Valdez City Council Regular Meeting - January 20, 2026

The Valdez City Council held a regular meeting on January 20, 2026, at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers, preceded by a work session on 2026 state and federal legislative priorities at 5:30 PM. All seven council members were present. The meeting covered consent agenda approvals, a discussion on fire department unionization, approval of major purchases and contracts, first reading of a property tax exemption ordinance, adoption of several resolutions, and council reports. Notable discussions included a parental leave policy amendment and a proposed mining project at Gold Creek.

Consent Calendar

• Approved unanimously (7-0): 12 consent items including:
  • Extension of KVAK Radio Broadcasting Agreement
  • Professional services agreement with Kim Hutchinson dba Trust Consultants for $60,000
  • Appointment of Jim Shirrell to VMHA Board of Directors
  • Acceptance of resignation of Beautification Commission member Paula McCann
  • Three 5-year communications agreements: Vertical Bridge (GCI), Copper Valley Telecommunications, and New Singular Wireless (AT&T)
  • Three contract amendments for rural snow removal services (Dunning Enterprises, Nordic Village Supply, P&R Enterprises)
  • Approval to go into executive session for City Clerk annual evaluation and discussion of litigation strategy (Larry Ables lawsuit, TAPS ad valorem tax issues, escaped property, oil spill prevention property)

Discussion Items

• Fire Department Unionization (Q&A with Ben Simonds): Ben Simonds, a member of Anchorage Professional Firefighters Local 1264, presented on the benefits of unionization through the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF). He discussed predictable labor costs, improved retention, formalized discipline and promotion processes, access to IAFF grant writing and data analysis, free mental health and recovery services, and training opportunities. He noted that unionization does not guarantee higher costs and that contracts are negotiated with city oversight. Councilmember Love asked about departments that are IAFF members without a collective bargaining agreement; Simonds cited North Pole, where only two of 15 career staff are members, resulting in minimal benefits. Discussion only, no vote.

Key Outcomes

• Approval of Federal Lobbying Contract: Approved 7-0 to contract with Capitol Hill Consulting Group (CHCG LLC) for federal lobbying services at $150,000.
• Equipment Purchases:
  • Approved 7-0 purchase of a 2026 Caterpillar 966 wheel loader from NC Machinery for $429,690.
  • Approved 7-0 purchase of a 2026 Model 900-ECO 12-yard vacuum truck from Alaska Municipal Equipment for $636,553.89.
• Ordinance #26-01 (Property Tax Exemptions): First reading and public hearing approved 7-0. Extends the maximum individual home exemption to the legally allowed amount, an annual administrative action.
• Resolutions Adopted (all 7-0 except #26-07):
  • #26-04: Adopting alternative allocation method for FY26 Shared Fisheries Business Tax Program.
  • #26-05: Adopting Terminal Tariff 100-26 and repealing Resolution 23-60.
  • #26-06: Endorsing Prince William Sound Regional Citizens' Advisory Council for U.S. Coast Guard recertification.
  • #26-07: Amending Employee Personnel Regulations, including a new parental leave policy. Vote: 6-1 (Councilmember Whitty opposed). The policy provides up to 8 weeks of paid leave: 2 weeks medical leave for any FMLA event (existing), 2 weeks parental leave (for birth, adoption, foster placement), and 4 weeks maternity leave for birth-giving employees. City Manager Duvall noted the cost is difficult to quantify but estimated ~$15,000 per event with an average of 2–3 births per year. Council debate included concerns about costs and adequacy of existing benefits vs. retention benefits. Multiple council members supported the policy.
  • #26-08: Authorizing execution of Estoppel and Agreement with Silver Bay Seafoods-Valdez, LLC.
  • #26-09: Amending Resolution #25-58 to change the gravel lease term for Knik Construction Co. to 20 years on specified parcels. Councilmember Love asked about business rationale; Knik representative Troy Gray cited investment stability for equipment like a new asphalt plant and multi-year planning.
• Proposed Mining Project at Gold Creek/Fourth of July Beach: During City Manager report, discussion arose about a Corps of Engineers permit application for mining in intertidal wetlands. Councilmember Love expressed environmental and recreational concerns. Council agreed to draft a resolution opposing the project. City Manager Duvall noted formal city comments are due by February 2–3 and will request a public hearing. A special meeting may be scheduled in late January to adopt a resolution.

Reports

• City Manager Report: Highlighted Head Start teacher vacancies, successful driving of a pile for the Kelsey Dock dolphin (completed January 19), and the ongoing Corps permit comment period. Council directed staff to prepare a resolution or letter of opposition regarding the mining proposal.
• City Clerk Report: Announced filing period for May 5 municipal election: petitions available February 13, filing opens February 17, deadline March 16 at noon. Three council seats (two 3-year, one 2-year) and two school board seats (3-year each) will be on the ballot. Qualifications: resident of Valdez for at least one year, age 18+.
• City Attorney Report: Provided written update. On TAPS ad valorem tax matters, await response from state assessor and taxpayers on mediation. On Alyeska secondary containment test plan: acceptable leak rate reduced from 0.2–0.3 ft/hr to 0.021–0.030 ft/hr (still ~53,000 gal/hr), test duration increased to 4 hours, but concerns remain about hydraulic head, margin of error, and equilibrium calculation. City will file comments by January 28. Other C-plan issues continue toward adjudicatory hearing; motion to supplement record due January 26.

Council Business from the Floor

• Councilmembers thanked Ben Simonds for the union presentation and city snow removal teams for handling recent severe winter weather. Councilmember Green noted appreciation for federal and state representatives attending the prior work session. Mayor reported on proactive storm drainage work and joked about a new pond at Four Corners.

Executive Session

The council approved entering executive session (via consent calendar) to discuss City Clerk annual evaluation and litigation strategy (Larry Ables lawsuit, TAPS ad valorem tax issues, escaped property, and oil spill prevention property). The meeting adjourned into executive session.