

[4:06:03] Absolutely, the planning director has said he would like to get the new process in place

[4:06:09] before he moves forward with the Spud.

[4:06:12] We do not have a new process, so we should continue to honor our resolution to 4-0-5-2

[4:06:19] and continue helping those folks produce a draft plan.

[4:06:27] I was really liking the idea of LIDs, how come we don't stick that in there, or is that

[4:06:34] just part of what we recommend by doing your amendment?

[4:06:40] It's certainly something that could come up during the draft planning, yeah.

[4:06:44] Okay.

[4:06:48] Yes, Assemblyperson Gamble, go ahead.

[4:06:50] I'll address it under my comments, thank you.

[4:06:54] Assemblyperson who's gone off, go ahead.

[4:06:55] I would ask to pause that process for that specific spot and get, I'm going to work on the

[4:07:05] literature to have a mechanism in place that rechallets to more people.

[4:07:14] So then when there's enough support there from all affected people, if that is takes place

[4:07:21] because I believe that's more democratic and a process moving forward.

[4:07:25] And I would hope that you can support me now.

[4:07:29] Assemblyperson, yeah, I'm going to go.

[4:07:30] Okay, so now I'm going to have to speak to it.

[4:07:32] So I want to go back to what Assemblymember Hale was talking about earlier.

[4:07:36] If you're asking people to vote on something without there being something for them to vote on,

[4:07:43] it may just be confusing for them.

[4:07:45] if you ask them if they're for South Kinnick River developing a

[4:07:51] Spud, but they don't actually know what the Spud is, I think

[4:07:56] that may not be the best way to handle that. And also, as I

[4:08:01] was thinking about it, after we voted down the resolution, if we

[4:08:06] would have done that LID process with the big lake comp plan or

[4:08:10] the lake management plan with all the property owners out there

[4:08:12] that didn't actually have a vote, we probably wouldn't have a big lake hunt plan and like management plan right now.

[4:08:19] So I'm kind of hesitant to do that process without there being a

[4:08:28] spud framework in place for people to look at to see exactly what they're voting on, if that makes sense, thank you.

[4:08:49] Yeah,

[4:08:53] thank you Madam Mayor. So my intention is to once they have a draft plan is to come

[4:08:59] back to the assembly and ask us to direct the manager to send it out to the people of

[4:09:06] cell connect river for about much like a LID or even if we don't have that process in place

[4:09:16] by that time that would be my intention because I do think that that's a good idea, but

[4:09:21] you have to have the document before you can ask people to weigh in on it.

[4:09:25] So you'd be looking at an LID as a framework for the spud thing and back of it to say, okay,

[4:09:34] further discussion and some of the personal comments.

[4:09:37] In fact, as I remember, McKee, you brought that up earlier that you would have liked to have seen that as part of a Lake Management Plan process for people to vote on it and I think going forward that that's probably a great idea for all of our

[4:09:48] complaints and like management plans is to go back and ask the people what they think about it

[4:09:54] for the discussion

[4:10:00] Is there any objection? There is objection. Okay.

[4:10:11] Pass with assembly member Fawnoff and a post. Okay.

[4:10:17] Assemblyperson Nowers, I think we weren't parting comments, were we?

[4:10:23] Yeah, that just made me think it's one of those things where you're like, hey, are you supported at parks and puppies and everybody goes, yeah, and then you go, but it'll cost you $1 million.

[4:10:34] And they're like, I don't like the birds and puppies so much.

[4:10:37] So, you know, it all depends what you're, the more specific you are, the more people

[4:10:41] have opinion on it.

[4:10:43] I just want to thank all the people who came out, it's great to see so much input from

[4:10:47] the community.

[4:10:48] And I wanted to mention something we didn't talk about, but Assembly Member Gamble brought

[4:10:52] forward, which I think is incredibly important, which is helping bring back our fish runs.

[4:10:59] That little Sue fish run is where I caught my first salmon.

[4:11:03] A lot of people have had experiences there.

[4:11:05] Guides used to use it and that's just one of our streams.

[4:11:08] And it is so bad.

[4:11:11] I mean, I don't know if numbers can capture it as much as like going out there and seeing how quiet it is.

[4:11:16] And that we used to worry about regulating traffic on that river.

[4:11:21] But the return this year, the count is 964.

[4:11:25] We used to have 30,000.

[4:11:27] We had 30,000 fish come through there.

[4:11:31] A lot of years, 15,000.

[4:11:33] Some years, we go down to three, but it was one year.

[4:11:35] We've been going down, down, down.

[4:11:37] So I just wanted to thank Assemblymember Gamble

[4:11:41] for bringing that and just point out,

[4:11:43] that's a big business for the borough.

[4:11:45] It's a big reason people live out here is to fish.

[4:11:48] And it's really important that we get with the fisheries board

[4:11:51] to do all we can to bring back that run.

[4:11:53] And I do, for some reason, in the resolution Alaska's misspelled, and it just, I can't fix that.

[4:11:59] Yeah, if we could fix that, it's Alaksa, I can't even pronounce it, but, and yeah, that's it.

[4:12:07] Thank you.

[4:12:10] Thank you, Madam Mayor.

[4:12:11] So we are moving forward, we will move forward with the Kinnick River Spud.

[4:12:15] The assembly has time, if somebody wants to bring forward a process for

[4:12:20] We're petitioning within an adoption of the plan, but we still got a lot of work before we even get close to that.

[4:12:27] So that's kind of where I think this thing landed, at least from my perspective, because we've got to figure out what to do next.

[4:12:34] We were supposed to do a port update tonight, but we had a shift come in, so it's kind of a good problem to have.

[4:12:40] So if you are interested in seeing a deep draft vessel in doc,

[4:12:44] conveying material or commodity and you're interested in going,

[4:12:48] please let Dave Griffin or me know, because it is foreign flag so there are security requirements.

[4:12:55] You can't just drive down to the port.

[4:12:57] And so what's that salt?

[4:13:00] So it's part of this state maintenance contract, so like last year, much more delayed, but that's okay, we'll take it.

[4:13:06] You know, it's good revenue for us, but that came in today.

[4:13:09] They were already conveying material off of it within probably two or three hours of it docking.

[4:13:14] So they are moving quick.

[4:13:17] So if it is something you want to put your feet on the ground and see physically,

[4:13:20] there's value in that.

[4:13:21] So we would love to facilitate that visit if you're interested.

[4:13:24] That's all Madam Mayor.

[4:13:25] Madam Clerk, nothing.

[4:13:28] Assemblyperson Gamble, and we have six minutes until we have to extend the meeting.

[4:13:33] Yeah, I just wanted to say when my family moved up here in 1967, my dad would take me, my sister fishing, and there were so many fish and little willow and sheep creek, I mean, it was almost like you could walk across and you could just go out there and it was legal to snag, you know, and just to go out there now and just see an occasional fish swim by, it's just sadding to me.

[4:13:56] and Madam Mayor, thank you for appointing me to the Alaska or the Massive

[4:14:01] Royal Fish and Wildlife Commission. I have learned so much my time on that

[4:14:06] commission and I never knew how bad things were until the last 10 months that

[4:14:13] I've been on that commission with our fish stocks. So thank you.

[4:14:18] Assembly Person Phanna, party remarks.

[4:14:20] Okay, so we shall adjourn at 10.25.

ASSEMBLY REGULAR MEETING on 2024-10-01 6:00 PM

Agenda

Transcript