[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6659988,"mediaKeyId","2438657-024afd4977d5978f33d54b03f14f8c6c","parentId",2438657,"title","Kodiak Island Borough completes update to multi-jurisdictional hazard mitigation plan; adoption would restore eligibility for FEMA mitigation grants","audioSeconds",3726,"startMs",3481000,"endMs",7207000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2438657-024afd4977d5978f33d54b03f14f8c6c&start=3481&end=7207","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2438657-024afd4977d5978f33d54b03f14f8c6c/thumbnail_3481000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6659988/Kodiak-Island-Borough/Alaska/Kodiak-Island-Borough-completes-update-to-multi-jurisdictional-hazard-mitigation-plan-adoption-would-restore-eligibility-for-FEMA-mitigation-grants","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6659988-cdfce3329da56d673b86c594aeef5d84/orig.mp4?Expires=1771200594&Signature=G9W6ePbTIDlfzAkQAFgZfPpsMal~d57WbXNUCehvcAOZKTiFjLfCM4uac5LUhOaADuKvjySc-gPSynN9S5Z0AuLujMyz4lb1h9DRIxofD1zQRwr6G48VUMHiUf0Knx4weqRuvh5VrMEpVK86lxoiur1AynyBntWDxUjB0V~ldK2lc3pk2TSD8u0lX5CVLs8hvTbsy4Waj~Sbb6ehbKdV-dCHZ0FUlg9Bx1wESxfgSS5Wi~XQ6K-YeUrQN5M~PLqE-LKw7KsOwQ1TVyDLeLmjL1UGmbNRnfJbZcTGcualO~c3-a1tT4ZT0bt8YdoQtE1yNBMe2ObHqixGYMHNYbU6cQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Kodiak Island Borough","date","2025-02-28T05:42:40.817Z","article","The Kodiak Island Borough Community Development Department presented an updated multi-jurisdictional hazard mitigation plan to the assembly on Feb. 27, detailing the boroughwide process to assess hazards and propose mitigation actions.

\"A hazard mitigation plan focuses on mitigating potential hazards by reducing risk and potential impacts of hazards such as loss of life and destruction of property,\" Community Development staff member Chris French said during the meeting.

French and his team said the prior plan expired in November 2024 and the updated draft incorporates a public participation component—public meetings, an online survey and a 30-plus-day comment period. The plan was prepared in accordance with the Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requirements.

French said the document includes hazard profiles for 11 categories of hazards identified by federal guidance, a vulnerability analysis of critical facilities, and a prioritized table of mitigation actions. He described mitigation plans as distinct from emergency operations plans: mitigation focuses on reducing risk before events, while emergency operations plans guide response during events.

Once the assembly adopts the resolution, staff will distribute the plan to municipal jurisdictions in the borough, send it to the state division and submit it to FEMA for approval. French said an approved plan restores eligibility to apply for Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funding; he cited the hydrology and hydraulic study for Russian River and Sergeant Creek as an example of a hazard mitigation grant project the borough obtained previously.

Assembly members asked about geographic scope (the plan covers the entire archipelago and villages) and whether reductions in FEMA funding would slow review; French said he had not been told of any review delays. Assemblymember Sherritt suggested the borough consider adding grant-writing capacity to help pursue mitigation funds; Manager Williams said departments have requested outside grant-writing help and staff would add that to budget considerations.

No final formal adoption vote is recorded in the Feb. 27 discussion transcript; staff asked the assembly to consider adopting the resolution and proceed with state and FEMA review.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Kodiak Island Borough Livestream","oneSentenceSummary","Community Development staff presented a draft update to the borough's multi-jurisdictional hazard mitigation plan. The plan follows FEMA and state guidance, includes public meetings and a 30-plus-day comment period, and—if adopted and approved by state and FEMA—would restore eligibility for FEMA hazard mitigation grant programs.","taxTitle","Kodiak Island Borough, Alaska","taxId",13713,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6659993,"Assembly leans toward seeking public-private partners for mental-health building shells after abatement; full rebuild estimate climbs into millions",1478,3123000,4601000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2438657-024afd4977d5978f33d54b03f14f8c6c&start=3123&end=4601","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2438657-024afd4977d5978f33d54b03f14f8c6c/thumbnail_3123000.jpg","/articles/6659993/Kodiak-Island-Borough/Alaska/Assembly-leans-toward-seeking-public-private-partners-for-mental-health-building-shells-after-abatement-full-rebuild-estimate-climbs-into-millions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6659993-3a6003219d3e3c7ec91d1500ecfa3dc0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771200594&Signature=fFIH3MfyqeWbt-CvpE8gWuBWSK2hSS7zg~J908-flRt7yH97SuEVoUuqDjBbGdh9nPUO0Ndc9EKkVt3sFqKpOdr1b5uY5EacGXaj74wRSyf9nryaePAZelE3SAPPUvdzptGXw-64JiIJNUy10nvFqSvG-NqQ9yfK~ArgR0tmFb8EX5MKNbQJGaPXYCnmgVsFH7Wz0KCorFeE1kArwQ6is0SADnGOyfVSkW-RLMsUgeHXoglmtwgsQ0KilLCDdgQCMZ0Q9SSXtpGuzplccfCYtJ6yv07L~uT5N86GrE7taX8TA-ZthTAxyQRkgDUg-WE36Y2ecp15VVjMDgbnPtdM6Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Kodiak Island Borough staff told the assembly on Feb. 27 that abatement and demotion work on two former mental-health apartment buildings is underway and that the borough now must decide whether to fund a design and full remodel, demolish the buildings, or pursue a public-private partnership to complete redevelopment.

\"The demolition and abatement of the mental health buildings has been contracted and is currently underway,\" Manager Williams said. The contracted work removes finishes, plumbing, electrical and other systems down to studs and plywood sheathing, along with demolition of an adjacent mechanical laundry building and removal of one underground fuel storage tank.

The contractor and project team briefed the assembly on three options: 1) hire the contracted architect/engineer to design a remodel of the existing structures; 2) change scope and seek a contractor proposal to demolish the buildings entirely; or 3) demolish the buildings and rebuild under a new design proposal. Project staff emphasized the temporary nature of the current weatherproofing and said delays raise the risk of additional abatement costs.

Staff presented a rough order-of-magnitude remodeling estimate and a separate design proposal. Project materials included a design fee proposal of $415,910. Staff cited a top-line remodel estimate in the low millions—later clarified in discussion as approximately $9,500,000 for converting the existing shells into code-compliant housing. Assembly members reacted strongly to the cost estimate.

Assemblymember Sherritt and others urged that the borough not commit to an expensive borough-led rebuild without first soliciting public and private partners. Several members recalled prior interest from local businesses and recommended outreach to identify strategic partners willing to invest in completing the buildings while the borough retains title to the land. Manager Williams noted deed restrictions on the land that limit allowable uses and said any transfer or disposition would require federal review; he also said the borough holds roughly $4,787,173.04 in a local assistance and tribal consistency fund (ARPA) that is available without an immediate expiration date and could be considered for public-interest projects.

Engineering staff described the abatement scope already underway (including PCB testing) and said hazardous materials removed will have to be shipped off-island because no Alaska landfill accepts those materials at the tested levels. Preliminary estimates for moving some PCB material off-island were approximately $275,000.

No assembly vote authorized a full remodel or demolition on Feb. 27. Instead, the assembly asked staff to canvass community interest and to return with options, including public-private partnership proposals and clearer cost comparisons. Members repeatedly expressed reluctance to spend borough funds to be the long-term landlord or to commit $9 million-plus of public money without partners.

Manager Williams said staff will pursue stakeholder outreach and return with findings; several members suggested an initial 30-day stakeholder outreach period and a 60-day return to the assembly with results and possible proposals.","The borough has contracted abatement and partial demolition of two former mental-health apartment buildings. Staff presented options—remodel in place, demolish, or seek a partner to finish the buildings. Assembly members favored exploring public-private partnerships rather than authorizing a multimillion-dollar borough-led remodel.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6659998,"Assembly debates Sourcewell cooperative purchasing: staff urged to study local preference and transparency concerns",1122,2188000,3310000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2438657-024afd4977d5978f33d54b03f14f8c6c&start=2188&end=3310","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2438657-024afd4977d5978f33d54b03f14f8c6c/thumbnail_2188000.jpg","/articles/6659998/Kodiak-Island-Borough/Alaska/Assembly-debates-Sourcewell-cooperative-purchasing-staff-urged-to-study-local-preference-and-transparency-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6659998-b705c4bdf27fe8a1ee1ab12a4727927e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771200594&Signature=c2GGgGAnavMm3iZtD8qPl4UfOcrAPd1o3P4EC9I4vKoUfL20u9FgitUwF8YsQDwDGkOsHNUxXPnAwJjnE8DcXnABVfiEkRY74ziXT~9BZe5ps~~D7erKMui60jU9PSsjA-jh3Q9r5Lt8bc2gl9F-lRxcm4CbsPq0VoUV2G3T5AlZRoLq4YEKmC5uJeAQdzw30s2RPwEbuVwwOmMHXYQ7I7-kZMfJpaHdlA~-5HsvIu0kr7GJyNtzJ6Sk0FZ4y7m~-S3789ZgxXeyEdaq4eh3ufezWgrrtHV1QhWHnO6USKmcX4pkqeHqM5cZH-7ex41zpNRYBFx5rzJXuE95uT2rLg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Kodiak Island Borough environmental specialist Jenna presented Sourcewell—a government cooperative purchasing program—to the assembly on Feb. 27 as a potential procurement tool for equipment such as dump trucks and heavy machinery.

\"Sourcewell is a government cooperative purchasing program that offers a streamlined and cost effective way for local will present the case for adopting Sourcewell for KIB's purchasing needs,\" the specialist said during the meeting.

Jenna demonstrated how Sourcewell's website includes contract documentation, RFP evaluations and vendor listings and said it can save staff time on competitive procurements. She cited prior users in Alaska including the Municipality of Anchorage and Kenai Peninsula Borough and said the state statute allows using cooperative contracts. Jenna gave an example where a local quote for a dump truck was slightly over $200,000, while a Sourcewell-linked contract offered a substantive discount—she said a 31% reduction applied to a portion of the example dump truck.

Assembly members split on the tool. Assemblymember Sharp said local businesses might not be able to participate without paying fees to sign up as a Sourcewell vendor and voiced skepticism. Sherritt and others asked how the borough would preserve local preference and transparency, with questions such as whether the public could see purchases made using Sourcewell and whether Sourcewell prices should be automatically treated as lowest. Assemblymember Ames suggested the tool be limited to items that cannot be sourced locally.

\"If it's large items that we know we're not gonna procure here locally and we can do it in a cost effective and efficient manner, I think we don't have to have just 1 way to procure items,\" Assemblymember Whiteside said.

Several assembly members asked staff to return with a comparative analysis: obtain quotes directly and compare them to Sourcewell pricing for a defined purchase (for example, a dump truck). Jenna agreed to gather additional cost comparisons and to investigate how Sourcewell participation would affect local vendors and transparency requirements.

No procurement decision was made; the assembly asked staff for further research and a follow-up report, including an analysis of local-preference protections and public-access requirements for purchases made via cooperative contracts.","Staff presented Sourcewell, a cooperative purchasing program. Some assembly members welcomed a low-risk tool for big-ticket purchases; others raised concerns about local vendor access, transparency, and procurement precedent and asked staff to return with comparative cost examples and more detail.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6660002,"Kodiak Island Borough staff propose two-year extension of recycling contract; assembly asks solid-waste advisory board for input",500,1793000,2293000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2438657-024afd4977d5978f33d54b03f14f8c6c&start=1793&end=2293","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2438657-024afd4977d5978f33d54b03f14f8c6c/thumbnail_1793000.jpg","/articles/6660002/Kodiak-Island-Borough/Alaska/Kodiak-Island-Borough-staff-propose-two-year-extension-of-recycling-contract-assembly-asks-solid-waste-advisory-board-for-input","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6660002-8dfd1458fb73369ec047777b82d3d2ce/orig.mp4?Expires=1771200594&Signature=dmc35JbXEstM1fpw8ZK227OTu4NTySKOzu1CxIH2Eax7Jyho5AgU0lHMRO~t4-vhxVnkKsk5kqrIt5TpUloaur4QBssO~AiBdLdVLBLvrfqBf6HCfJKsGpXv8cwMtfLkx8FdIgUQsHUd6~sV2oXGzYx2lqGeKF7Zbp5Hg4QL22BcQmjKo-TLPIGz7geK6zb-x6zL5gZWK23f0BeJLX193rCkS0A8wgPNDWNshxPR7NUk-9lKvXQt5lrEhibPtrIJdHkoUHeyjw-DiNc7btBCSUFkD34PuewGvmeqOJ~6xSWBtBPFFimg-kz-vvkIP83r-t2n4is51537WtGItsPPlA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Manager Williams told the Kodiak Island Borough Assembly on Feb. 27 that the contract with Threshold Services Inc. for recycling services is set to expire June 30, 2025, and staff proposes a two-year extension through June 30, 2027.

\"The current contract with Threshold Services Inc. is set to conclude on 06/30/2025. All available extension options outlined in the existing agreement have been utilized. Staff is proposing an extension of the contract for an additional 2 years, extending the term through 06/30/2027,\" Manager Williams said.

Williams said aligning the recycling contract with the borough’s solid waste contract would support strategic planning and coordination between service providers. He reported Threshold had agreed to a two-year extension and that the borough would prepare an RFP for recycling services.

Assembly members asked about contractor performance and public involvement. When asked if there had been complaints, staff said they were not aware of issues; one staff speaker said \"people that recycle really enjoy the ability to be able to recycle. We haven't heard any complaints about the recycling program at all.\" Several assembly members urged staff to obtain input from the Solid Waste Advisory Board (SWAB) before finalizing an extension.

Assemblymember Sherritt said SWAB members \"hardly ever showed up\" in recent years and recommended stronger engagement with that advisory body if the contract is renewed. Assemblymember Johnson and others asked staff to solicit SWAB feedback; Sherritt and another member called for the advisory board's input before proceeding.

The assembly did not take a formal vote during the discussion. Manager Williams said staff would seek advice from the Solid Waste Advisory Board and that the extension option provides an \"easy button\" for aligning contract schedules but that the borough also has other procurement options, including issuing an RFP for recycling separately or bundling recycling with the future solid-waste RFP.

No final award or extension was approved at the Feb. 27 meeting; assembly members signaled a preference to consult the Solid Waste Advisory Board and revisit the item.","Staff recommended a two-year extension of the Threshold Services Inc. recycling contract to align its end date with the borough's solid waste contract. Assembly members asked staff to consult the Solid Waste Advisory Board and sought more information before taking action.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6660007,"Kodiak assessor, KANA tour six villages to help seniors and disabled veterans file property tax-exemption forms",755,1044000,1799000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2438657-024afd4977d5978f33d54b03f14f8c6c&start=1044&end=1799","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2438657-024afd4977d5978f33d54b03f14f8c6c/thumbnail_1044000.jpg","/articles/6660007/Kodiak-Island-Borough/Alaska/Kodiak-assessor-KANA-tour-six-villages-to-help-seniors-and-disabled-veterans-file-property-tax-exemption-forms","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6660007-4ea4bc933324ad33b88350432a659d10/orig.mp4?Expires=1771200594&Signature=ZwtFfiEb1r787dPTWFV8oOfSzyrQ2oZ33MNbBNfIgBuNqEmNc6ZGwTdtsv~raKi-oKJCa9Dpb0FFA1JUGx~aUlYA3tkhtoOf7et0XW2s0gN3pz3w9JIhvgE-XtNPuWvkRnClG9FU0tBzO21n~2YSIJeDUc0FXEEOZFuHE-EhZGR9JYZPibP2MkQke0fqFl822CH9Zl4yyIqNvUBg8oxDJ9eH8~t9nNYh0Pg-Thcqkovu5vrRBYrNWxtr0nHV-jcXgivXWBGAGrviOp9hMCMqYocQEDEL3XhLRs2Upw2~FxmEvmcg~xxdG7ec9hQhhgYwa6vziWliB-Kq5FwbFDd1Xw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Kodiak Island Borough Assessor’s Office and the Kodiak Area Native Association’s elder services program traveled to six remote villages in November to help village seniors and disabled veterans complete and timely file real property tax exemption applications.

\"The Kodiak assessor's office and the Kodiak Area Native Association combined efforts to assist village seniors and disabled veterans to fill out their and timely file their real property exemption applications,\" Kodiak Island Borough Assessor Seema Groot said during the assembly meeting on Feb. 27.

The outreach team—Groot, Cassie Keplinger of the Kodiak Area Native Association (KANA) and Penny Bosche (KANA elder services coordinator)—visited Akiak, Larson Bay, Old Harbor, Port Lions and two other villages identified in the presentation. Keplinger told the assembly that KANA’s elder services program was created in February 2022 and is funded through the Administration for Community Living Title VI program and the Kodiak Community Support Foundation.

KANA staff said they provide nutrition assistance, case management and help elders access services. Bosche described logistical coordination with Island Air Services, tribal governments, city officials, and village partners to meet the borough’s Jan. 15 filing deadline and arrange travel and meeting spaces in villages.

Groot reported that of the six villages visited, the team returned more than 60% of the exemption applications in five villages; in three villages the return rate exceeded 80%. Assemblymember Ryan asked whether the numbers could be separated between seniors and veterans; Groot replied that \"Honestly, all but 1 is a senior. We only had 1 disabled vet that lives in a remote village.\" Groot said that while in the villages the one disabled veteran called other veterans he knew to tell them about the program.

Groot also said the assessor’s FY2026 budget includes funding to allow one employee to travel to each village so the outreach can continue.

Assembly members thanked the team for the effort and urged continued partnership between the borough and KANA. Assemblymember Whiteside and others said they supported expanding services to villages so residents off the road system receive equivalent attention to those on the road system.

The presentation materials included an Excel spreadsheet listing village-by-village contacts and a set of photographs of village events. Groot said staff used reminder postcards, an assembly day calling outstanding applicants and home visits to reach people who lack reliable mail or internet service.

The assembly did not take a formal vote on a policy change during the presentation; the session served as a report and request to continue remote-travel funding for assessor outreach in FY2026.

Looking ahead, Groot said the outreach team will present about the project at the borough’s rural forum on March 26.","Kodiak Island Borough assessor’s office and the Kodiak Area Native Association elder services visited six remote villages in November to help elders and disabled veterans complete and timely file real property exemption applications, bringing in a majority of known applications in most villages.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Kodiak Island Borough completes update to multi-jurisdictional hazard mitigation plan; adoption would restore eligibility for FEMA mitigation grants

Assembly leans toward seeking public-private partners for mental-health building shells after abatement; full rebuild estimate climbs into millions

Assembly debates Sourcewell cooperative purchasing: staff urged to study local preference and transparency concerns

Kodiak Island Borough staff propose two-year extension of recycling contract; assembly asks solid-waste advisory board for input

Kodiak assessor, KANA tour six villages to help seniors and disabled veterans file property tax-exemption forms