2026-04-02 Regular MeetingKODIAK ISLAND BOROUGH
Assembly Regular Meeting
April 2, 2026
A regular meeting of the Kodiak Island Borough Assembly was held on April 2, 2026, in the
Assembly Chambers. The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. Staff present were
Administrative Official Seema Garoutte, Finance Director Dora Cross, Deputy Clerks Lina Cruz
and Irene Arellano.
INVOCATION
Captain David Shatto of the Salvation Army gave the invocation.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Griffin led the pledge of allegiance.
3. STATEMENT OF LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We are gathered on the traditional homeland of the Sugpiaq/Alutiiq people, and we
acknowledge the 10 tribes of the Kodiak Alutiiq Region. We recognize the Alutiiq culture
that enriches our community to this day.
4. ROLL CALL
Present were Mayor Griffin, Assembly Members Jeremiah Gardner, Dave Johnson,
Caroline Roberts, Scott Smiley, Bo Whiteside, and Jeffery Woods.
5. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
WHITESIDE moved to approve the agenda.
VOICE VOTE ON THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - None.
7. CITIZENS' COMMENTS
The following spoke under citizen's comments:
• Brenda Schwantes
• Sandra West
• Carlene McChesney
• Sue Jeffrey
8. AWARDS AND PRESENTATIONS
A. Proclamation Recognizing April As Second Chance Month
Mayor Griffin proclaimed the month of April 2026 as Second Chance Month in
Kodiak and recognized the dignity, potential, and humanity of individuals
returning from incarceration, and further acknowledged the dedication of local
Kodiak Island Borough Assembly Regular Meeting Minutes
April 2, 2026 Page 1 of 5
organizations, volunteers, and partners who work tirelessly to support reentry
and enhance community safety.
Alex Komzak, Board Member and volunteer with Kodiak Re-entry, Inc., received
the proclamation.
9. COMMITTEE REPORTS
• Mayor Griffin announced that a Borough Lands Committee Work Session is
scheduled on Monday, April 6, at 12 pm in the Borough Assembly Chambers.
10. PUBLIC HEARING
A. Ordinance No. FY2026-20, Rezoning Ouzinkie Block 3 Lot 2 (2209 Second
Street) From R1 Single Family Residential District To B Business District
WHITESIDE moved to adopt Ordinance No. FY2026-20.
Mayor Griffin opened the public hearing. Seeing and hearing none, he closed
the public hearing.
ROLL CALL VOTE ON THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY: Gardner,
Johnson, Roberts, Smiley, Whiteside, and Woods.
B. Ordinance No. FY2026-21, Rezoning Ouzinkie Tract C Block 1 Parcel 1 USS
4871 (648 G Street) From R1 Single Family Residential District To PL Public
Use Lands District
WHITESIDE moved to adopt Ordinance No. FY2026-21.
Mayor Griffin opened the public hearing. Seeing and hearing none, he closed
the public hearing.
ROLL CALL VOTE ON THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY: Johnson,
Roberts, Smiley, Whiteside, Woods, and Gardner.
C. Ordinance No. FY2026-22, Rezoning Ouzinkie Block 14 Lot 7 (3525 Third
Street) From R2 Two Family Residential District to PL Public Use Lands District
WHITESIDE moved to adopt Ordinance No. FY2026-22.
Mayor Griffin opened the public hearing. Seeing and hearing none, he closed
the public hearing.
ROLL CALL VOTE ON THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY: Roberts,
Smiley, Whiteside, Woods, Gardner, and Johnson.
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April 2, 2026 Page 2 of 5
11. BOROUGH MANAGER'S REPORT
Administrative Official Seema Garoutte provided a manager's report, and it was
included in the meeting packet.
12. MESSAGES FROM THE BOROUGH MAYOR
Borough Mayor Jared Griffin reported that he attended a cruise ship and tourism training
hosted by Old Harbor Native Corporation focusing on tourism and branding in
preparation for the expected cruise ship arrivals in Old Harbor this year. He expressed
enthusiasm about participating in the initial brainstorming session and observing the
progress of these initiatives.
He also provided an update on the Borough Lands Committee, stating the committee
will hold a work session on April 6 at noon p.m. in the Borough Assembly Chambers to
review land disposal criteria and work toward standardizing the process for receiving
and evaluating lands, which has historically been somewhat ad hoc. The committee's
goal is to create a more transparent, consistent, and predictable system for evaluating
and recommending land decisions for staff, the public, and the committee.
13. CONSIDERATION OF CALENDAR - UNFINISHED BUSINESS — None.
14. CONSIDERATION OF CALENDAR - NEW BUSINESS
14.A. CONTRACTS — None.
14.13. RESOLUTIONS
Resolution No. FY2026-15, Approving Certain Unincorporated Communities
And Their Respective Native Village Council And/Or Incorporated Nonprofit
Entity For Participation In The FY2027 Community Assistance Program
WHITESIDE moved to adopt Resolution No. FY2026-15.
ROLL CALL VOTE ON THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY: Smiley,
Whiteside, Woods, Gardner, Johnson, and Roberts.
14.C. ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION
Ordinance No. FY2026-01A, Amending Ordinance No. FY2026-01, Fiscal Year
2026 Budget, By Amending Budgets And Appropriations To Account For Various
Revenues That Are Over Budget, Providing For Additional Expenditures, And
Moving Funds Between Projects
WHITESIDE moved to advance Ordinance No. FY2026-01A to public hearing at
the next regular meeting of the Assembly.
ROLL CALL VOTE ON THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY: Whiteside,
Woods, Gardner, Johnson, Roberts, and Smiley.
Kodiak Island Borough
April 2, 2026
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Page 3 of 5
2. Ordinance No. FY2026-23, Accepting And Appropriating Funds From The 2020
Prince William Sound Pink And Coho Salmon Fisheries Disaster Relief
Distribution
WHITESIDE moved to advance Ordinance No. FY2026-23 to public hearing at
the next regular meeting of the Assembly.
ROLL CALL VOTE ON THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY: Woods,
Gardner, Johnson, Roberts, Smiley, and Whiteside.
14.D. OTHER ITEMS
Confirmation Of The Mayoral Appointment To The Architectural And
Engineering Review Board Of Mr. Lucas Smith
WHITESIDE moved to confirm the mayoral appointment of Mr. Lucas Smith to
the Architectural and Engineering Review Board for a term to expire on
December 31, 2028.
ROLL CALL VOTE ON THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY: Gardner,
Johnson, Roberts, Smiley, Whiteside, and Woods.
15. CITIZENS' COMMENTS — None.
16. ASSEMBLY MEMBERS' COMMENTS
• Assembly Member Gardner encouraged everyone to enjoy the warm weather
and support the local bike shop.
• Assembly Member Johnson wished a happy Easter to those who celebrate it.
He thanked Kodiak Re-entry Inc. for their thoughtful and articulate remarks
regarding the re-entry resolution, and he congratulated Lucas Smith on his
appointment to the Architectural and Engineering Review Board.
• Assembly Member Smiley thanked the Kodiak Island Borough for supporting a
table at the Kodiak Arts Council Starry Night Arts and Adventure Auction on
March 28.
• Assembly Member Whiteside reminded the Assembly that the review of the
Borough Manager and Borough Clerk evaluation forms were sent via email and
ask the Assembly to submit feedback on the forms by Friday, April 10. He also
announced the upcoming Borough Lands Committee meeting will be held on
Monday, April 6, at noon in the Borough Assembly Chambers. He noted the
meeting will be livestreamed on the Borough's YouTube channel. He
encouraged the public to attend and provide input on land disposal.
• Assembly Member Roberts recognized the Assessing Department for
processing more than 1,000 cases during the busy assessment season and
wished a happy Easter to those who celebrate it.
• Assembly Member Woods expressed appreciation to Kodiak Re-entry Inc. for
their valuable contributions to the community, highlighting their work supporting
individuals seeking substance abuse treatment despite limited resources.
Kodiak Island Borough
April 2, 2026
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17. ADJOURNMENT
SMILEY moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:25 p.m.
VOICE VOTE ON THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
KODIAK ISLAND BOROUGH
ed Griffin, y
Kodiak Island Borough
April 2, 2026
ATTEST:
Nova M. Javier, MMC, Borq igh Clerk
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