Valdez Ports & Harbor Commission Regular Meeting Summary

The Ports and Harbor Commission met on Monday, September 21, 2026 at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers in Valdez, Alaska, rescheduled from its usual date due to the holiday. All members were present except Commissioner Kelly, who was excused. The commission reviewed the Waterfront Master Plan, prioritized a five-year Capital Improvement Project (CIP) list for City Council, forwarded a recognition proclamation for Chris Herman, and discussed a 2028 cruise ship head fee increase.

Approval of Minutes

• October 20, 2025 regular meeting minutes approved unanimously.
• March 2, 2026 regular meeting minutes approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• A speaker described an informal working group of other city commissions and asked whether a Ports and Harbor commissioner would join; the idea was characterized as very preliminary.
• A second speaker raised concerns about the commission's remote participation policy, which prohibits the public from participating from outside Valdez (including Anchorage and North Pole), stating that those not physically present should not participate, and framed it as a ports and harbor matter.

Discussion Items

Waterfront Master Plan Review and Five-Year CIP Prioritization

Director Jeremy reviewed progress on the Waterfront Master Plan and staff's recommended five-year priorities, noting the City Council requested the CIP list during its strategic planning session. Key discussion points:

• The small boat harbor has seen no movement on the Coho Drive realignment.
• The boat launch ramps are at 65% design; it is "way past time" to replace the small boat harbor launch, and the city manager directed that the project move forward with or without state funding.
• A building condition assessment from 15–20 years ago ranked the armorer's office the lowest; replacement is needed.
• Kayak fishing floats should be considered for the CIP to give anglers an alternative to "the middle of everybody's operations"; picnic tables and similar day-use improvements can be handled without a formal project.
• The city's waterfront underwater inspection is now 6.5–7 years overdue, so next year's CIP may include additional items.
• The city currently relies on a private company ("Connect") for truck scale access; if that arrangement changes, the city may need its own scale at a rough estimated cost (specific figure unclear in transcript). Staff said it would confirm with Connect and report back.
• Kelsey Dock was omitted from the original master plan. Temporary bollards are in place, and the ferry operator has reviewed the city's proposal and will respond. Long-term secure moorage at the container dock should rank in the top two priorities.

Five-Year CIP Recommendation

Staff recommended, and the commission later endorsed, these five priorities for City Council: (1) VCT infrastructure, (2) Kelsey Dock, (3) small boat harbor boat launch, (4) armorer's office, and (5) the airport. Commissioners discussed combining several projects into a single bond within the next 18 months using debt service. On Kelsey Dock, a private partner ("Ryan") declined staff's proposed office upgrades, preferring the existing portable office and a new roof, and stated there is no return on investment for the city; a standalone city effort would require a feasibility study to ensure value.

Recognition Proclamation for Chris Herman

Commissioners praised Chris Herman for his role in bringing cruise ships to Valdez and keeping them, and for instilling the same work ethic and attention to detail in his team. A motion to forward the proclamation to City Council passed unanimously.

2028 Cruise Ship Head Fee Increase

Staff proposed raising the cruise ship head fee for 2028. Discussion noted a mid-range increase of around $6 when averaged across South Central and Southeast Alaska head fees, with a reference to "58 votes this year" (transcription unclear). Staff stated they anticipate no loss of cruise traffic from an increase. One commissioner questioned whether a head tax increase could deter cruise ship landings; another expressed no challenge to an increase but stressed that federal law requires the fee to provide direct benefits to cruise passengers and asked for clarity on how revenue would be spent. Staff noted that replacing current Kelsey Dock infrastructure would cost under $500,000 (with several million already spent on upgrades), while accommodating larger lightering vessels would cost far more. A motion was made to increase the 2028 head fee to $8 per person, reported by Mike; the final vote is not captured in the available transcript.

Staff Report & Commission Business

• The Ports & Harbors Director's staff report was noted on the agenda; no substantive discussion is captured in the transcript.
• No commission business from the floor was raised; the meeting moved to adjourn after the chair called for items.

Key Outcomes

• October 20, 2025 and March 2, 2026 minutes approved unanimously.
• Five CIP priorities (VCT infrastructure, Kelsey Dock, small boat harbor boat launch, armorer's office, airport) forwarded unanimously to City Council for budget consideration.
• Chris Herman recognition proclamation forwarded unanimously to City Council.
• A motion to set the 2028 cruise ship head fee at $8 per person was made; the adopting vote was not recorded in the available transcript.
• Staff was directed to confirm the private truck scale arrangement and bring back additional information requested on head fee spending to the next meeting.