Valdez City Council Regular Meeting - May 20, 2025
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Valdez City Council Regular Meeting - May 20, 2025
The Valdez City Council met on May 20, 2025, at 7:00 PM in council chambers. The meeting included the swearing-in of new council members John Lumba and Joy Whitney, farewell to outgoing members Sharon Scheit and Alan Sorum, election of the mayor pro tem, and extensive discussion on amendments to RV park and tent camping regulations, including a new permit system. The council also approved several consent items, new business items, and resolutions. Council member Foster was absent initially but arrived later; Council member Love was absent and excused for the entire meeting. The mayor recused himself from executive session due to a conflict.
Consent Calendar
- Approved, with a vote of 6-0-1 (Love absent), the consent agenda consisting of: (1) Approval to enter executive session regarding VMC 3.30 appeals and litigation strategy; (2) Proclamation recognizing International Human Resources Day (May 20, 2025); (3) Proclamation for National Safe Boating Week (May 18-24, 2025) and Wear Your Life Jacket at Work Day (May 16, 2025).
Public Comments & Testimony
- Jeff Sachs (resident): Thanked council for approving lawn maintenance along the highway from Meals to the state garage, stating it will reduce the load on RV parks and improve the town entrance. Asked when the contract starts.
- Faith Harris (Discover Valdez): Questioned the timeline for a replacement essential air service plan following Raven's potential departure in September. City Manager Nate Duvall responded that a new RFP for essential air service is under legal review with the Department of Transportation, and Raven is obligated to fulfill 140 days of service contractually and may be mandated for an additional 30-day extension.
- Harold Blam (resident): Addressed council about a crushed trailer on his property in Alpine Woods that he has been unable to remove for three years despite contracting efforts. He stated that he welcomes the city's forced abatement process but expressed concern that if only one contractor bids, costs could be high. He thanked Police Chief Bart Hinkle and Abatement Officer Dan Plaster for extensions.
- Kate Spatiforra (Valdez RV Park owner): Opposed the permit process for boondocking, calling it an unnecessary program. She argued the existing system works for extenuating circumstances, that building a new program creates costs and infrastructure that compete with private RV parks, and that charging fees would be inappropriate for land already paid for by taxpayers.
- Jeff Sachs (second time): Expressed agreement with the idea of permits only when RV parks are full (e.g., four weekends per year) and suggested a $50 per night fee. He also opposed using South Boat Harbor for RVs, noting it is designed for boats and trailers.
- Faith Harris (second time): Asked City Manager Duvall to clarify the original intent of the permit program, which he said was to reduce police burden by providing a simple piece of paper for car campers. She noted that she had no opinion on the ordinance itself.
- Unnamed speaker (public): Raised an example from a University of Chicago daycare study, arguing that implementing a fee for late pickup actually increased late pickups by removing the social norm. He suggested a fee might similarly increase boondocking demand beyond current levels.
- Unnamed speaker (longtime resident, ~40 years): Expressed frustration with government regulation and
Meeting Transcript
Stanton join me in the Pledge of Allegiance. Undergoing. Indivisible with liberty and justice for roll call. All members are present with the exceptions of Council Member Love and Councilmember Foster, who are absent and excuse. Councilmember Foster will be hopefully joining in line here shortly. Okay. Seeing none. Okay, swearing in new council members. Before we swear in the newly elected council members, we'd like to take a moment to recognize the outgoing council members, Sharon Scheit and Alan Swarb. We have some items to present you. Okay. Okay. So council member forum and council member site. The mayor will present you a couple items. We know that Sharon, you didn't want anything because you got a gold pan last year. But this is your bonus here. Your bonus year on council, so we have a little something for you. So mayor. Very good. Excuse me. All right, at this uh time I'd like to give the opportunity for council members to uh speak about the outgoing council members. I object. No, before you guys take off, I'd like to say that uh the two of you have been uh you know rock solid for the city of Aldees. I appreciate the leadership and all that you guys have done. Sharon, you've been outstanding as mayor and uh some big shoes for me to follow into, but uh hopefully I'm getting there slowly but surely and uh I really appreciate all your effort and time and Alan. Thanks for being a rock back there and kind of kicking the council every once in a while in the butt and kind of showing us uh that uh you know the way to go forward sometimes is pretty easy if you just put your foot and go forward. So I appreciate it very much. All right. Um we will move in to the swearing of the new members. Uh John and Dom, please come forward and to be sworn in by the deputy clerk. Joy, sorry. So you guys ready? Okay, so we gotta face me this way. Please raise your right hand and repeat after me. I say your name. I'm Joy Whitney. I do solemnly swear, that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America. I will support and defend the Constitution. Okay, the Constitution of the State of Alaska. Laws and ordinances and laws of the city of Aldi's, the city of Valdece. And then I will faithfully discharge my duties. As a city council member. As a city council member. For the city of Valdues, Alaska, the City of Valdez, Alaska, to the best of my ability. The best of my ability. Congratulations. Recess and uh enjoy some cakes and refreshments. Yay. Yeah. Congratulations both to uh Miss Whitty and uh Mr.
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