Restrictions on Mayoral Power Considered by Assembly

Maggie Wall/KMXT

A controversy over a letter written by the Kodiak Island Borough mayor last fall has resurfaced in the form of an ordinance which will be considered by the borough assembly tonight (Thursday).

The Kodiak Island Borough Assembly will hear in first reading an ordinance that would require assembly discussion or approval before the mayor can speak on behalf of the borough.

That would include any written or electronic communications or giving testimony before any legislative or regulatory body.

The ordinance is an outgrowth of a controversy over a letter written by borough mayor Jerome Selby in September to the North Pacific Fishery Management Council. The letter objecting to a proposal shutting down local trawlers in areas where others where hoping to protect tanner crab populations. The letter was written on behalf of the assembly and the community as a whole.

The borough assembly later rescinded the letter citing that members had not been consulted beforehand regarding the mayor taking the controversial position.

Being considered in first reading means that if approved tonight, the measure must return for a second reading and public hearing at a future assembly meeting.

The other ordinance on tonight’s assembly agenda is one that is returning for its second reading-and possible passage. This one would rezone a parcel of land at the corner of Rezanof and Woodland Drive from rural residential to business use.

In other business, the Kodiak High School renovation project will take a big step forward if a proposed contract for architectural design services is awarded.

The assembly meets at 7:30 in the Borough Assembly Chambers.

KMXT will broadcast the meeting live.