Valdez City Council Regular Meeting - July 7, 2026
Valdez City Council Regular Meeting - July 7, 2026
The Valdez City Council held its regular meeting on July 7, 2026, at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers. The meeting included a work session on the CSO budget process and parameters earlier at 6:00 PM, but the regular session commenced with call to order, pledge, and roll call. Key actions included approval of consent agenda items, a sale of surplus equipment, appointment to the Ports & Harbor Commission, acceptance of a late property tax exemption application, and a series of reports from city staff and council members. Public comments addressed a business owner's concern about the economic development tax exemption and an invitation to a utility member tour.
Consent Calendar
- Proclamation: July 2026 as National Parks and Recreation Month - Recognized the value of parks and recreation in Valdez, encouraging citizen reflection.
- Proclamation: Congratulating Captain Mike Weber on Retirement - Honored Captain Weber's 32-year career with the Valdez Fire Department, including his roles as firefighter, lieutenant, captain, senior captain, interim fire chief, and backcountry search and rescue team coordinator.
- Approval to Go Into Executive Session: Discussion of implications for city revenues and litigation strategy regarding Trans Alaska Pipeline System ad valorem tax issues.
All consent agenda items were approved unanimously.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Morgan Melton, Chief Communications Officer for Copper Valley Electric Association (CVEA): Invited council members and the public to CVEA's member tour on July 28, 2026, from 10 AM to 5 PM, showcasing power generation and distribution assets. Registration is online, limited to 20 members.
- Mr. Barnett (unidentified business owner): Expressed concern that the recently passed tax exemption for new business development in the town center does not apply to other business owners within city limits. He asked the council to reconsider and make the exemption fairer, stating he is not seeking a handout.
- Keith Thomas: Spoke about his late application for the Senior Citizen's Property Tax Exemption, explaining that he was unaware he needed to reapply after moving. Noted that previously a city staff member had called to process his application.
Discussion Items
- Department Operations Reports: City Manager Nate gave an overview, noting that the reports include work plans, budget requests, and departmental priorities. He mentioned that the utility department will be combined in future reports and that the reports are intended to prepare council for budget season. Council members praised the new format and depth of information.
- City Manager Report:
- Head Start Daycare: Facing staffing challenges, closing this week until fall. The city is exploring an apprenticeship program for early childhood educators through UAA to augment staff.
- Housing Subcommittee: Met to discuss House Bill 13 implications; framework being developed for council consideration. Changes to tax exemptions must be made before January.
- Economic Development Tax Exemption: Three additional businesses have expressed interest in the current exemption, which includes a housing component. The city manager will provide more information if council considers modifications.
- 4th of July Turnout: Record attendance – 192 participants in the race (up from 95 pre-registrants), double prior years. Staff praised for handling the event.
- Distinguished Budget Award: Valdez received the award for the seventh consecutive year; congratulations to Finance Department and staff.
- Upcoming visit by Senator Murkowski for Blueberry Estates subdivision opening.
- City Clerk Report:
- Citizens Academy: 17 participants signed up; third session focusing on finance and budget. The program is considered a success, with high engagement.
- Encouraged applicants for Ports & Harbor Commission to reapply for future vacancies.
- City Attorney Report: Deferred report to executive session update on litigation, but offered to answer specific questions in public – none were raised.
- Mayor Report: Highlights included commendation for 4th of July events, meeting with Senator Murkowski, and welcoming new Coast Guard Commander Meekham.
Council Business from the Floor
Council members expressed gratitude and congratulations:
- To Captain Mike Weber for 32 years of service, including his leadership and training contributions.
- To all city staff for successful 4th of July and 125th birthday celebrations, noting that Valdez was recommended as a top destination for the holiday by visitors across the state.
- To the streets team for cleaning and beautifying business areas.
- To the Finance Department for the Distinguished Budget Award.
- Enthusiasm for the Citizens Academy’s high participation and engagement.
Key Outcomes
- Consent Agenda Approved: Unanimous approval of proclamations and executive session authorization.
- Sale of Surplus 2008 Ford F550: Approved to auction with a minimum acceptable bid of $15,000; motion carried 7-0.
- Appointment to Ports & Harbor Commission: Mike Wells appointed to a three-year term, receiving majority council support; motion carried 7-0. The city clerk thanked all applicants (Thane Miller, Jamie Pierce, John May) for their interest.
- Acceptance of Late Property Tax Exemption Application: Keith Thomas's late application for the Senior Citizen's Property Tax Exemption was accepted; motion carried 7-0. The city clerk clarified that the office sends notices and makes calls to prior applicants as a courtesy, but the state requires annual filing.
- Executive Session: Held to discuss TAPS litigation and revenue implications; no public actions taken thereafter.
Meeting Transcript
I usually put them with the hand because I can't see them, but yeah. I thought maybe it's our parts of my honesty work. Um they're very big. They're very big, yes. I can tell. Well, I I know because I got no less than four emails getting from the fire departments. And my husband's like, I was like, nobody will notice. I don't think anybody wants to see. I'm sorry. Okay, we're gonna go ahead and call this meeting to order. Everybody please join me standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. Aye Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. And to Republican for which stands one nation, under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Mr. Mayor, all council members uh are present this evening. And then uh approval of minutes, uh does any council member have any issue with the minutes? All right, so we uh stand as approved. Okay, then we're gonna go from uh public business from the floor. Is there anybody uh uh uh in the audience that uh on a non-agended item would like to step up and speak? Go ahead. Good evening. My name is Morgan Melton, Chief Communications Officer for Copper Valley Electric Association. I was just coming to officially invite City Council members and then all of Valdez on Copper Valley Electric's member tour. Our member tour will be on July 28th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. And really this is an opportunity for members uh to tour our Don Son substation, our Valdez Diesel Plant, the Petrostar Co Generation Plant, Solomon Gold Solomon Dam, our Allison Creek Powerhouse, and Allison Creek Hydroelectric Plant. Uh the tour is given by our executive team as well as by our linemen, our line foreman, as well as our diesel plant and our hydro plant chief operators. And it's just an opportunity for us to be able to show CDA members what assets we have and how we keep power running to the community. Our registration is online on our website, and um it's limited to 20 members, and so I want to go ahead and let everyone know that it is available and to sign up because we usually end up having a wait list at the end of every every single year. And I know I saw Joy's name on the registration list, so I know we have at least one friendly phase coming on the tour. Yes, it is. I've never done it before, but I've heard amazing things. So thank you. And then lastly, just on that, uh, it is mainly a walking tour, and then lunch and transportation to all the various C VA locations will be provided as part of the tour. So really you just have to sign up and show up, and then we'll take care of you from there. Thank you. Thank you. Is there anybody else wish to speak on a non-agenda item? Go ahead. Came to my attention that uh you I believe you guys passed a uh tax exemption for any new business development in the town center. This is how I understand it. That doesn't apply for anybody else in city limits. And I just uh I think it would be fair if it applied to every business owner, anybody doing any development within city limits. Uh so yeah, I'm just here to ask you to reconsider that. I'm not looking for a handout or any pre-tax exemption, but if that's the rules as a business owner, it's just just my take on it. Okay. Thank you. Anyone else speak up, please? Non-agenda. All right.
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