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, APRIL 21, 2026  
6:00 PM  
I. CALL TO ORDER  
The regular meeting of the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Assembly was held  
on Tuesday, April 21, 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: 6 - Assemblymember Michael Bowles, Assemblymember Dee McKee,  
Assemblymember Maxwell Sumner, Assemblymember Bill  
Gamble, Assemblymember Dmitri Fonov, and Assemblymember  
Ron Bernier  
Telephonic: 1 - Assemblymember Stephanie Nowers  
III. APPROVAL OF AGENDA  
Assemblymember Fonov moved to remove Ordinance Serial No.  
26-045 from the agenda.  
The motion failed by the following vote:  
Yes: 3 - Assemblymember Bowles, Assemblymember McKee, and  
Assemblymember Fonov  
No: 4 - Assemblymember Nowers, Assemblymember Sumner,  
Assemblymember Gamble, and Assemblymember Bernier  
Assemblymember Bernier called for a moment of silence for the  
tragedy regarding the dogs in Caswell.  
IV. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE  
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Assemblymember Bowles.  
V. MINUTES OF PRECEDING MEETINGS  
There were no minutes of preceding meetings.  
VI. REPORTS/CORRESPONDENCE  
A. AGENCY REPORTS (MSB 2.12.082; Seven minutes per person)  
1. Reports From Cities  
There were no reports provided.  
2. Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District  
There was no report provided.  
3. State of Alaska  
There was no report provided.  
4. MSB Fish and Wildlife Commission  
MSB Fish and Wildlife Commission  
26-070  
Andy Couch, Vice Chair of the MSB Fish and Wildlife Commission,  
presented on changes to the Upper Cook Inlet Central District Drift  
Gillnet Management Plan.  
B. COMMITTEE REPORTS  
1. Joint Assembly/School Board Committees  
There were no reports provided.  
2. Assembly Public Relations  
There was no report provided.  
C. MANAGER COMMENTS  
1. State/Federal Legislation  
2. Strategic Planning Issues  
Manager Brown spoke to the Animal Care case and recent arrest and  
upcoming investigation. Spoke to letting the investigation run its  
course. Spoke to the Borough Animal Care team.  
D. ATTORNEY COMMENTS  
E. CLERK COMMENTS  
Ms. McKechnie spoke to the upcoming meeting schedule and inquired  
about scheduling Valley Transit as an agenda item on the April 28, 2026,  
special meeting agenda.  
There was no objection.  
F. CITIZEN AND OTHER CORRESPONDENCE  
1. Glacier View Community Council: 02/26/26  
2. Local Road Service Area Advisory Board: 02/19/26  
3. North Lakes Community Council: 09/25/25, 10/30/25, 11/20/25,  
12/18/25, 01/15/26, 01/29/25, 02/15/26, 02/26/26, 03/15/26  
4. Planning Commission: 03/16/26  
26-068  
5. South Colony RSA Board of Supervisors: 01/14/26  
6. Talkeetna Sewer & Water Board: 02/04/26, 03/04/26, Resolution  
No. 26-01  
7. Transportation Advisory Board: 02/13/26  
The citizen and other correspondence were presented, and no comments  
were noted.  
G. INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUMS  
Informing The Assembly Of The Manager’s Signature On A Grant  
IM 26-077  
Application For Submission To The Rasmuson Foundation For The  
Matanuska River Park And Campground.  
Informing The Assembly Of The Manager’s Signature On A  
Memorandum Of Agreement Regarding The Talkeetna Village Airstrip  
Revetment Reconstruction.  
IM 26-078  
The informational memorandums were presented, and no comments  
were noted.  
VII. 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 persons spoke to Animal Care and Regulation and the  
Caswell 26: Kathleen Frederick, Holly Thorssin, Casey Randall,  
Christine Witzman, Eric Kelly, Alyssa Buser, Sara (Last name was  
indiscernible), Holly Lynn, Margaret Woods, Lance Lesley, Kimberly  
Wells, Michael Garcia, Jessica Scialfan, Amanda Brooks Henderson,  
Laura Mullin, and Alyeska (Last name was indiscernible).  
The following person spoke to the Borough Tax Assessor and the Board  
of Equalization: Butch Moore.  
The following person spoke the Caswell Lakes Road Service Area No.  
15 road maintenance: James Skinner.  
The following person spoke in support of Resolution Serial No. 26-033:  
John Miller, North Lakes Community Council member; Father Randy  
Hillman; and Nate (Last name was indiscernible)  
The following person spoke in opposition of data centers: Karen Lewis.  
The following person spoke to the library book, "Let's Talk About It",  
Senate Bills 41 and 238: Linda Spohn.  
The following person spoke to the Borough Tax Assessor, property  
taxes, assessments, the Board of Equalization, and the formula for the  
mill rate: Dawson White.  
The following person spoke in opposition of Ordinance Serial No.  
26-020 and in support of Ordinance Serial No. 26-045: Tracy  
Barickman.  
The following person spoke to the bid process of the Big Lake Road  
Service Area No. 21 road maintenance contract: Mokie Tew.  
The following person spoke to concerns with Ordinance Serial No.  
26-045: Joel Stefanski.  
The following person spoke to concerns with AM 26-041: Jason  
Calloway.  
The following person spoke to library books, the book "Let's Talk About  
It", and Caswell 26: Jackie Goforth.  
The following person spoke in support of Resolution Serial No. 26-033:  
Lyle Downing.  
The following person spoke in opposition of the claim there are  
obscene books in the library and to the upcoming Library Board  
Meeting: Mary Robinson.  
The following persons spoke in opposition of the proposed location for  
the Talkeetna Water and sewer treatment plant: Andrea Larson and Alan  
Larson.  
The following persons spoke to the closure of Meadow Lakes  
Elementary: Heather Bauman and Mary Doer.  
The meeting recessed at 7:55 p.m. and reconvened at 8:10 p.m.  
The following person spoke to the education fund, Valley Transit, and  
library books: Elizabeth Kiddo.  
The following person spoke to the Animal Care and Regulation  
investigation: Maxine Franklin.  
The following person spoke to Ordinance Serial No. 26-045 and  
culverts: Andrew Traxler.  
The following person spoke to a review of the Borough kennel licenses,  
the license renewal process, and the Animal Care and Regulation  
response time: Joselin Doerumer.  
The following person spoke in support of Valley Transit: Raven Amos.  
The following person spoke to the Talkeetna Library, the Caswell 26,  
and Borough Code regarding kennel licenses: Ruth Wood.  
B. PUBLIC HEARINGS (Three Minutes Per Person.)  
An Ordinance Accepting And Appropriating $28,792.55 From The  
Alaska State Division Of Forestry, Volunteer Fire Capacity Grant  
Program; And Appropriating $2,879.25 In Matching Funds For  
Firefighter And Firefighting Equipment, Supplies, And Communications  
Equipment.  
OR 26-037  
RS 26-023: A Resolution Approving The Scopes Of Work And Budgets  
For The Alaska State Division Of Forestry Volunteer Fire Capacity  
Grants And Matching Funds For The Fire Service Areas Of  
Willow-Caswell, Talkeetna, And Sutton.  
Ms. McKechnie read the legislation into the record.  
Mayor DeVries opened the pubic hearing.  
There being no one present who wished to testify, the public hearing  
closed and discussion moved to the Assembly.  
Assemblymember Bernier moved to adopt Ordinance Serial  
No. 26-037 and Resolution Serial No. 26-023.  
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 Disaster Relief Funds From  
The Alaska State Division Of Homeland Security And Emergency  
Management In The Amount Of $823,135.48 For The January 2022  
Mat-Su Windstorm Disaster.  
OR 26-038  
RS 26-024: A Resolution Approving The Scope Of Work And Budget  
For Disaster Relief Funds For The January 2022 Mat-Su Windstorm  
Disaster Project No. 55030.  
Ms. McKechnie read the legislation into the record.  
Mayor DeVries opened the public hearing.  
There being no one present who wished to testify, the public closed and  
discussion moved to the Assembly.  
Assemblymember Bernier moved to adopt Ordinance Serial  
No. 26-038 and Resolution Serial No. 26-024.  
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 $175,000 From The Alaska  
State Department Of Military And Veteran’s Affairs, Emergency  
Management Performance Grant; And Requesting A Reappropriation Of  
$175,000 From The Emergency Management Fiscal Year 2026  
Operating Budget For Emergency Management Wages And Benefits.  
RS 26-026: A Resolution Approving The Scope Of Work And Budget  
For A Grant In The Amount Of $175,000 From The Alaska State  
Department Of Military And Veteran’s Affairs, Emergency Management  
Performance Grant, For Emergency Management Wages And Benefits.  
Ms. McKechnie read the legislation into the record.  
OR 26-040  
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 Bernier moved to adopt Ordinance Serial  
No. 26-040 and Resolution Serial No. 26-026.  
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 On The Palmer High  
School Elevator Replacement Project Through June 30, 2028.  
RS 26-029: A Resolution Amending The Budgets Of The Palmer High  
School Elevator Replacement, Finger Lake Elementary School Boiler  
Replacement, And Snowshoe Elementary School Boiler Replacement  
Projects; And Approving The Scope Of Work And Budget For The  
Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District Deferred Maintenance -  
Fiscal Year 2026 Project.  
OR 26-042  
Ms. McKechnie 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 Bernier moved to adopt Ordinance Serial  
No. 26-042 and Resolution Serial No. 26-029.  
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 To Accept And Appropriate 2026 Series B Taxable  
General Obligation Transportation System Bonds Proceeds Including  
Issuance Costs And Additional Premium To Debt Service.  
Ms. McKechnie read the legislation into the record.  
OR 26-043  
Mayor DeVries opened the public hearing.  
There being no one present who wished the testify, the public hearing  
closed and discussion went to the Assembly.  
Assemblymember Bernier moved to adopt Ordinance Serial  
No. 26-043.  
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 Appropriating The 2026 Series A General Obligation  
School Refunding Proceeds For Issuance Costs.  
OR 26-044  
Ms. McKechnie 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 Bernier moved to adopt Ordinance Serial  
No. 26-044.  
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 Changing The Exemption To Weight Restrictions On  
Borough Roads For Essential Purposes Only.  
OR 26-045  
Sponsors: Sumner and Bowles  
Ms. McKechnie read the legislation into the record.  
Mayor DeVries opened the public hearing.  
The following person spoke in opposition of Ordinance Serial No.  
26-045: Patricia Fisher  
The following person spoke in support of the oversight of weight  
restrictions in the Borough and having a process: Mokie Tew.  
There being no others present who wished to testify, the public hearing  
closed and discussion moved to the Assembly.  
Assemblymember Sumner moved to adopt Ordinance Serial  
No. 26-045.  
Assemblymember Fonov moved a primary amendment to  
Ordinance Serial No. 26-045 by striking all changes except for  
Section F of MSB 11.08.10.  
Assemblymember Sumner moved to a secondary amendment  
to reinsert the changes to subsection MSB 11.08.025 (B)(2).  
The secondary amendment 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 primary amendment passed by the following vote:  
Yes: 5 - Assemblymember Bowles, Assemblymember McKee,  
Assemblymember Sumner, Assemblymember Fonov, and  
Assemblymember Bernier  
No: 2 - Assemblymember Nowers, and Assemblymember Gamble  
The main motion passed by the following vote:  
Yes: 6 - Assemblymember Bowles, Assemblymember Nowers,  
Assemblymember McKee, Assemblymember Sumner,  
Assemblymember Gamble, and Assemblymember Bernier  
No: 1 - Assemblymember Fonov  
An Ordinance Amending MSB 3.28 To Increase The Property Owner  
Ballot Threshold For Contiguous Local Improvement Districts From 54  
Percent To 75 Percent.  
OR 26-046  
Sponsors: Bowles  
Ms. McKechnie 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 Bowles moved to adopt Ordinance Serial No.  
26-046.  
Assemblymember Nowers moved a primary amendment to  
strike "67%" and insert "75%" throughout the legislation.  
The primary amendment passed by the following vote:  
Yes: 5 - Assemblymember Bowles, Assemblymember Nowers,  
Assemblymember McKee, Assemblymember Gamble, and  
Assemblymember Bernier  
No: 2 - Assemblymember Sumner, and Assemblymember Fonov  
Assemblymember Fonov moved a primary amendment to  
strike "75%" and insert "70%" throughout the legislation.  
The primary amendment failed by the following vote:  
Yes: 2 - Assemblymember Sumner, and Assemblymember Fonov  
No: 5 - Assemblymember Bowles, Assemblymember Nowers,  
Assemblymember McKee, Assemblymember Gamble, and  
Assemblymember Bernier  
The main motion passed as amended by the following vote:  
Yes: 6 - Assemblymember Bowles, Assemblymember Nowers,  
Assemblymember McKee, Assemblymember Gamble,  
Assemblymember Fonov, and Assemblymember Bernier  
No: 1 - Assemblymember Sumner  
C. 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 to AM 26-041: Wayne Whaley.  
Assemblymember Bernier moved to suspend the rules and  
extend the meeting past 10 p.m. and not to exceed 10:30 p.m.  
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. CONSENT AGENDA  
1. RESOLUTIONS  
A Resolution Establishing The Minimum Level Of Funding For The  
Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District From Local Sources  
For The Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2027.  
RS 26-031  
A Resolution Directing The Manager To Acquire Land On Wolf  
Lake From The Alaska State Department Of Natural Resources To  
Develop And Manage A Park For Public Purposes.  
RS 26-033  
RS 26-036  
Sponsors: Fonov  
A Resolution Directing The Manager To Determine The Costs And  
Requirements Associated With Subdividing The Tanaina Elementary  
School Property Into Multiple Lots For The Purpose Of A Land Sale  
To The YMCA Of Alaska And The Tanaina Community Council For  
A Public Purpose.  
Sponsors: Fonov  
2. ACTION MEMORANDUMS  
Approval Of Additional Utility Relocation Cost Of $75,850 To  
AM 26-040  
Matanuska Electric Association, Inc. For The Crimsonview Drive,  
South Vermillon Drive, South Thalo Drive, And South Ochre Drive  
Reconstruction Project In South Colony Road Service Area No. 16;  
And Extend The Completion Date To August 31, 2026.  
Award Of Bid No. 26-125B To Tutka, LLC. In The Contract Amount  
Of $1,897,024.41 To Construct Phase 1 Fern Street Upgrades And  
Pathways.  
AM 26-042  
AM 26-043  
Award Of Proposal No. 26-138P To Lounsbury And Associates In  
The Contract Amount Of $175,220 To Provide Construction  
Management Services For Phase 1 Fern Street Upgrades And  
Pathway Improvements.  
Approval of Election Officials For The November 3, 2026, Regular  
Borough Election.  
AM 26-044  
Ms. McKechnie read the legislation 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  
Award Of Contract No. 26-143C To McKenna Brothers Paving, Inc.  
In The Contract Amount Of $1,232,145.33 For Big Lake Road  
Service Area Annual Road Maintenance.  
AM 26-033  
Ms. McKechnie read the legislation into the record.  
CONFLICT OF INTEREST: Assemblymember Sumner  
declared a conflict of interest on AM 26-033 as he has  
worked with McKenna Brothers Paving, Inc.  
RULING: Mayor DeVries ruled that Assemblymember  
Sumner had a conflict of interest and would be recused  
from voting.  
CONFLICT OF INTEREST: Assemblymember Fonov  
declared a conflict of interest on AM 26-033 as his family  
worked with McKenna Brothers Paving, Inc.  
RULING: Mayor DeVries ruled that Assemblymember  
Fonov had a conflict of interest and would be recused from  
voting.  
(Assemblymembers Sumner and Fonov exited the meeting.)  
Assemblymember McKee moved to adopt AM 26-033.  
The motion failed by the following vote:  
Yes: 2 - Assemblymember Nowers, and Assemblymember Gamble  
No: 3 - Assemblymember Bowles, Assemblymember McKee, and  
Assemblymember Bernier  
Recused: 2 - Assemblymember Sumner, and Assemblymember Fonov  
Approval To Vacate The 50-Foot-Wide Section Line Easement, On  
The Western Boundary Of Block 6, Lot 6, Geor Dol Estates, Plat  
No. 77-179 (Tax ID No. 1343B06L006), Located Within The  
Northwest ¼, Section 15, Township 16 North, Range 3 East, Seward  
Meridian.  
AM 26-041  
Ms. McKechnie read the legislation into the record.  
Assemblymember Bowles moved to adopt AM 26-041.  
Assemblymember Bowles moved a primary amendment to  
strike the word "vacate" and insert the words "veto the  
vacation of" in the title and summary statement.  
Assemblymember Bernier moved to suspend the rules and  
to extend the meeting past 10:30 p.m. and not to exceed  
10:45 p.m.  
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 primary amendment failed by the following vote:  
Yes: 1 - Assemblymember Bowles  
No: 6 - Assemblymember Nowers, Assemblymember McKee,  
Assemblymember Sumner, Assemblymember Gamble,  
Assemblymember Fonov, and Assemblymember Bernier  
The main motion passed by the following vote:  
Yes: 7 - Assemblymember Bowles, Assemblymember Nowers,  
Assemblymember McKee, Assemblymember Sumner,  
Assemblymember Gamble, Assemblymember Fonov, and  
Assemblymember Bernier  
VIII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS  
There was no unfinished business.  
IX. VETO  
There were no vetoes presented.  
X. NEW BUSINESS  
A. INTRODUCTIONS (For Public Hearing 05/05/26 Assembly Chambers)  
An Ordinance Accepting And Appropriating $250,000 From The Mat-Su  
OR 26-047  
Trails And Parks Foundation For The Government Peak Recreation Area  
Traverse Trail And Skeetawk Summer Trails Survey Project And  
Authorizing The Manager To Execute The Grant Agreement.  
RS 26-032: A Resolution Approving The Scope Of Work And Budget  
Of The Government Peak Recreation Area Traverse Trail And Skeetawk  
Summer Trails Survey Project.  
An Ordinance Reappropriating $125,000 From The Planning  
Department's Fiscal Year 2026 Operating Budget, To Fund The Port  
MacKenzie Master Plan Update.  
OR 26-049  
RS 26-035: A Resolution Approving The Scope Of Work And Budget  
For The Port MacKenzie Master Plan Update.  
B. INTRODUCTION (For Public Hearing 04/23/26, At The Willow Community  
Center; 04/28/26 At The Menard Sports Complex; And 04/30/26, In Assembly  
Chambers)  
An Ordinance Appropriating Monies From The Central Treasury For The  
Borough Operating Funds, Enterprise Funds, Education Operating Fund  
And Capital Funds, Establishing The Rate Of Levy For All Borough  
Functions For The Fiscal Year Beginning July 1, 2026, And Ending June  
30, 2027; And Setting The Surcharge Rate For The Wireline And  
Wireless Enhanced 911 Systems For The Period Of July 1, 2026,  
Through June 30, 2027.  
OR 26-026  
Ms. McKechnie 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 hearing  
for April 23, 2026; April 28, 2026; April 30, 2026; and May 5,  
2026, respectively.  
The motion passed by the following vote:  
Yes: 7 - Assemblymember Bowles, Assemblymember Nowers,  
Assemblymember McKee, Assemblymember Sumner,  
Assemblymember Gamble, Assemblymember Fonov, and  
Assemblymember Bernier  
C. MAYORAL NOMINATIONS AND APPOINTMENTS  
1. VACANCY REPORT  
Mayoral Requests for Confirmation  
26-069  
Platting Board  
Reginald Carney, Jr.  
Amanda Salmon, resignation  
Big Lake RSA No. 21  
Nate Suing, resignation  
Assemblymember Bernier moved to confirm the  
resignations and appointments 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 presented.  
XI. RECONSIDERATION  
There were no reconsiderations presented.  
A. MOTION TO RECONSIDER PUBLIC HEARING DATE  
An Ordinance Changing The Exemption To Weight Restrictions On  
Borough Roads For Essential Purposes Only.  
OR 26-045  
Sponsors: Sumner and Bowles  
[Clerk's Note: The reconsider was not moved.]  
XII. MAYOR, ASSEMBLY, AND STAFF COMMENTS  
Assemblymember Nowers spoke to the Caswell 26, budget hearings, and  
schools.  
Assemblymember McKee spoke to the Caswell 26.  
Assemblymember Sumner spoke to the potential school closures, Caswell  
26, and potential creation of a citizens advisory board regarding kennels.  
Assemblymember Bernier spoke to management in Animal Care and  
Regulation and the Caswell 26.  
Assemblymember Bowles directed the Manager to remove "Let's  
Talk About It" from every Borough Library.  
Assemblymember Sumner moved to postpone the motion until  
May 5, 2026.  
The motion to postpone discussion passed by the following vote:  
Yes: 7 - Assemblymember Bowles, Assemblymember Nowers,  
Assemblymember McKee, Assemblymember Sumner,  
Assemblymember Gamble, Assemblymember Fonov, and  
Assemblymember Bernier  
Assemblymember Bowles directed the Manager to put the  
Animal Care Officer involved with the Caswell 26 on leave  
without pay until the investigation concluded.  
Assemblymember Bernier moved to suspend the rules and to  
extend the meeting past 10:45 p.m. and not to exceed 10:52  
p.m.  
The motion passed by the following vote:  
Yes: 7 - Assemblymember Bowles, Assemblymember Nowers,  
Assemblymember McKee, Assemblymember Sumner,  
Assemblymember Gamble, Assemblymember Fonov, and  
Assemblymember Bernier  
Assemblymember Bernier moved to suspend the rules and to  
extend the meeting past 10:52 p.m. and not to exceed 11:15  
p.m.  
The motion passed by the following vote:  
Yes: 7 - Assemblymember Bowles, Assemblymember Nowers,  
Assemblymember McKee, Assemblymember Sumner,  
Assemblymember Gamble, Assemblymember Fonov, and  
Assemblymember Bernier  
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 main 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 spoke to loss of life, to saving lives, and the  
March for Life event coming up.  
Assemblymember Gamble spoke to innocent until proven guilty and  
Animal Care and Regulation.  
Assemblymember Fonov spoke to the justice system and the loss of  
life.  
XIII. EXECUTIVE SESSION  
There was no executive session.  
XIV. ADJOURNMENT  
The meeting adjourned at 10:59 p.m.