Author: kfskadmin

Petersburg City Councilors rearranged their capital project priorities this week. in a special meeting Sunday night, the council decided to top the legislative wish-list with two projects that are already included in the governor’s budget…..a new elementary school roof, and the state’s airport safety improvements. A new fire hall is now number three, followed by a new library.

When Petersburg’s new city manager arrives next month, he’ll have plenty of major issues to tackle straight-away…including the city budget and borough formation. However, Richard Underkofler has a head start in Alaska. His 30-plus years of experience include previous work as Petersburg’s city manager from 1981 to 1985. He also served another ten years as Soldotna’s city manager before moving to the lower-48 to continue his career in city administration. Matt Lichtenstein spoke with Underkofler last week after he had reached a contract agreement with the city. They discussed several issues including Underkofler’s support for more hydro-power development, his perspective on city budget planning and his approach to city management.

Whatcom County, Washington is pulling out of the permitting process for proposed hydro-electric facilities in Thomas Bay, near Petersburg. The county’s involvement had prompted concerns from the southeast town, where many residents and the City Council have objected to the development plans proposed by a private company.

The Petersburg City Council plans to formally approve its list of capital project priorities this weekend and that might mean changes to the funding wish-list, which is currently topped by the library project. In other city news, the council rejected the idea of demolishing the old pool building, with the hopes that the structure could still be salvaged and remodeled for another purpose.

The Petersburg city council is encouraging the Alaska Congressional delegation to support a land exchange that could preserve the hillside along Mitkof highway. That was one of many items on this week’s council agenda. The council approved a permit that will help pave the way for Petersburg’s first fiber-optic link to the lower-48. Councilors also finalized a decrease in electric rates.