The Petersburg Borough Assembly unanimously passed a resolution last week that seeks more government involvement for transboundary development along the borders of British Columbia and Alaska. The resolution urges the federal government to work with Canada through the International Joint Commission using the Boundary Water Treaty.
The resolution came to the assembly from the Petersburg Vessel Owners Association. The assembly heard from the association’s Executive Director, Brian Lynch.
“I urge your support of this resolution,” Lynch said.
A few members of the public also spoke in favor of the resolution including Mike Stainbrook.
“As a fisherman, sport, commercial, subsistence, I support this resolution,” Stainbrook said.
Karen McCullough also spoke in favor of the resolution saying it’s about the quality of the environment and water.
“I think the transboundary issue is getting a lot of momentum and I’m glad to see it and I’m hoping to hear a favorable passage of that resolution,” McCullough said.
Sitka passed a similar resolution earlier this month.
Transboundary mines will be the topic of discussion at an informational meeting Wednesday at 6 p.m. in the Petersburg High School. It is being sponsored by Salmon Beyond Borders and the United Tribal Transboundary Mining Working Group. Presentations are also being held in Wrangell, Sitka, Ketchikan, and Juneau.
Also at the borough meeting, assembly members unanimously approved the Capitol Improvement Projects list or CIP. It includes the borough’s top twelve projects as well as several others. The number one project remains the renovation of the Municipal Building Complex which would include the police station and jail. The borough is seeking about half of the project’s costs or just over $5 million. Second in line is reconstruction of the Rasmus Enge Bridge for which the borough is seeking $1,200,000. Third is the Haugen Drive Collection System Upgrade from 8th street to Nordic Drive at $160,000. The list can still be altered before the borough sends it to the Governor’s office later this year.
The Petersburg Borough Assembly unanimously passed an ordinance that would adjust the fiscal year 2015 budget. It allows the fire department to purchase an SUV at a cost of just over $32,000. The vehicle would be paid for with the Motor Pool Fund. The ordinance would also accept budget changes to reflect a payment in lieu of taxes to Kupreanof, which the assembly approved October 6.
The assembly passed a resolution that amends the professional services agreement with Dowl HKM, the engineering group doing work on the Pump Station 1 Force Main Upgrade Project. It changes the total contract to $219,199. The project is being funded through a $270,000 loan from the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation.
Also at the meeting, Mayor Mark Jensen made appointments. Cindi Lagoudakis will remain Vice Chair of the assembly. Kurt Wohlhueter was appointed liaison to the Harbor Board. Nancy Strand was appointed to the Public Safety Advisory Board. Jeigh Stanton Gregor joins the newly formed Historic Preservation Committee.
This is the Updated CIP List the assembly approved.
