Tag Archives: Scott Smiley

The Kodiak Island Borough Assembly voted to pass an ordinance increasing the size of accessory dwelling units, or ADUs, during a regular meeting on Thursday. The at-times contentious process included dozens of public comments and a compromise on ADU permitting.   ADUs, also known as in-law units or granny flats, describe an apartment inside an existing residence, or on the …

The nominating period for soon-to-be available city and borough positions closed on Thursday. Here’s an overview of who’s in the running for the October 1 election.   The City of Kodiak sign at the Kodiak Island Borough Building. (Photo by Kavitha George/KMXT) City of Kodiak On the city side, the mayor’s seat, as well as two city council positions will …

The city of Kodiak is looking ahead to the upcoming municipal elections this fall, starting with nominating petitions for the mayor’s seat, as well as two city council member seats. The positions that will be up for election are currently held by Mayor Pat Branson and City Council members John Whiddon and Charlie Davidson. The City of Kodiak sign at …

Despite one voice of opposition during public comments, the Kodiak Borough Assembly voted unanimously to approve almost $160,000 in funding grants to nonprofit organizations around the island. These included the Brother Francis Shelter, at $36,000 and Senior Citizens of Kodiak at $21,000. The Kodiak Island Borough Building. (Photo by Kayla Desroches/KMXT) KMXT was also one of the recipients — the …

The borough assembly voted 6-1 against an amendment to the borough code that would decouple the borough severance tax rate from the mill rate. Several commercial fishermen, representatives of the fishing industry, and assembly members themselves spoke out against the amendment at last night’s meeting, arguing that it would pit borough property owners against fishers when it comes to budget …

Community of Larsen Bay. (Photo by Kayla Desroches / KMXT) Kayla Desroches/KMXT The rezone of a longtime lodge in Larsen Bay has sparked resistance in the island community. The Foxtail Lodge has operated in a single-family residence district for many years, and the current owner is now seeking a business designation to comply with code and continue in the same …

Kodiak downtown area. (Photo byRaymond Bucko, SJ / Flickr) Kayla Desroches/KMXT Kodiak may be without a fisheries analyst for a while. That’s according to Kodiak City Councilman John Whiddon, one of the two city representatives who attended what was scheduled to be a meeting of the city and borough’s joint Fisheries Work Group yesterday (WED). Without a quorum, the meeting …

Kodiak Seafood and Marine Science Center. Photo Courtesy of University of Alaska Kayla Desroches/KMXT Programs around the state have been under threat of closure due to budget issues, and in the City of Kodiak, the future of one seafood research and training center has also been uncertain. But that may change if a resolution to save the center passes. The …

Kayla Desroches/KMXT If there’s one concern that’s come to the forefront for marijuana regulation in the borough, it’s children’s well-being. Last week, the Kodiak Island Borough Assembly looked over recommendations from its marijuana task force on possible regulation on marijuana business and cultivation in the borough. One issue it reviewed is buffer zones. The task force suggested the borough stick …

Kayla Desroches/KMXT At its regular meeting last Thursday, the Kodiak Island Borough Assembly considered a series of resolutions from the Alaska Municipal League, which consists of government representatives from throughout the state. The assembly must take a position on the resolutions as a member of the league. One was about the prevention of derelict vessels, a problem at harbors across …