Tab_203[c] * Ii1I 41 iiIJ
I, HELENA HILDRETH, Deputy Borough Clerk of the Northwest Arctic Borough,
a municipal corporation of the State of Alaska, HEREBY CERTIFY as follows:
1. The Northwest Arctic Borough was duly incorporated as a home rule
borough on June 2, 1986. The Charter of the Northwest Arctic Borough was adopted
on July 21, 1987. A copy of the Charter, as amended to the date hereof, is attached
hereto as Exhibit A.
2. The members of the Assembly of the Northwest Arctic Borough during the
period from January 1, 2016, through the present, and the date of beginning and the
date of expiration of their terms were and now are, as follows:
Larry Westlake
Hannah Loon
Elmer Armstrong, Jr.
Miles Cleveland
Walter G. Sampson
Carl Weisner
Nathan Hadley
Lucy Nelson
Tonya Ballot
Clyde Ramoth
Pete Schaefer
Delores Carr
Austin Swan
October 2013 to October 2016
October 2015 to October 2018
October 2015 to October 2018
October 2013 to October 2019
October 2014 to October 2017
October 2015 to October 2018
October 2013 to October 2019
October 2014 to October 2017
October 2016 to October 2017
October 2014 to July 2016
October 2014 to October 2016
October 2016 to October 2019
October 2015 to October 2018
3. Each of the foregoing members of the Northwest Arctic Borough Assembly
was duly elected or appointed and qualified, and held office continuously as a member
of the Assembly as stated in the foregoing paragraph.
4. Since November 6, 2015 Clement Richards Sr. was, and now is, the duly
elected, qualified, and acting Mayor of the Northwest Arctic Borough.
5. Since January 28, 2014, Stella Atoruk was, and now is, the duly
appointed, qualified, and acting Borough Clerk of the Northwest Arctic Borough.
6. Since April 3, 2016, Helena Hildreth was, and now is the duly appointed,
qualified, and acting Deputy Borough Clerk of the Northwest Arctic Borough.
7. Since January, 2016 Angeline Sturm was, and now is, the duly appointed,
qualified, and acting Finance Director of the Northwest Arctic Borough.
8. Since 2000, Landye Bennett Blumstein LLP were, and now are, the duly
appointed, qualified, and acting Borough Attorneys of the Northwest Arctic Borough.
505729\12\00550434
9. The seal impressed on this certificate is the duly adopted and only official
seal of the Northwest Arctic Borough.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have executed this certificate and impressed the seal
of the Northwest Arctic Borough hereon this 3rd day of November, 2016.
NORTHWEST ARCTIC BOROUGH, ALASKA
HELENA HILDRETH, Deputy Borough Clerk
[S E A L ]
2
505729\12\00550434
HOME RULE CHARTER OF THE NORTHWEST ARCTIC BOROUGH KOTZEBUE Page 1 of 29
L[I]lTII*IuJ I .i : r i i .ai:i 1[']ll :i'A *1 I ii;i' 1.1ure1:
BOROUGH CLERK
NORTHWEST ARCTIC BOROUGH
P.O. BOX 1110
KOTZEBUE, ALASKA 99752
III1
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0171111TOTTF-TyrMFO, =1
101 Name
1 .02 Boundaries
1,03 Powers
104 Intergovernmental relations
tI1[.IsI ii? 1IiiL1I!,
2.01 Powers
2.02 Composition
2.03 Terms and election of assembly members
2.04 Qualifications
2.05 Vacancies and forfeiture of office
2.06 Organization and rules of assembly
2.07 Compensation
2.08 Meetings
2.09 Prohibitions
2.10 Investigations
2.11 Clerk and special advisors
!1iflflT1T
3.01 Ordinance form and content
3.02 Acts required to be by ordinance
3.03 Ordinance procedure
3.04 Emergency ordinance
3,05 Codes of regulation
3.06 Formal acts by resolution
07 Resolutions—Reading—Hearing—Final passage—Posting
3.08 Rules and regulations
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ARTICLE IV The Executive
4.01 Mayor as executive
4,02 Veto
4.03 Election and term of mayor
4.04 Filling a vacancy
405 Mayor pro tempore
4 Successor to office of the mayor and mayor pro tempore
07 Salary of mayor
111 1111 IT11 111 1
5.01 General requirements
601 Initiative and referendum
6.02 Recall
!{IiLéI Jflh1iU
7.01 Planning commission
7.02 Comprehensive plan
7,03 Platting regulation and subdivision regulation
ARTICLE VIII Education
8.01 Public school system
8.02 School board
8.03 Budget
8.04 Joint conference
ARTICLE IX Finance
9.01 Fiscal year
9.02 Submission of budget, capital improvements program and message
9.03 Scope of budget
04 Scope of capital improvements program
9.05 Scope of message
9.06 Hearing
9.07 Assembly action on budget
9.08 Assembly action on capital improvements program
9.09 Certification and distribution
9.10 Supplemental and emergency appropriations
9.11 Reduction and transfer of appropriations
9.12 Lapse of appropriations and surpluses
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913 Administration of budget
9.14 Purchasing—Contract approval
9.15 Enterprise funds
Lii Independent audit
9.17 Northwest Arctic Borough investment fund
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10.01 Authority
10.02 Restrictions on borrowing
10.03 Notice of bond election
10.04 Manner of sale
10.0 Sale to financial consultant prohibited
10.06 Actions challenging the validity of obligations
7 General obligations not requiring ratification
10.08 Interest and profits from investments
ARTICLE X1 Taxation
11.01 Tax procedures
11.02 Private interests taxable
11.03 Property tax
ARTICLE XV Service Areas
12.01 Purpose
12.02 Establishment
12.03 Criteria
12.04 Financing
13.01 Purpose
1302 Local improvement procedure
13.03 Assessment in proportion to benefit
13,04 Lien
13.05 Protests
13.06 Limitation on actions
13.07 Property liable
13.08 Receipts
ARTICLE XIV Charter Amendment
14,01 Proposal
1402 Election
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14.03 Effective date
15.01 Personal financial interest
15,02 Prohibitions
Surety bonds
15.04 Oath of office
15.05 Continued office
15.06 Borough proceedings
15.07 Records to be public
15.08 Notice of lien
15.09 Dedication of borough property
15.10 Definitions
15.11 Separability
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16.01 Effective date
16.02 Composition of assembly upon adoption of this charter
16.03 Organization of assembly
16.04 Transitional provisions for borough mayor
1Q5 Transitional provisions for school board
16.06 Continuation of employment
16.07 Boards, committees and commissions
16.08 Assets and liabilities
16.09 Ordinances and resolutions
16.10 Budget
16.11 Continuance of actions
1j.1!llpiU
We, the people of the Northwest Arctic Borough, exercising the powers of home rule granted by the
Constitution of the state of Alaska, in order to provide for local government responsive to the will and
values of the people and to the continuing needs of the communities within the borough hereby
establish this home rule charter.
!TiT !i I !i 'i I :Is1III iTTINPIM51TOTAMM
Section 1.01 Name
The borough shall be a municipal corporation known as the Northwest Arctic Borough. Whenever it
deems it in the public interest to do so, the borough may use the name, Northwest Arctic Home Rule
Borough.
Section 1.02 Boundaries
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The boundaries of the borough shall be the same as the boundaries of the Northwest Arctic Borough
as they exist on the date of ratification of this charter and as those boundaries thereafter are legally
modified.
Section 1.03 Powers
The borough may exercise all powers not prohibited by law or this charter.
Section 1.04 Intergovernmental relations
The borough may exercise any of its powers or perform any of its functions and may participate in the
financing thereof, jointly or in cooperation, by agreement with any one or more local governments, the
state, or the United States, or any agency or instrumentality of these governments.
Section 2.01 Powers
The governing body of the borough shall be the Assembly. Except as otherwise provided by law or
this Charter, the Assembly shall exercise all powers of the borough and shall provide for the
performance of all duties and obligations of the borough.
Section 2.02 Composition
1. The Assembly elected by the qualified voters of the borough shall consist of eleven assembly
members. The districts are composed as follows:
A. District 1 3 Seats (A, B & C)
Kivalina
Noatak
Baird Mountains
Kiana
Noorvik
B. District 2 1 Seat (D)
Ambler
Kobuk
Kobuk area
Shungnak
C. District 3 2 Seats (E & F)
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Setawik
Selawik area
Buckland
Deering
D. District 4 5 Seats (G, H, I, J &
K)
Kotzebue
Krusenstern
Igichuk Hills
Hotham Inlet
Cape Blossom
(Amended by Ord. 11-03 § 1; Amended by Ord. 02-01 § 1)
Section 2.03 Terms and election of assembly members
1. Term. The term of assembly members shall be three years. Terms shall be staggered by the
assembly by ordinance as a part of or following a reapportionment or recomposition of the assembly.
Further, the end of the term of assembly seats may be staggered by the assembly by ordinance at
any time to minimize the number of seats with terms expiring in any year within each multimember
district. Such an ordinance shortening terms within a multimember district may not affect the term of a
member holding office when the change becomes effective and must identify the seats affected and
either:
A. Identify the years in which specific seats will expire: or
B. Provide for a determination of the expiration of seats by lot among the candidates elected to
fill the district seats affected.
Provided, if an ordinance designating the shortened term of specific seats is not effective prior to the
day upon which the first candidate for a seat from the affected district files a nominating petition, the
determination shall be made by lot conducted by the president following certification of the election
from among all those just elected from the affected district.
2. Election. Each assembly member shall be elected at large by the qualified voters of the borough
and shall be a resident of the district to which the seat they seek is assigned. An assembly member
so elected represents all the voters of the borough.
3. The assembly may, by ordinance, adopt additional procedures pertaining to the nominations-and
election of assembly members.
(Amended by Ord, 89-08 § 1)
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Section 2.04 Qualifications
I Only a qualified voter of the borough, who has been a resident of the borough for at least one
year immediately preceding his or her election or appointment to office, shall be qualified for elective
borough office.
2. No assembly member may hold any other compensated borough office or employment, or
elected partisan political office, while serving on the assembly, unless otherwise provided by an
ordinance ratified by the voters of the borough.
3. An assembly member shall be a resident of the district to which the member's seat is assigned at
the time of the member's election or appointment.
4. An assembly member who ceases to be a resident of the district to which the member's seat is
assigned immediately forfeits his or her office.
Section 2.05 Vacancies and forfeiture of office
1 The office of an elected borough official shall become vacant upon death, resignation, removal
from office in any manner authorized by law or by this charter, or by forfeiture of his or her office.
2. An elected borough official shall forfeit his or her office if he or she
A. Fails to comply with all qualifications prescribed by this charter;
B. Fails to qualify or take office within thirty days after election or appointment:
C. Fails to attend three consecutive regular meetings of the assembly without being excused
by the assembly;
D. Is physically absent from the borough for ninety consecutive days unless excused by the
governing body;
E. Resigns and the resignation is accepted;
F. Is physically or mentally unable to perform the duties of office as determined by a two-thirds
vote of the governing body;
G. Is convicted of a felony or of an offense involving a violation of the oath of office;
H. Is convicted of a violation of AS Chapter 15,13 state election campaigns;
I. No longer physically resides in the borough or election district; or
J. Violates public trust. Proceedings for removal of an elected official for breach of the public
trust may be initiated by a majority of the members of the assembly. In addition, proceedings for
removal may be initiated by any duly constituted ethics board. The assembly by ordinance shall
establish procedures for removal of elected officials for breach of public trust, including
provisions for notice, a complete statement of the charge, a public hearing conducted by an
impartial hearing officer, and judicial review. Removal must be approved by two-thirds of the
authorized membership of the assembly.
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3. The assembly shall by ordinance provide the procedures for filling of vacancies.
Section 2.06 Organization and rules of assembly
1. The assembly shall meet immediately following certification of the election. At such meeting, or
within seven days thereafter, the assembly shall elect from its membership a presiding officer, known
as the President and do such other acts as may be required for its organization and for the conduct of
business.
2. The assembly shall, by ordinance, determine its own rules and order of business and shall
maintain a journal of its proceedings as a permanent public record.
Section 2.07 Compensation
The assembly, by ordinance, shall provide for compensation of the assembly members. An in-crease
in compensation shall not take effect until the assembly meeting following the regular election after
the ordinance has been adopted.
Section 2.08 Meetings
1. The assembly shall hold at least one regular meeting every month at such time and place as it
may prescribe, unless otherwise provided by ordinance.
2. The mayor or any three assembly members may call a special meeting of the assembly if a
majority of the assembly members are given at least twenty-four hours' oral or written notice and
reasonable efforts are made to notify all members. A special meeting may be conducted with less
than twenty-four hours' notice if all assembly members are present or if all absent members have
waived in writing the required notice. Waiver of notice can be made before or after the special
meeting is held. A waiver of notice shall be made a part of the journal for the meeting.
3. All meetings of the assembly shall be public and the public shall have reasonable opportunity to
be heard. Closed or executive sessions shall only be held pursuant to law. The mere discussion of
persons or finances shall not be cause for any executive session.
4. Assembly members may attend meetings of the assembly in person or by teleconference. A
majority of the membership of the assembly authorized by this charter shall constitute a quorum. A
member disqualified from voting on a question may be considered present for purposes of
constituting a quorum. In the absence of a quorum, any number less than a quorum may recess or
adjourn the meeting to a later time or date.
5. Actions of the assembly are adopted by a majority of the total membership of the body. The final
vote of each member on each ordinance, resolution or substantive motion shall be recorded 'yes" or
"no" except that if the vote is unanimous it may be recorded unanimous.
6. Each assembly member in attendance at an assembly meeting shall vote on all questions
presented at the meeting, unless prohibited from doing so by this charter.
Section 2.09 Prohibitions
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1 No elected official of the borough shall hold any other elective public office, or any other borough
office or employment, during his or her term as an elected official of the borough. No elected official of
the borough shall hold any compensated appointive borough office, other than membership on a
board or commission, for a period of one year after vacating his or her elective office.
2. The assembly shall not recommend or direct the appointment or removal of any officer or
employee of the borough administration except as otherwise provided by this charter. Except for the
purpose of inquiry, neither the assembly nor an individual assembly person may give, either publicly
or privately orders on administrative matters to a subordinate of the mayor.
3. No assembly person may represent any client before any borough department or agency
Section 2.10 investigations
1. The assembly may make investigations into the affairs of the borough and the conduct of any
borough department, office or agency and for this purpose may subpoena witnesses, administer
oaths, take testimony and require the production of evidence. Any person who fails or refuses to obey
a lawful order issued in the exercise of these powers by the assembly shall be guilty of a
misdemeanor.
2. The assembly may by ordinance create boards and commissions pursuant to this section for the
purpose of inquiries and investigations. The members of such board and commissions shall be
appointed by the assembly.
1. There shall be a borough clerk appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the assembly. The clerk
shall attend all assembly meetings, unless excused, keep a journal of its proceedings, give notice of
assembly meetings to the members and the public, and perform such other duties as may be
assigned.
2. The assembly may appoint special legal and financial advisors for bond issues and shall retain
legal counsel as it requires.
3. There shall be a borough attorney appointed by the mayor and be subject to confirmation by the
assembly.
VMIIiIU*iFW111•1
Section 301 Ordinance form and content
1. All ordinances enacted by the assembly shall be in substantially the following form:
A. The proposed ordinances shall have a heading and number.
B. Title. A short summary of the ordinance's provisions shall be included in a title at the head
of the ordinance. The title shall make reference to any penalties imposed by the ordinance.
C. Enacting Clause. The enacting clause shall read: "BE IT ENACTED BY THE ASSEMBLY
OF THE NORTHWEST ARCTIC BOROUGH:".
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D. Substantive Part of the Ordinance. The provisions of the ordinance will follow the enacting
clause.
E. Signatures. Appropriate places shall be provided for the signatures of the mayor and the
clerk.
F. Attestation. The enactment and passage date of the ordinance shall be attested by the
clerk.
2. Every ordinance shall be confined to one subject unless it is an appropriation ordinance or one
codifying, revising, or rearranging existing ordinances. Ordinances for appropriations shall be
confined to appropriations. The subject of each ordinance shall be expressed in the title.
Section 3.02 Acts required to be by ordinance
1. In addition to other actions required by law to be by ordinance, the assembly shalt use
ordinances to
A. Establish, alter or abolish borough departments;
B. Fix the compensation of members of the assembly, boards, commissions and committees;
C. Provide for a fine or other penalty, or establish rules or regulations for violations of which a
fine or other penalty is imposed;
D. Provide for levying of taxes;
E. Make appropriations and supplemental appropriations or transfer appropriations;
F. Grant, renew or extend a franchise;
G. Regulate the rate charged by a borough utility;
H. Adopt, modify or repeal the comprehensive plan, zoning and subdivision ordinances,
building and housing codes, and the official map;
I. Establish a formal procedure for acquisition from private, state or federal government of land
or rights in land and disposal of those lands or rights in land;
J. Provide for a comprehensive personnel system, including, but not limited to, regulating all
appointments, promotions, demotions, suspensions, and removal of borough officers and
employees on the basis of merit; and
K. Create or designate itself to be a board of review, adjustment, equalization or canvassing
board.
Section 3.03 Ordinance procedure
1. An ordinance may be presented for consideration by a member or committee of the assembly or
by the mayor at any regular or special meeting of the assembly. Upon presentation of an ordinance,
copies shall be furnished to each assembly member and to the mayor. Upon presentation, an
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ordinance shall be rejected, deferred, referred to committee, or accepted as being introduced.
Promptly after introduction, the assembly shall publish the ordinance and a notice setting out the time
and place for a public hearing on the ordinance. The public hearing of an ordinance shall follow
publication by at least ten days; it may be held at a regular or special assembly meeting and may be
adjourned from time to time. At the public hearing copies of the ordinance shall be distributed to all
persons present who request them or, in the alternative, the ordinance shall be read in full. All
interested persons shall have an opportunity to be heard. If the ordinance is amended after the
hearing so substantially as to change its basic character, the ordinance shall be treated as a newly
introduced ordinance. After the hearing, the assembly shall consider the ordinance and may adopt it
with or without amendment.
2. Ordinances take effect upon adoption or at a later date specified in the ordinance.
3. As used in this section, publish" shall mean mailing to each city or village administrator and
publication by such other media as the assembly shall designate by ordinance, at least ten days
before the public hearing.
Section 3.04 Emergency ordinance
1. To meet a public emergency the assembly may adopt ordinances effective upon adoption. Every
emergency ordinance must contain a finding by the assembly that an emergency exists and a
statement of the facts upon which the finding is based. An emergency ordinance may be adopted,
amended and adopted, or rejected at the meeting at which it is introduced. The affirmative vote of all
members present, or the affirmative vote of three-fourths of the total membership authorized in this
charter, whichever is less, is required for adoption. The assembly must print and make available
copies of adopted emergency ordinances,
2. An emergency ordinance may not be used to levy taxes, to grant, renew or extend a franchise, or
to regulate the rate charged by a public utility for its services.
3. Emergency ordinances are effective for sixty days.
Section 305 Codes of regulation
The assembly may adopt any standard code of regulations, or any provisions of the statutes of the
state of Alaska, by reference thereto in an adopting ordinance. Materials adopted by reference under
this section need not be distributed to the public or read at a public hearing, but at least five copies of
the materials shall be made available for public inspection for at least fifteen days before the hearing
for the adopting ordinance. Only the adopting ordinance need be printed after adoption. The
assembly shall provide for the adopted code to be sold to the public.
Section 3.06 Formal acts by resolution
1. Formal acts by the assembly not required by law to be enacted by ordinance and not being acts
of a general and permanent nature may be adopted by resolution. A resolution shall have:
A. The heading 'Northwest Arctic Borough, Alaska";
B. The space for a number to be assigned "Resolution 11.
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C. A short and concise title descriptive of its subject and purpose;
D. Short premises or whereas clauses descriptive of the reasons for the resolution, if
necessary;
E. The resolving clause, "BE IT RESOLVED';
F. Provision for signatures after the date, and designated lines for the signatures of the mayor
and the clerk; and
G. An attestation.
2. Resolutions shall not be included in any municipal code of ordinances.
Section 3.07 Resolutions—Reading--Hearing—Final passage—Posting
1. Every resolution shall be introduced in writing and shall be orally read before any vote for
passage thereof is taken.
2. On any vote for passage of the resolution, all persons interested who appear shall be given an
opportunity to be heard. After such hearing, the assembly may finally pass such resolution, with or
without amendments. First reading of any resolution shall be final.
3. After final passage every resolution shall be posted in full on the borough bulletin board. Every
resolution, unless it shall specify a later date, shall become effective following final passage, or, if the
resolution be submitted at a referendum election when state law or borough charter so requires, then
upon certification of a favorable vote of the requisite number of those voting thereon.
Section 3.08 Rules and regulations
Any rule or regulation made by any administrative officer or board or commission shall be published
at least fifteen (15) days prior to its adoption in a newspaper of general circulation in the borough and
by posting on the borough bulletin board in the borough offices.
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Section 4.01 Mayor as executive
1. The executive power in the borough is vested in the mayor. The mayor shall perform all duties
required by this charter or the assembly. The mayor is head of the borough for ceremonial purposes
and executes official documents upon the authorization of the assembly.
2. The administrative power in the borough is vested in the mayor. The borough mayor, as the chief
administrative officer, is responsible for the proper administration of all borough affairs. The mayor
shall:
A. Appoint borough employees and administrative officers, except as provided in this charter
and by law; he may hire necessary administrative assistants and may authorize an appointive
administrative officer to appoint, suspend or remove subordinates in his department;
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B. Suspend, remove by written order, borough employees and administrative officers, except
as otherwise provided in this charter;
C. Supervise enforcement of borough law;
D. Prepare the annual budget and capital improvement program for the assembly;
E. Execute the budget and capital program as adopted;
F. Make monthly financial reports to the assembly on borough finances and operations;
G. Report to the assembly at the end of each fiscal year on the finances and administrative
activities of the borough;
H. Prepare and make available for public distribution an annual report on borough affairs;
I. Serve as borough personnel officer unless the assembly authorizes him to appoint a.
personnel officer;
J. Execute other powers and duties specified by state law or lawfully prescribed by the
assembly;
K. Direct and supervise the business of the borough to assure that all ordinances and
resolutions are executed;
L. Sign the special assessment rolls;
M. Act as ex officio chairman of the board of adjustments for matters of building and zoning
regulations of the borough; and
N. Act as ex officio chairman of the board of equalization for matters of taxation and special
assessments.
Section 4.02 Veto
The mayor may veto any ordinance, resolution, motion or other action of the assembly and may, by
veto, strike, or reduce items in appropriation ordinances. He shall submit to the assembly at its next
regular meeting a written statement advising of his veto and giving his reasons. A veto is overridden
by the vote of two-thirds of the authorized membership of the assembly within twenty-one days
following exercise of the veto or at the next regular meeting, whichever is later. The veto does not
extend to appropriation items in school budget ordinance; actions of the governing body sitting as the
board of equalization or the board of adjustments; adoption or repeal of a manager plan of
government.
Section 4.03 Election and term of mayor
1. A voter of the borough who has been a resident of the borough for three years is eligible to hold
the office of the mayor.
2. The mayor is nominated and elected at large for a term of three years and until a successor is
elected and has qualified.
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3. The mayor's regular term begins on the first Monday following the election, which is held on the
first Tuesday of October.
4. Beginning with the October 2000 election, no person who has been elected mayor for the
borough for two full terms shall again be eligible to hold that office until at least one full term has
intervened.
A vacancy in the office of the mayor occurring within six months of a regular election shall be filled by
the assembly. The person designated shall serve until the next regular election and until a successor
is elected and has qualified. If an assembly person is chosen, he/she shall resign his/her assembly
seat. If a vacancy occurs more than six months before a regular election, the assembly shall call a
special election to fill the unexpired term.
Section 4.05 Mayor pro tempore
Should the office of the mayor become vacant, or if the existing mayor is disabled or unable to act,
the assembly may appoint a mayor pro tempore, to serve until the mayor resumes his/her official
duties, or until a new mayor is qualified.
Section 4.06 Successor to office of the mayor and mayor pro tempore
Should the office of the mayor and mayor pro tempore become vacant or should both the mayor and
mayor pro tempore be absent or unable to perform the duties of the office of the mayor, the assembly
shall elect one of their members who shall assume the office of the mayor pro tempore.
Section 4.07 Salary of mayor
1. The office of the mayor of the borough shall be filled on a full-time basis. However, if the mayor is
the incumbent, having served immediately preceding in that status, his salary shall not be set at a
sum less than that rate he was paid on the last day of his preceding term.
2. The borough assembly may, at any time during the mayor's term in office, raise the salary of the
mayor. The salary of the mayor shall be an amount the borough assembly determines to be
commensurate with the duties and responsibilities of the office of the mayor.
3. The mayor may not acceptor receive remunerative employment from any other sources, except
that.he/she may serve on boards, commissions or other appointive committees at his/her discredit
and pleasure. Military service is not considered as remunerative employment for the purpose of this
section.
Section 5.01 General requirements
1. Regular Elections. A regular election shall be held annually on the first Tuesday in October.
2, Special Election. The assembly shall provide by ordinance for special election.
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3. Notice of Election. At least thirty days published notice shall be given of a regular or special
election. The notice shall state the purpose of the election.
4. Qualifications of Voters. A person may vote in any borough election only if the person:
A. Is qualified to vote in the state of Alaska; and
B. Is a resident of the borough for thirty (30) days immediately preceding the election.
5. Nominations. Candidates for elective office shall be nominated by a petition signed by at least
twenty-five qualified voters of the borough. All nomination papers comprising a petition shall be
assembled and filed in person with the clerk during office hours as one instrument not earlier than
one hundred twenty days nor later than forty-five days before the election. No nominating petition
may be accepted unless accompanied by a signed acceptance of the nomination by the candidate.
6. Election Procedure. All elections shall be nonpartisan. The assembly by ordinance shall pre-
scribe rules for the conduct of borough elections.
7. Determination of Election Results.
A. The candidate receiving the greatest number of votes for office of assembly or school board
shall be declared the winner of the election for that office.
B. For the office of mayor, the candidate who receives the highest number of votes
representing at least 40 percent of the votes cast shall be declared the winner. If no candidate
for the office of mayor receives at least 40 percent of the votes cast, a runoff election between
the two candidates receiving the highest and next highest number of votes shall be held within
30 days of the date of certification of the election for which a runoff is required. The candidate
receiving the greatest number of votes in the runoff election shall be declared the winner.
C. In case of a tie, the election shall be determined by lot from among the candidates tying.
(Amended by Ord. 11-10 § 1)
Section 6.01 Initiative and referendum
The powers and rights of the initiative and referendum are reserved to the people of the borough as
prescribed by law. The assembly by ordinance shall regulate the procedure for their exercise.
Section 6.02 Recall
An official who is elected or appointed to an elective borough office may be recalled by the voters of
the borough as provided by law.
Section 7.01 Planning commission
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There shall be a planning commission consisting of seven members appointed by the mayor and
confirmed by the assembly. The powers and duties of the planning commission, and the terms,
qualifications and compensation of its members shall be provided by ordinance.
Section 7.02 Comprehensive plan
The assembly by ordinance shall adopt and implement, and from time to time modify, a
comprehensive plan setting forth goals, objectives and policies governing the future development of
the borough.
Section 7.03 Platting regulation and subdivision regulation
There shall be a platting authority constituted as provided for by ordinance. The assembly by
ordinance shall provide for the regulation of the subdivision of land within the borough.
Section 8.01 Public school system
There shall be a system of public education for the borough, conducted in the manner provided by
law. The system of public education shall be operated by a school board of eleven members.
Section 8.02 School board
1. Qualifications, A school board member shall be a qualified borough voter and a resident of the
borough. No school board member may hold any compensated school district employment while
serving on the school board
2. Term. Each school board member shall be elected to three-year staggered terms
3. Election, Each school board member shall be elected at large by the qualified voters of the
borough and shall be residents of the district to which the seat they seek is assigned pursuant to
Section 2.02 of this charter. Such elected school board member represents all the voters of the
borough.
4. The assembly may, by ordinance, adopt additional procedures pertaining to the nominations and
election of school board members.
5. Vacancies. The office of school board member shall become vacant upon death, resignation or
removal from office in any manner authorized by law or by this charter, or by forfeiture of office as
prescribed for assembly members in Section 2.05 of this charter. Vacancies shall be filled in a
manner prescribed by law.
Section 8.03 Budget
The superintendent of school shall submit an annual budget which shall first be approved by the
school board at such time as the board may direct, but in no case at a date later than that prescribed
by state law. The proposed school budget shall be a public record available from the time of its sub-
mission to the board for public inspection and distribution. The board shall hold public hearings on the
budget before approval and submission to the assembly for final action.
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Section 8.04 Joint conference
The assembly and board may meet jointly at public meetings to deliberate upon matters of mutual
interest.
Section 9.01 Fiscal year
The fiscal year of the borough shall begin on July 1st and end on June 30th of the following calendar
year.
Not later than sixty days before the end of the current fiscal year, the mayor shall submit to the
assembly a budget for the following fiscal year, a capital improvements program and an
accompanying explanation message of both. The assembly may grant an extension of not to exceed
thirty days if compelling reasons exist.
Section 9.03 Scope of budget
1. Complete Financial Plan. The budget shall be a complete financial plan for all the operations of
the borough, showing all reserves, all estimated revenues from all sources, and all proposed
expenditures for all purposes.
2. Form. The budget shall contain at least the following:
A. A comparative statement of actual expenditures for the current fiscal year;
B. Estimated expenditures and estimated revenues for the current fiscal year;
C. A brief explanation of each item.
3. Balanced Budget. Proposed expenditures shall not exceed total estimated revenues and re-
serves.
Section 9.04 Scope of capital improvements program
1. The capital improvement program shall be a plan for capital improvements proposed for the
following six fiscal years, together with the estimated cost of each improvement and the proposed
method of financing it. It shall contain at least the following:
A. A summary of current capital improvements which are unfinished;
B. A simple, clear summary of the detailed contents of the program:
C. Capital improvements pending or proposed to be undertaken within the ensuing fiscal year,
together with the estimated cost of each improvement ad the proposed method of financing it.
2. Capital improvements to be financed in the following fiscal year shall be included in the budget as
well as in the capital improvements program.
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Section 905 Scope of message
The mayor's message shall contain an explanation of the budget both in fiscal terms and in terms of
work to be done, a description of the important features of the budget, an outline of the proposed
financial policy of the borough for the following fiscal year, and an explanation of each capital
improvement to be undertaken within the following six fiscal years.
Section 9M6 Hearing
1. By June 15th, a public hearing shall be held on the budget and capital improvements program.
All persons interested shall have an opportunity to be heard. At least ten days prior to the hearing, the
assembly shall:
A. Publish a summary of the budget and capital improvements program and a notice setting
out the time and place of the public hearing; and
B. Deliver copies of the notice and summary of the budget and capital improvements program
and the mayor's message to newspapers of general circulation in the borough and to the
commercial radio and television stations operating in the borough, and by posting in three public
places in each community.
2. "Publish" shall have the same meaning as provided for in Section 3.03(3) of this charter.
Section 9.07 Assembly action on budget
The assembly, by ordinance, shall adopt a budget not later than June 15th. If it fails to do so, the
budget submitted by the mayor shall be deemed adopted by the assembly as the budget for the
following year.
Section 9.08 Assembly action on capital improvements program
The assembly, by ordinance, shall adopt a capital improvements program not later than June 15th
before the end of the current fiscal year. If it fails to do so, the capital improvements program
submitted by the mayor shall be deemed adopted by the assembly.
Section 9.09 Certification and distribution
The budget and capital improvements program as adopted shall be certified by the mayor and
borough clerk, and shall be a public record and shall be made available at the borough clerk's office
for distribution to the public at no more than cost.
Section 9.10 Supplemental and emergency appropriations
1. If during any fiscal year there are available revenues not anticipated in the budget estimates, the
assembly, by ordinance, may make supplemental appropriations for the year up to the amount of the
additional revenues.
2. Upon declaration by the assembly that a public emergency exists and describing the emergency
in clear and specific terms, the assembly may make emergency appropriations. Such appropriations
may be made by emergency ordinance.
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If during the fiscal year it appears that revenues available will be insufficient to meet the amount
appropriated, the mayor shall report to the assembly without delay. The assembly, by ordinance, may
reduce any appropriation, except for debt service. No appropriation may be reduced by more than the
amount of the unencumbered balance,
Section 9.12 Lapse of appropriations and surpluses
At the end of the fiscal year, an unencumbered appropriation shall lapse into the fund from which
appropriated; provided, that an appropriation for a capital improvement, or in connection with
requirements of federal or state grants, shall not lapse until its purpose has been accomplished or
abandoned.
Section 9.13 Administration of budget
1 No payment may be made and no obligation incurred against the borough except in accordance
with appropriations duly made. No payment may be made and no obligation incurred against any
appropriation unless the mayor ascertains that there is a sufficient unencumbered balance in the
appropriation and that sufficient funds are or will be available to cover the obligation.
2. Every obligation incurred and every authorization of payment in violation of this charter shall be
void. Every payment made in violation of the provisions of this charter shall be illegal. All officers or
employees of the borough who knowingly authorize or make such payment shall be jointly and
severally liable to the borough for the full amount so paid.
3. The assembly by ordinance may authorize a contract, lease or obligation requiring funds from
future appropriations, including appropriation in future fiscal years, subject to the annual appropriation
of funds for that purpose.
4. The borough assembly may by ordinance require that all school money be deposited in a
centralized treasury with all other borough money. The borough administrator shall have the custody
of, invest and manage all money in the centralized treasury. However, the borough assembly, with
the consent of the borough school board, may by ordinance delegate to the borough school board the
responsibility of a centralized treasury.
5. When the borough school board by resolution consents, the borough assembly may by ordinance
provide a centralized accounting system for school and all other borough operations. The system
shall be operated in accordance with accepted principles of governmental accounting. However, the
assembly, with the consent of the borough school board, may by ordinance delegate to the borough
school board the responsibilities of the accounting system.
Section 9.14 Purchasing—Contract approval
1. The assembly by ordinance shall provide for competitive bidding for purchase of goods and
services by the borough and sales of surplus borough property, and for any exceptions thereto.
2. The assembly by ordinance shall establish provisions for assembly approval of borough con-
tracts and exceptions thereto.
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Revenues from a borough enterprise whether established before or after ratification of this charter
shall be first used for debt retirement, construction, acquisition, operation, maintenance, repair and
capital improvement of the enterprise. Other uses of such revenues shall be only as authorized by
ordinance.
Section 9.16 Independent audit
The assembly shall provide for an annual audit of all borough accounts by an independent certified
public accountant, and may require additional duties that it deems necessary.
Section 9.17 Northwest Arctic Borough investment fund
An investment fund is hereby created from appropriations to be made by the assembly by ordinance.
The investment fund shall be maintained separate and apart from all other funds and accounts of the
borough. The principal of the fund shall be invested in such types of income producing investments
as are hereafter specifically designated by ordinance. All income from the investment fund shall be
deposited in the general fund.
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Section 10.01 Authority
The borough may borrow money and issue such evidence thereof, herein called obligations, as the
assembly may determine necessary.
Section 10.02 Restrictions on borrowing
1. General Obligations of the Borough. No general obligation, bonded indebtedness, may be
incurred unless authorized by the assembly for capital improvements and ratified by a majority vote of
those in the borough voting on the question.
2. General Obligations of Service Areas. No obligations secured by a pledge of taxes to be levied in
a service area may be issued unless authorized for capital improvements by the assembly and
ratified by a majority of the qualified voters in the service area voting on the question. In a service
area where there are no qualified voters to vote on the question, voter ratification shall not be
required.
Section 10.03 Notice of bond election
1. In calling any election required by this article, the assembly shall cause a notice to be published
at least thirty days prior to the election in a newspaper of general circulation in each community of the
borough. The notice shall contain the following information:
A. The maximum amount of the bonds, purpose of their issuance, and maximum length of time
within which the bonds shall mature;
B. The estimated annual debt service on the proposed bonds and its estimated effect per one
hundred thousand dollars of assessed valuation;
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C. The current total general obligation indebtedness of the borough, including authorized but
unsold general obligation bonds and its estimated effect per one hundred thousand dollars of
assessed valuation;
D. The current year's debt service on the outstanding general obligation bonds of the borough
and its estimated effect per one hundred thousand dollars of assessed valuation; and
E. The current assessed valuation within the borough.
2. For bonds secured by a pledge of taxes to be levied in a service area the notice shall also
contain the information required in subsection (1)(C), (D) and (E) relative to the service area.
3. Errors contained in information required in subsection (1)(B), (C), (D) and (E)with regard to the
borough or a service area shall not invalidate any election unless such errors are material. Actions
challenging the sufficiency of any notice of election must be brought within the time provided in
Section 10.06 of this charter.
Section 10.04 Manner of sale
General obligation bonds and bonds secured by a pledge of taxes to be levied in the service area
may be sold in such manner as the assembly shall provide.
Section 10.05 Sale to financial consultant prohibited
No person retained by the borough to perform services relating to financial programming or the
issuance and sale of obligations may bid on such obligations, directly or indirectly. In the event any
such person violates this provision, his or her contract for such services shall be null and void and he
or she shall not be entitled to any services rendered; and, in addition, he or she shall be liable for any
damages sustained by the borough in connection with such purchases and sale. Violation of the
provisions of this section shall not invalidate the obligations.
Section 10.06 Actions challenging the validity of obligations
No action challenging the validity of any obligations may be maintained unless instituted within thirty
days from the effective date of certification of the results of the election ratifying the issuance of such
obligation or thirty days from the effective date of the ordinance authorizing the issuance of such
obligation when ratification is not required.
Section 10.07 General obligations not requiring ratification
The assembly may authorize general obligation bonds or notes without ratification of the qualified
voters for disaster bonds or notes to be issued only in case of calamity which has caused great loss.
In this instance, obligations are to be used for the preservation, rehabilitation or reconstruction of
borough capital improvements.
Section 10.08 Interest and profits from investments
All interests and profits derived from the investment of the proceeds from the sale of any obligation
shall be used solely for the purpose for which such obligations were issued, or for their retirement.
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Section 11.01 Tax procedures
1. The assembly shall prescribe by ordinance the procedures for tax assessment and collection.
A. Property Assessment. Such procedures shall provide for the assessment of property at its
full and true value and for notice of assessment, administrative appeal and judicial review.
B. Property Tax First Lien. Any property tax together with collection charges, penalties and
interest is a first lien upon property.
C. Sales and Use Tax. Any sales or use tax or change in rate thereof shall be by ordinance
ratified by a majority of the qualified voters voting on the question.
2. No lien authorized by this charter or by law precludes the borough from exercising any other
lawful remedy for the collections of taxes.
Section 11.02 Private interests taxable
Private leaseholds, contracts or interests in land or property owned or held by the United States, the
state or other political subdivisions, shall be taxable to the extent of the fair market value of the
private interests.
Section 11.03 Property tax
1. Property tax shall not go into effect prior to a popular vote in which the majority of voters approve
the property tax, except that this provision shall not apply either to taxes to pay or secure payment of
principal and interest on bonded indebtedness as per AS 29A5. 100 and actions taken pursuant to
Section 10.07 of this charter.
2. Property taxes to pay or secure bonded indebtedness shall be enacted by assembly ordinance.
Section 12.01 Purpose
Service areas may be established to provide services not provided on an areawide basis or to provide
a higher level of service than that provided on an areawide basis.
Section 12.02 Establishment
1. By Ordinance, The assembly by ordinance may establish, alter, consolidate or abolish service
areas. The assembly by ordinance may add or eliminate services to a service area. The ordinance
shall contain the following:
A. Boundaries and area to be included;
B. Service to be provided or be eliminated; and
C. Other provisions the assembly includes.
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2. By Petition. Procedures for the establishment by petition of a service area shall be in accordance
with Section 6.01 of this charter as it would apply to the area in question.
Section 12.03 Criteria
Service areas shalt be established according to criteria of need and economic operating efficiency
and shall comprise the area to which the services shall be provided. A new service area shall be
established only after assembly determination that such services cannot be provided reasonably by
an existing service area or by alteration of an existing service area.
Section 12.04 Financing
The assembly may levy taxes, assessments or other charges within a service area to finance the
services, and funds thereby raised shall not be used for any purpose outside of the service area.
Section 13.01 Purpose
Local improvement districts may be established in a limited and determinable area to confer the
special benefits of any borough improvement. All or any part of the costs of the improvement may be
paid out of the proceeds of special assessments levied against the benefitted property.
Section 13.02 Local improvement procedure
The assembly by ordinance shall prescribe procedures for establishment of local improvement
districts and for agreements for furnishing capital improvements and the extension thereof in lieu of
assessments.
Section 13.03 Assessment in proportion to benefit
The assembly by ordinance shall establish the method of apportioning and assessing the cost of
improvements upon real property specially benefitted in proportion to the benefits.
Section 13.04 Lien
A special assessment, together with collection and interest charges, is a lien on the property
assessed second in priority only to property taxes and prior special assessments. The assessment
lien shall be enforceable in the same manner as a lien for borough taxes.
Section 13.05 Protests
If protests as to the necessity for any local improvements are made within the time allowed by
ordinance by the owners of real property that will bear at least fifty percent of the estimated cost to be
borne by the benefitted property, the improvement shall not proceed until the protests have been
reduced below fifty percent.
Section 13.06 Limitation on actions
No special assessment procedure may be contested by an action at law or in equity unless
commenced within sixty days after the confirmation of the special assessment roll.
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Except as otherwise provided by law all real property, including property exempt from taxation as
provided by law, shall be liable for the cost of local improvements unless specifically exempted by
ordinance of general effect. To the extent permitted by law, execution shall not be had against
interests in land or property owned or held by the United States,
Section 13.08 Receipts
Accounts for local improvement districts shall be kept separate from other borough accounts.
Revenues from a special assessment shall be used solely to pay the cost of the improvements or the
principal and interest on indebtedness incurred for the improvements.
Section 14.01 Proposal
1. Amendments to this charter may be proposed:
A. By ordinance of the assembly containing the full text of the proposed amendment; or
B. By report of an elected charter commission created by assembly ordinance or by initiative
ordinance; or
C. By initiative petition.
Section 14.02 Election
Proposed amendments shall be submitted to the qualified voters of the borough at the next regular or
special election occurring more than forty-five days after adoption of the ordinance, the final re-port of
the charter commission, or certification of the initiative petition. A notice containing the full text of each
proposed amendment shall be published.
Section 14.03 Effective date
If a majority of the qualified voters voting on a proposed amendment approve, the amendment shall
become effective at the time fixed therein or, if no time is so fixed, thirty days after certification of the
election.
Section 15.01 Personal financial interest
1. Prohibition, No elected official may vote on any question on which he has a substantial financial
interest. Any borough officer, employee or assembly member who has a substantial financial interest
in any contract with the borough, or in the sale of land, material, supplies or services to the borough
or to a contractor supplying the borough shall make known that interest and shall refrain from
participating in his/her capacity as a borough officer, employee or assembly member in the making of
such sale or in the making or performance of such contract.
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2. Punishment. Any borough officer, employee or assembly member who violates the requirements
of this section shall forfeit his/her office or employment. Violation of this section with the knowledge
express or implied of the person contracting with or making a sale to the borough shall render the
contract or sale to the borough voidable by the administrator or the assembly.
3. Additional Rules. The assembly by ordinance may prescribe additional rules and penalties to
prevent conflicts of interest.
Section 15.02 Prohibitions
1. Discrimination. Except with regard to any Native preference consistent with Section 703(i) of Title
VII of the Federal Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Indian Self-Determination Act of 1975 or other
applicable law, no person shall be discriminated against in any borough appointment, employment or
promotion because of race, sex, color, political or religious affiliation, or national origin.
2. Personnel Regulations. No person shall wilfully falsify any test, certification or appointment under
the personnel regulations, or in any manner commit or attempt to commit any fraud to prevent the
impartial execution of such regulations.
3. Undue Influence. No person shall offer, give or receive any money, service or other valuable
thing to influence or attempt to influence any action of an officer or employee in the performance of
his/her municipal duties.
4. Solicitation. No assembly person, borough officer or administrative employee shall directly or
indirectly solicit a contribution for any political party or purpose from any person holding a
compensated borough position.
5. Campaigning. No borough officer or assembly person shall campaign while on official business.
6. No person may be a candidate for borough or school district elective office if they have been
convicted of a felony offense involving theft, child abuse or other dishonest or immoral act prohibited
by law and that conviction has not been reversed, pardoned or otherwise expunged from their
criminal record. (Amended by Ord. 01-05 § 1, 2001; Ord. 98-05 § 1, 1998)
Section 15.03 Surety bonds
The borough administrator, the borough clerk or such other officers and employees as the assembly
may designate, entering upon their duties, shall be bonded, by individual .or group bonds, for the
faithful performance of their respective duties, payable to the borough, in such form and in such
amounts as the assembly may prescribe, with a surety company authorized to operate within the
state. The borough shall pay the premiums on such bonds.
Section 15.04 Oath of office
Every officer of the borough, before entering upon his duties, shall take the oath or affirmation
required by Section 5 of Article XII, Constitution of the state of Alaska. The assembly may require
designated employees to take such oath before entering upon their employment. Oaths of office shall
be filed with the borough clerk.
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Section 15.05 Continued office
Every officer who is elected or appointed for a term ending at a definite time shall continue to serve
until his successor qualifies and takes office, except in the case of death, resignation or termination
by law or this charter.
Section 15.06 Borough proceedings
The assembly by ordinance shall establish procedures governing administrative proceedings in which
the legal rights, duties, privileges or penalties of persons are to be determined; insure fair and equal
treatment of all persons involved in such proceedings; and provide for the conduct of such
proceedings in an orderly and uniform manner.
Section 15.07 Records to be public
All records of the borough shall be public except as otherwise provided by law. Records shall be
available at borough offices for public inspection and for distribution at such reasonable cost. Copies
certified by the clerk shall be prima fade evidence of their contents.
Section 15.08 Notice of lien
When any lien other than for ad valorem taxes or special assessments is placed by the borough on
any real property, notification of the lien shall be sent by registered or other special mail to the person
whose name appears as owner of the property on the most recent tax assessment roll.
Section 15.09 Dedication of borough property
Dedication of streets, rights-of-way, easements or other areas for public use by the assembly may not
be construed to require the borough to maintain, improve or provide for borough services in the area
dedicated and the dedication does not impose any liability on the borough for the condition of the
area dedicated.
Section 15.10 Definitions
Words used in this charter shall have their ordinary dictionary meanings, except where defined
otherwise in this charter or in Title 29 of the Alaska Statutes.
Section 15.11 Separability
If any provision of this charter is held invalid, other provisions shall not be affected. If the application
of this charter or any of its provisions to a person or circumstance is held invalid, the application of
this charter or any of its provisions to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected.
Section 16.01 Effective date
This charter shall be effective immediately on ratification.
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All those persons comprising the assembly of the borough existing immediately before the adoption of
this charter shall be deemed to have been elected to the assembly until the next regular election held
in October 1988. In October 1988, seats A, C, D, E and F shall be up for election and any other seats
that would be up for election following the terms of office as previously set by the assembly under rule
of a first class borough. District II, Seat D it is hereby designated District 2, Seat B and the elected
official serving that district will not be up for election in October 1988 unless it would normally be
under the staggered terms of office. All seats shall continue with the staggered terms of office of three
years set by this charter.
Section 16.03 Organization of assembly
The assembly shall meet on the first Monday of the month following the election at which this charter
is approved. The assembly shall elect from its membership a president and a vice president and
conduct other business as may be required for its organization.
Section 16.04 Transitional provisions for borough mayor
That person occupying the office of borough mayor immediately before the adoption of this charter
shall be deemed to have been elected to the office of mayor of the borough under this charter. The
term of mayor selected under this section shall not be altered due to enactment of this charter.
Section 16.05 Transitional provisions for school board
All persons comprising the school board of the borough existing immediately before the adoption of
this charter shall be deemed to have been elected to the school board, until the next regular election
held in October 1988. In October 1988, seats A, C, 0, E and F shall be up for election and any other
seats that would be up for election following the terms of office as previously set by the assembly
under rule of a first class borough. District II, Seat D it is hereby designated District 2, Seat B and the
elected official serving that district will not be up for election in October 1988 unless it normally would
be under the staggered terms of office. All seats shall continue with the staggered terms of office of
three years set by this charter.
Section 16.06 Continuation of employment
All employees of the borough shall continue in employment until the assembly, as the case may be,
provides otherwise. Salaries and benefits enjoyed by current employees shall continue unless
provisions are made to the contrary.
Section 16.07 Boards, committees and commissions
Except for those provided for by this charter, all appointed committees, commissions and boards in
effect at the time this charter is ratified shall be dissolved one year after the effective date of this
charter unless sooner abolished or specifically continued by ordinance.
Section 16.08 Assets and liabilities
The borough, as a home rule borough, shall succeed to all the assets and liabilities of the previously
existing first class borough.
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Section 16.09 Ordinances and resolutions
To the extent not inconsistent with this charter, ordinances, resolutions and orders of the borough
shall continue in full force and effect until no later than two years after ratification of this charter when
they shall expire, unless after review by the assembly, each ordinance, resolution or order has been
expressly reaffirmed, revised or repealed.
Section 16.10 Budget
Following adoption of this charter, the borough shall operate under the budget of the borough in effect
at adoption and under the budget for the following fiscal year, if one has been adopted by the
assembly.
Section 16.11 Continuance of actions
The adoption of this charter shall not abate or otherwise affect any action, cause of action, claim,
proceeding, civil or criminal, by or against the borough and which had accrued at the time of the
effective date of this charter. The applications, petitions, hearings and other proceedings pending on
the effective date before the borough, shall be continued.
We, the undersigned members of the Northwest Arctic Borough charter commission, duly elected in
accordance with Title 29, Alaska Statutes, state that the charter commission has prepared the above
charter of the Northwest Arctic Borough Home Rule Borough, and do hereby adopt this charter and
direct that this charter be submitted to the qualified voters of the Northwest Arctic Borough at a
regular election which shall be held for approval or rejection in accordance with law.
In witness whereof, we hereunto subscribe our names of this 21st day of July, 1987
Pete Schaeffer Evelyn Conwell
Bert Adams Lydia Scott
Levi Cleveland Chuck Greene
Vacant (Bert Greist served as chairman of this charter commission until his resignation of May 5,
1987).
I hereby certify that the Northwest Arctic Home Rule Borough charter was filed with me on this 21st
day of July, 1987.
Georgianna Phillips
Borough Clerk
A
The Northwest Arctic Borough Code is current through
Ordinance 16-03, Qassed ADrII 15. 2016.
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