CALL TO ORDER Presiding Officer Jim Caswell called the public hearing to order at 7:00 pm.

ROLL CALL Assembly members present were: Jim Caswell, Gerald Pollock, Sid Michaels, Baxter Mercer, Bob Shelton, David Evans. Assembly members absent included Carol Shields, Teresa Hall, and Neal Laugman. Mayor Talerico was also absent.

1.) Ordinance 02-11, Version B, an Ordinance creating Title IV, Chapter 28 of the Denali Borough Code of Ordinances providing for evaluation and acquisition of economic development land by the borough. This ordinance pertains to the implementation of HB 244.

David Tash, Cantwell resident, spoke in favor of the tourism and economic development. He said he thinks the Assembly is voting on whether they want to be involved in the project or not, not whether the project is viable or not.

Healy resident Linda Paganelli said she understands the Assembly’s concerns. She said two edicts had been passed by the legislature for the Denali Borough, HB 244 and SB 29. She said these conflicts with the NARS that is being completed right now. She discussed the $330,000 state funded match that accompanies the NARS. Paganelli asked what the message would be from the Assembly if they pass the proposed resolution regarding HB 244. She said the Borough is supposed to be conducting a non-biased study with the NARS.

She spoke in support of the Borough proceeding with the NARS. She related her opinion to the Assembly regarding HB 244, the legislature using the Borough as a pawn, and the lack of local control of this issue. She said she feels HB 244 was motivated by Joe Fields’ inability to negotiate a right-of-way from AIDEA. She also commented on the proposed resolution. She spoke in favor of letting Joe Fields walk away from the project if that is his desire!

Jim Wright, Cantwell resident, said the Borough has the opportunity to add land from the State to the Borough’s Municipal Land Entitlements, and that land would be utilized to identify a corridor for a northern access in the Park. He spoke in favor of the Borough using Alaskan funds to build the proposed railroad. He said if the Borough does not act on the proposal, they are looking a gift horse in the mouth.

Wright said the School District needs funds to fix their buildings, like the Cantwell School roof. e saodHe urged the Assembly to move forward with the project, as the income will be needed in the future.

Antares road resident Chuck Bale spoke against the railroad project, and said he feels no one is listening to those people who are not in favor of the project.

Resident Jean Balay spoke against the railroad project, and said this is not how a democracy works. She voiced her concerns that the area could become another “glitter gulch”.

Wright said a railroad comes through Cantwell and he views that as something positive. He said he has been in Cantwell since 1958, and he sees no detrimental effect of that railroad to his lifestyle.

Borough resident Grady Wilson expressed his concerns with the railroad project. He said the Borough should look at other ways to increase their revenue stream.

Ferry resident Jenasy Jensen urged the Borough to complete the NARS first.

2.) Ordinance 02-12, Version A, an Ordinance amending the procedure for filling a vacancy on the Borough Assembly.

There were no public comments.

3.) Ordinance 03-01, Version A, an Ordinance amending the Denali Borough Code, Title II, Chapter 8, Assembly procedures, pertaining to the Assembly agenda.

There were no comments.

ADJOURNMENT CASWELL declared the Public Hearing adjourned at 7:20 pm.

Attest: SIGNATURE ON FILE Approved: SIGNATURE ON FILE

Date Approved: _________________