Ports and Harbor Commission Regular Meeting - October 20, 2025

The Ports and Harbor Commission of Valdez held its regular meeting on Monday, October 20, 2025 at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers. Commissioners Pierce, Steed, and Kelly were present; Commissioner Stevens was excused; Commissioner Day was at large. The meeting addressed two new business items: a lease assignment from Harris Sand & Gravel to Knik Construction Co., Inc., and acceptance of the 2025 Operational Improvement Memo Goal 5.

Consent Calendar

• No consent calendar items were considered.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were offered; the chair noted hearing none.

Discussion Items

• Lease Assignment and Amendment (4380 McKinley Street, Parcel B): The commission considered a recommendation to City Council to authorize a lease assignment from Harris Sand & Gravel to Knik Construction Co., Inc. for city-owned property at 4380 McKinley Street, Parcel B, ATS 10. Staff noted that annual self-reporting requirements were added to the lease (discussed with Nicole Chase, Community Development) and that the Planning and Zoning Commission would also make a recommendation. The motion was made by Commissioner Pierce, seconded by Commissioner Steed, and passed with three ayes (Commissioners Pierce, Steed, Kelly). The commission expressed hope that Knik would provide monthly reporting, as Harris had never reported usage despite being subject to the tariff.

• Review of Public Feedback and Acceptance of the 2025 Operational Improvement Memo Goal 5: The commission reviewed public feedback on harbor operations. Key discussion points included:

  • Fuel Docks: Feedback indicated occasional closures of the north fuel dock and a tender occupying the south dock, causing fuel access constraints. However, one commissioner noted the docks performed better this year than in previous years. Commissioner Kelly suggested prioritizing fuel dock improvements to the City Council. Keith Hubert, Community Development Director, noted that the Crowley fuel dock leases (north and south) already include provisions based on Ports and Harbor staff recommendations and offered to relay additional feedback to Crowley.
  • Debris and Staffing: Summer staffing shortages were noted, but debris levels were described as ordinary compared to worse years. The commission discussed harbor flushing issues and potential remedies (e.g., coffer dam design previously studied by P&D engineers).
  • Launch Ramp Funding: AJ Keaton was attending the Alaska Harbor Masters Conference to request funding for the launch ramp redesign (a federal pass-through grant, state-administered, requested pre-COVID). A commissioner inquired about incorporating a culvert in the design to mitigate debris accumulation; staff indicated they would ask the engineering contractor to evaluate inclusion.
  • Airport Operations: Raven Air’s lease ended October 5, and a new carrier began operating three times daily, taking over most of the space. Staff reported positive early feedback, and one commissioner questioned car rental availability.
  • Restroom Access: Staff discussed installing card locks on restrooms to restrict public access after 10 PM, allowing normal harbor users to use them with a card while directing others to the main harbor master’s office restroom. The commission supported the concept.
  • Goal 5 was deemed on track. A motion to accept the memo was made and seconded; the item passed without objection (no formal roll call recorded). The commission noted the next item for a future meeting would be a waterfront master plan update.

Key Outcomes

• Lease Assignment Approved (3-0): The commission voted 3-0 (Pierce, Steed, Kelly) to recommend City Council authorize the lease assignment from Harris Sand & Gravel to Knik Construction Co., Inc. for 4380 McKinley Street, Parcel B, with annual self-reporting requirements added.
• Operational Improvement Memo Goal 5 Accepted: The commission accepted the 2025 Operational Improvement Memo Goal 5 and affirmed it is on track, with no formal opposition. Future work includes pursuing fuel dock improvements, launch ramp funding and design (including potential culvert), and updating the waterfront master plan.