The Petersburg Borough Assembly is meeting Friday at 9 a.m. after they postponed  last week’s meeting due to a lack of quorum.

One of the issues on the agenda is a public hearing of an ordinance that would borrow up to $8 million from the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation. That money could pay for repairs and upgrades to the local water and sewer system.

The debt from the projects would be repaid by customers who pay for water and sewer service, not by property tax. It’s possible that water and sewer rates will increase because of the work. Local utilities have contracted for a study of rates this year.

If approved by the assembly the issue could end up on the municipal ballot in October for Petersburg voters to decide.  

There’s another public hearing on another ordinance that would adjust next year’s budget to transfer $124,000 from the wastewater fund into the Kiseno Street sewer replacement project. Bids for the project are above the loan amount from the DEC and this money would make up the difference. The ordinance says it won’t increase rates for customers.

The borough assembly will consider increasing the rent for a boat ramp the borough leases to local business, Island Ventures. John Murgas rents the ramp to haul out boats for repair at Scow Bay. According to a recent as-built survey, the borough’s assessor has found the lease rate should go from $700 to $1,750 per year.

Also on the agenda, The 420 marijuana store in downtown Petersburg is wanting to renew its application with the state and is seeking borough approval.

A discussion item for assembly to consider is about a proposed age restriction at the community center and pool. Letters from the community about the issue take up most of the assembly’s meeting packet. The Parks and Rec Department proposed not allowing kids 10 and under to use the facility without guardian supervision, according to advice from the borough’s lawyer. Parks and Rec wanted to make the change this fall. After many parents spoke out against it, the borough department has decided not to implement the age restriction yet and wants to continue to talk about options.

Again, the borough assembly will meet at 9 a.m. Friday in borough assembly chambers. KFSK will broadcast the meeting live.