Talkeetna Community Council Updates

On Monday, Talkeetna Community Council held its monthly meeting at the Talkeetna Public Library. Many topics were discussed, including updates on the Talkeetna Fire Department, several open public comment periods, and the acceptance of candidates for the November TCCI board election.

The Talkeetna Fire Department now has a full team of volunteers and a new hire. Chief Eric Chappell says four new volunteer responders have joined, with one additional responder in process. The department also hired Bobbie Jo Ellis as its lieutenant.

Chappell reminded community members to clean their wood stacks before using their woodstoves to avoid fires this winter. If a flue fire starts, call the department as soon as possible, as response times range from 15 to 20 minutes.

​Melis Coady with Susitna River Coalition informed attendees of the numerous public comment periods open this month.

​The Waters of the United States public comment period closes this Friday, October 9th. The EPA proposed a new definition of applicable waterways that would remove protections for 94% of Alaska’s waterways. The SRC website has a comment builder to help anyone planning to submit a comment.

​The public comment period regarding permitting for AIDEA’s West Su Access Road closes next Tuesday, October 13th. In addition, the public comment period for NovaMineral’s antimony processing project in Port McKenzie closes the following day on October 14th.

​The deadline for TCCI declaration-of-candidacy applications was at the start of Monday’s meeting. The board moved to accept six candidates. Community members will find them on November 3rd’s ballot.