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Record of Proceedings

Valdez City Council Regular Meeting Summary - June 2, 2026

Meeting Portal — Tuesday, June 2, 2026
BodyValdez, Alaska
SessionMeeting Portal
DateTuesday, June 2, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
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Transcript — Verbatim
0:22

All council members are present with the exception of Councilmember Whitty, who is absent and excused.

0:28

Council members Lally and Foster are on line.

0:44

Okay, well we're short the first, so we're gonna go ahead and skip that to the end.

0:50

The recognition of outgoing council member if he shows up.

0:54

Um that we'll go to public business from the floor.

0:57

This is on time for members of the public to address the council on non-agenda items.

1:03

We'll have five minutes to go ahead and speak if anybody wishes to seeing none, we'll move on.

1:12

We're going to the consent agenda where we have two items on the consent agenda this evening.

1:18

National Safety Month 2026, 30th anniversary, and then approval to go into executive session discussion of implications of city revenues and litigation strategy regarding the Trans-Alaska Pipeline system at Valora tax issue.

1:33

Is there a motion?

1:36

Motion to consent to all items.

1:40

Second.

1:42

Moved by Councilmember Devons, seconded by Councilmember Lally to approve the consent agenda.

1:47

Okay, call for the vote.

1:50

All those in all those in favor say aye.

1:53

Aye.

1:53

Aye.

1:55

All those opposed with a vote of six yes, one absent.

1:59

Councilman Member Whitty, motion carries.

2:10

Okay, we'll go ahead and move into new business.

2:13

Oh, wait, I got a read proclamation.

2:17

Whereas for 30 years, the National Safety Month has encouraged communities across the nation to prioritize the well-being of residents and homes, workplaces, schools, and public spaces.

2:28

And whereas the City of Valdez recognizes that safety is a shared responsibility essential to protecting lives, strengthening neighborhoods, and supporting a thriving local economy.

2:40

And whereas advancements in training, technology, and public awareness have significantly reduced preventable injuries and fatalities over the past three decades, yet continued diligence is necessary as new risks and challenges emerge.

2:57

And whereas the city honors the dedication of local first responders, public works teams, safety professionals, educators, and community organizations whose efforts safeguard our residents every day.

3:10

And whereas the 30th anniversary of National Safety Month provides an opportunity to reflect on past progress, renew our commitment to prevention, and encourage all residents to take proactive steps to reduce hazards in their daily lives.

3:25

And now therefore, I Dennis Fleming, mayor of the City of Valdez, do here proclaim June 2026 as National Safety Month in Valdez, and encourage all residents, businesses, and community partners to observe this month with activities, programs, and initiatives that promote awareness, preparedness, and a safer future for all.

4:15

This is the state committee reference.

4:17

Right on.

4:25

Everybody in the back with one.

4:42

Okay, moving on to new business.

4:46

Approval of change order for cannot construction for Kelsey Doc Dolphin Bill Bill Bollard.

4:54

Temporary install to the amount of 70,500.

4:58

Is there a motion?

5:00

Move to approve.

5:01

Move to approve.

5:04

Joe got the call Joe the second.

5:06

Okay.

5:07

So moved by Councilmember Green, seconded by Councilmember Lally to approve the change order with Connect Construction for the Kelsey Doc Dolphin slash Bullard temporary install of the amount of $70,500.

5:20

Is there any council discussion?

5:25

Okay, is there any public discussion?

5:30

All right, call for the vote.

5:32

All those in favor say aye.

5:34

All those approval aye.

5:38

Sorry, it was too quick on that one.

5:40

With a vote of uh six yes, one absent, council member Woody motion carries.

5:45

Approval of uh number two on the item is approval of purchase of CAT 265 track skids tier and corresponding attachments from NC machinery in the amount of 139,877.

5:58

Is there a motion?

5:59

Move to approve.

6:01

Second.

6:03

Moved by council member Foster, seconded by Councilmember Green to approve the purchase of CAT 25265 track skids tier and attachments from NC machinery in the amount of 139,877.

6:17

Is there any council discussion?

6:22

It looks like a pretty nice piece of machinery to keep our trails on Meals Hill active and clear.

6:29

So thanks for getting the right piece of machinery for our community.

6:33

Parks and Rec.

6:38

Is there any public comment?

6:41

Okay, call for the vote.

6:43

All those in favor say aye.

6:45

Aye aye.

6:48

All those opposed with a vote of six yes, one absent.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Tourism████████████████████████████████32%
Procedural███████████████████████23%
Budget Equity Analysis████████████12%
Parks and Recreation███████7%
Public Engagement███████7%
Engineering And Infrastructure█████5%
Environmental Protection█████5%
Harbor Management█████5%
Community Engagement████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Valdez City Council Regular Meeting - June 2, 2026

The Valdez City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at 7:00 p.m., following a 6:00 p.m. work session on the PVMC Community Advisory Council update. Six council members were present; Councilmember Whitty was absent and excused, and Councilmembers Lally and Foster participated online. The council approved consent items, four new-business purchases/agreements, two ordinances, and two resolutions, then moved into executive session.

Consent Calendar

  • Approved the consent agenda (6-0, with Whitty absent), including the National Safety Month proclamation and approval to enter executive session to discuss Trans-Alaska Pipeline System ad valorem tax revenue implications and litigation strategy.
  • Mayor Dennis Fleming read the proclamation declaring June 2026 as National Safety Month, marking its 30th anniversary.

Discussion Items

  • Kelsey Dock Dolphin/Bollard Temporary Install Change Order: Approved a $70,500 change order with Knik Construction (motion by Green, second by Lally; vote 6-0).
  • CAT 265 Tracked Skid Steer Purchase: Approved the purchase of a CAT 265 tracked skid steer and attachments from NC Machinery for $139,877; council noted it will help keep Meals Hill trails maintained for Parks and Recreation (vote 6-0).
  • Valdez Convention and Visitors Bureau Purchase and Sale Agreement: Approved the agreement between the City and VCVB, described as a positive step forward (vote 6-0).
  • Physician Retention Agreement: Approved a physician retention agreement with Dr. John Cullen (vote 6-0).

Ordinances

  • Ordinance #26-03 (Public Accommodation Tax Amendment): Adopted on second reading, 5-1, with Councilmember Foster voting no and Whitty absent. Foster opposed the ordinance because RV parks are not included in the bed tax, stating she supports destination marketing through an equitable accommodations tax. Councilmember Devons agreed with equity concerns but opposed adding RV parks at this time, citing rising gas prices and potential harm to visitation; he favored revisiting equity later. Mayor Fleming expressed reluctance about taxation, suggesting the city could explore alternative funding for VCVB, but voted in favor to move the matter forward. Staff clarified the ordinance is mostly an administrative cleanup of an existing tax and does not change the current tax base, though it adds rental cabins already covered under city code.
  • Ordinance #26-05 (Planning and Zoning Commission Amendment): Adopted on second reading, 6-0.

Resolutions

  • Resolution #26-31: Adopted 6-0, urging Alaska's Governor to sign Senate Bill 174 to establish an Alaska Invasive Species Council. Councilmember Devons noted invasive species are a major concern for the community.
  • Resolution #26-32: Adopted 6-0, amending the 2026 budget to accept $60,411 from the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission Fishery Disaster Program for 2020 Copper River and Prince William Sound salmon disaster relief.

Reports & Council Business

  • City Manager Report: Head Start will begin operations on June 10; Valdez 125th anniversary events are June 11-12, including a community photo at Kelsey Dock on June 11 at 6:30 p.m., a time capsule, tours of the Alyeska terminal, and a reception with invited guests; Bart, formerly Chief Hinkle, has started as interim Public Works Director and will serve about two months while the city recruits a permanent director.
  • City Clerk Report: Boards, commissions, and council training is scheduled for Thursday at 6 p.m.; about 11 out-of-town RSVPs are expected for the anniversary; the council expressed interest in pursuing a resolution requested by the Permanent Fund Board of Trustees on combining the corpus and earnings reserve account, so it will be placed on a future agenda.
  • City Attorney Report: Deferred an update to executive session.
  • Mayor Report: Mayor Fleming visited a cruise ship to present a plaque and heard positive visitor feedback about Valdez's community character and trails; he also welcomed Bart.
  • Councilmember Updates: Shannon reported Prince William Sound College expects an interim director announcement by tomorrow and has hired a new CTE director; Jimmy praised trail maintenance; Lester thanked Providence Valdez Health Center for its work session and service; Olivia thanked staff for PFD information, raised harbor fee schedule concerns from Thane Miller, and noted feedback on parking and boat storage. City Manager will refer the harbor issue to the Port and Harbor Commission for consideration.

Key Outcomes

  • Consent agenda and new business items approved 6-0.
  • Ordinance #26-03 adopted 5-1 (Foster no); Ordinance #26-05 adopted 6-0.
  • Resolutions #26-31 and #26-32 adopted 6-0.
  • Council members completed reports, and Mayor Fleming passed the gavel to Mayor Pro Tempore Green before the meeting entered executive session.

Meeting Transcript

All council members are present with the exception of Councilmember Whitty, who is absent and excused. Council members Lally and Foster are on line. Okay, well we're short the first, so we're gonna go ahead and skip that to the end. The recognition of outgoing council member if he shows up. Um that we'll go to public business from the floor. This is on time for members of the public to address the council on non-agenda items. We'll have five minutes to go ahead and speak if anybody wishes to seeing none, we'll move on. We're going to the consent agenda where we have two items on the consent agenda this evening. National Safety Month 2026, 30th anniversary, and then approval to go into executive session discussion of implications of city revenues and litigation strategy regarding the Trans-Alaska Pipeline system at Valora tax issue. Is there a motion? Motion to consent to all items. Second. Moved by Councilmember Devons, seconded by Councilmember Lally to approve the consent agenda. Okay, call for the vote. All those in all those in favor say aye. Aye. Aye. All those opposed with a vote of six yes, one absent. Councilman Member Whitty, motion carries. Okay, we'll go ahead and move into new business. Oh, wait, I got a read proclamation. Whereas for 30 years, the National Safety Month has encouraged communities across the nation to prioritize the well-being of residents and homes, workplaces, schools, and public spaces. And whereas the City of Valdez recognizes that safety is a shared responsibility essential to protecting lives, strengthening neighborhoods, and supporting a thriving local economy. And whereas advancements in training, technology, and public awareness have significantly reduced preventable injuries and fatalities over the past three decades, yet continued diligence is necessary as new risks and challenges emerge. And whereas the city honors the dedication of local first responders, public works teams, safety professionals, educators, and community organizations whose efforts safeguard our residents every day. And whereas the 30th anniversary of National Safety Month provides an opportunity to reflect on past progress, renew our commitment to prevention, and encourage all residents to take proactive steps to reduce hazards in their daily lives. And now therefore, I Dennis Fleming, mayor of the City of Valdez, do here proclaim June 2026 as National Safety Month in Valdez, and encourage all residents, businesses, and community partners to observe this month with activities, programs, and initiatives that promote awareness, preparedness, and a safer future for all. This is the state committee reference. Right on. Everybody in the back with one. Okay, moving on to new business. Approval of change order for cannot construction for Kelsey Doc Dolphin Bill Bill Bollard. Temporary install to the amount of 70,500. Is there a motion? Move to approve. Move to approve. Joe got the call Joe the second. Okay. So moved by Councilmember Green, seconded by Councilmember Lally to approve the change order with Connect Construction for the Kelsey Doc Dolphin slash Bullard temporary install of the amount of $70,500. Is there any council discussion? Okay, is there any public discussion? All right, call for the vote. All those in favor say aye. All those approval aye. Sorry, it was too quick on that one. With a vote of uh six yes, one absent, council member Woody motion carries. Approval of uh number two on the item is approval of purchase of CAT 265 track skids tier and corresponding attachments from NC machinery in the amount of 139,877. Is there a motion? Move to approve. Second.

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