OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Valdez City Council Regular Meeting - September 2, 2025

Meeting Portal — Tuesday, September 2, 2025
BodyValdez, Alaska
SessionMeeting Portal
DateTuesday, September 2, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
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Transcript — Verbatim
0:01

Here we will go ahead and uh please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.

0:14

And to the Republic for which it stands.

0:16

One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

0:25

Could you go ahead and give us a roll call?

0:28

All council members are present with Council Member Foster online.

0:33

Okay, do we have any uh public business from the floor on non-agenda items?

0:40

Okay, seeing none, we'll go ahead and go into the consent agenda where we have one um item on the consent agenda, which is a proclamation of suicide prevention month uh month.

0:51

Can I please uh get a uh second?

0:55

Uh huh.

0:56

Motion to consent, second Jimmy and Okay.

1:06

I'm gonna go ahead and uh call for the vote vote.

1:12

All right, all those in favor, please say aye.

1:14

Aye.

1:15

Any opposed?

1:18

With seven yes, motion carries.

1:21

Okay, I'm gonna go ahead and read the proclamation.

1:24

Um, whereas September is recognized as National Suicide Prevention Month, and September 10th is World Suicide Prevention Day.

1:33

This is a time when millions of people around the world join their voices to raise awareness of suicide prevention, treatment, and recovery.

1:40

And whereas this is a time that is dedicated to bring visibility to the role everyone in the community can play in preventing suicide and to encourage all community members to know the signs.

1:52

First the words and reach out to someone they're concerned about.

1:56

And whereas the stigma associated with mental illness and suicide continues to work against suicide prevention efforts by discouraging our friends, families, and neighbors at risk for suicide from seeking life-saving assistance and further traumatizes survivors of suicide.

2:13

And whereas education about the warning signs of suicide, the value of prevention measures, and the best methods methods to support those in need, is essential to our community.

2:24

And whereas suicidal thoughts can affect everyone, regardless of age, gender, race, orientation, income level, religion, or background.

2:33

And whereas, according to the American uh foundation for suicide prevention, suicide is the second leading cause of death among individuals between the ages 10 and 34, with more than 48,000 people dying by suicide annually in the United States.

2:49

Whereas every member of our community should understand that throughout life's struggles, we all need the occasional reminder that we are all slightly fighting our own battles.

2:59

And whereas we can help prevent suicide.

3:02

If you or someone you know need support now, call or text the Suicide Crisis Lifeline at 988.

3:09

Access chat at 988Lifeline.org or dial 911.

3:15

Now, therefore, I Dennis Fleming, mayor of the city of Valdez, do hereby proclaim that the month of September is designated as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and encourage all citizens to take the time to inquire as the well-being of their family, friends, and neighbors, and to generally convey their appreciation for their existence by any gesture they deem appropriate.

3:39

And I have on behalf of accepting the proclamation, sound mental health.

4:16

One more yeah.

4:21

Yeah, I appreciate that.

4:26

I appreciate the uh proclamation.

4:29

Uh suicide is a very difficult topic, and we don't talk about it very often.

4:34

Um but it is very uh very tragic and has very um it's very impactful on our community.

4:43

Uh but I I like the proclamation because it highlights a couple of things, and one of those is that suicide, although is often associated as a mental health problem.

4:52

Um as noted in here, there's references to mental health, but this proclamation also suggests that uh suicide is a community problem, it's a social problem.

5:02

It has something to do with the way that we connect with each other and the ways that we don't connect.

5:06

And so I appreciate the uh the proclamation and um hope that we can all continue to work to prevent suicide in our community.

5:14

Thank you.

5:15

Thank you.

5:19

Okay, moving to new business approval of professional service agreement number 2410 with uh Bettlesworth North Architects or plan planners for child care facility design in the amount of 222,351 dollars.

5:36

Move to approve.

5:37

Second council discussion public discussion.

5:47

Okay, seeing none, call for the vote.

5:51

All those in favor, please say aye.

5:53

Aye.

5:55

All those opposed with seven yes, zero opposed, motion carries okay.

6:04

Now moving on to ordinances.

6:06

Uh authorizing an amendment to the zoning map to effect a change to lot two ASLS 78139 plat 98-2 to general commercial first reading public hearing.

6:21

Do I have a motion?

6:22

Move to approve.

6:23

Second.

6:28

Okay, council discussion.

6:31

Oh, public hearing first on this.

6:33

Sorry, any public comments?

6:37

Okay, council comments.

6:42

Okay.

6:44

Seeing none, we'll go ahead and uh call for the vote.

6:47

All those in favor, please say aye.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Public Safety█████████████13%
Legal████████████12%
City Manager Report█████████9%
Childcare Services████████8%
Public Works███████7%
Budget Equity Analysis███████7%
Mental Health Awareness██████6%
Procedural██████6%
City Mayor Report██████6%
Summary of Proceedings

Valdez City Council Regular Meeting - September 2, 2025

The Valdez City Council met on September 2, 2025, at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers, with all seven members present (Council Member Foster participating online). The meeting covered a consent proclamation, several new business items, ordinances, and resolutions—all approved unanimously—along with reports from city staff and the city attorney. Key actions included approving a $222,351 professional services agreement for child care facility design, authorizing a $4 million federal grant application for port improvements with up to $1.25 million in local match, and accepting a $16,000 ASPCA grant for animal shelter kennel upgrades.

Consent Calendar

  • Proclamation: Suicide Prevention Month – Mayor Dennis Fleming read the proclamation recognizing September as National Suicide Prevention Month and September 10 as World Suicide Prevention Day. The proclamation highlighted that suicide is the second leading cause of death among individuals aged 10–34, with more than 48,000 deaths annually in the U.S., and urged community members to reach out and use the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Council Member Love commented that suicide is a "community problem" and emphasized the importance of connection. The consent agenda passed unanimously (7-0).

Discussion Items

  • Professional Services Agreement No. 2410 with Bettisworth North Architects and Planners – For child care facility design in the amount of $222,351. Approved unanimously.
  • Ordinance #25-11 – Zoning Map Amendment – First reading to change Lot 2, A.S.L.S. 78-139, Plat 98-2 to General Commercial. No public comments. Approved unanimously.
  • Resolution #25-37 – State of Alaska DOT&PF Land Lease ADA-72-348 for Valdez Airport, Supplement No. 2 – Approved unanimously.
  • Resolution #25-38 – Authorizing City Manager to Negotiate Purchase of 5-Acre Parcel (Lot 2, Mineral Creek Industrial Subdivision, Tract K) from Port Valdez Company, Inc. – Approved unanimously.
  • Resolution #25-39 – Grant Application to U.S. DOT Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) – Requesting $4,000,000 in grant funds with up to 25% local matching ($1,250,000) for the Port of Valdez Improvement Plan. Approved unanimously.
  • Resolution #25-40 – Amending FY25 Budget for ASPCA Quality of Life Housing Grant – $16,000 for Valdez Animal Shelter kennel improvements. Council Member noted kudos to Animal Control for securing the grant. Approved unanimously.
  • Reports
    • Law Enforcement Activities Related to Impeding Snow Removal – City Manager Nick Devolic explained that "total impeding snow removal calls" (26 in the most recent period) are calls to dispatch from operators or the public. "Stickered, contacted, and warned" refers to police patrol contacts; of 52 vehicles contacted, only one ticket was issued. The intent is community education.
    • Quarterly Financial Summary Reports, June 30, 2025 – Discussion included an unused $100,000 assessment assistance budget (VMC 3.30) that will carry forward, and a $1.1 million health care claim in March. The City Manager noted the health plan remains in the black due to reinsurance.
    • July Treasury Report and City Manager Written Report – The City Manager noted an earmark agreement with a seven-year timeline but expects to expend and close it within 12 months. Formal council approval is anticipated in October.
  • City Manager Report – Announced a barge loadout of approximately 2,000 tons of city scrap metal on September 23, sharing the barge with an Alyeska contractor. More scrap remains for a phase two. Meals Hill ribbon cutting on September 11 at 5 PM, followed by a housing work session at 6:30 PM. The City Manager will be on leave September 12–20.
  • City Attorney Report – Jake reported: (1) A favorable trial decision on escape property taxability, but partial reconsideration requested on valuation and statute of limitations for 2017-2018; briefing deadline September 8. (2) Settlement of Alaska Ventures lawsuit over VMC 3.30 – they requested ~$15,000 in attorney fees; the city is verifying the amount. (3) 2023 C Plan renewal updates: secondary containment inspection plan still under review; the city intends to file a renewed request for adjudicatory hearing on the 2% leak detection credit by September 8.
  • Mayor Report – Met with Coast Guard Admiral; the Admiral expressed support for Valdez as a "U.S. Coast Guard city" and discussed potential fleet increases. Mayor also congratulated the girls volleyball team for winning an Anchorage tournament.

Key Outcomes

  • All items on the consent agenda and new business/ordinances/resolutions were approved unanimously (7-0).
  • The City Manager will negotiate the purchase of a 5-acre parcel from Port Valdez Company, Inc. (Resolution #25-38).
  • The city will apply for a $4 million PIDP grant with a $1.25 million local match (Resolution #25-39).
  • The City Attorney will file a renewed request for adjudicatory hearing on the 2% leak detection credit by September 8, 2025.
  • The next steps include formal council approval of the earmark agreement in October, and a phase two scrap metal removal plan.
  • The meeting adjourned after council member comments, which included positive remarks about the Coast Guard Black Tip ceremony and the soon-to-open Meals Hill trails.

Meeting Transcript

Here we will go ahead and uh please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. And to the Republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Could you go ahead and give us a roll call? All council members are present with Council Member Foster online. Okay, do we have any uh public business from the floor on non-agenda items? Okay, seeing none, we'll go ahead and go into the consent agenda where we have one um item on the consent agenda, which is a proclamation of suicide prevention month uh month. Can I please uh get a uh second? Uh huh. Motion to consent, second Jimmy and Okay. I'm gonna go ahead and uh call for the vote vote. All right, all those in favor, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed? With seven yes, motion carries. Okay, I'm gonna go ahead and read the proclamation. Um, whereas September is recognized as National Suicide Prevention Month, and September 10th is World Suicide Prevention Day. This is a time when millions of people around the world join their voices to raise awareness of suicide prevention, treatment, and recovery. And whereas this is a time that is dedicated to bring visibility to the role everyone in the community can play in preventing suicide and to encourage all community members to know the signs. First the words and reach out to someone they're concerned about. And whereas the stigma associated with mental illness and suicide continues to work against suicide prevention efforts by discouraging our friends, families, and neighbors at risk for suicide from seeking life-saving assistance and further traumatizes survivors of suicide. And whereas education about the warning signs of suicide, the value of prevention measures, and the best methods methods to support those in need, is essential to our community. And whereas suicidal thoughts can affect everyone, regardless of age, gender, race, orientation, income level, religion, or background. And whereas, according to the American uh foundation for suicide prevention, suicide is the second leading cause of death among individuals between the ages 10 and 34, with more than 48,000 people dying by suicide annually in the United States. Whereas every member of our community should understand that throughout life's struggles, we all need the occasional reminder that we are all slightly fighting our own battles. And whereas we can help prevent suicide. If you or someone you know need support now, call or text the Suicide Crisis Lifeline at 988. Access chat at 988Lifeline.org or dial 911. Now, therefore, I Dennis Fleming, mayor of the city of Valdez, do hereby proclaim that the month of September is designated as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and encourage all citizens to take the time to inquire as the well-being of their family, friends, and neighbors, and to generally convey their appreciation for their existence by any gesture they deem appropriate. And I have on behalf of accepting the proclamation, sound mental health. One more yeah. Yeah, I appreciate that. I appreciate the uh proclamation. Uh suicide is a very difficult topic, and we don't talk about it very often. Um but it is very uh very tragic and has very um it's very impactful on our community. Uh but I I like the proclamation because it highlights a couple of things, and one of those is that suicide, although is often associated as a mental health problem. Um as noted in here, there's references to mental health, but this proclamation also suggests that uh suicide is a community problem, it's a social problem. It has something to do with the way that we connect with each other and the ways that we don't connect. And so I appreciate the uh the proclamation and um hope that we can all continue to work to prevent suicide in our community. Thank you. Thank you. Okay, moving to new business approval of professional service agreement number 2410 with uh Bettlesworth North Architects or plan planners for child care facility design in the amount of 222,351 dollars. Move to approve. Second council discussion public discussion. Okay, seeing none, call for the vote. All those in favor, please say aye. Aye. All those opposed with seven yes, zero opposed, motion carries okay. Now moving on to ordinances. Uh authorizing an amendment to the zoning map to effect a change to lot two ASLS 78139 plat 98-2 to general commercial first reading public hearing.

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