Revised Landfill Rezone Gets Approval

Brianna Gibbs/KMXT
During its regular meeting last night the Kodiak Island Borough Assembly voted in favor of rezoning a portion of the Kodiak Landfill from conservation district to industrial. It wasn’t the first time the assembly saw the ordinance. During its February 7 meeting the assembly postponed a vote on the matter because of more than an hour of public comment against the rezoning. Many of the comments came from members of the Monashka Bay Road Service Area Board, who said they had not been informed of the rezone in a timely manner. City Manager Bud Cassidy said a discussion with the board has since been had.

— (Landfill Rezone 1 :28 “You postponed this action at … of the landfill.”)

Based on those meetings, borough staff proposed a number of changes to the rezoning ordinance that met both the needs of the borough and Monashka Bay residents. Cassidy clarified what the changes in the amended ordinance would be.

— (Landfill Rezone 2 :31 “This ordinance recommends that … zoning district.”)

The assembly passed the amendments, followed by the newly revised ordinance. Assemblywoman Carol Austerman and Assemblywoman Louise Stutes said they received a handful of calls from Monashka Bay residents praising the borough on its work with the community to make sure the rezone met the vision of both parties. Assemblyman Aaron Griffin said he also applauded the work done by borough staff, but also remembered the lack of communication before the February 7 meeting.

— (Landfill Rezone 3 :32 “While I am glad that things have gone… the process.”)

Last night the assembly also passed an ordinance that brought the borough in line with various statewide building codes. The Kodiak City Council passed an identical ordinance during its meeting last week. Cassidy said building codes are typically updated on a three year basis.

— (Landfill Rezone 4 :32 “They are done so for health and … around town.”)

Cassidy said there will be some cost increase to owners, which he said usually comes with code upgrades. Two community members with backgrounds and expertise on earthquakes spoke in favor of the ordinance, citing the upgrades as crucial in ensuring building stability during seismic activity. The ordinance passed 6-1 with Assemblyman Mel Stephens voting against it.