Borough Assembly Approves Talkeetna SPUD Change for Library

At its regular meeting on Tuesday, December 3rd, the Mat-Su Borough Assembly discussed a handful of issues related to the Upper Valley, including passing an ordinance to amend the Spur Road South SPUD.

Before discussing any ordinances, the Assembly heard from Archie Giddings, chair of the Aviation Advisory Board.  Giddings says that the Board is working on a number of projects involving state-owned airports, including the Talkeetna Airport.   He says that the projects are too small to qualify for FAA funding, but are still very important.  The Talkeetna project mentioned at the meeting is for lot development that would clear the way for more hangar space to be made available at the airport.

In addition, the ice rink project for Su-Valley Junior and Senior High School was discussed.  A new ice rink would not be subject to the state reimbursement program that helps pay for athletic fields and other facilities.  The reason for that is that the state regulations classify an ice rink as a single-use facility.  The Borough will be seeking funding through the state capital budget in the upcoming session.

Finally, the Borough Assembly approved an ordinance changing the Spur Road South SPUD.  The ordinance was amended by Assembly Member Halter, according to the wishes of the Talkeetna Community Council.  The changes to the SPUD will allow civic-use buildings with a footprint over 6,000 square feet to be constructed on a conditional use basis, meaning that a permit would be required, including a public comment period.  Assembly Member Halter reiterated at the meeting that the SPUD change is in order to allow the construction of the new Talkeetna Public Library and Community Center.