KMXT 100.1 FM Public Radio in Kodiak, Alaska
The Capital Improvement Projects list was the star of last night’s Kodiak City Council work session. In what’s becoming usual fashion, supporters of the multi-million dollar improvements at Baranof Park- who have formed the advocacy group Kodiak Families for Outdoor Recreation (KFOR) – were out in full force.
A resolution for the city council to collaborate with KFOR was brought to the table. The resolution outlines the duties that each entity will be responsible for in making the park improvements happen. There is some concern about the $500,000 that was offered up by the Kodiak Island Borough Assembly. Rick Langfitt, who is part of KFOR, says that the city needs to come up with some money.
— (CC Session 1 :48 sec "The borough’s identified… compared to the cost of the project.")
A major part of the cost of the park improvements is a synthetic turf field that would be resistant to frost heaves. Councilmember Tom Walters joked that going with a less expensive surface and dealing with irregularities in the field might be a good thing.
— (CC Session 2 :11 sec "You know that’s how… I’m just saying.")
City Manager Aimee Kniaziowski mentioned a possible state bond from the state that the city of Kodiak could be a part of- along with Anchorage, Unalaska and Bethel- that would help pay for the construction of dock projects. The idea is still in its early stages, but Kniaziowski says she’ll keep the council aware of developments.
Also on the working list of state CIP priorities is the pedestrian improvements to Pier 2 for which Kniaziowski says the city will ask $5 million from the state and $2.5 million for Pier 3 replacement planning, permitting and design costs. That money comes from the cruise ship excise tax.
The city council also set a tentative date of November 18th to interview the two applicants for the city’s state legislative lobbyist position.
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