Lands committee adopts borough land disposal principles, removes initial nomination step and revenue criterion

The Kodiak Island Borough Lands Committee on May 4 adopted a set of borough land disposal principles and screening criteria, voting 5-0 after agreeing to two procedural amendments: removing the committee’s initial nomination step and striking a section that prioritized revenue generation.

Members said the borough lacks a current strategic plan to guide disposals and that shifting the committee’s review to begin with a staff-prepared memo will provide better context for decisions. Mr. GR moved to adopt the disposal principles and screening criteria and also moved an amendment to strike the document’s initial nomination step so staff nominations would start the committee review process; the amendment passed by voice vote.

Committee members likewise moved and approved an amendment to remove letter H from the draft document, which referenced revenue generation and expansion of the tax base; proponents said the lands committee’s function is to identify surplusable land for public use rather than to prioritize revenue. Several members emphasized prioritizing parcels that could support workforce housing while broader strategic planning is completed.

The committee recorded roll-call votes for the amended main motion with Mr. Johnson, Bo Whiteside, Miss Frasier, Mr. GR and Mr. Griffin voting yes; the motion passed 5-0. Members requested staff prepare memos that identify parcels suitable for workforce housing and provide updates at the next meeting.

Why it matters: The adopted principles set the committee’s procedural expectations for identifying and forwarding surplus land and emphasize staff-driven nominations and housing-focused priorities in the near term.

What’s next: Staff was asked to prepare a memo identifying parcels suited for workforce housing for the committee’s next meeting (scheduled June 1); selection of a co-chair will be added to the next agenda.