During its rescheduled meeting Monday, the Ketchikan City Council will talk about the Deer Mountain Fish Hatchery, which Ketchikan Indian Community officials handed back to the city a couple weeks ago.
KIC had operated the hatchery for many years, but tribal officials say it’s been losing money for the past few seasons. The property was given to KIC with the stipulation that it be used as a hatchery. The tribe recently asked the city to remove that requirement, so that KIC could change the business plan, but city officials were reluctant. The city had offered financial help, but KIC officials opted to close the facility.
In a memo to the Council, City Manager Karl Amylon offered a few suggestions. He writes that the property could remain a hatchery, with a different operator; staff could look into other possible uses; or the city could simply sell it.
Also Monday, the Council will consider changing the speed limit on the Third Avenue Bypass, a suggestion from Council Member Sam Bergeron.
Police Chief Alan Bengaard recommends against that move, though. In a memo, he writes that there have been no accidents involving pedestrians, and very few other collisions. He says reducing the speed limit would not improve safety.
Monday’s Council meeting, which was rescheduled due to the Fourth of July holiday, starts at 7 p.m. in City Council chambers. Public comment will be heard at the start of the meeting.
