Public Meetings - Valdez, Alaska

The Valdez Planning and Zoning Commission held a regular meeting on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers. The primary action was the approval of a temporary land use permit for Granite Construction Company. The commission also received reports on a previously issued permit and an ongoing housing needs assessment, and discussed recent code changes regarding camping. New Business - Approval of Temporary Land Use Permit 25-09 for Granite Construction Company: The commission considered a permit for a 1.9-acre portion of Tract C1, ASLS 79-116, owned by the City of Valdez. Granite Construction Company had already set up an asphalt batch plant on the site for a state project before realizing a temporary land use permit was required. City staff observed the operation during a gravel lease renewal site visit and informed Granite, who then submitted the application promptly. Commissioner Moulton expressed concern about the timing, noting the application was submitted after work had begun, but acknowledged this was likely due to confusion because the site is city property with an existing gravel lease held by Harris Sand and Gravel, who provided a letter of non-objection. Commissioner Bolton moved approval, seconded by Commissioner Goodrow. The applicant, Ben Lameron of Granite, confirmed the timeline and thanked the commission. The motion passed unanimously: 6 ayes, 1 absent (Commissioner Wade). The permit was dated July 23, 2025, to avoid post-dating and additional fees. Reports - Report on Temporary Land Use Permit 25-05: A written report was provided regarding a temporary land use permit issued to Fireweed 400, Inc. for approximately 5.6 acres of city-owned land at 3100 Richardson Highway, Tract D 79-116, for use as ball fields. No discussion or questions were raised. - Community Development Director’s Report: Director Kate (staff) provided a verbal update on the ongoing housing needs assessment project with AgNU Beck, an Anchorage firm. A preliminary presentation was made at a city council work session on July 15, 2025. Key preliminary findings include projected number of dwelling units needed in the next 10 years, number of dwellings requiring rehabilitation or replacement, and needs across income brackets. The final report is expected this fall. The director offered to share the presentation slides with the commission. Discussion clarified that the work session recording may not yet be available on the city website, but slides could be provided. Commissioner Moulton also inquired about the camping ordinance update. Staff reported that the ordinance (regarding camping and RV parks) was adopted on second reading at the July 15 city council meeting, with a much simplified version aligning with Title 17. The update removed RV park requirements from the camping ordinance and placed them in the zoning code. The final ordinance is available in the July 15 agenda packet. Key Outcomes - Temporary Land Use Permit 25-09 approved (6-0, one absent). Effective date set to July 23, 2025. - Housing needs assessment slides to be included in next meeting's agenda packet for commissioner review. - Camping ordinance update adopted by city council on July 15, 2025; commission informed for reference.

The Beautification Commission of Valdez, Alaska, held a regular meeting on Monday, July 21, 2025, from 5:04 p.m. to 5:44 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. Commissioners present were Commissioner Neelson, Commissioner Weaver, and Magdalena (online); Commissioner Lane was absent and excused. City Manager Nate Duval participated in the first discussion item. The meeting covered three main topics: the city’s capital project process, repairs to concrete seat walls on Egan Drive, and updates to the 2026 Beautification Matching Grant Program. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes of three prior meetings (May 5, 2025; November 11, 2023; January 26, 2023) by unanimous consent in a single vote. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public addressed the commission on non‑agenda items. Discussion Items 1. Moving Commission Priorities Forward / City Projects Process City Manager Nate Duval outlined the current Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) process, which now uses cloud‑based software called ClearGov to solicit and score project requests from stakeholders, including boards and commissions. He noted that available funding is significantly reduced, projects take longer, and grant opportunities have been limited. Duval suggested that instead of submitting standalone beautification projects, the commission could develop criteria (e.g., art, landscaping) to be automatically incorporated into other city projects—similar to a “percent for art” model. Commissioners expressed support for this approach, emphasizing the need for clear maintenance responsibilities and a formal process for public art acquisition and disposal. Duval cited examples such as the “arch” and the “gazebo on the pull out” where responsibility had been unclear. The discussion also touched on the commission’s past priorities (e.g., boardwalk at Duck Point, maintenance of existing features) and the importance of establishing ownership on the front end. 2. Follow‑up on Needed Repairs to Concrete Seat Walls and Decorative Planters on Egan Dr. Commissioners raised concerns about damage to concrete seat walls, particularly the one near the post office. An existing MOU with the state assigns maintenance to the city but holds the state responsible for damages, leading to finger‑pointing. City Manager Duval proposed a cost‑effective repair: cutting down the overhanging lip and grinding it. He took responsibility for not acting on the idea since April but committed to working with Public Works and Capital Facilities to obtain a cost estimate. One commissioner noted that the city had previously repaired damage they caused but not state‑caused damage. Duval opined that the city may ultimately have more resources than the state and that a small repair may not be worth “the fight with the state.” The commission expressed a preference for at least a temporary fix for the most damaged bench. 3. Updating Application Guidelines and Eligibility Criteria for 2026 Beautification Matching Grant Program Staff (Elise) reported low utilization of the grant program in recent years, especially among centrally located businesses. She proposed conducting a flash‑vote survey via the city’s FlashVote platform to gather public input on barriers to use and desired program changes. City Manager Duval supported the idea, noting that the platform’s vendor can help design effective questions. The commission agreed to hold a work session on the grant program in lieu of the regular August meeting on August 18, 2025, to discuss the program’s goals and potential modifications. Commissioners indicated they had ideas to share. Key Outcomes - Minutes approved (3 sets) by unanimous consent. - Repairs to concrete seat walls: City Manager committed to obtaining cost estimates for a repair option; no formal motion was made. - Grant program review: Commission agreed to hold a work session on August 18, 2025, to overhaul the matching grant program, and staff will prepare a flash‑vote survey to solicit public feedback. - Project integration: No formal decision, but consensus favored developing criteria for incorporating beautification elements into other city projects, with further discussion expected at future meetings.

This summary reflects a work session of the Valdez Beautification Commission. Note: The agenda provided lists the meeting date as May 28, 2024, but the user has instructed that the meeting took place on July 18, 2025. This summary uses the user-provided date, but the discrepancy is noted. The session focused on prioritizing commission goals, addressing code enforcement and community beautification issues, and exploring future art projects. Discussion Items - Commission Priorities: The group reviewed a list of goals from the previous year. They discussed using a prioritization matrix to categorize items by importance and urgency. The town plaza concept was revisited as a long-term project that should be integrated with city planning, such as street repaving or water main projects. Commissioners expressed support for moving forward with plaza planning when opportunities arise. - Code Enforcement and Neighborhood Conditions: Numerous speakers voiced frustration with inconsistent city maintenance. Jenny (commissioner) reported that public works refused to clear snow from park strips in her subdivision (Black Gold), and that dumpsters in Corbin Creek were rusted and difficult to open, leading to trash accumulation. Martha noted that in West Virginia, code enforcement is strict with fines for overgrown grass, and contrasted that with Valdez where properties like a collapsed trailer on the corner remain unaddressed. Kathy stated that this spring was the worst she has seen for mud and debris. Magdalena pointed out that beautification efforts appear concentrated near city hall and tourist areas, while residential areas like Corbin Creek and Alpine Woods are neglected. Several commissioners agreed that equitable treatment across town is essential. - Art and Public Engagement: The commission discussed starting an art walk with small wood carvings attached to trees, inspired by examples in Chetwynd, Canada, and Princeton. Concerns were raised about maintenance, storage, and funding. Commissioners also considered murals as more durable options. Kathy mentioned that previous chainsaw carving contests resulted in cracked carvings due to lack of proper storage and sealing. The group liked the idea of a scavenger hunt map to encourage walking and business visits. - Commission Structure: Staff noted that recruitment for boards is challenging, and there is consideration to reduce the commission from seven to five members, which would lower the quorum from four to three. Term expirations were discussed, with Martha noting her term ends July 31. Key Outcomes - Action on Code Enforcement: The commission decided to collect photographs of code violations (e.g., the collapsed trailer, junk vehicles, overgrown lots) and submit them as a formal package to the city manager, code enforcement, and planning departments. These will be tracked monthly to show persistence of issues. - Next Meeting Focus: Commissioners agreed to invite city manager, police chief Bart (assistant city manager), community development director Kate, and code enforcement officer Dan to a future work session (possibly in June or July) to discuss the new Title 17 code enforcement process and how the commission can support it. - Public Forum: The idea of hosting a public forum to gather community input on beautification priorities was raised, but no date was set. - Art Projects: Further research into the Chetwynd carving model and maintenance costs will be conducted. The commission will explore a pilot wood carving art walk with local carvers, ensuring a maintenance plan is in place before implementation. - Dumpster and Snow Lot Issues: Commissioners will formally request that the city replace rusted dumpsters and improve snow lot maintenance at the directors' meeting. The disconnect between public works and parks/rec will be raised. - No Formal Votes: As a work session, no votes were taken; decisions were recorded as consensus to move forward with outlined steps.

The Valdez City Council met on July 15, 2025, at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting included public appearances, adoption of consent agenda items, acceptance of a council member resignation, discussion of department operations, approval of a truck purchase, adoption of several ordinances and resolutions, and reports from committees and city staff. The mayor read proclamations recognizing Coast Guard Day and National Parks and Recreation Month. Consent Calendar - Proclamation: Coast Guard Day – Recognizing August 4, 2025 as Coast Guard Day in Valdez. - Proclamation: July 2025 as National Parks and Recreation Month. - Appointment to Beautification Commission – Kathy Nielsen appointed. - All items approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Lynette Oliver (Valdez Adventure Alliance) – Provided an update on trail work using Community Service Organization (CSO) grants. Reported using 172 rolls of toilet paper between June 12–30 at Worthington, handling approximately 2,000 recorded buses and 1,000 self-reporting visitors. Expressed need for funding to bridge a gap across the meadow; working on a ConocoPhillips grant after a Rasmuson grant was denied. - Faith Ravel (Valdez Museum Educator) – Thanked the council for 14 years of support; announced she is leaving Valdez for Vermont. - Mike Delena McKay (Concerned Resident) – Expressed concerns about unregulated camping (boondocking) in areas like Old Town, Valdez Glacier Lake, and the pipeyard. Cited environmental degradation, lost revenue to local RV parks (estimated $60,000 per season based on 10 illegal campers/day at $50/night), and requested enforcement, signage, and education. Discussion Items - Resignation of Council Member Dom Lumba – Accepted. The council agreed to solicit letters of interest to fill the seat until the next regular election. City clerk will advertise the vacancy. - Department Operations Reports – Council members identified topics for future work sessions or reports, including comprehensive plan refresh, cost drivers, snow removal triggers, law enforcement code enforcement, waterfront master plan revision, and utility rate discussions. City manager will coordinate. - Memorandum of Understanding with Valdez Avalanche Center – Postponed to the next meeting after council requested more detail on weather data parameters, location suitability, and potential costs. - Purchase of 2025 Ford F550 Mini Rear Load Truck – Approved in the amount of $181,459.10. Ordinances - 25-07 – Code of Ethics Amendment – Second reading, adopted. - 25-08 – Recreational Vehicle Parks and Tent Camping Code Repeal and Replacement – Second reading, adopted after public comment. - 25-09 – Oil and Gas Property Tax Amendment – Second reading, adopted. Mayor recused himself; vote passed with majority. - 25-10 – Zoning Map Amendment to Neighborhood Mixed Use for Lot 2, Tract 3 – First reading, public hearing held, adopted. Council discussed snow storage lease on the property and coordination with the applicant during future subdivision. Resolutions - 25-31 – Release Public Access Easement in Sleepy Hollow – Adopted. - 25-32 – Rasmuson Foundation Grant Application for Wayfinding Project – Adopted. - 25-33 – Opposing Proposed Changes to Definition of Local Contributions – Adopted after discussion with school superintendent Jason Weber, who noted potential negative impacts on school funding, sports, homeschool programs, and in-kind services. Public comment period ends July 25, 2025; state school board vote expected October 8, 2025. Reports - Auction Report: 2011 Bobcat S100 Skid Steer – Noted. - 2025 Valdez Visitor Report & Business Climate Survey – Acknowledged as useful for policy. - Community Service Organization Committee Report – Council discussed the target funding percentage (currently 75% of program budget). A proposal to reduce to 50% did not achieve committee consensus; council opinion was divided. The committee will also begin reviewing city-sponsored event applications to provide oversight. - Capital Facilities Monthly Update – Projects included: Meals Hill trail (80% complete, opening by late August), Pioneer Drive pavement management (40% complete), civic center green room remodel (contractor mid-August), library window replacement (July 28 – August 31), child care center remodel bid $2 million to be awarded August 5, and others. The Kelsey Dock dolphin replacement is awaiting a state permit. Key Outcomes - Consent calendar approved unanimously. - Council Member Lumba's resignation accepted; vacancy to be filled by appointment after public notice. - MOU with Avalanche Center postponed to next regular meeting. - Truck purchase approved. - All four ordinances and three resolutions adopted. - CSO committee will continue with 75% target and expand review to city-sponsored events. - The council expressed appreciation for community members and staff contributions during the meeting.

This was a work session of the Valdez City Council to review initial findings from the Housing Needs Assessment process, conducted by Agnew Beck Consulting. The session included presentations on community survey results, quantitative housing data, a 10-year housing need forecast, and short-term rental analysis. Council members asked clarifying questions and received updates on next steps. Discussion Items - Survey Results: Agnew Beck reported 455 responses (over 10% of Valdez's population) to a 53-question survey. Key findings include: 43% of respondents felt their current housing meets their needs; aging housing stock (over half built before 1989); high desire for new single-family homeownership opportunities; and a comfortable monthly housing cost range of $1,000–$2,000. Renters indicated a threshold of under $1,250/month, while ownership buyers were willing to pay about $1,750 or more. - Demographic and Housing Characteristics: Valdez has seen a population decline since 2010 (currently 3,700). The senior population (80+) is expected to grow from 3% to 9% by 2035. Housing stock is older, with 32% built before 1975, and 25% of units are mobile/manufactured homes. Overcrowding affects 4.3% of households. - 10-Year Housing Need Forecast: The consultants presented a total need of approximately 545 units over 10 years, broken into: 20 new units from population growth (using state average growth rate), 68 units to address overcrowding, 114 units from expressed community need (pent-up demand from survey), and 343 units as a target for rehabilitation/replacement (based on age, lack of facilities, and mobile home share). Of new units, about 123 are needed for households at or below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI). - Cost Burden: 13% of owner-occupied and 50% of renter-occupied households are cost-burdened (paying 30% of income on housing). Lower-income households are disproportionately affected. - Short-Term Rentals: STR inventory has grown 20% year over year since 2022, peaking at 88 units in summer 2024. Average annual revenue per STR is $39,000. In peak summer, about 5% of Valdez's housing inventory is used for STRs, comparable to Ketchikan and Sitka but lower than Homer and Girdwood. The data source (AirDNA) does not distinguish owner-occupied vs. non-owner-occupied STRs. - Council Questions: Council member Austin Love asked how the model accounts for vacancy chains when pent-up demand is realized (consultants explained that the expressed need assumes the mover leaves behind an occupied unit) and inquired about obtaining owner-occupancy data for STRs (consultants noted it is not available from current sources but could be collected through permitting). Key Outcomes - The council received the preliminary findings and will receive a PDF of the full survey results via email. - A housing subcommittee meeting is scheduled for the following afternoon (July 16) to begin discussing the data and potential policy directions. - No formal votes or decisions were made; the session was informational to guide future policy work.

The Planning and Zoning Commission of Valdez, Alaska, met in regular session at 7:00 PM on July 9, 2025, in the Council Chambers at 212 Chenega Avenue. All commissioners were present except Commissioner Goodrow, who was excused. Commissioners Wade and Raditch participated by phone. The commission approved previous meeting minutes, conducted public hearings, and took action on four new business items: a street name approval, a public access easement release, a conditional use permit and variance for a recreational vehicle park at Alderwood, and a zoning recommendation to City Council. A report on a temporary land use permit for a softball tournament was also presented. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes of the April 12, 2023; April 26, 2023; June 11, 2025; and June 25, 2025 meetings. A spelling error in the June 25 minutes was corrected prior to approval. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the public business from the floor (non-agenda items). - During public hearings, a letter from a resident was read expressing support for the Alderwood LLC conditional use permit (CUP 25-02) but with unspecified concerns to be addressed during discussion. No oral testimony was provided for the variance (25-01) or the rezone. - During discussion of CUP 25-02, the applicant, Roger Keeper (owner of Alderwood), provided clarification and answered commissioner questions. Discussion Items 1. Approval of King Salmon Lane as Street Name for ACAH Planned Unit Development - The commission considered naming the private street serving the Blueberry Terrace development on Lot 5, Evergreen Vista No. 1 Subdivision. A representative, Ms. Smith, expressed gratitude. Commissioners found the name appropriate. Motion to approve by Commissioner Betis, seconded by Commissioner Moulton. Vote: 6 yes, 1 absent – carried. 2. Recommendation to City Council for Release of Public Access Easement (Lot 5A Sleepy Hollow Addition No. 4) - The commission considered releasing a 60-foot-wide public access easement across the western side of Lot 5A, owned by Gas Inc., to allow the owner to enclose an outdoor car wash pad. Staff clarified the release applies only to the portion on the Gas Inc. lot. Commissioner concerns about future road access were addressed by staff indicating alternative routes via Bremner. The applicant, Logan Cressler, representing Gas Inc., spoke briefly. Motion by Betis, seconded by Moulton. Vote: 6 yes, 1 absent – carried. 3. Conditional Use Permit 25-02 – Alderwood LLC for Recreational Vehicle Park - The chair disclosed an ex parte communication with the applicant (a former commission member) from May, prior to the application, and offered to recuse; no objections were raised. Discussion included concerns about compatibility with the existing mobile home park, noise from generators, eviction history at Alderwood, and the 180-day stay limit. Staff explained the permit would allow the park operator to use vacant mobile home spaces for RVs, not change the overall use. Applicant Roger Keeper stated the intent is to house seasonal construction workers, with no plans for daily RV turnover or generator use. Conditions of approval include renting only previously established spaces, compliance with code, and consistency with the submitted narrative. Commissioners considered adding a condition requiring RV hookup to power; the applicant agreed. Motion by Betis, seconded by Metruca. Vote: 6 yes, 1 absent – carried. 4. Variance 25-01 – Alderwood LLC from Specific Use Standards to Allow RV Park Without Restrooms - The variance would exempt the RV park from providing restroom facilities, relying on existing mobile home park infrastructure. No public testimony. Commissioners found the application thorough. Motion by Betis, seconded by Metruca. Vote: 6 yes, 1 absent – carried. 5. Recommendation to City Council for Rezone of 3281 Richardson Highway from General Commercial (G) to Neighborhood Mixed Use (NMU) - The parcel is near the Rogue River subdivision. Staff explained the rezone aligns with the comprehensive plan's future land use map, as neighboring properties across the highway are designated NMU. Commissioner Moulton noted that all uses allowed in G (including convenience stores and gas stations) remain permitted in NMU, though some become conditional. Staff confirmed consistency with comprehensive plan vision. Motion by Betis, seconded by Metruca. Vote: 6 yes, 1 absent – carried. 6. Reports – Temporary Land Use Permit 25-07 for Valdez Softball Association - Staff reported on the issuance of a temporary land use permit for an approximately 4-acre portion of 3100 Richardson Highway for a softball tournament. The event featured 11 teams and was successful, with one broken leg and one concussion reported. Commissioner questioned fee waiving; staff explained that community events by local organizations are exempt from fees under Title 17, similar to the upcoming Fireweed 400. No action required. Key Outcomes - Approved minutes of four meetings with a correction. - Approved King Salmon Lane as street name (6-0-1). - Approved recommendation to release public access easement (6-0-1). - Approved Conditional Use Permit 25-02 with conditions (6-0-1). - Approved Variance 25-01 (6-0-1). - Approved recommendation to rezone property from General Commercial to Neighborhood Mixed Use (6-0-1). - Received report on Temporary Land Use Permit 25-07; no further action. All votes were unanimous among those present (6 in favor, 1 absent – Commissioner Goodrow excused).

Note: The agenda for this meeting was dated June 17, 2025, but the user-provided date is July 8, 2025. This summary uses the July 8 date as instructed, while the source materials reference the June 17 agenda. The Valdez City Council held a regular meeting on July 8, 2025 (per user directive), preceded by a work session on RV park and campground code. The council approved consent items, a professional services agreement, an insurance renewal, and a fire engine purchase. An ordinance amending the Code of Ethics was introduced with two council amendments. A resolution for a T-Mobile Hometown Grant was approved. Reports covered capital projects, the GFOA Distinguished Budget Award, and legal updates. Public Comments & Testimony - Dawson Moore, Valdez Theater Conference – Reported that the 33rd annual conference concluded with around 160 participants (down from the typical 200), but was one of the smoothest. Expressed deep appreciation for community and city support, noting that participants paid to volunteer. Mentioned possible future request for city assistance. He is moving to Anchorage but hopes to increase recruitment there. The conference holds a unique place in American theater. Consent Calendar - Approved unanimously (7-0): - Proclamation: Juneteenth 2025 - Liquor license renewal – Fu Kung Restaurant 23262 - Appointment to Ports & Harbors Commission – Neil “Vince” Kelly and Alan Steed - Acceptance of resignation from Beautification Commissioner Keena Miller - Approval to enter Executive Session re: VMC 3.30 Litigation Strategy Discussion Items - Professional Services Agreement with Hale & Associates – Approved (7-0). Discussion noted the firm has been the city’s broker for over 30 years with unchanged fees for 7 years. The city periodically considers competitive bids but retained Hale for a 2-year term due to insurance market conditions. - Annual Property and Casualty Insurance Renewal – Approved (7-0). Premium $925,953. City Manager Nate DeVal and broker Dave Hale explained the move to the APRA pool (merger of two pools) resulted in about 1.5% member savings and a broker credit of $48,374. The city’s experience modification factor improved to 0.72 (industry average <1). School district costs increased by about $17,000 due to APRA’s perception of school risk. Overall savings of nearly $54,000 compared to prior year. - Purchase of 2030 Fire Engine – Approved (7-0). $1,450,000 for a Velocity HDR Pumper from Hughes Fire Equipment. Discussion covered funding from the Major Equipment Fund balance, paying in installments vs. upfront to mitigate risk, and the 54-month build timeline. The fire chief noted the engine is needed to maintain ISO Class 4 rating; reserve apparatus lose points after 20 years. Three inspection trips (pre-build, mid-build, final) are standard. Cost escalation protections are limited for engines, transmissions, and pumps. - Ordinance 25-07 – Amending Code of Ethics (First Reading) – Councilmember Devons proposed two successful amendments: 1. Section B (Business Prohibition): Removed a strike-through that would have deleted language prohibiting officials from engaging in business with the city after substantial involvement in planning or recommending the project. Council retained the original, stricter language (6-1, Councilmember Foster opposed). 2. Section G (Gratuities): Removed new red-line language that added a “reasonable person” test, reverting to an absolute prohibition on accepting gratuities from those doing business with the city. The list of allowable exceptions (meals, merit awards, etc.) was kept. Approved 7-0. The ordinance was introduced as amended and will return for second reading due to the amendments. - Resolution 25-29 – T-Mobile Hometown Grant Application – Approved (7-0). Economic Development Director Martha Barberio will apply for a $50,000 grant to fund multi-phase wayfinding improvements, including updating interpretive signs, Old Town signage, and banners. No city match required. The grant supports goals in the waterfront master plan and comprehensive plan. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved unanimously (7-0). - Professional services agreement with Hale & Associates approved (7-0). - Insurance renewal of $925,953 approved (7-0). - Fire engine purchase of $1,450,000 approved (7-0). - Ordinance 25-07 introduced with two council amendments; second reading scheduled. - Resolution 25-29 approved (7-0) to pursue T-Mobile grant. - Council appointed members to subcommittees: Permanent Fund (Devons, Lally, Lellone), Audit (Foster, Love, Olivia), VCB ad hoc (Joe), CSO (Foster, Love, Devons). Staff recommendation to appoint Martha Barberio to Prince William Sound Economic Development Commission will be formalized at next meeting. - Strategic planning session scheduled for July 11-12 at the 7th Street venue. Reports - Monthly Projects Update (Scott Benda, Capital Facilities Director) – Detailed status of sewer force main (drilling issues at Airport Road), Meals Hill development (ADA parking concrete pour, trail construction with 2,000-ft loss on alder flow trail due to terrain), Civic Center green room (construction start mid-August), library windows (late July), senior center siding (late July), Kelsey Dock dolphin replacement (awaiting state permit), wellhouse 5 (bid July, completion Dec 2026), district office/child care center (Orion Construction selected, 65% drawings, site visit June 26), rural roads (cost estimates), radio repeater upgrade (95% designs), pavement management (design complete, awaiting funding), Herman Hutchins contaminated soil (well sampling done), roof replacements (slip station, container terminal – worse condition expected), animal shelter incinerator (two options evaluation), bailer replacement (RFQ fall 2025), hospital projects (generator concrete pad, long-term care expansion footings complete). - GFOA Distinguished Budget Award – Sixth consecutive award for the city. Mayor recognized staff. - City Manager Report – Reminded of Juneteenth holiday (city facilities closed, trash service unaffected). Mentioned working with an Alyeska contractor on land lease, countering claims that the city does not work with the oil industry. - City Attorney Report (Jake) – Update on Escape property litigation: oral argument on trial de novo scope held June 5; awaiting order. Tax years 1997-2016 summary judgment hearing set July 21 (may be delayed). Tax years 2019 forward decision expected August/September. Redistricting attorney’s fees motion denied; evaluating options. C-plan: motions for reconsideration denied for issues 3, 5A, 5B; leak detection issue remanded for record. Secondary containment testing plan under review with RCAC. VMC 3.30 pre-hearing conference scheduled for tomorrow; executive session will follow. - Council Business from Floor – Members thanked businesses for summer tourism success, congratulated staff on budget award (six consecutive), and invited public input on strategic planning via email. Mentioned upcoming Renaissance Fair with special guest Jacques Zipper. Councilmember Love expressed anticipation for strategic planning and noted progress on child care center. The meeting adjourned to executive session.

The Parks and Recreation Commission of Valdez, Alaska, held its regular meeting on July 8, 2025, at 6:30 PM in the Council Chambers. All members were present. The meeting included approval of minutes, a public appearance regarding Gold Rush Days, discussion of trail assessments, reports from the Park Maintenance Supervisor and PRCS Director, and commission business. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the June 10, 2025 meeting were adopted without objection. Public Comments & Testimony - 2025 Gold Rush Days Update: Sarah Jorgensen Owen, Valdez resident and Gold Rush Days organizer, reported that the event is proceeding as a CSO event. She noted that coordination with Parks and Recreation is minimal (trash cans, tables) and that a pre‑event meeting with Martha, Public Works, and other departments is scheduled. She expressed gratitude to the commission and reported positive community anticipation. Discussion Items - Commission Assessment of Trail Reports: The commission reviewed the trail assessment forms for Overlook Trail and East Dyke Trail. Commissioner Aidan asked about continuing assessments through winter; the chair clarified that winter‑use items are placeholders for future assessments. Commissioner Aidan also requested that the Mineral Creek trail (currently a road in city literature) be added as a future agenda item to discuss its status. Commissioner Johnson praised the improved entrance to the East Dyke Trail parking area. Reports - Park Maintenance Supervisor Report (Cole Beck): Cole provided an update on the Meals Hill project, which is nearing completion with a target date of August 1, 2025. He showed photos of the overlook view station (with benches, telescope area, informational signs), a new outhouse, and the Alder Flow and Valdez Vista trails (the latter ADA‑accessible). Commissioners expressed interest in a site visit; Cole agreed to coordinate with the director and construction schedule. Commissioner Johnson noted positive tourist interest from cruise ships. Commissioner Jeremy commended the attention to drainage for long‑term maintenance. - PRCS Director Report (Bridget): Bridget reported on the successful 4th of July event, which served approximately 1,200 people (with 200 hot dogs remaining). She outlined preparations for fall programming, the library window remodel (August, 6‑week closure with curbside pickup), Civic Center green room remodel (starting late August), and the Alaska Recreation and Park Association (ARPA) conference hosted by Valdez on September 9‑11, 2025. She invited commissioners to attend sessions and a walkthrough of Meals Hill. Commissioner Aidan asked about library ADA improvements; Bridget clarified that the window remodel is separate and the ADA elevator project remains in discussion stages. Key Outcomes - Trail Assessments: The commission will continue assessments; staff will assign the next two trails via email after coordinating with the maintenance supervisor. - Pioneer Road Bike Path: Commissioner Aidan noted that the new Pioneer Road path terminates abruptly into the road. Bridget and the chair will investigate ownership (likely Capital Facilities) and consider future connectivity improvements. - Mural Campaign: Commissioner Jeremy expressed interest in a mural campaign similar to Seward’s. City Clerk Sherry Pierce suggested he bring recommendations to the Beautification Commission, which meets at noon. The chair encouraged commissioners to support this effort. - Official Welcome: The commission formally welcomed Bridget as the newly appointed Director of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services. - Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 7:03 PM.

The Valdez City Council met on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting included a work session on fund balance policy at 6:00 PM (no minutes taken), followed by the regular agenda. The council approved consent items, held a discussion on rural road improvements, passed three ordinances on first reading, and adopted a resolution amending the tax calendar. Councilmember Lumba was absent. Mayor Fleming abstained from votes on Ordinance 25-09 and Resolution 25-30. Consent Calendar - Appointment to Prince William Sound Economic Development District Board of Directors: Nominee Martha Barberio was approved unanimously (6-0). - The planned executive session (VMC 3.30 litigation strategy) was removed from the agenda and not held. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made on non-agenda items. - Public hearings for Ordinances 25-07, 25-08, and 25-09 drew no public testimony. Discussion Items - Rural Roads Assessment – Phasing Plan and Cost Estimates (New Business): City Manager Nate Devel presented the assessment of all gravel roads in Valdez, dividing work into major maintenance/CIP projects and in-house work. Phase 1 proposed projects include Corbin Subdivision, Sawmill Drive, Mill Street, and 9th Street. For Corbin, the recommendation is to pave (asphalt) for long-term cost savings, despite the subdivision originally being sold as unimproved with gravel roads. Estimated cost for Corbin paving is $3 million; other roads would get gravel surfacing and drainage fixes. Council discussed equity concerns (Councilmember Davids noted the cost per residence in Corbin is $160,000, which would exceed tax revenue from the neighborhood) and the need for paving other areas like 10 Mile. Councilmember Love expressed support for pavement, while Councilmember Foster noted the historical context of subdivisions. No formal vote was taken; the city manager was directed to proceed with a design contract (approx. $100,000) for phase 1, to be presented for approval at the next council meeting. Key Outcomes - Ordinance 25-07 (Code of Ethics – First Reading): Approved 6-0. No discussion or public comment. - Ordinance 25-08 (Recreational Vehicle and Tent Camping – First Reading): After extensive discussion, an amendment to strike specific numbers from subsections D and E (allowing unlimited RVs on commercial and private club lots) failed 2-4. A second amendment to strike subsection E4 (requiring RV owners to be out-of-town members of a private club) also failed 2-4. The original ordinance then passed 5-0-1 (Mayor Fleming abstained, Councilmember Lumba absent). - Ordinance 25-09 (Oil and Gas Exploration Property Tax – First Reading): Approved 5-1 (Mayor Fleming abstained, Councilmember Lumba absent). - Resolution 25-30 (Amending 2025 Tax Calendar): Approved 5-1 (Mayor Fleming abstained, Councilmember Lumba absent). - Reports: City Manager highlighted completion of drilling for the sewer force main, implementation of Valdez Alerts (replacing Nixel), and a tour offer from Alyeska Pipeline for council members. City Attorney reported on ongoing litigation: VMC 3.30 Superior Court appeal (motion to remand filed), a new wrongful termination lawsuit by former employee Larry Abels (tendered to insurance), and a redistricting attorney fee order under reconsideration. Councilmember Devons thanked Parks and Rec for cleaning Valdez Glacier Lake. The meeting adjourned.