Council Member Coose: Rescind SEAPA analysis

A motion to rescind support for an analysis of the Southeast Alaska Power Agency is on the Ketchikan City Council agenda Thursday.

On April 4, the Council decided in a split vote to approve a memorandum of understanding between Ketchikan, Petersburg and Wrangell to move forward with the independent analysis. Among other issues, it would have looked into splitting up the organization. Dick Coose, who voted against the MOU, introduced the motion to rescind it.

There has been concern expressed by some Wrangell officials, in particular, about the agency, and whether it should continue to own and operate the hydroelectric dams that power the three member communities. Coose is one of Ketchikan’s representatives on the SEAPA board of directors, along with Council Member Bob Sivertsen.

Sivertsen also voted against the April ⁴ MOU. Ketchikan’s third representative on the SEAPA board, Council Member Sam Bergeron, voted in favor of the memorandum.

Wrangell officials want the study, but Petersburg has been reluctant. If Ketchikan pulls out of the MOU, it’s unlikely to move forward.

Also Thursday, the Council will consider a request from First City Homeless Services for a block party on the evening of May 31. The event would include booths and games, set up on Main Street from Dock to Grant.

The Council meeting starts at 7 p.m. in City Council chambers. Public comment will be heard at the start of the meeting.