MATANUSKA-SUSITNA BOROUGH  
350 East Dahlia Avenue, Palmer, Alaska 99645 - 907-861-8683  
BOROUGH MAYOR  
Edna DeVries  
BOROUGH ASSEMBLY  
Michael Bowles, District 1  
Stephanie Nowers, District 2  
Dee McKee, District 3  
BOROUGH CLERK  
Lonnie R. McKechnie, CMC  
Maxwell Sumner, District 4  
Bill Gamble, District 5  
BOROUGH MANAGER  
Michael Brown  
Dmitri Fonov, District 6  
Ron Bernier, District 7  
BOROUGH ATTORNEY  
Nicholas Spiropoulos  
MEETING MINUTES  
ASSEMBLY CHAMBERS  
350 EAST DAHLIA AVENUE, PALMER  
ASSEMBLY REGULAR MEETING  
TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2026  
6:00 PM  
I. CALL TO ORDER  
The regular meeting of the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Assembly was held  
on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at the Borough Assembly Chambers, 350 E.  
Dahlia Avenue, Palmer, Alaska. The meeting was called to order at 6 p.m. by  
Mayor Edna DeVries.  
II. ROLL CALL  
Present: 7 - Assemblymember Michael Bowles, Assemblymember Stephanie  
Nowers, Assemblymember Dee McKee, Assemblymember  
Maxwell Sumner, Assemblymember Bill Gamble,  
Assemblymember Dmitri Fonov, and Assemblymember Ron  
Bernier  
III. APPROVAL OF AGENDA  
Mayor DeVries queried if there were any changes to the agenda.  
Assemblymember Bowles moved to remove Ordinance Serial No.  
26-065 from introduction.  
The motion passed by the following vote:  
Yes: 4 - Assemblymember Bowles, Assemblymember McKee,  
Assemblymember Sumner, and Assemblymember Fonov  
No: 3 - Assemblymember Nowers, Assemblymember Gamble, and  
Assemblymember Bernier  
Mayor DeVries queried if there were any additional changes to the agenda.  
The agenda was approved as amended without objection.  
IV. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE  
The pledge of allegiance was led by Carter Fickes, a member of the  
Northern Knights Robotic Team.  
V. SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY  
Mayoral Proclamation Honoring the Northern Knights Robotic Team  
26-076  
Mayor DeVries presented a proclamation in recognition of the  
achievements of the Northern Knights Robotics Team.  
Carter Fickes and the Northern Knights Robotics Team presented on their  
participation in the first robotics competition in Alaska.  
Mayor DeVries noted that it is also Emergency Services Week and spoke to  
the hardwork of the Borough's first responders.  
VI. MINUTES OF PRECEDING MEETINGS  
A. Assembly Regular Meeting Minutes: 04/07/26  
26-079  
B. Assembly Departmental Budget Presentation Minutes: 04/09/26  
C. Assembly Regular Meeting Minutes: 04/21/26  
D. Assembly Budget Public Hearing Minutes: 04/23/26  
E. Assembly Budget Public Hearing Minutes: 04/28/26  
F. Assembly Budget Public Hearing Minutes: 04/30/26  
The minutes were approved as presented without objection.  
VII. REPORTS/CORRESPONDENCE  
A. AGENCY REPORTS (MSB 2.12.082; Seven minutes per person)  
1. Reports From Cities  
Palmer City Mayor, Jim Cooper, noted that the city is in opposition  
to the proposed sales tax legislation.  
2. Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District  
There was no report provided.  
There was no report provided.  
3. State of Alaska  
B. COMMITTEE REPORTS  
1. Joint Assembly/School Board Committees  
There was no report provided.  
2. Assembly Public Relations  
Assemblymember Fonov reported on his attendance at the World  
Fair at Academy Charter School. Noted that it is Public Works Week  
and thanked the Borough's Public Works Department for their hard  
work.  
C. MANAGER COMMENTS  
1. State/Federal Legislation  
2. Strategic Planning Issues  
There was no report provided.  
D. ATTORNEY COMMENTS  
There was no report provided.  
E. CLERK COMMENTS  
Ms. Henry spoke to the upcoming meeting schedule.  
F. CITIZEN AND OTHER CORRESPONDENCE  
1. Caswell Lakes RSA Board of Supervisors: 04/09/25, 06/09/25  
26-080  
2. Fishhook Community Council: 10/23/25, Resolution No. 26-01  
3. Glacier View Community Council: 03/26/26  
4. Knik RSA Board of Supervisors: 04/07/26  
5. Lazy Mountain RSA Board of Supervisors: 02/05/26, 05/07/26  
6. Parks, Recreation, and Trails Advisory Board: 03/23/26  
7. Planning Commission: 04/20/26  
8. Talkeetna Community Council: 03/02/26, 04/06/26  
9. Tanaina Community Council: 03/23/26  
The citizen and other correspondence were presented, and no comments  
were noted.  
G. INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUMS  
Reporting The Conclusion Of Contract For Bid No. 24-144B With  
IM 26-098  
Nodak Electric And Construction, Inc. For A Final Contract Amount Of  
$344,200 For The Supply And Install Of Generators For Emergency  
Services.  
Reporting The Conclusion Of Contract For Bid No. 24-157B With  
Orion Construction, Inc. For A Final Contract Amount Of  
$1,072,202.93 For The Animal Care And Regulation 2023 Upgrades To  
The Animal Care Facility.  
IM 26-104  
The informational memorandums were presented, and no comments  
were noted.  
VIII. SPECIAL ORDERS  
A. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION (You can speak under one of the audience  
participations on the agenda, but not both; Three Minutes Per Person.)  
The following person spoke in opposition to Ordinance Serial No.  
26-021: Patricia Fisher.  
The following person spoke to concerns with the lack of road  
maintenance in Meadow Lakes Road Service Area: Esther Huddleston,  
Meadow Lakes RSA Board Member.  
The following persons spoke to concerns with pornographic books in  
Borough Libraries: Jackie Goforth and Karen Lewis.  
The following persons spoke to concerns with Ordinance Serial No.  
26-041: Joshua Shepherd, George Fougeron, and Colleen Vague.  
The following person opined that the United States is a constitutional  
republic and not a democratic society and to concerns with books in  
libraries: Linda Spohn.  
B. PUBLIC HEARINGS (Three Minutes Per Person.)  
An Ordinance Creating Republican Way Natural Gas Local Improvement  
District No. 672, Approving The Improvement Plan For The District,  
Authorizing The Manager To Proceed With The Improvement, And  
Assessing Equally Among The Properties Within The District The Costs  
Of The Improvement.  
OR 26-041  
Ms. Henry read the legislation into the record.  
Cheyenne Heindel, Finance Director, provided a staff report.  
Mayor DeVries opened the public hearing.  
The following person spoke in support of Ordinance Serial No. 26-041:  
Cheryl Fougeron, Tom Chipman, and George Fougeron.  
There being no others present who wished to testify, the public hearing  
closed, and discussion moved to the Assembly.  
Assemblymember Bowles moved to adopt Ordinance Serial No.  
26-041.  
The motion passed by the following vote:  
Yes: 7 - Assemblymember Bowles, Assemblymember Nowers,  
Assemblymember McKee, Assemblymember Sumner,  
Assemblymember Gamble, Assemblymember Fonov, and  
Assemblymember Bernier  
An Ordinance Approving A Less Than Fair Market Value Sale Of Nine  
Borough-Owned Properties To The Alaska State Department Of  
Transportation And Public Facilities For A Public Purpose.  
Ms. Henry read the legislation into the record.  
OR 26-050  
Mayor DeVries opened the public hearing.  
The following person spoke in support of Ordinance Serial No. 26-050:  
James Sowerwine, Alaska State Department of Transportation and  
Public Facilities.  
There being no others present who wished to testify, the public hearing  
closed, and discussion moved to the Assembly.  
Assemblymember Bowles moved to adopt Ordinance Serial No.  
26-050.  
The motion passed by the following vote:  
Yes: 7 - Assemblymember Bowles, Assemblymember Nowers,  
Assemblymember McKee, Assemblymember Sumner,  
Assemblymember Gamble, Assemblymember Fonov, and  
Assemblymember Bernier  
An Ordinance Accepting And Appropriating $338,000 From The United  
States Department Of Military And Veterans’ Affairs, Division Of  
Homeland Security And Emergency Management, Hazard Mitigation  
Grant Program.  
OR 26-051  
RS 26-038: A Resolution Approving The Scope Of Work And Budget  
And Authorizing The Manager To Enter Into An Agreement For The  
Sushana Drive Drainage Improvement Phase 1.  
Ms. Henry read the legislation into the record.  
Mayor DeVries opened the public hearing.  
The following persons spoke to concerns with Ordinance Serial No.  
26-051 and Resolution Serial No. 26-038: Scott Lindbloom.  
The following person spoke in support of Ordinance Serial No. 26-051  
and Resolution Serial No. 26-038: Dixie Banner.  
There being no others present who wished to testify, the public hearing  
closed, and discussion moved to the Assembly.  
Assemblymember Bernier moved to adopt Ordinance Serial  
No. 26-051 and Resolution Serial No. 26-038.  
The motion passed by the following vote:  
Yes: 7 - Assemblymember Bowles, Assemblymember Nowers,  
Assemblymember McKee, Assemblymember Sumner,  
Assemblymember Gamble, Assemblymember Fonov, and  
Assemblymember Bernier  
An Ordinance Approving Land Classification Of Three Borough-Owned  
Properties In The Big Lake Area As Reserved Use Lands, Resource  
Management Lands, And General Purpose Lands.  
OR 26-052  
Ms. Henry read the legislation into the record.  
Mayor DeVries opened the public hearing.  
There being no one present who wished to testify, the public hearing  
closed, and discussion moved to the Assembly.  
Assemblymember Gamble moved to adopt Ordinance Serial  
No. 26-052.  
The motion passed by the following vote:  
Yes: 7 - Assemblymember Bowles, Assemblymember Nowers,  
Assemblymember McKee, Assemblymember Sumner,  
Assemblymember Gamble, Assemblymember Fonov, and  
Assemblymember Bernier  
An Ordinance Extending The Date Of Completion Of The Brett Ice  
Arena Digital Sign Display Project Through June 30, 2027.  
RS 26-040: A Resolution Amending The Scope Of Work And Retitling  
The Brett Ice Arena Digital Sign Display Project.  
OR 26-053  
Ms. Henry read the legislation into the record.  
Mayor DeVries opened the public hearing.  
There being no one present who wished to testify, the public hearing  
closed, and discussion moved to the Assembly.  
Assemblymember Sumner moved to adopt Ordinance Serial  
No. 26-053 and Resolution Serial No. 26-040.  
The motion passed by the following vote:  
Yes: 7 - Assemblymember Bowles, Assemblymember Nowers,  
Assemblymember McKee, Assemblymember Sumner,  
Assemblymember Gamble, Assemblymember Fonov, and  
Assemblymember Bernier  
An Ordinance Establishing The Board For Advisory Review Of Kennel  
Standards (“BARKS”) As An Advisory Board To Review And Make  
Recommendations Regarding Kennel Licensing And Enforcement.  
OR 26-056  
Sponsors: Sumner, Fonov and Bernier  
Ms. Henry read the legislation into the record.  
Mayor DeVries opened the public hearing.  
There being no one present who wished to testify, the public hearing  
closed, and discussion moved to the Assembly.  
Assemblymember Sumner moved to adopt Ordinance Serial  
No. 26-056.  
Assemblymember Nowers moved a primary amendment to  
Section 2. Membership, to insert a nonvoting Assembly  
member seat.  
Assemblymember Sumner called for the question (to stop  
debate).  
The motion failed by the following vote:  
Yes: 2 - Assemblymember Bowles, and Assemblymember McKee  
No: 5 - Assemblymember Nowers, Assemblymember Sumner,  
Assemblymember Gamble, Assemblymember Fonov, and  
Assemblymember Bernier  
Assemblymember Bowles moved a secondary amendment to  
Section 2. Membership, by inserting the following language at  
the end of that section: "After the investigation report is  
received, the Mayor may choose to appoint an nonvoting  
Assembly member seat to BARKS."  
Assemblymember Sumner called for the question (to stop  
debate).  
The motion passed by the following vote:  
Yes: 7 - Assemblymember Bowles, Assemblymember Nowers,  
Assemblymember McKee, Assemblymember Sumner,  
Assemblymember Gamble, Assemblymember Fonov, and  
Assemblymember Bernier  
The secondary amendment passed by the following vote:  
Yes: 4 - Assemblymember Bowles, Assemblymember McKee,  
Assemblymember Gamble, and Assemblymember Fonov  
No: 3 - Assemblymember Nowers, Assemblymember Sumner, and  
Assemblymember Bernier  
Assemblymember Sumner moved a secondary amendment,  
Section 2, Membership, to insert the following language at the  
end of the paragraph: "The BARKS committee may request  
that that a nonvoting Assembly seat be added."  
The secondary amendment failed by the following vote:  
Yes: 1 - Assemblymember Sumner  
No: 6 - Assemblymember Bowles, Assemblymember Nowers,  
Assemblymember McKee, Assemblymember Gamble,  
Assemblymember Fonov, and Assemblymember Bernier  
The primary amendment passed as amended by the following  
vote:  
Yes: 6 - Assemblymember Bowles, Assemblymember Nowers,  
Assemblymember McKee, Assemblymember Sumner,  
Assemblymember Gamble, and Assemblymember Fonov  
No: 1 - Assemblymember Bernier  
The main motion passed as amended by the following vote:  
Yes: 7 - Assemblymember Bowles, Assemblymember Nowers,  
Assemblymember McKee, Assemblymember Sumner,  
Assemblymember Gamble, Assemblymember Fonov, and  
Assemblymember Bernier  
C. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION (You can speak under one of the audience  
participations on the agenda, but not both; Three Minutes Per Person.)  
The meeting recessed at 8:09 p.m. and reconvened at 8:25 p.m.  
The following person spoke in opposition of Ordinance Serial No.  
26-065 being removed from introduction: Dana Rafaniello.  
D. CONSENT AGENDA  
1. RESOLUTIONS  
A Resolution To Waive The $500 Application Fee For The  
Nonprofit Wasilla-Knik Historical Society And To Inform The  
Assembly Of The Borough’s Intent To Enter Into A New  
Management Agreement For A Five-Year Term To Use And Manage  
Borough-Owned Land And Buildings, Including The Knik Museum  
And The Bjorn Cabin, Located Within Section 24, Township 16  
North, Range 3 West.  
RS 26-034  
A Resolution Waiving All Application And Land Use Permit Fees  
For The Alaska State Department Of Fish And Game’s Use Of  
Borough Land For Resource Monitoring And Management  
Activities.  
RS 26-041  
2. ACTION MEMORANDUMS  
Approval Of An Extension Of The Final Completion Date To June  
AM 26-050  
30, 2027, For Contract No. 22-090P(A) With CRW Engineering  
Group, LLC For The Tex-Al Drive Extension Upgrade And Pathway  
Project.  
Approval Of Change Order No. 3 For Contract No. 22-055P With  
Stantec Consulting Services, Inc. For The Seldon Extension Phase II  
Right-Of-Way Acquisition Map Completion To Extend The Contract  
To June 30, 2027.  
AM 26-055  
Approving The Fiscal Year 2027 Payment To The City Of Palmer In  
The Amount Of $1,395,571.64 For The Fire Services Agreement.  
AM 26-056  
AM 26-057  
Acceptance Of Late Filed And Retroactive Senior Citizen And  
Disabled Veteran Tax Exemption Applications For The Period Of  
March And April 2026.  
Approval Of Contract Amendment No. 2 For Contract No. 26-017C  
With Wolf Architecture Inc. For American Charter Academy  
Construction Administration Services To Add $25,541 For  
Additional Design Services Related To On-Site Traffic  
Improvements.  
AM 26-058  
AM 26-059  
Award Of Bid No. 26-127B To Granite Construction Company In  
The Amount Of $1,527,531.50 To Construct The Compost And Tire  
Area Improvements At The Central Landfill.  
Approval Of Contract Extension For Contract No. 24-060P With  
RESPEC, Inc. Adding $9,920 For Continued Construction  
Administration Services To Design Central Landfill Entrance  
Improvements Phase I; And Extending The Contract Completion  
Date To June 30, 2026.  
AM 26-060  
Approval Of Change Order No. 3 For The E-911 And Dispatch  
Services Agreement No. 16-100P Increasing The Annual Cost By  
$569,600 In Fiscal Year 2027 For Two Additional Dispatchers And  
Two Additional Call Takers.  
AM 26-061  
AM 26-062  
AM 26-063  
Authorizing A Purchase from FERNO In The Amount Of  
$868,372.76 Of Power X-2 Ambulance Stretcher Platforms With  
Pro F1 Mounting Systems.  
Award Of Bid No 26-167C To Braun Northwest Inc. In The  
Anticipated Cost Not To Exceed $506,000 To Remount And  
Refurbish Two Ambulances.  
Ms. Henry read the consent agenda into the record.  
Assemblymember Bernier moved to approve the consent  
agenda as read into the record by the Clerk.  
The motion passed by the following vote:  
Yes: 7 - Assemblymember Bowles, Assemblymember Nowers,  
Assemblymember McKee, Assemblymember Sumner,  
Assemblymember Gamble, Assemblymember Fonov, and  
Assemblymember Bernier  
A Resolution Amending The Budget For Birchtree Charter School  
And Approving The Budget For American Charter Academy To  
Address Unforeseen Conditions, Infrastructure Needs, And  
Resulting Cost Impacts During Construction.  
RS 26-050  
Ms. Henry read the legislation into the record.  
Assemblymember Nowers moved to adopt Resolution Serial  
No. 26-050.  
The motion passed by the following vote:  
Yes: 7 - Assemblymember Bowles, Assemblymember Nowers,  
Assemblymember McKee, Assemblymember Sumner,  
Assemblymember Gamble, Assemblymember Fonov, and  
Assemblymember Bernier  
A Resolution Encouraging Property Maintenance, Community  
Cleanliness, And The Preservation Of Individual Freedom Of Choice  
Regarding The Use Of Outdoor Yard Power Tools, Including Leaf  
Blowers.  
RS 26-051  
Sponsors: Sumner  
Ms. Henry read the legislation into the record.  
Assemblymember Bowles moved to adopt Resolution Serial  
No. 26-051.  
The motion passed by the following vote:  
Yes: 7 - Assemblymember Bowles, Assemblymember Nowers,  
Assemblymember McKee, Assemblymember Sumner,  
Assemblymember Gamble, Assemblymember Fonov, and  
Assemblymember Bernier  
IX. UNFINISHED BUSINESS  
There was no unfinished business.  
X. VETO  
A. Motion to Override Any Possible Mayoral Veto on Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Items  
(Ordinance Serial No. 26-026)  
The Mayor did not present any budget vetoes.  
Assemblymember McKee moved to reconsider the removal from  
introduction of Ordinance Serial No. 26-065.  
The motion failed by the following vote:  
Yes: 4 - Assemblymember Nowers, Assemblymember McKee,  
Assemblymember Gamble, and Assemblymember Bernier  
No: 3 - Assemblymember Bowles, Assemblymember Sumner, and  
Assemblymember Fonov  
[Clerk's Note: The Clerk announced that the motion passed with four  
affirmative votes. The Assembly disagreed and determined that five  
affirmative votes were required for passage; therefore, the motion is  
recorded in these minutes as failed.]  
XI. NEW BUSINESS  
A. INTRODUCTIONS (For Public Hearing 06/02/26, Assembly Chambers)  
An Ordinance Repealing A General Standard Of MSB 17.30,  
Conditional Use Permit For Earth Materials Extraction Activities.  
OR 26-021  
Sponsors: Sumner  
An Ordinance Extending The Completion Date For The Steam Thaw  
Truck Project Funding To June 30, 2028.  
OR 26-054  
RS 26-044: A Resolution Amending The Budget For The Thaw Truck,  
Cold Planer, Pickup Truck Purchase; And Approving The Scope Of  
Work And Budget For The Road And Pathway Sustainment Project.  
An Ordinance Accepting And Appropriating $37,700 Received From  
The Surplus Sale Of Road Service Area Equipment For The Road And  
Pathway Sustainment Project.  
OR 26-055  
RS 26-045: A Resolution Amending The Budget For The Road And  
Pathway Sustainment Project.  
An Ordinance Accepting And Appropriating $75,000 From The Alaska  
State Department Of Transportation And Public Facilities For West  
Susitna Parkway Improvements.  
RS 26-046: A Resolution Approving The Scope Of Work And Budget  
For West Susitna Parkway Improvements.  
OR 26-057  
OR 26-060  
An Ordinance Accepting And Appropriating $523.73 From The  
United States Fish And Wildlife Service And $583.74 From The  
Alaska State Department Of Fish And Game, Passed Through  
The Palmer Soil And Water Conservation District For A Total Of  
$1,107.47.  
RS 26-047: A Resolution Approving The Scope Of Work And  
Budget; And Authorizing The Manager To Enter Into An  
Agreement For The Caswell Creek/Caswell Lake Streambank  
Rehabilitation Project.  
An Ordinance Increasing The Marijuana Sales Tax Levy From 5 Percent  
To 10 Percent; And To Submit The Question To The Qualified Areawide  
Voters At The November 3, 2026, Regular Borough Election.  
OR 26-061  
Sponsors: Bernier  
An Ordinance Levying A Tax Up To 10 Percent On The Sale Of  
Alcoholic Beverages; And To Submit The Question To The Qualified  
Areawide Voters At The November 3, 2026, Regular Borough Election.  
OR 26-062  
OR 26-063  
Sponsors: Bernier  
An Ordinance Accepting And Appropriating A Grant In The Amount Of  
$44,000 From The Alaska State Department Of Health And Social  
Services For A Project For The Continued Management Of Points Of  
Dispensing Sites That Will Be Used To Distribute Medicines Or  
Vaccines To Residents And Visitors In Our Area In The Event Of An  
Incident That Requires Large Numbers Of People To Receive  
Preventive Medicines And Medications.  
RS 26-048: A Resolution Approving The Scope Of Work And Budget  
For A Grant In The Amount Of $44,000 From The Alaska State  
Department Of Health And Social Services, For The Continued  
Management Of Points Of Dispensing Sites Project.  
An Ordinance Reappropriating $10,000 From The 2023 Fiscal Year  
Areawide Budget Appropriation To Fish Passage Improvements For The  
Cottonwood Creek Pike Barrier Project.  
OR 26-064  
RS 26-049: A Resolution Approving The Scope Of Work And Budget  
For The Cottonwood Creek Pike Barrier Project.  
Ms. Henry read the legislation into the record.  
Assemblymember Bernier moved to introduce the legislation as  
read into the record by the Clerk and to set the public hearings  
for June 2, 2026.  
Assemblymember Gamble moved to divide the question, to  
take up introduction of Ordinance Serial No. 26-021,  
separately.  
The motion passed by the following vote:  
Yes: 4 - Assemblymember Bowles, Assemblymember Nowers,  
Assemblymember McKee, and Assemblymember Gamble  
No: 3 - Assemblymember Sumner, Assemblymember Fonov, and  
Assemblymember Bernier  
FIRST SEGMENT: Assemblymember Bernier moved to  
introduce the legislation as read into the record by the Clerk  
and to set the public hearings for June 2, 2026, with the  
exception of Ordinance Serial No. 26-021.  
The motion passed by the following vote:  
Yes: 7 - Assemblymember Bowles, Assemblymember Nowers,  
Assemblymember McKee, Assemblymember Sumner,  
Assemblymember Gamble, Assemblymember Fonov, and  
Assemblymember Bernier  
SECOND SEGMENT: Assemblymember Bernier moved to  
introduce Ordinance Serial No. 26-021 and to set the public  
hearing for June 16, 2026.  
Assemblymember Gamble moved a primary amendment by  
striking "June 16, 2026" and inserting "July 21, 2026" in its  
place.  
The motion failed by the following vote:  
Yes: 3 - Assemblymember Nowers, Assemblymember McKee, and  
Assemblymember Gamble  
No: 4 - Assemblymember Bowles, Assemblymember Sumner,  
Assemblymember Fonov, and Assemblymember Bernier  
Assemblymember Sumner moved a primary amendment by  
striking "June 16, 2026" and inserting June 2, 2026"  
The motion passed by the following vote:  
Yes: 6 - Assemblymember Bowles, Assemblymember McKee,  
Assemblymember Sumner, Assemblymember Gamble,  
Assemblymember Fonov, and Assemblymember Bernier  
No: 1 - Assemblymember Nowers  
The second segment passed as amended by the following vote:  
Yes: 7 - Assemblymember Bowles, Assemblymember Nowers,  
Assemblymember McKee, Assemblymember Sumner,  
Assemblymember Gamble, Assemblymember Fonov, and  
Assemblymember Bernier  
B. INTRODUCTIONS (For Public Hearing 06/16/26, Assembly Chambers)  
An Ordinance Adopting MSB 3.15.036 $75,000, Owner-Occupied  
Residential Real Property Exemption And MSB 1.10.170, 1.5 Percent  
Areawide Sales Tax (With Exemptions For Sales Within The Cities);  
And Submitting The Proposition To The Voters At The November 3,  
2026, Regular Borough Election.  
OR 26-065  
Sponsors: Nowers  
[Clerk's Note: Ordinance Serial No. 26-065 was pulled from  
introduction at approval of the agenda.]  
C. MAYORAL NOMINATIONS AND APPOINTMENTS  
1. VACANCY REPORT  
Mayoral Requests for Confirmation  
26-081  
Lazy Mountain RSA No. 19  
Pierre Stragier, removal  
Assemblymember Bernier moved to confirm the removal  
requested by the Mayor.  
The motion passed by the following vote:  
Yes: 7 - Assemblymember Bowles, Assemblymember Nowers,  
Assemblymember McKee, Assemblymember Sumner,  
Assemblymember Gamble, Assemblymember Fonov, and  
Assemblymember Bernier  
D. OTHER NEW BUSINESS  
There was no other new business.  
E. REFERRALS (For Referral To The Planning Commission For 90 Days Or Other  
Date Specified By The Assembly)  
There were no referrals.  
XII. RECONSIDERATION  
There were no reconsiderations.  
XIII. MAYOR, ASSEMBLY, AND STAFF COMMENTS  
Assemblymember McKee noted that each member of the Assembly works  
hard on behalf of their constituents and does their best to represent their  
interests.  
Assemblymember Sumner agreed with Assemblymember McKee and stated  
that he is glad the Borough has unrestricted access to the use of leaf  
blowers.  
Assemblymember Bernier thanked the public for attending. Said a prayer.  
Assemblymember Nowers opined that legislation titles could be more  
descriptive so the public can more easily understand the matters under  
consideration. Expressed dismay that Ordinance Serial No. 26-065 was  
removed from introduction and noted her intent to bring the legislation back  
forward. Further opined that it was disrespectful to invite open discussion  
and alternative ideas regarding taxes, only to subsequently shut down that  
discussion. Spoke to her attendance at the Palmer Food Bank ribbon-cutting  
ceremony.  
Assemblymember Bowles noted his disagreement with Assemblymember  
Nowers and stated that he intends to vote against her legislation should it be  
brought forward again. Further stated his opposition to government  
overreach and spoke in support of the earth materials extraction legislation.  
Noted that it is a privilege to serve his district.  
Assemblymember Gamble commented that personal earth materials  
extraction is currently permitted. Expressed concern that the gravel  
legislation removes a key component of the public process, specifically the  
opportunity for residents to comment on matters that directly impact their  
homes. Spoke in opposition to the removal of Ordinance Serial No. 26-065  
from introduction and emphasized the importance of hearing differing ideas  
and allowing them to be voted up or down.  
Assemblymember Fonov spoke in opposition to removing items from the  
agenda and commented that it would require the collective agreement of the  
Assembly to discontinue the practice. Spoke in support of  
Assemblymember McKee serving in a nonvoting capacity on the BARKS  
Committee.  
XIV. EXECUTIVE SESSION  
There was no executive session.  
XV. ADJOURNMENT  
The meeting adjourned at 9:26 p.m.