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, MARCH 3, 2026  
6:00 PM  
I. CALL TO ORDER  
The regular meeting of the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Assembly was held  
on Tuesday, March 3, 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 Stephanie  
Nowers, Assemblymember Dee McKee, Assemblymember  
Maxwell Sumner, Assemblymember Bill Gamble, and  
Assemblymember Ron Bernier  
Telephonic: 1 - Assemblymember Dmitri Fonov  
III. APPROVAL OF AGENDA  
Mayor DeVries queried if there were any changes to the agenda.  
Assemblymember Nowers moved a primary amendment to pull  
Ordinance Serial No. 25-047 from introduction and to take no  
action.  
The motion passed by the following vote:  
Yes: 5 - Assemblymember Bowles, Assemblymember Nowers,  
Assemblymember Sumner, Assemblymember Gamble, and  
Assemblymember Bernier  
No: 2 - Assemblymember McKee, and Assemblymember Fonov  
Mayor DeVries queried if there were any additional changes to the agenda.  
Assemblymember Sumner moved a primary amendment to change  
the first audience participation from three minutes to two minutes.  
Assemblymember Bowles moved a secondary amendment to  
change both audience participations to two minutes.  
The secondary 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 primary 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  
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 Assemblymember McKee.  
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  
Dr. Randy Traini, School District Superintendent, reported on the  
School District's budget shortfall.  
3. State of Alaska  
There was no report provided.  
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  
There was no report provided.  
D. ATTORNEY COMMENTS  
There was no report provided.  
E. CLERK COMMENTS  
Ms. McKechnie spoke to the upcoming meeting schedule.  
F. CITIZEN AND OTHER CORRESPONDENCE  
1. Agriculture Advisory Board: 01/21/26  
26-043  
2. Big Lake Community Council: 01/13/26  
3. Big Lake RSA Board of Supervisors: 06/09/25, 12/08/25  
4. Board of Adjustment and Appeals: 04/30/25, Final Decisions 24-01  
and 25-01  
5. Butte Community Council: 01/14/26  
6. Butte FSA Board of Supervisors: 12/11/25  
7. Central Mat-Su Board of Supervisors: 01/12/26  
8. Enhanced 911 Advisory Board: 12/09/25  
9. Greater Talkeetna RSA Board of Supervisors: 01/08/26  
10. North Lakes Community Council: Resolution Nos. 24-002, 25-001,  
25-002, 25-003, 26-001, 26-002  
11. Platting Board: 01/15/26  
12. Transportation Advisory Board: 10/24/25  
The citizen and other correspondence were presented, and no comments  
were noted.  
G. INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUMS  
Informing The Assembly Of The Managers Signature On Five Grant  
IM 26-032  
Applications For Submission To The Alaska State Library For The  
Alaska Public Library Assistance Grants For The Big Lake, Sutton,  
Talkeetna, Trapper Creek, and Willow Libraries.  
Reporting Conclusion Of Contract No. 24-088B with Granite  
Construction Company For a Total Contract Amount Of $4,268,545.40  
For The Hidden Hills And Caswell Lakes Road Improvements Project.  
IM 26-040  
IM 26-042  
Reporting The Conclusion Of Contract For Bid No. 23-118B With F-E  
Contracting, Inc. For A Final Contract Amount Of $23,915,805.90 To  
Construct The Mat-Su Central School Project.  
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 concerns with the School District’s  
proposed budget cuts and in support of full funding: Chris Tyree, Katrina  
Miller, Lidda Tobin, Heather Bowman, Mark Beck, Sarah Phillips, Chris  
Angell, Fred Merrill, Carrie Johnson, Taft Johnson, Rebecca Emerson,  
John Miller, Mayerly Fischer, Alexa Backmen, Travis Friesen, Thom  
Ohls, Amber Allen, Melissa Brauneis, Mariah Clifford, Carrie Dunphy,  
Violet Rainbow Brooks, Gary Wolske, Anna Daniel, Stephanie Mellott,  
Dave Johnson, Tara Lee, and Riley Laws.  
The following person spoke in opposition to a sales tax, to lifting weight  
restrictions on Borough roads, to changing the voting threshold for  
approval of gas local improvement districts, to leasing land for data  
centers, and to increases to the salaries of the Assembly and Mayor:  
Mary Robinson.  
The following persons spoke to concerns with pornographic books in  
Borough libraries: Jackie Goforth and Linda Spohn.  
The following persons spoke in opposition to locating data centers in  
the Borough and to concerns with the noise and water pollution that they  
cause: Mary Claire McCarthy, Beth Aiken, Shyan Horner, Danielle  
Benbo, Sheryl McGee, Julianna Pruitt, Caroline Elm, Karina Pettit, and  
Serena Beck.  
The following persons spoke in opposition to any new taxes: Louis  
Calandri and Mike Alexander.  
The following person spoke in support of the Assembly revisiting lifting  
weight restrictions and noted that the State is unaware of the change that  
the Borough is making, to concerns with the damage to roads that lifting  
spring weight restrictions will cause: Joel Stefanski  
The following person spoke in support of full funding for the School  
District and in opposition to the Borough partnering with Terra for a  
marketing campaign: John Perry.  
The following persons spoke in support of reconsideration of Ordinance  
Serial No. 26-020: Tery Gorlick and Jackie Gorlick.  
The following person opined that the Borough needs to establish an  
natural gas advisory committee: Tom Roberson.  
The following person spoke in opposition to locating data centers in the  
Borough and in support of full funding for the Scholl District: Marika  
Hintz.  
The following person noted that the Tanaina Community Council is  
seeking a location within their council boundaries to develop into a  
park: Mary Revetta.  
The following person spoke to concerns with how assessments in the  
Borough are conducted: Dawson White.  
The following person spoke in opposition to waiving seasonal weight  
restrictions on roads, to an increase to the Assembly and Mayor  
salaries, to any new taxes, to banning books, and in support of full  
funding for schools: Helen Vincent.  
The following persons spoke to the need to audit the School District  
Administration for waste, in opposition to the cuts that the School  
District is proposing: Skyler DeBoer and Mary DeBoer.  
The following person spoke to the need to fully fund schools and in  
opposition to data centers and coal mines: Riley Blakenship.  
The following person spoke to concerns with the proposed voting  
threshold for gas local improvement districts: Jesse Sumner.  
The meeting recessed at 8:42 p.m. and reconvened at 9 p.m.  
B. PUBLIC HEARINGS (Three Minutes Per Person.)  
An Ordinance Authorizing The Manager To Enter Into A Memorandum  
Of Agreement With The Talkeetna Community Council, Inc. For The  
Talkeetna Library Pathway Project And Accepting And Appropriating A  
Grant For Project Implementation.  
OR 26-022  
RS 26-013: A Resolution Approving The Scope Of Work And Budget  
For The Talkeetna Library Pathway Project.  
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. 26-022 and Resolution Serial No. 26-013.  
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 Amending MSB 3.15.225 Board Of Equalization;  
Hearing, Related To Limiting The Board’s Authority To Raise  
Assessments And Making Findings.  
OR 26-024  
Sponsors: Sumner, Bowles and Gamble  
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 Sumner moved to adopt Ordinance 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 $258,328.07 From The  
United States Geological Survey And $265,852.19 From The Natural  
Resources Conservation Service; And Extending The Date Of  
Completion For Match Funding Through June 30, 2029, For The  
Collection Of LiDAR Elevation Data.  
OR 26-025  
RS 26-015: A Resolution Approving The Scope Of Work And Budget  
For The Collection Of LiDAR Elevation Data.  
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. 26-025 and Resolution Serial No. 26-015.  
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 Amending MSB 3.28 To Increase The Property Owner  
Ballot Threshold For Contiguous Local Improvement Districts From 54  
Percent To 67 Percent, And Remove The Provisions That Only Returned  
Ballots Are Considered In Tabulation.  
OR 26-027  
Sponsors: Nowers and Bowles  
Ms. McKechnie read the legislation into the record.  
Mayor DeVries opened the public hearing.  
The following persons spoke to concerns with the threshold for  
approving gas local improvement districts: Dave Johnson, Andrew  
Traxler, and Duane Yung.  
Assemblymember Nowers moved to adopt Ordinance Serial  
No. 26-027.  
Assemblymember Bernier moved to suspend the rules and  
extend the meeting past 10 p.m. and not to exceed 11:30 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  
Assemblymember Bowles moved a primary amendment as  
follows:  
* by striking current Section 4, on page 3 of the ordinance in  
its entirety;  
* by inserting in its place: “(d) a ballot with a return envelope  
addressed to the borough finance department. The ballot shall  
request the property owner to indicate approval or disapproval  
of the local improvement district by marking a vote of “yes” or  
“no” on the ballot, and shall state that the assembly will not  
proceed with the improvement unless, within 30 days after  
mailing notice of the public hearing, the borough receives  
ballots marked “yes” from owners of property bearing 100  
percent of the estimated cost of a natural gas distribution line  
improvement; or more than 75 percent of the estimated cost of  
any other improvement, except that for noncontiguous  
improvement districts, the borough must receive ballots  
marked “yes” from 100 percent of property owners bearing 100  
percent of the estimated cost of the improvement.”  
* by striking current Section 5, on page 4 of the ordinance in  
its entirety; and  
* inserting in its place: "(B) The assembly may not proceed  
with the improvement unless ballots approving a contiguous  
local improvement district are timely filed by owners of  
property bearing more than 100 percent of the estimated cost  
of a natural gas distribution line improvement; or more than  
75 percent of the estimated cost of any other improvement; or  
for a noncontiguous local improvement district, by owners of  
property bearing 100 percent of the estimated cost of the  
improvement. If sufficient ballots are not timely filed, the  
assembly may not proceed with the improvement unless it  
revises the plan, and a new balloting of owners of property in  
the local improvement district results in the timely filing of  
ballots approving the local improvement district by owners of  
property bearing 100 percent of the estimated cost of a natural  
gas distribution line improvement; more than 75 percent of the  
estimated cost of any other improvement; or for a  
noncontiguous local improvement district, of owners of  
property bearing 100 percent of the estimated cost of the  
improvement. A revised plan shall be approved and adopted as  
an original plan as provided in MSB 3.28.050."  
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  
Assemblymember Sumner moved a primary amendment, to  
Section 5, page 4 of the ordinance, to reinsert the following  
language: "For contiguous local improvement district  
proposals, the percentage calculation will be calculated based  
upon the total number of ballots returned. Unreturned ballots  
will not affect the calculation."  
The primary 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  
Assemblymember Sumner moved a primary amendment by  
striking "75" and inserting "67" in its place throughout the  
ordinance.  
Assemblymember Fonov moved a secondary amendment by  
striking "67" and inserting "60" in its p lace throughout the  
ordinance.  
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 failed by the following vote:  
Yes: 1 - Assemblymember Fonov  
No: 6 - Assemblymember Bowles, Assemblymember Nowers,  
Assemblymember McKee, Assemblymember Sumner,  
Assemblymember Gamble, 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 primary amendment passed by the following vote:  
Yes: 5 - Assemblymember McKee, Assemblymember Sumner,  
Assemblymember Gamble, Assemblymember Fonov, and  
Assemblymember Bernier  
No: 2 - Assemblymember Bowles, and Assemblymember Nowers  
The main motion failed as amended by the following vote:  
Yes: 3 - Assemblymember Nowers, Assemblymember McKee, and  
Assemblymember Gamble  
No: 4 - Assemblymember Bowles, Assemblymember Sumner,  
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 following person spoke to concerns with the marketing partnership  
outlined in Resolution Serial No. 26-019: Scott Lapine.  
D. CONSENT AGENDA  
1. RESOLUTIONS  
A Resolution Approving The Amended Budgets For Birch Creek  
Tributary At Mastodon Road Fish Passage Project And Neklason  
Lake At Homebuilt Circle Fish Passage Project.  
RS 26-016  
A Resolution Amending The Scope Of Work And Budget To  
Reallocate Funds From 2025 Jolly Creek Drainage And Cherrywood  
Drive, To The 2025 South Horseshoe Lake Road Repairs And  
Upgrade Project In Big Lake Road Service Area.  
RS 26-017  
A Resolution Waiving The Fee For A Conditional Use Permit For  
An Alcoholic Beverage Dispensary.  
RS 26-018  
Sponsors: Gamble  
2. ACTION MEMORANDUMS  
Award Of Bid No. 26-098B To Nodak Electric & Construction Inc.  
In The Contract Amount Of $148,061 To Design And Build A Roof  
Structure At Port MacKenzie.  
AM 26-016  
AM 26-017  
AM 26-018  
Award Of Bid No. 26-081P To New Horizons Telecom, Inc. In The  
Contract Amount Of $555,941.21 To Design And Build A New  
Telecommunication Tower In Eureka.  
Award Of Bid No. 26-117B To Swickard Auto Group In The Amount  
Of $114,534 To Purchase Two Emergency Services 4x4 Sport  
Utility Vehicles.  
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  
A Resolution Supporting A Joint Marketing Effort Between The  
Borough And Terra Energy Center Corporation For The Promotion  
And Development Of Designated Borough Lands To Solicit  
Expressions Of Interest From Large Power Consumers For Data  
Center, Energy Infrastructure, Advanced Manufacturing, And  
Industrial Development Opportunities.  
RS 26-019  
Sponsors: Bernier and Fonov  
Ms. McKechnie read the legislation into the record.  
Assemblymember Bowles moved to adopt Resolution Serial  
No. 26-019.  
Assemblymember Bowles called for the question (to stop  
debate).  
The motion failed by the following vote:  
Yes: 2 - Assemblymember Bowles, and Assemblymember Gamble  
No: 5 - Assemblymember Nowers, Assemblymember McKee,  
Assemblymember Sumner, Assemblymember Fonov, and  
Assemblymember Bernier  
Assemblymember Gamble moved to postpone Resolution  
Serial No. 26-019 to June 2, 2026.  
Assemblymember Bernier called for the question (to stop  
debate).  
The motion passed by the following vote:  
Yes: 5 - Assemblymember Bowles, Assemblymember McKee,  
Assemblymember Sumner, Assemblymember Gamble, and  
Assemblymember Bernier  
No: 2 - Assemblymember Nowers, and Assemblymember Fonov  
The motion to postpone failed by the following vote:  
Yes: 3 - Assemblymember Bowles, Assemblymember Nowers, and  
Assemblymember Gamble  
No: 4 - Assemblymember McKee, Assemblymember Sumner,  
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 passed by the following vote:  
Yes: 5 - Assemblymember McKee, Assemblymember Sumner,  
Assemblymember Gamble, Assemblymember Fonov, and  
Assemblymember Bernier  
No: 2 - Assemblymember Bowles, and Assemblymember Nowers  
VIII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS  
There was no unfinished business.  
There were no vetoes.  
IX. VETO  
X. NEW BUSINESS  
A. INTRODUCTIONS (For Public Hearing 03/17/26, Assembly Chambers)  
An Ordinance Amending MSB 2.08.060 And MSB 2.12.060,  
Compensation For The Mayor And Assembly.  
OR 25-047  
OR 26-023  
Sponsors: Fonov  
[Clerk's Note: Ordinance Serial No. 25-047 was removed from the  
agenda at approval of the agenda and not introduced.]  
An Ordinance Approving The Sale Of Certain Borough-Owned Real  
Property Acquired Through Tax Foreclosure For Delinquent Real  
Property Tax Years 2019, 2018, And Prior; And Not Needed For A  
Public Purpose.  
An Ordinance Approving The Purchase Of A One-Acre Parcel Adjacent  
To The New Gateway Visitor Center In The Amount Of $172,000 And  
Classifying The Property As Reserved Use Lands.  
OR 26-029  
OR 26-032  
An Ordinance Adopting MSB 1.10.170 And MSB 3.35, 6.5 Percent  
Areawide Sales Tax, Repealing Areawide Property Tax, And Submitting  
The Proposition To The Voters At The November 3, 2026, Regular  
Borough Election.  
Sponsors: Bowles  
Assemblymember Bernier moved to introduce the legislation as  
read into the record by the Clerk and to set the public Hearings  
for March 17, 2026.  
Assemblymember Bowles moved to divide the question to take  
up introduction of Ordinance Serial No. 26-032, Separately.  
The motion passed by the following vote:  
Yes: 7 - Assemblymember Bowles, Assemblymember Nowers,  
Assemblymember McKee, Assemblymember Sumner,  
Assemblymember Gamble, 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 March 17, 2026, with the  
exception of Ordinance Serial No. 26-032  
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. 26-032 and set the public  
hearing for March 17, 2026.  
Assemblymember Bowles moved a primary amendment by  
striking “March 17, 2026” and inserting “May 19, 2026” in its  
place.  
The primary amendment passed by the following vote:  
Yes: 7 - Assemblymember Bowles, Assemblymember Nowers,  
Assemblymember McKee, Assemblymember Sumner,  
Assemblymember Gamble, Assemblymember Fonov, and  
Assemblymember Bernier  
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. MAYORAL NOMINATIONS AND APPOINTMENTS  
1. VACANCY REPORT  
Mayoral Requests for Confirmation  
26-044  
Transportation Advisory Board  
Pierce Schwalb  
Assemblymember Bernier moved to confirm the  
appointment 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  
C. OTHER NEW BUSINESS  
none.  
D. REFERRALS (For Referral To The Planning Commission For 90 Days Or Other  
Date Specified By The Assembly)  
An Ordinance Amending MSB 17.80, Nonconforming Structures, To  
Repeal The Notification Process And Fee Section.  
OR 26-028  
OR 26-030  
Sponsors: Sumner  
Ms. McKechnie read the legislation into the record.  
An Ordinance Repealing MSB 8.25, Water Pollution Control; And MSB  
17.55.020(E), Under Setbacks For Shorelands, In Their Entirety.  
Sponsors: Sumner  
Assemblymember Sumner moved to refer Ordinance Serial  
Nos. 26-028 and 26-030 to the Planning Commission for 90  
days.  
Assemblymember Nowers moved divide the question to take up  
the referral of Ordinance Serial No. 26-030, separately.  
The motion passed by the following vote:  
FIRST SEGMENT: Assemblymember Sumner moved to refer  
Ordinance Serial No. 26-028 to the Planning Commission for  
90 days.  
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 Nowers moved to  
refer Ordinance Serial No. 26-032 to the Planning Commission  
for 90 days.  
Assemblymember Sumner moved a primary amendment to  
include referral to the Wastewater Advisory Board for 90 days.  
Assemblymember Nowers moved a secondary amendment to  
strike the referral of 90 days and for the legislation not to come  
back to the Assembly until June 16, 2026.  
The secondary amendment 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 passed as amended by the following  
vote:  
Yes: 7 - Assemblymember Bowles, Assemblymember Nowers,  
Assemblymember McKee, Assemblymember Sumner,  
Assemblymember Gamble, Assemblymember Fonov, and  
Assemblymember Bernier  
SECOND SEGMENT: 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  
XI. RECONSIDERATION  
An Ordinance Establishing An Exemption To Weight Restrictions On  
Borough Roads.  
OR 26-020  
RS 26-010: A Resolution Establishing A Fee For Processing Requests For  
An Exemption To Weight Restrictions On Borough Roads.  
Sponsors: McKee and Fonov  
Ms. McKechnie read the legislation into the record.  
Assemblymember Gamble moved to reconsider Ordinance Serial  
No. 26-020.  
The motion failed by the following vote:  
Yes: 3 - Assemblymember Bowles, Assemblymember Nowers, and  
Assemblymember Gamble  
No: 4 - Assemblymember McKee, Assemblymember Sumner,  
Assemblymember Fonov, and Assemblymember Bernier  
XII. MAYOR, ASSEMBLY, AND STAFF COMMENTS  
Assemblymember McKee opined that Ordinance Serial No. 25-047 should  
be brought back for discussion regarding potential increases to the  
Assembly and Mayor’s salaries.  
Assemblymember Sumner stated that he listened intently to all testimony  
provided. Noted that people generally dislike taxes and that budget  
decisions can be difficult. Spoke to the need for the Assembly to be good  
stewards of others’ money.  
Assemblymember Bernier thanked everyone for attending the meeting. Said  
a prayer.  
Assemblymember Nowers spoke to concerns with possible damage to roads  
with the lifting of seasonal weight restrictions. Stated that repairs to the  
roads will be at the expense of taxpayers. Noted that she read all the public  
opinion comments that were provided regarding school district funding  
concerns. Opined that teachers are doing a great job on behalf of students.  
Stated that funding the School District is a tough situation that cannot be  
minimized. Noted that if the Assembly were to fund the school district to  
the cap that it would be an additional $600 per year burden on property  
taxpayers. Commented that she does not want to see any school closed as  
she can envision the long-term impacts of doing so. Opined that now is not  
the time for the body to discuss giving themselves a pay increase when  
there are more important funding concerns.  
Assemblymember Fonov thanked the body for their patience while he  
attended the meeting telephonically. Stated that he does not want to see any  
schools closed but acknowledged that the discussion may be unavoidable.  
Spoke in support of lifting seasonal weight restrictions. Stated that he is  
disappointed that Ordinance Serial No. 25-047 was removed from the  
agenda. Opined that it is time for the Assembly to have a pay increase.  
Assemblymember Bowles moved reconsider the removal of  
Ordinance Serial No. 25-047 from the agenda.  
Assemblymember Bowles moved to withdraw his motion.  
The motion passed by the following vote:  
Yes: 2 - Assemblymember McKee, and Assemblymember Fonov  
No: 5 - Assemblymember Bowles, Assemblymember Nowers,  
Assemblymember Sumner, Assemblymember Gamble, and  
Assemblymember Bernier  
Assemblymember Bowles spoke in opposition to data centers. Spoke to the  
need for the body to focus on industry that will not pollute the environment  
or infringe on private property rights.  
Assemblymember Gamble noted that the State still has seasonal road weight  
restrictions and that the Borough only has the authority to lift them on roads  
under its purview. Commented that it could be a problem for contractors  
who have paid the Borough fee to travel unrestricted on Borough roads, but  
noted that those same contractors will still have to travel on  
weight-restricted roads under the purview of the State and could be fined.  
Commented that he has always been in opposition to the Borough assisting  
with funding gas line extensions for Enstar. Opined that the company should  
extend main lines at its own expense and not at the expense of residents.  
Stated that he is not opposed to data centers as long as they are  
appropriately located. Spoke in support of job growth and attracting  
business to the Borough.  
XIII. EXECUTIVE SESSION  
There was no executive session.  
XIV. ADJOURNMENT  
The meeting recessed at 11:24 p.m.