Trash Talk Expected at Assembly Meeting

Maggie Wall/KMXT

Kodiak Island Borough Assembly members are likely to get an earful tonight. At its regular meeting the assembly will hold a public hearing on a proposal to expand trash pick-up service.

The controversial roll cart expansion was put on the agenda at the request of the assembly which hopes to hear from those directly affected by the expansion.

Those who have commented publicly thus far, have largely been unhappy with the idea. Many have said at past borough meetings and work sessions that they were expecting transfer stations. Others have expressed doubts about the ability of "bear resistant" carts to hold off hungry bears which will soon be out of dens looking for easy food.

On the other hand, the borough says it has received numerous requests for roll cart service outside the current limits. The in-city cart service has been very successful and well-received according to borough manager Rick Gifford. He also says that knowing what areas will eventually receive the roll cart service will make it easier to determine where to place transfer stations and what size they should be.

In other business, the second public hearing tonight is a rezone for a portion of a tract on Near Island. If approved, the ordinance would change the land from conservation to public use. The piece of property includes the research facility and scientist housing and will include the new Fish and Game building. The new zoning will allow offices for local, state and federal government use.

Tonight’s borough assembly meeting begins at 7:30 in the Assembly Chambers. As usual it will be broadcast live on KMXT.

Recently GCI has resumed broadcast of local government meetings on Channel 12.