Ports and Harbor Commission Special Meeting – June 29, 2026

The Ports and Harbor Commission held a special meeting on June 29, 2026, to discuss proposed rates and fees for the use of Valdez Harbor facilities and to consider repealing Resolution No. 26-29. The meeting included public testimony from harbor users, followed by commissioner deliberation. The commission directed staff to remove several contested fees and to schedule a follow-up meeting for a final vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Catherine Walters (38-year harbor resident) requested a change to the nine-month upland storage rule, proposing an annual cycle to avoid winter boat launches. She noted the rule is impractical in Valdez due to ice.
• Jim Gifford (annual boat ramp pass holder) opposed the new daily parking fee for trailers, arguing it punishes local users and that enforcement should apply equitably to all vehicles. He suggested a 48-hour free period.
• Kyle Klaus (liveaboard for 4 years) criticized the 1,200% increase in liveaboard fees from $75 to $900, calling it poor public policy during high inflation. He argued that liveaboards paying property taxes should be exempt and that the fee unfairly taxes a low-value asset. He also noted that liveaboards provide security and maintenance benefits to the harbor.
• Thane Miller (commercial fisherman) opposed the proposed $23-per-day skiff moorage fee, explaining that his skiff cannot be safely loaded onto his vessel and that the fee would force avoidance. He emphasized the commercial fleet’s economic contribution to Valdez.
• Ethan Sandlin (commercial fishing captain) seconded Thane Miller's comments and suggested using the former Totem Inn site for a restaurant to generate revenue.
• Bernie Culbertson (former commissioner) acknowledged the need for revenue but noted that safety concerns previously derailed similar fee proposals.
• Anonymous speaker (harbor user) accused the harbor of operating as both a state entity and a private LLC, favoring certain users. He cited favoritism in enforcement of vessel fees and questioned the legality of parking fee notices.
• Mike Baldon (commercial fisherman) suggested exempting skiffs or providing designated parking areas to avoid navigational hazards.
• Dustin Klein (commercial fisherman) requested that skiff fees be included in the annual moorage fee rather than charged daily.
• Paul Smith (incoming liveaboard) opposed mooring fee increases and new trailer fees, noting that trailers provide secure storage without cluttering parking lots. He also argued that fish-cleaning stations should not be charged a business license fee.
• Hope Finley (commercial vessel owner) opposed the skiff fee, stating it would drive vessels to other ports and that many boats cannot safely carry skiffs.
• Nikki (concerned harbor user of 43 years) attended but did not speak in detail.
• Larry Cologne (recreational fisherman) opposed the additional parking pass requirement, questioning whether it would guarantee a parking spot during derbies.
• Joe Prox (local business owner) expressed concern that parking fees would deter tourists and fishermen, harming the local economy. He noted the harbor is an enterprise fund but urged the commission to consider the negative impact.
• Edward Mattson (commercial fisherman) opposed the skiff fee, noting that fish prices have only recently improved after years of struggle. He argued that the fee increase was implemented without adequate notice and that locals bear the burden.

Discussion Items

• Parking Fees (Section 2, Subsection H): Commissioner Steve moved to remove the daily parking fee for trailers, suggesting instead that the cost be bundled into launch or slip fees to simplify enforcement. The commission reached consensus to eliminate the parking fee.
• Skiff Moorage Fees (Sections 1A and 2C): Commissioner Steve noted safety concerns if skiffs are parked perpendicular to docks. The consensus was to remove the skiff fee, provided that skiffs do not impede navigation. The commission agreed to return with language exempting skiffs tied alongside vessels.
• Commercial Kayak Operators: The commission discussed that current codes do not differentiate between commercial kayak operations and personal auxiliary vessels. They directed staff to propose wording clarifying that a slip rented for commercial kayaks covers multiple kayaks within the same slip, without additional per-vessel charges.
• Liveaboard Fees: Commissioners acknowledged that liveaboard fees had been set through a working group two years ago and had not been revisited. Given council priorities on housing and a potential primary home exemption, they expressed willingness to form a new working group or hold an annual liveaboard meeting to reassess the fee structure.

Key Outcomes

• Votes and Directives:
  • The commission directed staff to draft a revised resolution that removes the daily parking fee for trailers.
  • Staff to remove the skiff moorage fee, with a note that skiffs must not impede navigation.
  • Staff to clarify language for commercial kayak operators, allowing multiple kayaks in one slip without additional charges.
• Next Steps: The commission will hold a special meeting on July 6, 2026, to review the revised resolution and vote on a recommendation to the City Council. If a quorum is not available, an alternative date will be posted.
• Future Consideration: The commission may revisit liveaboard fees through a new working group, pending council actions on housing exemptions.