(a) The Local Boundary Commission shall

1. (1) make studies of local government boundary problems;
2. (2) adopt regulations providing standards and procedures for municipal incorporation, annexation, detachment, merger, consolidation, reclassification, and dissolution; the regulations providing standards and procedures are subject to AS 29.04 — AS 29.10;
3. (3) consider a local government boundary change requested of it by the legislature, the commissioner of commerce, community, and economic development, or a political subdivision of the state; “boundary change” may not be construed to include a borough incorporation; and
4. (4) develop standards and procedures for the extension of services and ordinances of incorporated cities into contiguous areas for limited purposes upon majority approval of the voters of the contiguous area to be annexed and prepare transition schedules and prorated tax mill levies as well as standards for participation by voters of these contiguous areas in the affairs of the incorporated cities furnishing services.

(b) The Local Boundary Commission may

1. (1) conduct meetings and hearings to consider local government boundary changes and other matters related to local government boundary changes, including extensions of services by incorporated cities into contiguous areas and matters related to extension of services; and
2. (2) present to the legislature during the first 10 days of a regular session proposed local government boundary changes, including gradual extension of services of incorporated cities into contiguous areas upon a majority approval of the voters of the contiguous area to be annexed and transition schedules providing for total assimilation of the contiguous area and its full participation in the affairs of the incorporated city within a period not to exceed five years.