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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity of Akutan Alaska Comprehensive Plan 1982AKU 008 LI ae j Vey BA j y “ oh M LED Ne WY & ea ae i mea X ed oo ys es AY), 7 PROPERTY OF: 1982 Comprehensive Plan ~ BILL SHEFFIELD, GOVER ST i iM 1 , NOR i ) | EAM Ly REPLY TO: O poucHs DEPT. OF eee & REGIONAL AFFAIRS | pee DIVISION OF COMMUNITY PLANNING M 225 CORDOVA STREET, BLDG. B ANCHORAGE, ALASKA 99501 (907) 264-2206 February 3, 1983 BECEIVED FEBO7 3993 ALASKA POWER AUTHORITY RE: AKUTAN COMPREHENSIVE PLAN We are pleased to he sending along for your use and general information a copy of the City of Akutan's Comprehensive Plan. The plan is a joint effort by the City of Akutan and the Division of Community Planning. It reflects a well-considered desire by the community to not only prioritize their needs, but identify those solutions that are manageable and conducive to maximum local control. Simplicity has been a deliberate part of the plan's design and we trust it will be useful to residents and others alike. Sincerely, Sf A. Korbel op CCAM Lawrence H. ‘Kimbal1, Jr. Director CITY OF AKUTAN COMPREHENSIVE PLAN This document was funded by the Department of Community and Regional Affairs, Division of Community Planning and the City of Akutan. June, 1982 CREDITS City of Akutan Jacob Stepetin, Mayor Chris Tcheripanoff, Vice President Jennie Robinson, Councilmember Leon Prokopioff, Councilmember Helen Prokopioff, Councilmember Zeina Borenin, Councilmember George McGlashan, Councilmember Fran Rose and Nancy Gross, City Administrators Alaska Department of Community and Regional Affairs Lee McAnerney, Commissioner Lawrence H. Kimball, Jr., Director Division of Community Planning Project Management Ed Busch, Planning Supervisor Division of Community Planning Author - Lamar J. Cotten Contributing writing - Michael Cushing Technical Design and pasteup - Gay Pulley-graphics Cover and maps - Sarahgraphics Typesetting - Computer Composition Secretarial Support - Leonard T. Armstrong CONTENTS TCH EAC N ON amare ercere es serra orca rou te orcete To ena Se otane en ctronowatoxs ene "eteneliclisnsucnemersToreieanes aire Vv IDR ECOD CH OI errr cere vectra tet ace cetrtoo vw oe og ociew ern iopcrevoliien cv se ouen ee open toate sMeuee rar tare vi Part One — General Overview of Akutan ...................0 0.0 c eee eee 1 RUS tO 1) Serum cro anrcxc coronene our ottsume oer om acteurs vw otter vr cucu cuiva sr cevterets cesyiera= onencreransier seers wien 2 PRY SI Cell: Sete ty sree ce rere crar cere cere crenene sr nee erateieen Pete ere meee a 3 SOC al Ste Gare errere rae crrtctecascetnte rer ecenevcensoeecevintieaens visleme anion int 1 ECOMOMIC ACV ICI OS recaerer crete rereeren ces cr sesrenerseeceeycesespeint eestor aeayueversumtensee ors 13 Government and Public Services .......... 0... cece cece eee 16 Part Two — Present and Future Lands and Facilities..................... 19 ROS ICAO IU UL rrr rere wv caren ern ra ccc van rece warmer op oe enews tefisdor se rete ee scene eee 20 Commerciallindustrl all ce srererreees reenter teers oes 21 Public and Community Facilities .......... 2.0... 2. cece eee eee eee 22 WIV tl © srreremarocerer am eeprrrtetiswcove cat etter see or on or or erenene erenenietansne) one ans=erern- a sveune spe 24 STV EARYSSIOON UAC ONY ars cere rer erence seers cto ee erent ot otionct vu onrons ony oncom as neusa xeaenerearrne ere 27 Part Three — Future Issues.............. 0... cc eee cece eens 31 PINGS AEA Sra corres cere ager oea sere nen crear ewes en aes oon one cenea-eresener str 32 Alaska Coastal Management Program ........... 00: ce cece eee ee eee 33 Future Planning Options for the City of Akutan .................0005 34 Table 1 — Future Planning for the City of Akutan ..................... 36/37 Maps MVC I mn Cy MP cece rare ererencerrer stn center ee ecrercuercneveimireesatrepeforsu-Peucesrereieie weeie 7 Map 2 — Regional Transportation .......... 0... c ccc cece eee eee ees 9 Map 3 — City of Akutan, Alaska Present and Future Potential Land Use ..................... 41 Map 4 — City of Akutan, Alaska LER © WISI PD rere e cree eroeacarer ree ternserenecersiceesesee erect ror 43 Map 5 — Akutan, Alaska Community Map ........... 0.0 e cece eee 45 DEDICATION This document is dedicated to the late Luke Shelikoff, First Chief of the Tradi- tional Council of Akutan. Luke Shelikof was born in Akutan in 1908 and passed away in March, 1982. He was, in the true sense of the words, a life-long communi- ty leader. He was elected Third Chief at the age of 17, moved to the position of Second Chief at 28 and became First Chief at 48. Chief Shelikof was an active, tireless leader who devoted personal energy and time to promote the community well-being and preservation of the Aleutian Traditions. His guidance and efforts have laid the framework for Akutan to move forward while still preserving tradi- tions from the past. The late Luke Shelikoff, Traditional Council Chief (Gary Thurlow) vi INTRODUCTION Akutan is changing. For nearly 100 years the population of Akutan has been fairly constant at about 80-100 permanent residents. Since 1979, however, things have been different. Instead of only one floating processor operating in Akutan Harbor, there are, at times, up to 13 and with them about 800-1,000 temporary employees. Moreover, the onshore facilities are expanding their operations. To insure that development in Akutan did not occur at the expense of the perma- nent residents, the community incorporated as a second class city. It assumed a number of local responsibilities and powers and embarked on an ambitious capital improvement and public service program to meet long-neglected com- munity needs. In response to these events, the City Council, with assistance from the Depart- ment of Community and Regional Affairs, Division of Community Planning, held a series of workshops and identified some of the principal issues facing Akutan and developed some goals and possible approaches for obtaining them. This document is a product of those efforts. The purpose of this Comprehensive Plan is to serve both as a guide and informa- tional tool for residents and State and federal agencies. It should not be viewed as a final plan, but the first step of an ongoing process by the residents of Akutan to develop a stable economic base while preserving the current lifestyle. The document is divided into three broad sections. Part One is a description of the City’s History, Physical and Social Setting, Economic Activities and Govern- ment. Part Two is a description of current land use and facilities as well as city goals and the local action required to meet them. The third section is a discus- sion of ANCSA Lands, The Alaska Coastal Management Program and Future Planning Options for the City of Akutan. PART ONE GENERAL OVERVIEW AKUTAN History Akutan whalers. The middle worker is believed to be John Cherpanoff circa 1912. (City of Akutan Historical Archives) In 1878-79 a number of Aleut families and groups from the neighboring islands of Akun, Tigalda and possibly other places moved to Akutan Island to establish the present community. The Russian Orthodox Church supported and encouraged this move and immediately constructed a church and a school. The Western Fur and Trading Company established a fur storage and trading post. Its first resident agent, Hugh McGlashan (whose descendants still live in the community) also developed a cod fishing business in the village. Later, in 1912 the Pacific Whaling Company built a processing station across the harbor and west of the village, which operated until 1942. The station employed a number of Akutan villagers. Their jobs consisted of reducing blubber to oil and bones to fertilizer. Directly after the commencement of World War Il, the Aleut residents of Akutan along with those of other Aleutian villages were evacuated to small camps in Southeast Alaska until after the war. Life in the camps was harsh and a number of Aleuts passed away during the internment. Upon their return to the village of Akutan, the villagers found most of their homes either vandalized or ruined. It is speculated that Russian whalers may have done the damage. Akutan was fortunate, however, in that Luke Shelikoff, then the second chief of the village, along with other community leaders returned to help rebuild the community. Moreover, the crab and fish processing industry became interested in the community’s unique loca- tion and in the late 1940’s Wakefield Sea Food Company of Seattle brought its floating processor ship, M/V Akutan to the community. The processor provided seasonal employment for up to 25 local residents. It was replaced in 1979 by the M/V Western Sea, owned by the Sea West, a subsidiary of Yukon Bleu, Inc. With the passage of Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act in 1971, the village, through the Akutan Village Corporation, became eligible to the surface rights to 92,160 acres of land. The Corporation selected lands on the Islands of Akutan and Akun. This includes a number of potential port and dock facility areas and grazing areas. Although the village corporation has not made a comprehensive decision on the use of the lands, the shareholders have reviewed the possibility of a dock facility at the head of Akutan Harbor Bay and other projects as a means of establishing permanent employment for Akutan residents. Physical Setting LOCATION AND LOCAL Akutan Island, approximately 18 by 12 miles in size, is one of the Krenitzen Islands which in turn are a part of the Fox Island Group located near the eastern end of the Aleutian Island chain. Akutan village is situated on the north side of Akutan Harbor, a deep indentation of Akutan Bay on the eastern side of the island. The harbor is surrounded by dramatically rugged snow-covered peaks over 2,000 feet high. The highest point on the island, 4,257 feet, is the still very active Akutan Volcano, seven miles to the west of the village, with its ever-present ash plume and peak visible from the village on clear days. The last full eruption of the volcano took place in 1978. Photograph of Akutan Village taken in the early 1900s (State of Alaska) The community of Akutan is located on a narrow bench of relatively flat land lying between the bay and very steep slopes ascending to a 1,700-foot mountain ridge. The useable land on this bench is confined to a small area approximately 2,000 feet long and varying in width between 200 and 600 feet, with a total area of about five and a half acres. At the head of Akutan Harbor, two miles west of the existing village, there are about 50 acres of lowlands which might provide for future com- munity growth and development. At this time this land is accessible only by skiff or by difficult scramble across rough terrain. The incorporated boundaries of the second class city of Akutan generally encompass the coastline and waters of Akutan Harbor and contain an area of approximately 18 square miles. Akutan is quite remotely located; approximately 800 air miles southwest of Anchorage and accessible only by boat or amphibious aircraft. Most air traffic comes by way of Unalaska, 35 miles to the west. Other Aleutian communities nearest to Akutan are Nikolski, 150 miles west; False Pass, 108 miles east; and Cold Bay, 143 miles east. GEOLOGY Akutan Island presents a geological formation typical of the Aleutian Chain. The island is constructed of a layering of periodic pyroclastic outflows of basalt and andesite lava from essentially a single vent area, ultimately forming a strongly eroded volcanic cone with a coastline dominated by steep cliffs and rocky headlands. Akutan is a good example of an explosive, andesitic volcano. Fumes and sometimes ash rise almost continuously from the vent and dramatically violent events have occurred often during the last 200 years. Akutan has erupted 23 times during that period — the latest major eruption in 1953 and the last lava flow in 1978. During one of these eruptions, the top of Akutan Mountain was com- pletely blown away and was replaced by a wide caldera within which a new cone is being built. It is quite possible that the inhabitants of Akutan Island will have to be temporarily evacuated from the island at least once before the end of the century due to volcanic disturbance. The Aleutian Island arc lies along avery active seismic belt and the islands fre- quently experience tsunamis generated by submarine earthquakes. In 1946, a tsunami run-up reached a height of 115 feet on the west side of Unimak Island, less than 30 miles east of Akutan, destroying the Scotch Cape lighthouse. However, probably owing to its virtually circumferential protection, Akutan Harbor has experienced only very limited tsunami occurrences. No detailed soil surveys are available for Akutan. General descriptions of the sur- face geology and deposits indicate primarily weathered volcanic rock and ash. The soils derived from the ash are mostly cindery in areas close to the volcanic cone, but have a sandy or silty texture on lower slopes. These soils are general- ly well drained and have a high organic content. Akutan is free from permafrost. The slopes above the village of Akutan are covered by reddish sandy soil and are deeply incised by several swift streams. Landslides have not been a problem in historic times. There is no apparent coastal flooding or erosion near the village since the embayment protects the community from all but the most severe storm- driven waves. The community beach is composed of gray cobbles. METEOROLOGY Complete climatic records have not been kept for the site of Akutan village. However, a generalized meteorological description for the Akutan area may be derived using recorded data from Unalaska (Dutch Harbor), 35 miles southwest of Akutan, and Cape Sarichef, 50 miles to the east. Akutan lies in the maritime climate zone of Alaska, characterized by mild winters and cool summers. The historical mean of minimum temperatures for February is 25 degrees F, while the mean of maximum temperatures for August is 56 degrees F (Dutch Harbor). Recorded temperature extremes are 74 degrees F in the summer and minus 5 degrees F during the winter. Measured precipitation at the Dutch Harbor station averages 55 inches per year while the Cape Sarichef readings indicate an average annual precipitation of about 28 inches. Heaviest precipitation occurs from September through November. Snowfall has been recorded in all months of the year except September but generally only occurs from October to May. Because Akutan is located in the zone of North Pacific storm tracks, periods of strong winds frequently occur, particularly in winter. Dutch Harbor data indicate moderate to strong winds throughout the year with a mean annual speed of about six miles per hour. During a 1977 storm, the winds in Akutan are reported to have reached gusts of 115 mph but caused only minor damage. Statistically, such a storm should occur in this region no more often than once in a hundred years. BIOLOGY The area around Akutan is essentially treeless. Vegetation consists of arctic- alpine species, most of it concentrated between sea level and 1,000 feet. Within this zone, the land surface is blanketed with a thick mat of heath or dry tundra consisting of a large variety of vascular plants, bryophytes and lichens. The village of Akutan is located near the center of one of the most productive fishing grounds in the Northern Hemisphere. Offshore are the vast resources of the southeast Bering Sea continental shelf including the bottomfish species of pollock, cod, perch, and a variety of flatfish. Near shore fisheries species include salmon, halibut, shrimp and crab. Akutan and Unimak Passes serve as major paths of migration for salmon, sea mammals, water fowl, shore and pelagic birds. Wildlife most commonly observed on Akutan include eagles, ptarmigan, a number of songbirds and foxes. AKUTAN, ALASKA VICINITY MAP MAP #1 UNIMAK ISLAND Akun Island re ¢ My ao? Tigalda Island Rootok oo Avatanak Island KRENITZIN ISLANDS Scale: 1”=1,918,600' (Approx.) Open Bight FOXISLANDS Hot Springs e Akutan Peak 4,275 Reef Bight i Reef Point Flat Top Peak 3,445 Cascade Bight A Broad Bight Fairbanks AKUTAN, ALASKA REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION MAP #2 a < @ i 2 kunisiand @& "igalda Island S a YS Wiens oe snes & 2 » pw wr © Rootok Island ie a“ MR on « ° Dutch/Harbor Scale: 1”=1,918,600' (Approx.) Social Setting POPULATION There are two distinct population groups residing within the municipal boundary of Akutan. The first is the Aleut Native community that has inhabited the village site since the end of the last century. The village presently numbers 89 indi- viduals. The other group is the population of transient workers associated with the fish processors (floaters) anchored within Akutan Harbor. One of these proc- essors, the Western Sea of Sea West, is docked at the western end of town and its employees (up to 100) were included in the 1980 U.S. Census and the 1982 Revenue Sharing figures for Akutan as individuals in group quarters. These workers on the whole remain separate from the villagers and do not often go into the village other than to visit the local road house bar which is situated quite close to the dock. Another processor is located about 300 yards further west along the shoreline and its workers visit the village even more infrequently. During the months of greatest production, early fall through spring, there are about 11 other floating processors anchored around the harbor within two miles of the village. All together, these account for between 800 and 1,000 transient workers. Typically, the employees of these offshore processing ships are transported directly from Unalaska to their ships and back via seaplane and very rarely visit Akutan village. A June 1977 survey, as well as the records of the former village chief indicated that there were 17 households in Akutan with a total resident population of 69, 41 males and 28 females. The 1980 U.S. Census produced exactly these same numbers in Akutan indicating a very stable resident population. For the purposes of revenue sharing the 1982 permanent population was listed at 189. Population figures for Akutan have been recorded since 1890 and are presented in Figure 1. Figure 1 RESIDENT POPULATION OF AKUTAN VILLAGE 1890-1982 Year 1890 1900 1910 1920 1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1982 Population 80 60 - 66 71 80 86 107 101 169* 189* * includes personnel from the processors Source: Department of Community and Regional Affairs, 1979, 1982 U.S. Bureau of Census, 1981 1 12 There are plans to construct approximately 16 new HUD houses in Akutan and to demolish several of the older living structures in the latter part of 1982. The net increase in potential living space will probably lead to an increase in the resident Native population as people who previously would not have had a place to stay move back to the village from outside. In that case, the permanent population of Akutan would probably stabilize at around 100 residents. FUTURE POPULATION Fish processing has a great effect on the resident population of Akutan. Present- ly, the processor ships in Akutan Harbor are the major source of employment for the people of Akutan. Approximately 30 residents are employed on floaters, almost all of these working on the Western Sea docked at the edge of town. The two seafood companies operating nearest to the village are both planning to move more of their operations onshore within the next three years. These plans include the introduction of supplementary processing lines which would be dedicated to bottomfish products. Each of the plants would employ between 100 and 150 workers who would have living accommodations onshore. Many of these workers would be expected to live in the area four to six months and some staff might even live in Akutan year-round. Community members celebrating Christmas, 1981. (Penelope Goforth) Another development scheme proposed for Akutan Harbor (either by the city or jointly with the village corporation) is an ambitious project that would create a large processing facility at the head of the harbor. This could potentially be a “world class” facility employing up to 200 or 300 people. Such a facility, or group of facilities, would be essentially a separate community, including living quarters and entertainment for the working population. For a number of reasons this population would be discouraged from frequent visits to the village; a policy already practiced by the many floating processors in the harbor. The direct effects of this development on the existing community would probably be minimal. SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS Akutan is a Native village surrounded by an essentially non-Native processing in- dustry. Many of the local people work in that industry but social contact between these two cultures is minimal. The people of Akutan have had primarily a cash economy since the days of the whaling station. In spite of this, the 17 households in Akutan are closely knit and holding to many of the traditional Aleut ways. Aleut is still acommonly spoken language in these households. The Orthodox Church, the steambath, the smokehouses and traditional Aleut foods still play a major role in the lifestyle of the people. However, like many Native villages, the technology of Western culture has become increasingly present; from aluminum skiffs with outboard motors to video cassette TV sets. Many of the villagers have been to Anchorage and Seattle, some of them often. Incomes in Akutan are derived directly from employment with the processors and indirectly from the fish tax assessed by the city on business in the harbor. Economic Activities THE CRAB AND FISH PROCESSING INDUSTRY Up until 1979 the principal economic activity in Akutan was fish and crab process- ing on the M/V Akutan or the M/V Western Sea. |In 1979, several other seafood processing companies began to anchor floating processors in Akutan Harbor, largely because it offered sheltered anchorage for boats, the availability of fresh water and Dutch Harbor was becoming overcrowded. The number of processors swelled to 11 by the end of the next crab season and finally to 13 in 1980 where the number has remained more or less stable. During the off-season, all but a few of these processors are moved to other locations in the Bering Sea or Bristol Bay region. In response to the rapid encroachment of the fishing industry, the village of Akutan incorporated as a second class city in late 1979 and began to formulate a position which would permit the community to establish control over the development in the harbor; maximizing the benefits of this development, and minimizing the detrimental effects of development on the lifestyle in Akutan. 13 14 There are three significant industrial development schemes which will greatly af- fect life in Akutan over the next few years. Two of these are projects of the private sector and involve the establishment of moderate-sized processing facilities on- shore. One of these is contiguous to the village itself; located on the church land at the west end of town which is held on a lease by Sea West Seafoods Industries. The other project being developed by Trident Seafoods, is located one-half mile further west along the shoreline on land owned by a private individual and leased to Trident on a long-term basis. The third development project is of a much larger scale; potentially a world-class seafood processing facility located at the head of Akutan Harbor and developed by the City of Akutan (or jointly with the Akutan Village Corporation). The two smaller projects, quite similar in scope and developmental time frame, are well underway. Both of these facilities should be partly operational by the summer of 1982 and fully completed by 1983. It is important to note that these facilities will be functionally almost entirely autonomous from the community of Akutan, each plant providing for its own infrastructural needs and personnel accommodations. The large project at the head of the harbor is in an early stage of development. Provided with a State grant, the City of Akutan contracted an engineering firm to produce a feasibility study to determine the potential for a dock and major seafood processing facility. The results of that study established the feasibility of such a project which would be built primarily with State funds and managed and maintained by the City of Akutan. It is intended that this facility and its population would remain physically separated from the present village. Akutan is a small city in the midst of an economic explosion. Given the projects just discussed and the potential for oil and gas development in the area, it ap- pears that the explosion will be continuing for the next several years. The social and political existence of the village will remain a very significant factor in the economic development of Akutan Harbor. FISHING Akutan Harbor is one of the largest seafood processing centers in Alaska. However, Akutan itself could not be described as a fishing community. Akutan is virtually without moorage facilities and, but for one small cruiser and a number of skiffs, lacks a home fleet. Nevertheless, Akutan Harbor is a very busy place as the transient vessels steam in and out with their loads of Bering Sea fish and coastal waters shellfish. Several of the local residents have worked as crew on these boats and the community has discussed plans to eventually operate one or more fishing boats as a commercial venture. Such an endeavor would require an exten- sive educational process on the parts of the prospective skippers and crews before they could expect to maintain a safe and productive enterprise. It is plausible that a small home fleet would develop if the facility at the head of the harbor were to be realized along the most optimistic of lines; that is, a world class onshore facility, operating year-round, with a resident population of be- tween several hundred and a thousand people. Such a concept has been pro- posed by the engineering consulting firm in the preliminary port development feasibility study. That proposal includes a small boat harbor of about two acres in size and with a capacity to handle about 15 boats in the 60- to 90-foot class. These boats would be sufficient to provide the facility with a daily catch of approx- imately 500,000 pounds of fish (in-the-round), the design capacity of the plant. The boats that work the extensive Bering Sea and North Pacific fisheries to serv- ice the processors in Akutan Harbor are typically based out of Seattle or Dutch Harbor. They almost exclusively deliver shellfish to Akutan Harbor although there have been recent ventures into the line of salted cod. Construction of the Whaling Station Barge circa 1912 (City of Akutan) 15 16 Government and Public Services_ CITY GOVERNMENT Akutan was incorporated as a second class city in 1979. It has a city council of seven members one of whom is elected Mayor by the council. The council meets on the first Tuesday of each month. The current mayor and council members are as follows: Expiration of Term Jacob Stepetin, Mayor 1982 City Council members Chris Tcheripanoff, Vice Mayor 1984 Zenia Borenin 1982 George McGlashan 1984 Helen Prokopioff 1983 Leon Prokopioff 1983 Jennie Robinson 1984 The city has assumed planning powers as provided for in Alaska Statutes 29.43. It has a newly formed planning commission which includes the following individuals: Tom McGlashan — Akutan Village Corporation Jennie Robinson — Akutan City Council Steve Smith or Craig Cross — Sea West Seafoods, Inc. Zenia Borenin — Akutan Traditional Council Colleen Kudrin — Public member The city presently has a contract with Nancy Gross and Fran Rose as City Admin- istrators in the Anchorage office. Additionally, it employs Anna McGlashan in Akutan as a part-time clerk. PUBLIC SERVICES The city, along with the State, provides a number of public services. Listed below are those being provided at present. Education — Primary and secondary education is funded by the State through Regional Education Attendance Area #8 (the Aleutian Region). The Akutan school presently employs one instructor along with an advisory school board composed of the following members: Chris Tcheripanoff Anna McGlashan Helen Prokopioff Public Safety — The city and the State (through the Aleutian Pribilof Island Association) fund a full-time Village Public Safety Officer. Phone Service — Alascom provides phone service for the general public use. Health Service — The State of Alaska provides funding for a part-time health slot while the federal government funds periodic visits by a physician from the Alaska Native Hospital. During 1982, the physician visits are being reduced to one annual visit because of the reduction of federal funds. Postal Services — A community post office is periodically open. The city is presently seeking an individual to fill the position as postal clerk. Library — The city is currently in the process of purchasing books for a commu- nity library. The location for the new library has not been determined. Public Recreation — The city funds the purchase of movies for the enjoyment of the general public. Movies are shown once or twice a week in the commu- nity/dance hall. Fire Protection Service — The city has a volunteer fire department and is in the process of purchasing additional fire equipment. The city intends to use part of the public safety building as a fire equipment storage area. MUNICIPAL REVENUES Like other second class cities, Akutan derives its revenues from a number of sources, both from activities within the city and the State of Alaska. Listed below are the principal sources of city revenues. — A.5% city sales tax on the sale of raw fish and seafood products 17 18 — A State Raw Fish Tax of 5% is levied on processors located offshore and a tax of 3% imposed on processors located onshore. In turn, 30% of the total revenues are transferred to the City of Akutan. — State Municipal Revenue Sharing Program — Liquor License Revenue Rebate — Municipal Entitlement Program — State program grants — Direct legislative appropriations Under State law, the City of Akutan as a second class city may impose the following taxes: — Up to a 5 mill tax on real and personal property (with a $10,000 residential exemption on individual homes) — Up toa6% sales tax — Additionally, as of July 1, 1982, the city will receive 50% of the total revenues generated from the State Raw Fish Tax. TRADITIONAL COUNCIL GOVERNMENT The Traditional Council method of government has existed in Akutan since the inception of the community in 1878. This has included the offices of first, second and third council chief, respectively. This traditional method of government was slightly modified and legally recognized by the federal government in 1939 under the provision of the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934. This entailed the develop- ment of written constitution and bylaws. Although this council does not have police, taxation or planning powers, it is eligible to receive funding from some federal and State grant programs. For example, Traditional Coucil did work closely with HUD officials in seeking funds for a hydro-electric project and the new housing development project. The city, with its legal ability to assume broad powers such as taxation, planning and police, has become more actively involved in community affairs and in most matters is the principal governing body in the community. Nonetheless, the tradi- tional council is still a strong and viable community-based group. With the recent death of Luke Shelikoff, the long tradition of village chiefs has appar- ently ended. In his place Nick Borenin has been elected as village council President. PART TWO PRESENT anno FUTURE LAND USES AND FACILITIES 20 This Section has two elements. First, it describes the different land uses and facilities within the city. Secondly, it outlines the city goals and the local action required toward their future use. Younger Akutan residents, 1979 (Gary Thurlow) Residential Residential housing presently consists of 17 wood frame houses, most of which were built in the late 1930’s and renovated following World War II. Additionally Sea West has an onshore bunkhouse adjacent to the housing area which can serve up to 40 people. It is apparent that the houses are too old and small to accommodate the current housing demand. The situation is, however, expected to change in the fall of 1982. The Aleutian Pribilof Housing Authority, with finan- cial assistance from the Department of Housing and Urban Development, intends to construct 16 new homes. The new homes will be located directly west of the existing houses. It is anticipated that with the availability of new housing, some former residents presently living elsehwere will move back to the city. The homes are expected to be owned and occupied by local residents. CITY GOALS AND ACTION REQUIRED Goals: — Ensure all housing, new and old, is adequately constructed with running water and electricity. — Ensure that the housing project does not unnecessarily cause disruption of the residents’ normal activities. Action Required: — Continue working closely with the U.S. Public Health Service, Indian Health Service, Aleutian Housing Authority and other appropriate agencies. — Ensure that the contractor stores all building materials away from existing residential area. Strongly encourage the use of the Sea West bunkhouse, the village corporation building and AIRPAC building for lodging by construction employees as opposed to transporting in trailers or other temporary housing. Commercial / Industrial Commercial establishments within the city consist of: The Roadhouse (a bar) — The building was constructed in the late 1960’s and is owned by individuals residing outside of Akutan. The New Village Corporation Building — The new two-story building is scheduled for completion this summer. It shall provide space for the village corporation and city offices, the village store, a laundromat, a post office along with a public meeting hall and two apartment units. The Village Store — The village corporation operates the store. The building is leased from a local resident. Industrial facilities include: The Sea West Port Facilities — This operation presently consists of a dock, floating storage barge and an onshore warehouse. Presently a processor, the M/V Western Sea is moored alongside the dock. A new 300’ extension of the dock is slated for construction in the future. The Trident Inc. Facilities — This new development is located about 2 mile from the village. It includes warehouses and living quarters for over 100 workers and ongoing work on the construction of a retaining wall and backfill. Additionally there are up to 13 floating processors in the harbor, depending upon the season. CITY GOAL AND ACTION REQUIRED Issue — In light of the potential development by Sea West and the construction of new homes in the western part of the existing residential area, concern has been expressed by the city for the need to separate those uses which have a potential for conflict. Goal: — Separate the processor activities from existing and new residential area. 21 22 Action Required: — Seek an understanding with Sea West for the construction of a permanent low level fence which would prevent local children from wandering into construc- tion and processing areas. Public and Community Facilities There are several public facilities in Akutan, but there still exists a need fora health clinic, fire hall and community boat moorage. Present public facilities within the city consist of: The Russian Orthodox Church — The original church was built in 1879. It has since then been periodically renovated and expanded. The Akutan School — The original school was built in 1921 and has been expand- ed and renovated throughout the years. The Alaska State Legislature is expected to appropriate funds to further expand or renovate it. The current estimated cost for this project is $2,168,600. The Community / Dance Hall — The building was constructed in 1927 and recent- ly renovated by community members. The hall is presently used for public meetings, movies and social functions. Russian Orthodox Church (Penelope Goforth) The Public Safety Building — The building was constructed in 1981. It consists of two holding cells, an office, bathroom and storeroom. The city expects to use part of the building for fire equipment storage. The Old Community Hall — The building is presently used as the phone office, the post office, the city office, the corporation office and a store room for con- struction materials. CITY GOALS AND ACTION REQUIRED Issue: Health Clinic The city is presently without a health clinic and is only periodically visited by a physician. The city was granted $120,000 from the Alaska State Legislature to construct or renovate a building for use as a clinic. Given the likelihood of an in- crease in city residents, there is aclear need for aclinic. Goal: — Utilize an existing building or construct a new one which is fuel efficient and meets P.H.S. standards for a health clinic. Drawing of the New Village Corporation Building 23 24 Action Required: — Obtain estimate from Doil Construction to renovate the old community hall. — Renovate the building in May or June. — Hire local residents to complete the project. — Contact Department of Health and Social Services to obtain possible clinic equipment. Issue: Fire Hall The city is presently without adequate space for storage of fire equipment. The city needs a dry, safe and centrally located place to store fire equipment. Goal: — Utilize an existing building or construct a new one. Action Required: — Renovate the east part of the city jail for fire prevention equipment storage. — Inventory the existing fire equipment. — Seek training for village volunteers. — Develop a complete list of essential equipment and obtain a price listing for all items. Such a list will include but not be limited to: ¢ New hoses ¢ Hydrants in the new residential area © 6 oxygen masks ¢ 2 sirens (to be located at each end of the residential area) e¢ Adequate number of fire resistant uniforms Utilities ELECTRICITY Electrical power (D.C.) for most of the homes is generated by a 36-inch Pelton wheel hydroelectric system using water from a small creek east of the village. The hydro-power system was constructed in 1924. The current cost of electricity derived from the dam is about $1.00 per month for each household. Power (A.C.) is also provided by private diesel generators for three homes, the store, bar and school. The city has received a legislative appropriation for a diesel plant and a State grant to purchase bulk fuel storage tanks. The projects are scheduled for comple- tion during the summer of 1982. WATER AND SEWER The water supply for the community residents is obtained from a small creek parallel to the one used for hydro-power. The system was constructed in 1927 and upgraded in 1974. The system is connected to a pump house near the mouth of the two creeks with distribution lines to the existing houses. Sewerage is pumped directly from the homes to the beach area, just short of being adequately washed away by tides. The U.S. Public Health Services is scheduled to construct, in conjunction with the new housing project, a new water and sewer system. SOLID WASTE There presently is no solid waste disposal area. Community residents either dump garbage into the sea or burn it on the beach. Processors dump waste directly overboard or burn and bury it on the beaches. The city recently received a grant from The Department of Environmental Conser- vation for site analysis and development. Additionally it has reviewed the possibility of purchasing a small barge to transport some of the waste material from the processors to the solid waste site or to dump out of the harbor area. COMMUNICATIONS There are presently seven phones within the city, one for public use; the city; the village corporation; Sea West; Trident, Inc.; Public Safety office and the school respectively. All three are connected to the RCA Alascom communication system. Communication between homes in the city is commonly done by citizen band radios. There has been some discussion of installing telephones in all of the homes, however, no firm decision has been reached on the issue. Although cur- rently without outside television (Some homes have video cassettes) the Alaska Satellite Network expects to offer television service to the city during the summer of 1982. CITY GOALS AND ACTIONS REQUIRED TOWARDS UTILITIES Issue: Diesel Plant and Tank Farm The project will include the construction of a 10’ x 30’ building for the diesel plant and tank farm. Consultants have stated a preference to construct the * building near the cemetery since it would be difficult to move the equipment far from the beach area. Ideally the city would like to place it near the school, but there is no practical method to move it there. The bulk fuel storage tanks need to be located adjacent to the building. A city resident is presently attending school in Seward to operate and maintain this facility. Goals: — Insure that the location of the power system is compatible with other com- munity activities. 25 26 Action Required: — Continue working closely with electrical engineering consultants about the project. — Identify appropriate locations for the project. — Encourage the storage of supplies and equipment at the construction site of the project to reduce community disruption. — Strongly encourage the use of the Sea West bunkhouse, the Corporation building and possibly the AIRPAC building for lodging of outside construction workers as opposed to bringing in trailers or other temporary housing. — Identify potential local residents for temporary construction jobs. Issue: Renovation of Existing Water Distribution System, and Construction of Wastewater Disposal System This project will include modification of the existing dam for use as a water source, installation of 680 feet of water transmission line, renovation of the water treatment building, installation of 1,000 feet of water main, and connection of 29 houses to the water system. Additionally, the contractors will install 1,510 feet of sewer main and three 4,700-gallon community septic tanks and construct 1,000 feet of marine outfall line connection to the 17 existing and 16 new houses to the wastewater system. This project is scheduled to begin in the summer of 1982. Goal: — Insure that U.S. Public Health Service construction projects do not cause un- necessary disruption of the resident’s normal activities. Action Required: — Continue working closely with the U.S. Public Health Service, Indian Health Service and other appropriate agencies to ensure that the project is con- structed in the summer of 1982. — Ensure that the contractors store equipment and supplies for the project out- side of the existing residential area, whenever possible and practical. — Strongly encourage the use of the Sea West bunkhouse, the village corpora- tion building and possibly the AIRPAC building for lodging of outside con- struction workers as opposed to transporting in trailers or other temporary housing. — Identify potential local residents for temporary construction jobs. Issue: Solid Waste Disposal System The city is presently conducting a solid waste disposal option study. It desires a safe, accessible and cost efficient system. Initial possible sites include (1) at the head of the harbor and (2) east of the community near the mouth of the Akutan Harbor. Goal: — Seek financial and technical assistance from State agencies for development of asystem. Action Required: — Seek a direct legislative grant for the required analysis and construction of the system. — Adopt, through a city ordinance, the power to provide garbage and solid waste collection and disposal services. — Investigate the cost of a small vessel to use for garbage collection from the processors. — Investigate the use of an RDA grant to fund the vessel. — Initiate discussions with the village corporation about the conveyance of cor- poration lands, if necessary. Issue: Bulk Fuel Storage Facility The project fund request has been granted. The project is scheduled for the spring of 1982. The city has designated two possible areas. (1) 50’ North and 100’ East of the Roadhouse (2) 150’ East of the school and 150’ North of the beach. This project will be built next to the Diesel Plant and Tank Farm. Goal: — Ensure that tank location is both cost efficient and practical and that this proj- ect is coordinated with the diesel plant. Action Required: — Hire an engineer or seek assistance from the appropriate agency to conduct the required site analysis. — Set work schedule to ensure project is completed in a timely and satisfactory fashion. Transportation Akutan may be reached only by amphibious aircraft or boat. AIRPAC, Inc., head- quartered in Dutch Harbor, provides as many as four flights daily with a 10-passenger Twin Engine Grumman Goose Float Plane. Peninsula Airways out of Cold Bay provides a weekly mail flight with a similar float plane. The beach area directly west of the Sea West dock is presently used as a landing area. Akutan is without aids to air navigation, so flights are flown under visual flight rules (VFR) and in daylight. The best months for flying are September through November with July normally being the worst month. 27 28 With the lack of a landing strip in Akutan, all planes must use the harbor. (AE/DC) A legislative appropriation was approved in 1981 for the construction of a landing strip for the city. A study by the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT/PF), showed, however, that there was an inadequate amount of suitable land and too often adverse weather conditions to permit the construc- tion of a landing strip. DOT/PF has decided to develop a float plane ramp and turn around area at the end of the Russian Orthodox property. The city and DOT/PF are presently negotiating this development. Given the present demand for air service into Akutan and the short distances from the present landing area to the processors, it is highly unlikely that an addi- tional landing area will be developed in the near future, unless the facility at the head of Akutan Harbor goes forward. No regular passenger vessels travel to Akutan. However, fishing boats, tenders and processors, depending on the season, frequently go between the city and Unalaska and other Aleutian communities. Additionally, the M/V Northstar and other marine shipping vessels deliver cargo on an infrequent basis. Vessels reaching Akutan usually use the Sea West or other processor dock facilities or they must lighter goods to shore. The city, with volunteer labor built a small boat dock near the village store. However, it was ruined by heavy storms in the late 1970’s and not rebuilt. The city is presently investigating different funding sources to construct a new dock in its place. As noted previously, the city and the village corporation have expressed a strong interest in developing a large dock and fish processing facility at the head of the bay. In 1981, the city received $250,000 from the State to conduct preliminary plan- ning for the project. Although a number of issues such as land ownership and project funding have not been resolved, the city is moving ahead on the issue. The project is viewed as a potential source of employment of the area’s perma- nent residents and a long-term stabilizing influence on the economy. The city has no streets and, with the exception of a frontend loader and a few motorcycles, is without vehicles. The city has a series of boardwalks through the residential area. As for other onland transportation systems, the city expects to build a trail to the east of the community in 1982. CITY GOALS AND ACTION REQUIRED TOWARDS TRANSPORTATION Issue: Boardwalk Akutan has been allocated $150,000 by DOT/PF, for local roads and trails. DOT/PF has authorized $22,000 for boardwalks in the new and older part of town. Some of the lumber will be sent on the M/V Western Pioneer and will consist of 17,664 boardfeet (all of which are 2 x 6’s) along with 350 pounds of 20d nails. The remain- ing money may be used for access to other sites. Goal: — Ensure that DOT/PF requirements have been met so project will commence on scheduled date. Action Required: — Contact DOT/PF officials to coordinate next summer’s activities. — Identify local personnel to be hired to complete the project. Head of the bay area (City of Akutan) 29 30 Trident Company operations (Lamar Cotten) — Identify a location to store the building supplies. — Identify potential local residents for temporary construction jobs. Issue: The Development of a New Amphibious Aircraft Landing Area The Department of Transportation and Public Facilities has advised the city of its desire to develop a new amphibious aircraft landing area in the community. This will include construction of a sea plane ramp and establishment of a turn around area. Goal: — Ensure that the future development does not negatively affect surrounding activities. Action Required: — Obtain necessary land control documents for such activities. — Obtain an agreement from AIRPAC and Peninsula Air that plane arrivals and departures must avoid interfering with nearby activities. Issue: Construction of a Small Boat Dock The City of Akutan has expressed a need for a small boat dock at the east end of the city. The proposed dock and moorage facility would serve small craft and possibly processors. The city is presently seeking funding for preliminary loca- tion and design work. Goals: — Ensure that the project is cost effective and compatible with other uses in that section of the city. Action Required: — Seek funds from both the legislature and State agencies for funding for preliminary feasibility studies. PART THREE FUTURE ISSUES 32 Akutan will face a number of new issues and challenges in the future. This sec- tion briefly discusses three of those topics. They are (1) Possible future con- veyances of village corporation lands for community use, (2) The Alaska Coastal Management Program and its possible effects on Akutan and (3) Future planning options for the City of Akutan. ANCSA Lands Pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act the Akutan Village Corpora- tion will receive (with the exception of private and State landholding in Akutan Harbor) the majority of the Island of Akutan and parts of Akun Island. As of March, 1982, the Corporation has received interim conveyance to 89,773 acres, out of a total of 92,160. The Corporation under Section 14(c)(3) of the Act may convey up to 1,280 acres to the city government for community expansion, appropriate rights-of-way for public use, and other foreseeable community needs. The total number of acres may vary, if mutually agreed upon by both parties. To date the village corporation has conveyed, through a quit claim deed, 370 acres in sections 3 and 10 of township 70 south range 112 west to the city for the now defunct hydroelectric project and about 2.33 acres to the Aleutian/Pribilof Hous- ing Authority for the new housing project. Other future projects which may in- volve land transfers from the village corporation to the city include: Solid Waste Disposal System — This would include right-of-way to the area. The total acreage involved would be, depending on the distance from the community, about three to five acres. Bulk Fuel Storage Tank and Diesel Plant — If the project is located east of the community, it may involve a small parcel of village corporation land for the actual site and right-of-way requirements. Dock Facilities — As a result of the current negotiation between Sea West and the Akutan Village Corporation over the former BIA lease, the village corporation may possibly gain little title to valuable shoreline property. The land has potential for either a private or public dock facility. If the city wishes to use the land fora public dock facility it would probably need two to four acres of land. Community Outdoor Recreation — With an increasing permanent population the demand for an outdoor recreation area may soon arise. The new housing project will both occupy the remaining level land and bring new families to the communi- ty. Possible recreation sites include the level areas east of the community anda small area near the community flagpole. Head of the Bay Development — Depending on the size of the project, the city may need about 10 acres of village corporation land to develop the needed public support facilities. View of Akutan from the west and the Sea West operations (Lamar Cotten) Alaska Coastal Management Program The City of Akutan, along with Unalaska, Atka and Nikolski has been designated as a possible Coastal Resource Service Area (Aleutians West) under the Alaska Coastal Management Program. As provided for in the Alaska Coastal Manage- ment Act of 1977, it takes 15% of the registered voters or 25% of the involved communities (or in this case only one community) to request that the issue of forming a Coastal Resource Service Area (CRSA) be put before the voters of an area. The City of Unalaska has formally requested such a vote. A date has not been set for the election, but it probably will be held in the fall of 1982. After such an election is held, and, if the majority of the residents vote in favor of organizing a CRSA, another election is held for members to the CRSA Board. Seven members are elected either at large or, at the request of 15% of the area residents or a resolution by one of the communities within the area, by sub-area sections. If the CRSA board members are elected by sub-area sections, a representative for Akutan, Atka and Nikolski would be virtually guaranteed. If, however, board members are elected at large, the chances would be less that the three communities would elect a board member. If a CRSA is formed, the City of Akutan should expect to be an active participant. Issues such as future bottomfishing activities, the upcoming oil and gas lease sales and the Native corporations’ actions could have impacts on the City of Akutan. Through the development of an CRSA Plan, Akutan would have a stronger voice in its future growth. 33 34 Future Planning Options for the City of Akutan The City of Akutan may influence future development within its boundaries ina number of ways. Presently the city is without a zoning ordinance. The only ordinance dealing with private development is City Ordinance #82.4 which re- quires a developer to notify the city of the construction of a building over 100 square feet or excavation of over 300 cubic feet. In the future, however, the city may wish to establish more direct participation in events which affect the com- munity. The Mayor and City Council of Akutan with assistance from the City Administrators and personnel from the Division of Community Planning have focused on five approaches which the city may wish to consider in the future. Listed below is a review of those other options and their applicability to the City of Akutan. MULTI-DISTRICT ZONING Multi-district zoning is the most common form of land use control in Alaska and the rest of the United States. Zoning means dividing or separating activities within a city by use. That is, the city would have a zone for residential activities such as homes, schools, churches, and a zone for commercial/industrial, for such uses as the processors and related activities and other zones as deemed appro- priate. Uses other than those designated in a zone are normally prohibited or conditional. Four zones which would be used in Akutan are: 1. Residential — The residential zone could include the existing housing area, the cemetery, the school and church. 2. Commercial/Industrial — This zone could include Sea West activities, the Akutan Roadhouse and other areas where the city may wish processors and other related activities to locate. 3. Conservation/Hazards — This zone could include the areas the city feels are dangerous or wishes not to develop because of geophysical hazards, biological resources, coastal habitat, recreational air/water quality concerns. 4. Public Use — This zone could include the amphibious aircraft landing area and possible dump site. Where Multi-District Zoning Can Be Applied Local zoning, like other land use controls, has its limitations. Its application to State and federal lands (including tidelands) may be limited. The State Attorney General’s office, for example, is currently reviewing the ability of local govern- ment to zone State lands covered by leases contrary to the lease agreement be- tween the lessee and the State. Obviously this would have some bearing on Akutan with respect to ATS 781 and ATS 1208. The law, however, is closer in other situations. For example, private lands such as the lands owned by the Russian Orthodox Church (and leased to Sea West) may have land use restrictions placed upon it. A zoning ordinance could not stop Sea West activities as they currently exist, but could (1) prevent expansion of their activities on the existing land; and (2) prevent expansion of their activities to other lands, even those that they presently lease from the Russian Orthodox Church. In other words, if a zoning ordi- nance were properly enacted, in accordance with the comprehensive plan, the city could prevent further expansion of processor activities within its jurisdiction. Again, though, local zoning authority over State or federal leases is presently unclear. Analysis PRO — If desired, zoning would influence future development on private lands, but not necessarily State lands. For example, if properly implemented it could influence the further expansion of onshore fish processing activities. — It would establish a predictable and easily understood land use framework to guide future developers. CON — Zoning is often too rigid and inflexible. — Given the amount of work required by the staff and planning commissioners and compounded by the lack of land currently, or envisioned in the near future to be used, zoning may be impractical and simply too time consum- ing to obtain the city objectives. — Zoning is not particularly appropriate for fish processing facilities which mix residential, commercial and industrial use on a single parcel of land. — Given the good chance of opposition to restricting development by private landowners or lessees, any restrictive land ordinance could result in legal action by a land owner or lessee against the city. Such action could result in a lengthy and costly legal battle. SINGLE ZONE WITH CONDITIONAL USES A special version of traditional zoning is to designate an entire city for one use (possibly residential) and allow other uses contingent upon Planning Commis- sion approval. This approach has been used in other rural communities. The per- mitted uses allowed under certain conditions and those uses which are pro- hibited under any circumstances would be listed in a city ordinance. How A Single Zone With Conditional Uses Could Be Applied In Akutan As with other types of zoning, the single zone approach would need to be based on acomprehensive plan. The Planning Commission could designate the entire city as a residential zone. This would permit only the construction of designated types of residential units. Uses such as processors and other industrial activities would need approval by the local planning commission. The Planning Commission would review any new development which would re- quire a conditional use permit. This would entail the Planning Commission holding public hearing(s) and making written findings on conditional use permit request. The Planning Commission may condition its approval of an activity if the developers incorporate certain changes that the city feels are necessary. 35 ge Tool What It Means TABLE 1 FUTURE PLANNING FOR THE CITY OF AKUTAN City Council/ Planning Commission Responsibilities City Administrators’ Responsibilities Pro Con ¢ Multi-District Zoning * City divided into zones by use ¢ Uses other than those allowed are normally prohibited © Designate zones © Define uses for each zone ¢ Hold public hearings ¢ Assist council/ commission with public hearing ¢ Conduct necessary research and make recommendations for zones and their uses ¢ Assist in deter- mining compliances e Easy to understand ¢ Fairly predictable ¢ Influence on development © May be too time consuming © May result in costly legal battles * Too rigid © May be inappropri- ate for fish proc- essing communities ¢ Single Zone with Conditional Uses * City designated as one zone. All other uses must have council approval ¢ Determine condi- tional permitted uses ¢ Determine uses which are prohibited ¢ Assist Council/ Commission with public hearing © Conduct necessary research and make recommendations for conditional per- mitted uses e Easy to understand ¢ Fairly predictable ¢ Influence © May be too time consuming © May result in costly legal battles © Covenant * City has its con- cerns incorporated into a covenant be- tween buyer and seller of private property ¢ Negotiate with in- volved parties to insure its concerns are part of the covenant ¢ Assist council/ commission with meetings © Conduct necessary research and make recommendations ¢ City not responsible ¢ May be not appro- for enforcement of priate for Akutan covenant ¢ Zoning unnecessary ¢ No guarantee of compliance by in- volved parties e Agreements between City and individual land owners ¢ City and individual land owners nego- tiate agreement or future land use. ¢ Negotiate with the land owners ¢ Assist in negotiations © Conduct necessary research and make recommendations e Probably most practical ¢ Negotiations require patience ¢ Least costly ¢ Zoning not required © Good precedent for future land use Ze 38 Winter boardwalk scene in Akutan (AE/DC) Analysis PRO — Like traditional zoning this method is easy to understand. — It would provide direct city input into projects with boundaries. — It provides a measure of flexibility in controlling land use. CON — Like multi-district zoning, it would require an extensive amount of time and effort by the planning commission. — It may weaken the relationship between the city and the processors. — Private developers may legally oppose city actions which could result in lengthy and costly legal battle. COVENANT A covenant is an agreement between a property owner who subdivides property and purchasers of that property. It normally entails the seller placing certain restrictions on future use of the property. Although a city government would not be a legal party in such an agreement (unless it is selling or purchasing the involved property), it may wish to negotiate with the involved parties to ensure that some of its concerns about future development are incorporated into the covenant. This could include such items as lot size, type of activity allowed (com- mercial, residential etc.) or other city concerns. Analysis PRO — A covenant is an agreement between landowners in which enforcement depends upon the parties involved. Such action therefore would not require city enforcement. — Zoning would not be necessary to enforce the agreement. CON — Although this approach is used in some cities, it currently may not be appro- priate in Akutan since land is rarely subdivided (and sold) outside of the residential area. — Since enforcement lies with the landowners, the city may have no method of ensuring that involved parties comply with the provisions of the covenants. — In the light of the few new developments expected, it may be inappropriate to enact such an ordinance. AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE CITY AND LANDOWNERS Given the limited number of landowners (or lessees within the City of Akutan) it may be best for the city to simply negotiate with each of them about future development. The city could (with the assistance of its City Administrators, attor- ney or personnel from the Division of Community Planning), using its comprehen- sive plan as a guide, discuss with each of the developers how they can cooperatively agree upon future development in the city. Analysis PRO — Given the limited number of private landowners (or lessees), this approach is probably the most practical and, in the long run, the least costly. —A formal agreement would make any type of zoning unnecessary and therefore avoiding the time consuming and possibly costly activity of developing and enforcing zoning ordinance. — A formal agreement would set a good precedent for futue land use in the city. New landowners would be encouraged to sit down with the City of Akutan and hammer out an agreement which would tend to achieve the goals and objectives of both parties rather than difficulties encountered be- tween the city and some of the local developers. 39 [es Native Corporation , Native Corporation Land to be Conveyed to Community Members “ for Residential Use. G State of Alaska Tideland Leases A State of Alaska Tidelands with a Pending Lease Application [ Private State of Alaska Uplands CITY OF AKUTAN, ALASKA Land Ownership MAP #4 Q \ Y \ \ S XS . “a s S od 2 6 av v eg 5 3 r=] ah g s m 3 E ae O-PS p25 Existing water LEE EE EE EEE n= a ME aeie e storage dam to be upgraded a a . Roadhouse (bar) 10. Old community hall and possible Sea West Warehouse site for health clinic . Sea West Dock 11. Community and dance hall 12. Former dock and possible site of . Storage Barge anew one . Possible new amphibious aircraft 13. Present school and possible site of anew one New residential area (Project . Russian Orthodox Church . Water treatment building which is completion date fall, 1982) . Sea West Bunkhouse proposed to be expanded i Commercial . Public Safety building and . Tanks : x RRSESe] Public Fre Pmace area for fire . Pelton wheel and D.C. generator : ELECTRICITY: ood 3 i . New village corporation building Mee : \ Power line . Proposed new Sea West Dock Power pole \ Proposed 4" arctic pipe Streetlight a transmission line Generator Water is piped to bar from \ WATER: anearby stream ( \ Existing and proposed water line Steep Slope Existing 10” wood stave transmission Hydrant line to community pelton wheel \ frien water supply dam to be Dam utilized as a back-up water source i \ Water line for hydropower generator < Existing 4” arctic transmission line SEWER: \ to be tied into proposed transmission eee es 27 Proposed septic tank \ ine — Proposed sewage outfall [ an Existing sewage outfall USS 2014 ; ° = ; : : | QCD OSL359 | Seepage pit Present boardwalk \ ——— = ft ; St. of AK AAB144 | Earth station AA6647-A V/SelApin Residential es RIN ES Phone Fire equipment station Survey line (BLM or Alaska Div. of Lands; numbers refer to U.S. surveys) Land status (BLM or Alaska Div. of Lands; serial numbers refer to applications, etc.) Boardwalk edojs deals Community recreation - ‘ | r (9) Y : q 7 x S area * - if Possibly site | La Gen) 7 oe of diesel plant \ J — and bulk fuel | KS Fe: storage facility Los 4_ 4%" visel Apin _ AA6647-A V/Sel Apin L Scale: 1”=112' (Approx.) Note: This map was developed from a low altitude aerial photograph which contains unavoidable distortions in scale. Property and utility information has been generalized from many sources and may contain minor inconsistencies. This map should not be con- strued as a survey, but as a general information map.