[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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],{"_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",5973054,"mediaKeyId","5833718-05c646efa1a96b27222aafedb5057bd2","parentId",5833718,"title","Assembly asked to approve disposal of Kodiak Fairgrounds property so manager can negotiate new lease with rodeo and fair nonprofit","audioSeconds",130,"startMs",4109000,"endMs",4239000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5833718-05c646efa1a96b27222aafedb5057bd2&start=4109&end=4239","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5833718-05c646efa1a96b27222aafedb5057bd2/thumbnail_4109000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/5973054/Kodiak-Island-Borough/Alaska/Assembly-asked-to-approve-disposal-of-Kodiak-Fairgrounds-property-so-manager-can-negotiate-new-lease-with-rodeo-and-fair-nonprofit","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5973054-8e3cbf009b33ed8f740c0292e6036073/orig.mp4?Expires=1770896917&Signature=dU79BW8VAQEb-bN3TIJ0RgcWbOL8xIZTFOCrgdNh4U6LNhBkSubg5UfAVCKnxzyotMpSltFqDWDh5fO043il5-dHA5dSpq92vdy6X00WK407X0Sdr7DogK9uTWgtC04rMBH36iMXsUNFmXylgpIHdwYh6yymDlesXWwaAGdLXuB7hhQQnM41T-JlcnY2CWSnIqe0Opm9ywaVZY~4Hj1qI9ZCwht01-lbW9bRE0sC3YLovhfWsjOqANSSiWADMmvp4K7uAno0ey28AQuNhDMzysSraWyLN4iA6tKob2TTcTniZQhKAs2qiCVC4LNjDWhGvsb5s44iISO~hp2uLcywzg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Kodiak Island Borough","date","2025-09-26T17:33:38.037Z","article","Borough staff asked the Kodiak Island Borough Assembly on Thursday to consider disposing of a parcel commonly known as the Kodiak Fairgrounds so the manager can negotiate a new long‑term lease with Kodiak Rodeo and State Fair Incorporated.

Manager Amy Williams said the fairgrounds property has been under a 55‑year lease assumed from the state and that the existing lease expires Nov. 3, 2025. The lessee has requested a new lease; to proceed the borough must first consider disposal under borough code. The planning and zoning commission reviewed the properties and found a public need does not exist for the two unredeemed parcels acquired by clerk's deed in 2024.

Staff presented a draft lease for assembly review. The proposed arrangement discussed at the work session was a 25‑year lease with five‑year review steps intended to help the nonprofit access grant funding; the rental rate cited in the staff packet and draft lease is $500 per year. Manager Williams said staff placed a physical copy of the draft lease in front of assembly members for review.

Assembly member Dave supported the lease in principle but asked staff to include a fair‑market valuation and show the in‑kind contribution as part of budget documents so taxpayers can see the value of below‑market rent: \"At a minimum, I think a fair market value assessment so that when we approve our budget every year, we're including that as an in kind contribution...so taxpayers know the value of the donation of below market lease terms,\" he said. Jared supported including the assessment and suggested staff assemble a spreadsheet showing similar nonprofit land values to aid budget transparency.

If the assembly votes in favor of the resolution, the manager will be directed to negotiate the lease; the work session did not include a final assembly vote on the lease terms. The manager noted that the fairgrounds operator requested the longer lease term to improve eligibility for external grant funding and said the operator covers substantial revenue from rentals at the site.

Ending: The assembly heard the request and asked staff for a fair‑market value accounting to be returned during budget discussions; the final lease and any assembly action will come at a subsequent meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Assembly Work Session of September 25, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The borough manager asked the Assembly to declare the Kodiak Fairgrounds surplus to borough needs and direct negotiations on a 25‑year lease with Kodiak Rodeo and State Fair Incorporated; staff provided a draft lease and assembly members requested fair‑market valuation disclosures for budget transparency.","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},5973060,"Assembly to decide reviewers for borough attorney RFP; staff recommends panel scoring and shortlists for interviews",266,3336000,3602000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5833718-05c646efa1a96b27222aafedb5057bd2&start=3336&end=3602","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5833718-05c646efa1a96b27222aafedb5057bd2/thumbnail_3336000.jpg","/articles/5973060/Kodiak-Island-Borough/Alaska/Assembly-to-decide-reviewers-for-borough-attorney-RFP-staff-recommends-panel-scoring-and-shortlists-for-interviews","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5973060-ce25b00b4898823c34c047fa608d8cad/orig.mp4?Expires=1770896917&Signature=ONqufCG4EEkd3RO~gD5Sqz4RG52XBsYN2d57DeGIj6h53l-CQNbnYGkiS--wrij5LBL6~nkw04T2f0PuuV7KuzXfxVpDcvWRUKReVDExDQiKyAP3IohwBFbvRjkFJu7ZFTu8Me6dMLW3ifiqHrn1670DAIW97eZirYeJa9KroeqYiAgCyZrNgMygCufI3FMckW7HHpgGLPMO7bVnfcgeiGzRLlsj714WgmzUSxKCF~flFP55UqQva9IpBhVUA44bavgCXdu9IK2j4LsZ6BlXZF6hwHpLYd2PBqNGjaFdwRYYUlFIRXCAzubz5LvFYnFWZREvCqQNQPYhOWi3qB6pgA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Kodiak Island Borough manager told the Assembly Thursday that the borough's current attorney contract expires Nov. 30 and that a request for proposals (RFP) for legal services was released Aug. 8, 2025, with bids due the following day (staff said bids are due tomorrow during the meeting).

Manager Amy Williams asked the Assembly whether it wanted all members to review submissions or to appoint a scoring committee and whether interviews should be conducted in work sessions or separate meetings. Staff proposed distributing copies of proposals on Oct. 2 and holding interviews thereafter.

Assembly member Dave recommended that qualified staff conduct an initial evaluation and provide a ranked shortlist to the Assembly, and he asked that the assessor and finance director be included on the evaluation panel because they interact frequently with the attorney. Staff reported four proposals had been received so far (as of the meeting) and that proposals are held sealed until opening.

Manager Williams said the RFP asks applicants to describe government practice experience and that borough staff had used the outgoing attorney to assist with RFP wording because of institutional knowledge; she cautioned it would be unusual to hire the incumbent to vet candidates. The assembly did not vote at the work session; staff will open proposals, follow the proposed timeline and return with suggested candidates and interview logistics.","Staff presented the timeline for hiring the borough attorney. Bids are due Sept. 26; staff recommended a small scoring committee (including assessor and finance director) to evaluate submissions and provide a ranked shortlist to the assembly for interviews.",{"_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},5973064,"Assembly and staff weigh options as Dark Lake illegal‑dumping pile grows; contractor cleanup planned",166,5056000,5222000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5833718-05c646efa1a96b27222aafedb5057bd2&start=5056&end=5222","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5833718-05c646efa1a96b27222aafedb5057bd2/thumbnail_5056000.jpg","/articles/5973064/Kodiak-Island-Borough/Alaska/Assembly-and-staff-weigh-options-as-Dark-Lake-illegaldumping-pile-grows-contractor-cleanup-planned","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5973064-974a400ffada0086b4e4e5223d707644/orig.mp4?Expires=1770896917&Signature=kezF7zseSjMpakia8IWKdSX4X4h81SNpsSvq6MfbBRyXXraF9jXrIlS~-yqhY4B78a31zNvZfmNwYVTrO6UVefgLCA1tuSs1moLTFOzuP1LJfA08tM2Zc6lxVNi-Hm5VEYBjWGNj7diy4GUrFzqLtboriiAxshDWVGNvUXaly0Bj-7G4BG-lvZRqreiVkg~mGHWL6B6itnWprEISPBkXJUoS7eCGWW2SNuzsZdBQoMjSikYh1gJT0-KS9Drzher2Sd7P~90MKMYZjYVorNePEeRvbqJG5iVPQJvHIwC34Dr31dVRdMdLM6BZF5SsXb0gT6H6G8G2YY64UA7KtQiJfw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Kodiak Island Borough officials on Sept. 25 flagged worsening illegal dumping at the Dark Lake dumpster site and discussed short‑ and long‑term fixes after staff said regular cleanup is straining the landfill fund.

Borough manager Amy Williams told the Assembly that the borough has tried signage, storm fencing and periodic staffed enforcement but the problem persists and the pile has grown \"embarrassingly large.\" She said a contractor will clear the current pile over the coming weekend and staff will track cleanup costs.

\"One of the best solutions, it's not the cheapest solution, but I think is moving those dumpsters out of there,\" Williams said. She said the borough will consider building a fence, moving dumpsters to more visible sites (for example near Bayside Fire), or placing the dumpsters at historical/managed locations and that a fee spread among ratepayers could be used to fund regular maintenance.

Assembly discussion covered enforcement options, camera surveillance and fines. Assembly member Larry asked about the fine schedule; staff summarized that fines are progressive (examples mentioned in the meeting included $100, then $300, then $1,000 for repeat violations). Assembly member Dave proposed investigating modern video surveillance and license‑plate recognition as a tool to identify repeat dumpers; others suggested moving the collection points to locations with better visibility and access control.

Borough staff noted practical limits: current staffing levels do not support daily enforcement at the site; the landfill fund has limited capacity to absorb recurring contractor cleanup costs. Williams said the borough previously assessed an annual fee across ratepayers to pay for a major cleanup; staff is tracking costs now and will return with a funding proposal.

Ending: Staff will proceed with the immediate contractor cleanup, track costs, and bring back options (including relocation, fencing, citation/enforcement approaches and potential ratepayer fees) for assembly consideration.","Assembly members and borough staff discussed persistent illegal dumping at the Dark Lake dumpster site, a contractor cleanup and possible longer‑term measures including moving the dumpsters, fencing, cameras and a billing mechanism to cover cleanup costs.",{"_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},5973068,"Study finds Sergeant Creek Road vulnerable to frequent overtopping; River Focus recommends road raising and added conveyance",2053,74000,2127000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5833718-05c646efa1a96b27222aafedb5057bd2&start=74&end=2127","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5833718-05c646efa1a96b27222aafedb5057bd2/thumbnail_74000.jpg","/articles/5973068/Kodiak-Island-Borough/Alaska/Study-finds-Sergeant-Creek-Road-vulnerable-to-frequent-overtopping-River-Focus-recommends-road-raising-and-added-conveyance","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5973068-005ac6ad464b8d4733277de680679851/orig.mp4?Expires=1770896917&Signature=LmsFZuIgJENRTEcQySQJOFtzZmdcnfWJYFxgMb-GglGpvd5vuOS7DCpDJxuSEDypAjOrgoa~Z9-fKSFFpBloJuR434pswCY663wF3Tob5XvhjePMx0ORolu4qtlVGVSIEdAFxekhXae36tyutJxbxfWJsB8gGi2JRwP5G5tyWxDa0Me3rHuKMzTc51m9WPf-5tYtHg4~7XLxej9VM4lIUgTPhs9J7bCI4UqCRNdwYDjm7tXcjS3d6D3OX~bNsN9rMdWqEfmNdZvRl2mgD36zVsMc0qhADnSeRz5hYsDbqSAUH2w-CZt~EkPMquSIGd4uZiuQF7sYOD8-c7r6CT0g6A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A hydrology and hydraulic study of Russian River and Sergeant Creek presented Thursday to the Kodiak Island Borough Assembly concluded that Sergeant Creek Road is at high risk of frequent overtopping and that targeted work could substantially reduce that risk.

The study, led by River Focus and presented by river restoration engineer Jess Straub, was funded through a FEMA hazard‑mitigation grant administered by the Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management and carried out for the borough. River Focus submitted a final report in August 2025 and presented findings publicly as required by the contract.

The report found that during modeled 5‑year flood events water overtops Sergeant Creek Road and produces velocities and depths that exceed safe driving limits; modeled 100‑year events produced multiple feet of overtopping. \"Sergeant Creek Road, being the one road in and out, is of high risk with really high consequences if it fails,\" said Jess Straub, River Focus river restoration engineer. Straub told the assembly the models showed channelization at bridge constrictions and secondary channels that can trap flow and force water over low points in the road.

Why it matters: Sergeant Creek Road provides the single vehicle access for parts of the Women's Bay/Sergeant Creek community. If the roadway overtops or is damaged, access for residents and emergency services would be impaired.

Key findings and options
- Data and confidence: River Focus used available terrain (noting the borough's 5‑meter resolution terrain for parts of Women's Bay), cross‑section surveys, USGS regression estimates for discharges where gauge records are not transferable, and NOAA tide data (mean higher high water) for tailwater control. Straub cautioned confidence on some flow magnitudes is limited by lack of long‑term stream gaging in the watershed.
- Top alternatives: Modeling showed that raising (filling) the low portion of Sergeant Creek Road could maintain passage up to the modeled 100‑year event. Adding a horizontal floodplain culvert through the road alignment also reduced overtopping in modeled scenarios. Increasing conveyance under the state highway at the downstream crossing (a DOT decision) would further reduce upstream overtopping and improve systemwide sediment and flow passage.
- Property protection options: For Russian River's “dark side” (private‑property side), the study evaluated armored guide banks and other bank stabilization measures to reduce bank loss. Straub called hardened guide banks a potentially temporary and costly option; River Focus estimated a benefit‑cost ratio (BCR) under some assumptions below 1 for full armored solutions but above 1 for culverts and road raising in preliminary BCRs presented in the report.

Assembly discussion and next steps
Assembly members and staff discussed material sourcing for armor rock and the high cost of producing and placing large riprap. Assembly member Bo observed that locally sourced armor rock would be most cost‑effective but noted production is intentionally different to produce larger riprap, which increases cost.

Manager Amy Williams confirmed the borough has been sharing study data with Alaska Department of Transportation and the department \"has it,\" as part of continuing coordination on highway work and future bridge/highway design.

Straub and the assembly urged pursuing funding for design and construction: \"You can take this analysis and use that to secure funding for real design and start tackling these risks,\" Straub said. River Focus recommended using the report to pursue state and federal funding (including FEMA) and urged additional terrain data (for example, airborne lidar) and further watershed‑scale work to address sediment transport and channel behavior upstream of the study area.

No formal assembly action was taken on the recommendations at the work session; River Focus presented findings and the borough staff will close out the contract and pursue next steps, including potential grants and DOT coordination.

Ending: River Focus said it is available to present the findings to the Bells Flats/Sergeant Creek community; Straub told the assembly she was \"open for that\" and would coordinate with borough staff to arrange a community meeting. The manager and multiple assembly members stressed the importance of coordinating with DOT on any highway/bridge design that could change regional flood conveyance.","A hydrology and hydraulic study presented to the Kodiak Island Borough Assembly identified Sergeant Creek Road as a high‑priority flood risk and recommended raising the road, installing flood‑conveyance features and pursuing funding for larger watershed work.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Assembly asked to approve disposal of Kodiak Fairgrounds property so manager can negotiate new lease with rodeo and fair nonprofit

Assembly to decide reviewers for borough attorney RFP; staff recommends panel scoring and shortlists for interviews

Assembly and staff weigh options as Dark Lake illegal‑dumping pile grows; contractor cleanup planned

Study finds Sergeant Creek Road vulnerable to frequent overtopping; River Focus recommends road raising and added conveyance