Assembly approves settlement and quitclaim to resolve ownership of small parcel near Richardson Highway

The Fairbanks North Star Borough Assembly on Aug. 14 unanimously adopted an ordinance authorizing a settlement agreement and quitclaim deed to resolve long‑standing title uncertainty for a small parcel near Mile Post 324 on the Richardson Highway.

Land management staff reported the parcel — described in the ordinance as the east half of government lot 17 in Section 22 of Township 5 South, Range 4 East, Fairbanks Meridian, near Aurora Lodge Road — showed evidence of a 1969 tax foreclosure deed in borough records. Staff said they found no subsequent formal legal transfer in borough files; however, private parties had occupied and paid taxes on the parcel for years. A 2004 owner’s title policy in the parties' files treated the fee estate as belonging to the private owner (the staff report indicated the policy listed the family's ownership).

The land manager said the settlement resolves a long‑running chain‑of‑title question and returns the vacant parcel to private ownership for future taxable improvements. Assembly members asked how the owner received tax bills if borough records indicated municipal ownership; staff said assessing procedures and recorded interests can differ and that assessing sometimes issues tax bills for interests shown to individuals. Assemblymember Wilson confirmed the purchaser offered to pay $4,300 toward settlement arithmetic described in staff materials; administration said that offer factored into the settlement arrangement.

The Assembly adopted the ordinance 8-0. A subsequent motion to reconsider failed. The administration said the settlement clears title, allows the private owner to pursue improvements, and avoids a costly quiet‑title action in court.