Public Meetings - Valdez, Alaska

The Valdez Planning and Zoning Commission held a regular meeting on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers. All commissioners were present except Commissioners Metroca and Wade. The agenda included one new business item (approval of a temporary land use permit), a report on another permit, and commission business from the floor. The meeting was called to order and adjourned after a brief session. Public Comments & Testimony - City Manager Nate Duvall addressed the commission, expressing appreciation for their service and noting that the commission plays a key role in development around town. He praised their level-headed approach to code interpretation and offered his assistance. Discussion Items - Temporary Land Use Permit 25-08 (New Business): The commission considered approval for Central Environmental, Inc. to use a 2-acre portion of USS 439 (Pipeyard), owned by the City of Valdez, for a six-month term. Discussion clarified the location as adjacent to the former Bill Harris lay down yard and barge launch area, near the corner of McKinley and Alaska streets. Commissioner Moulton asked about current storage of old harbor walkways; staff explained that materials from the sewer force main project were staged there but have been used, and the area is currently used for lay down and storage. Staff confirmed no encumbrances, noting that the Valdez Snow Machine Club has a non-exclusive lease for the pipe yard, which permits temporary uses. Commissioner Moulton also asked about leftover leases or temporary land uses with Mr. Harris, and staff confirmed none exist. Reports - Temporary Land Use Permit 25-04: Staff reported on the issuance of a six-month permit to Roadside Potatohead, LLC for 369 square feet of public right-of-way immediately adjacent to Lot 12, Block 40, Harbor Subdivision. No questions were raised, and it was noted that this permit is exactly the same as previous ones. Commission Business from the Floor - Commissioner Moulton initially indicated he had a list of items but ultimately said he was great. Commissioner Raditic had nothing business-wise. Commissioner Beatis had nothing. Commissioner Goodrow had nothing, noting his questions had been answered by staff. Key Outcomes - The commission approved Temporary Land Use Permit 25-08 for Central Environmental, Inc. by a unanimous vote of 5-0 (all present commissioners voting yes). The motion passed. - No other formal actions were taken. The meeting adjourned following commission business.

On June 25, 2025, the City of Valdez City Council, sitting as the Board of Equalization (BOE), held a prehearing conference to set procedures for the property tax appeal of Alaska Ventures LLC. The meeting addressed the scope of the appeal, scheduling, discovery parameters, and time allotments for the hearing. Both the appellant (Alaska Ventures) and the city assessor’s legal team participated via teleconference. No final procedural schedule was issued at the meeting; the board will deliberate and release a schedule later. Discussion Items Scope of Appeals: The appellant, through attorney Steve Mahoney, confirmed that Alaska Ventures elects not to proceed with its taxability appeal before the BOE, opting instead to pursue that issue in superior court. The board thus limited the BOE hearing to the valuation question. However, the assessor’s attorney, Robin Brenner, cautioned that the scope could expand if the superior court refers factual issues back to the board. Hearing Scheduling: The board proposed a tentative hearing date of August 20, 2025. Both parties agreed to this date and indicated that participation via Teams (remote) would be acceptable, with the appellant noting that out-of-state witnesses may appear remotely. Discovery Procedures: The board presented two options: the baseline (10 interrogatories/10 requests for production, requests due 15 days before hearing, responses due 5 days before) or a modified schedule (requests due 40 days before, responses due 20 days before). Mr. Mahoney argued that discovery is generally inappropriate in an assessment appeal where the assessor’s valuation is presumed correct, and stated that the taxpayer may not respond to discovery requests. Mr. Brenner insisted that discovery should be permitted for both sides and that responses should be due within a fixed timeframe (e.g., 5–10 days from service) to avoid last-minute obstruction. Councilmember Devons suggested a 30-day response period, similar to civil court. The board took the matter under advisement. Time Allotment for Presentations: The baseline is one hour per side for all presentations and rebuttals. Mr. Mahoney agreed to one hour, provided both sides receive equal time. Mr. Brenner requested a minimum of two hours per side, citing the complexity of the five large tugboats at issue and noting that the State Assessment Review Board (SARB) has allowed four to six hours in similar cases. The board will decide on the final time allocation. Other Issues: Mr. Mahoney indicated that the taxpayer may file a motion by the following Monday regarding the appropriateness of discovery in this appeal. Mr. Brenner requested an equal opportunity to respond to any such motion. Both parties expressed willingness to follow the board’s rules. Key Outcomes The board tentatively set the hearing for August 20, 2025, with remote participation allowed. The scope of the BOE hearing is limited to valuation unless the superior court decides otherwise. No final decisions were made on discovery parameters or time allotments; the board will issue a procedural schedule after deliberation. The appellant may file a discovery-related motion by June 30, 2025, and the assessor will be given time to respond.

This work session, held at 5:30 PM on June 17, 2025, was devoted to reviewing and discussing the history, current language, and potential revisions to Valdez Municipal Code 10.20, which governs recreational vehicle parks and tent campgrounds. City Manager Nate presented staff analysis and options, and council members debated key issues such as the city manager permit, enforcement, posting of no-camping signs, and the balance between promoting visitation and addressing nuisance concerns. Public testimony was also heard, and the council provided direction for staff to draft a revised ordinance. Public Comments & Testimony - Kyle Anderson, lifelong resident, opposed restrictive limits on the number of RVs allowed on private property or at clubs/lodges, arguing that such limits hurt both homeowners who need contractors and local businesses that rely on visitors. He supported expanding city campgrounds and favored using signs to designate where camping is prohibited rather than limiting the number of RVs. - Jeff Sachs agreed with using signs to prohibit camping in specific areas (e.g., West Dike) and noted that state land camping is beyond city control. - Lars emphasized that Valdez’s city limits are unusually large (extending to 19 mile), so a blanket no-camping rule would be inappropriate. He supported a permissive approach with targeted prohibitions. - Another unnamed speaker (likely from earlier public comment) echoed support for allowing camping where it is not a problem and cautioned against overly broad restrictions. Discussion Items - History and Purpose: The city manager reviewed the ordinance’s origins (1995 task force, 1996 adoption, 2007 amendments) and explained that the current discussion arose from a 2023 inquiry about a city manager permit. Staff recommended separating RV/camping regulation from Title 17 (zoning) and moving it to Title 12 (streets and public places) for clarity. - City Manager Permit: Council members expressed concern that the permit system could be burdensome to enforce and conflict with state land rights. The consensus leaned toward eliminating the permit and instead relying on posted prohibitions and temporary land use permits for large events. - Posting No-Camping Signs: Several council members (Austin, Jimmy) supported a “where posted” approach for city-controlled property, rather than a blanket prohibition. The city manager agreed to add “where posted” language for Section B (recreational vehicles on city property). - Number of RVs on Private Property: Debate arose on limits. Kyle Anderson argued for no arbitrary limits based on lot size. Council member Jimmy suggested linking the number of RVs to lot size (e.g., one per half-acre). The city manager offered to leave the original language (one RV per lot) in the draft and include potential amendment language for council to modify later. - Temporary Occupancy Duration: Council member Austin raised the need to define “temporary occupancy” (e.g., 30 days for residential, 180 days for commercial) to aid enforcement. The city manager noted that existing revisions included such time limits and would retain them in the draft. - Tent Camping: The city manager reviewed current tent camping rules (proximity to roads/trails, private property with owner permission) and proposed striking language on designated areas and on dogs, while keeping cleanliness rules. Council member Jimmy argued to retain “designated areas” language for future flexibility, but others preferred to remove it and rely on the temporary land use permit process. The council agreed to include the strike-through version in the draft and revisit at first reading. - Health and Safety Provisions: Council member Jim noted that many camping-related concerns (littering, animal attractants) are already covered by other city codes, and recommended removing duplicative or difficult-to-enforce sections. Staff will cross-reference existing nuisance and animal control ordinances. Key Outcomes - Staff was directed to draft a revised ordinance that: - Eliminates the city manager permit for RV camping. - Uses a “where posted” approach to prohibit camping on city-controlled property (Section B). - Retains original language for residential and commercial lots (one RV per lot) with possible amendments for lot-size-based allowances. - Includes specific time limits for temporary occupancy (30 days residential, 180 days commercial). - For clubs/lodges, keeps the limit of three RVs but will provide amendment language to increase if desired. - For tent camping, adopts the strike-through version that removes the “designated areas” subsection and the dog restriction, and keeps the quarter-mile/100-yard rule with “no camping” posting exceptions. - References temporary land use permits for groups and events. - The draft ordinance will be presented for first reading at a future meeting, with amendment options available for council consideration. The council emphasized that this is not a final decision and that further public input will be taken.

The Valdez Planning and Zoning Commission held a regular meeting on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers. All commissioners were present except Commissioner Metroca; Commissioner Wade participated online. No public comments were made. The meeting was brief and covered one new business item (final plat approval) and two reports on temporary land use permits. Discussion Items - Approval of Final Plat (Alaska State Land Survey No. 2021-07, ADL 58905): The commission discussed a final plat for a municipal entitlement selection. A minor typographical error was noted in the monument table (M3 range and section numbers). Staff confirmed the zoning remains public. The commission voted unanimously to approve, with the correction to be made. Vote: 6 yes, 1 absent (Commissioner Metroca). - Temporary Land Use Permit 25-06 (Wilson Brothers Distributing): A 6-month permit for a 1.44-acre portion of 226 S Harbor Drive. Staff reported receiving a public inquiry about signage; an inspection confirmed the signage appropriately marked the permitted area and that access outside the permit remained open. - Temporary Land Use Permit 25-02 (End of the Road Ren Fair): A permit for an approximately 8-acre portion of 251 Pioneer Drive (Mineral Creek parkstrip). The event is returning to its original location after moving last year due to snow issues. Activities include baking demonstrations with open fire and a beer garden, coordinated with Parks and Recreation and the Fire Department. Commissioner Moulton asked about parking; staff indicated a plan was developed with the Police Department and will verify details before the event. Key Outcomes - The commission approved the final plat of Alaska State Land Survey No. 2021-07 with 6 votes in favor, 1 absent, and directed staff to correct the typographical error in the monument table. - The commission acknowledged the two temporary land use permits as issued by staff, with no objections or additional conditions.

The City of Valdez Parks and Recreation Commission met on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, from 6:31 PM to 7:16 PM in Council Chambers. All members were present, with Commissioner Rush joining by phone. The commission approved prior minutes, took public comment, adjusted its trail reporting process, heard updates from the Disc Golf Club and the department director, and addressed commissioner business. Consent Calendar - The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the May 13, 2025 regular meeting with no objections or changes. Public Comments & Testimony - Zadie Carmen, with the End of the Road Renaissance Festival, reported the event is scheduled for June 20-21, 2025, and that its permit application and alcoholic beverage permit were accepted. She requested help finding additional trash cans, ideally four more for a total of 12, for public and nearby residential use. Commissioner Rush disclosed he had previously offered to help with trash. No formal action was taken. Discussion Items Trail Report / Commission Trail Assessment - The commission reviewed a compiled trail report based on member-completed rubrics for the Homestead and Dock Point trails. Commissioner Pete questioned the process and staff time, suggesting oral reports might suffice. Deputy City Clerk Swornberg clarified that reports typically are not included in minutes and may be informational. - The commission agreed to continue the written compiled format, but rename and move the item under new business as a 'commission trail assessment' discussion so actionable items can be raised without reviewing every detail. The next trails selected were Overlook and East Dyke. Commissioner Pete advocated strongly for also assessing the Gold Beach/Gold Creek/Shoup Bay Trail corridor, saying it is one of the most popular city trails and important for the commission's advocacy role, even if it is not under department jurisdiction. Disc Golf Club Update - Nathan Davis and Kelly Hall of the Valdez Disc Golf Club reported that a league is now running, baskets have been repaired, and the club is partnering with the Valdez Adventure Alliance to manage donations and help fund course improvements. They welcomed the new interim director and appreciated recent city trail work at the course. - They shared UDisc data: about 3,100 rounds played over four complete years, which they said could safely be doubled to roughly 6,000; close to 200 individual players, possibly about 10% of Valdez's population when doubled; 13 million steps; and nearly 10,000 hours of use. - The club expressed support for youth engagement, including a future junior division or a kids' clinic. They also raised concerns about possible camping at the disc golf course. Commissioner Carter clarified that Ordinance 2504 was postponed indefinitely and that the council would discuss camping holistically at an upcoming work session, not through a new ordinance at this time. Director Report - Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director Bridget gave updates: summer camps are full with up to 24 kids per week, 9 AM to 5 PM, and highly subsidized; a coordinator position is being backfilled in July; the July 4th event has 21 vendors so far; park crews are cleaning up after spring breakup; grass concerns at Gold Fields have been addressed; Meals Hill is expected to be completed in the fall; the Civic Center is hosting the theater conference and the Green Room remodel will add a second conference room in August. - Commissioner Pete offered a comment that the library has its own board and he would support classifying it outside Parks and Recreation; Deputy City Clerk Swornberg confirmed the library has its own commission. Commission Business from the Floor - The chair reported that the clerk's office advised commissions to continue meeting at the dais for decorum and microphone function; work sessions may be held on the floor. - Commissioner Aiden asked for an update on the Meals Hill bike trail reroute around the marshy section. Director Bridget said it remains under discussion and she hoped to provide a map the following week. Commissioner Jeremy echoed interest in updates and photos. Key Outcomes - Minutes approved unanimously. - Trail report format changed to a 'commission trail assessment' under new business; next trails selected: Overlook and East Dyke. - No formal vote was taken on disc golf requests; the club will continue working with the department and Valdez Adventure Alliance. - Director Bridget committed to providing a map of the Meals Hill reroute next week.

The Valdez City Council met on June 3, 2025, at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting covered consent agenda items, new business including a trolley tour license and property insurance renewal discussion, an ordinance regarding recreational vehicle parks and tent camping (postponed indefinitely after public comment), a resolution authorizing a FEMA SAFER grant application, and various reports from city staff, the city attorney, and council members. Consent Calendar - Proclamation: National Trails Day 2025 – Mayor Fleming proclaimed Saturday, June 7, 2025, as National Trails Day in Valdez. Whitney Root of Valdez Adventure Alliance thanked the council for supporting trail work and invited the community to a service event at Shoot Bay Trailhead from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, followed by a cookout. - Approval to go into Executive Session – Regarding TAPS Ad Valorem Tax Litigation and Settlement Strategy. - The consent agenda was approved unanimously (7-0). Public Comments & Testimony - Kyle Anderson – Lifelong resident; opposed the proposed camping ordinance (25-04) as overreach and a waste of time, arguing it would harm the Alaskan dream and local tourism. - Speaker (unidentified, named in transcript?) – Opposed the camping ordinance, citing property rights, lack of transparency, and concern over police enforcement. Mentioned family visiting and camping in yard; argued resources should be used for education and facility improvement rather than enforcement. Stated that if no free camping options exist, they would not visit. - Nathan Davis – Newer resident; urged positive enforcement if the ordinance passes, noted police respect in community, suggested schools and parks may not be ideal for camping, and asked council to consider overall community impact. - Hayden Bricker – Local; opposed the ordinance, emphasized need for free camping for locals, suggested focus on education about Leave No Trace rather than enforcement. Noted that living in a car, the last thing they want is a knock at 2 AM. - Nami Ray – Resident since 2016; argued the ordinance would make Valdez less accessible for young people and those with limited income, mentioning high costs of hotels and Airbnbs. Stated she would not have chosen Valdez if such restrictions existed. - Several speakers emphasized that the city should not compete with private RV parks and that free camping is important for locals and budget visitors. Discussion Items - Approval of Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (For-Hire Vehicle License) for Valdez Trolley Tours – Approved unanimously (7-0) with brief positive comments. - Property Insurance Renewal Discussion – Finance Director Jordan Nelson and broker David Hill presented two options for property insurance renewal (due July 1). Option A: stay with current carrier AFM (city increase 7%, school decrease 6%, net city increase of $55,000). Option B: switch to APRA (city savings, net decrease of $37,000, but school district property premium nearly doubles due to higher school construction costs and replacement valuation). Staff recommended Option B, with city potentially absorbing some school costs (e.g., pool district office, bus barn) to mitigate the increase. Several council members discussed statutory limitations, audit concerns, and the possibility of prorating costs for community-use facilities. The matter will return for a decision at the next council meeting. Ordinances - Ordinance 25-04 – Amending Chapter 10.20 (Recreational Vehicle Parks and Tent Camping) – First reading/public hearing. City Manager DeVol recommended postponing indefinitely due to administrative burden and unclear problem definition. Mayor noted the ordinance still contains Title 15 conflicts. Councilmember DeVins initially motioned to postpone indefinitely; after extensive public comment, the motion passed (5-2) with council members DeVins and Foster voting no. The existing ordinance remains in effect. A work session will be scheduled to start fresh on the topic. Resolutions - Resolution 25-28 – Authorizing Valdez Fire Department to Apply for FEMA SAFER Grant – Approved unanimously (7-0). Chief Rayner explained the grant would fund three firefighters for three years (25% city match in years 1-2, 65% in year 3). The goal is to improve response times and meet national standards. Previous grant applications were unsuccessful; the department has incorporated feedback to improve scoring. Reports - Housing Needs Assessment Update – Short Term Rentals Report – Kate Huber reported that the full housing study is expected this fall, with a work session on July 15 for council input. Preliminary data from AirDNA included, but owner-occupancy details are not yet available; that data will be collected via permit applications for short-term rentals. Over 400 responses to the community survey. - Community Clean Up Day & Bulk Item Pickup Week – 2025 Report – Not pulled for discussion. City Manager / City Clerk / City Attorney / Mayor Reports - City Manager DeVol – Update on Chugach Mute MOA (sent for signatures), college child care MOA, first child care startup grant awarded, meeting with Providence hospital leadership regarding new CEO search, business outreach, legislative updates (school funding emergency regulation), scrap metal project launching (banner on city website), boards and commissions dinner, and reminder of DOT repaving project from mile 0 (Sawmill) to mile 7 this summer. DeVol will be out of town late Thursday; Jordan Nelson will be in charge. - City Clerk Sherry – Theater conference dinner on Friday, June 13 at Eagles Hall; no complex appeals hearing on June 26 (pre-hearing work session on June 18); strategic planning workshop June 20-21; assisting Ports and Harbor Commission in preparing for a work session. - City Attorney Jake – TAPS Ad Valorem tax litigation update: SPAR and Alyeska filed motions for reconsideration on Issue 4; city will file oppositions. Procedural timeline stayed pending decision. Also, a request for a temporary restraining order regarding city code enforcement was filed; city filed opposition; court order pending. - Mayor Fleming – Thanked attendees of boards and commissions dinner. Council Business from the Floor - Thanked staff and volunteers for Community Clean Up Day. - Acknowledged the cost of volunteering, especially for young people, and urged appreciation. - Noted progress with Chugach Mute and child care grants. - Thanks to staff for boards and commissions dinner. - Permanent Fund Committee met today; fund value: $288M (Dec 2024), $286M (Mar 2025), now $296M. Finance director will present information on the 1.5% permanent fund draw at the strategic planning meeting. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved unanimously. - For-hire vehicle license for Valdez Trolley Tours approved unanimously. - Ordinance 25-04 postponed indefinitely (5-2); existing ordinance remains; work session to be scheduled. - Resolution 25-28 (SAFER grant) approved unanimously. - Insurance renewal decision deferred to next meeting with further analysis on cost allocation. - Executive Session entered at end of meeting to discuss TAPS litigation (as authorized by consent agenda).

On June 3, 2025, the Valdez City Council held a work session to receive training on the Board of Equalization (BOE) complex appeal procedures, which were adopted at a prior meeting. The session focused on ensuring due process in appeals, particularly for a pending valuation and taxability appeal involving Alaska Ventures and VMC 3.30 property. No formal votes or decisions were taken; the session was informational. Discussion Items - Training on Complex Appeal Procedures: Mr. Stacer presented an overview of the newly adopted complex appeal procedures, emphasizing due process, the quasi-judicial role of the council sitting as BOE, and the importance of creating a defensible record. Key topics included discovery rules (15 interrogatories, requests for production, evidence submission 10 days before hearing), pre-hearing conferences, hearing conduct, the burden of proof on the appellant, and the reasonable basis standard of review. - Litigation Update: Mr. Stacer noted that on May 29, 2025, Alaska Ventures filed a complaint and motion for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction to preclude BOE review of taxability appeals. The city filed an opposition on May 30, and the appellant replied on June 3. No court ruling had been received as of the meeting. If a preliminary injunction is granted, the BOE will not hear taxability appeals; otherwise, the council will hear both valuation and taxability issues. - Scheduling Discussion: The initial hearing date of June 16 was not feasible; June 26 was also unlikely. Possible dates considered included June 18 and later in July, but no date was set. It was recommended to hold a pre-hearing conference as soon as possible to establish procedural deadlines. Councilmember availability was discussed, but no consensus was reached. - Procedural Questions: Councilmembers asked about ex parte contacts (avoid substantive discussion outside hearings), managing multiple expert witnesses (flexible time limits set in pre-hearing conference), the order of issues (taxability first, then valuation if applicable), and applicable exemptions under VMC 3.30 (e.g., fishing vessels). It was clarified that the appellant has advanced alternative valuations if the property is deemed taxable. Key Outcomes - No votes or formal decisions were made. - The council will schedule a pre-hearing conference to set procedural rules and a timeline for the pending appeal. - The hearing on the appeal is expected to occur no earlier than late July 2025, subject to court rulings on the TRO motion and council availability. - Councilmembers were advised to prepare for a potentially voluminous record and to avoid any ex parte or outside discussions about the appeal until the hearing concludes.

The Ports and Harbor Commission held a regular meeting on June 2, 2025, at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers. Commissioners present: Stevens, Kelly, Steve, Pearson, and Wes. Commissioner Day was absent. The meeting covered approval of minutes, a presentation on commission roles and responsibilities, and a discussion on the harbor budget trajectory. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the February 11, 2025, regular meeting. Motion by Commissioner Kelly, second by Commissioner Steed. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made. Discussion Items - City Clerk Overview of Commission Roles and Responsibilities: City Clerk Sherry and Deputy City Clerk Elise presented an overview of the commission's roles as defined in city code. They encouraged the commission to prepare for a work session with the City Council, similar to the Parks and Recreation Commission's recent presentation. The commission was asked to develop five goals based on their Harbor Master Plan and to identify any roadblocks. The timeline for this work is urgent, as the council is conducting strategic planning on June 21–22. The clerk also stressed the importance of attendance and quorum, noting the commission has been reduced to five members. Commissioners asked about the timeline and whether budget discussions would be separate. The clerk advised starting immediately. - Harbor Budget Trajectory: Staff member Sarah led a discussion on ways to address the harbor's revenue shortfall (operating expenses exceeding revenues). Ideas from a March task force included: - Taking over management of tideland leases from Community Development (estimated $235,000 annually), subject to city manager approval. - Short-term rental opportunities (e.g., food trucks), but limited by parking constraints. - Not raising mortgage rates (already in a three-year cycle). - Operational efficiency: closing the office at 5 PM, reducing landscaping, pump-out services, or temporary staff. - Moving evening meetings to daytime to save overtime costs. - Taking over management of Allison Point and Glacier Campground from Parks and Recreation (subject to further analysis). - Allowing long-term (31+ day) boat rentals as permitted by current code. - Commissioners expressed concern that tideland lease transfer would simply shift funds, not create new revenue. They requested research on whether other Alaska harbors operate as self-sufficient enterprise funds. Staff agreed to investigate. The commission also discussed the feasibility of daytime meetings, noting variable schedules for fishing commissioners. No decisions were made on the budget items. Reports - Port Report: The port transitioned back to using Kelsey Dock. City administration is working on a long-term solution with the state for potentially taking over ferry terminal operations. Phillips Cruises will dock every other Wednesday and Saturday from late May to July. - Harbor Report: Revitalization of San Steven's Plaza is underway. Boardwalk repairs are ongoing, and electrical issues with an H3K replacement are being addressed. The travel lift will undergo annual servicing starting tomorrow. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken on the budget discussion items. - The commission agreed to research other harbors' financial models and report back at the next meeting. - The commission will consider moving future meetings to daytime hours, with flexibility to accommodate fishing schedules. - The commission will begin work on developing goals and a presentation for the City Council work session, following the Parks and Rec model.

A work session of the Valdez City Council was held to review the AchieveIt software, a tool for tracking implementation of the city\u2019s master plans and strategic priorities. City Manager Nate, staff member Kate, and AchieveIt consultant Dan Griffin presented the software\u2019s capabilities, demonstrated its features, and discussed how it could improve transparency, accountability, and progress reporting. Council members asked questions about transparency, customization, record keeping, and the potential for tracking council priorities with measurable metrics. No formal votes were taken, but the council expressed strong support for moving forward with implementation. Discussion Items - Presentation on the need for plan tracking \u2013 Nate explained that the city has multiple master plans (comprehensive, waterfront, parks, economic, hazard mitigation) that often \u201csit on the shelf.\u201d He stated that the public wants to see results and that the software will help measure progress and communicate successes or slowdowns. He noted a Fortune study showing only 10% of strategic items are completed annually on average, while Boston Consulting Group found best-in-class organizations achieve 73%. - Staff vision for the software \u2013 Kate described how the software addresses public sentiment that plans are not acted upon. She outlined the initial plans to be loaded into AchieveIt and noted that the comprehensive plan is already built out with 98 action items (currently not started). She emphasized that the tool will help with reporting to the council and the public, and will eventually support a public dashboard. - Software demonstration \u2013 Dan Griffin showed three main views: tree view (hierarchy of themes, goals, actions), list view (sortable by status, assignee, due dates), and Gantt view (timeline). He demonstrated dashboards that display status pie charts, progress updates, and off-track/at-risk items. He introduced the concept of \u201cwatermelon\u201d \u2013 green on the outside but red inside \u2013 and stressed the value of tracking items that are not fully on track. He also showed how metrics (numbers, dollars, percentages) can be added to actions and how a public-facing dashboard can be embedded on a city website with a simple code snippet. - Transparency and access \u2013 A council member asked about controlling the visibility of information. Dan explained that access is permissions-based and that the public dashboard can be limited to summary data (e.g., status percentages) to avoid overwhelming staff with inquiries. - Council priorities tracking \u2013 The same council member noted that the council\u2019s priorities from 2024\u201325 (housing, child care, health care, business/economic development, workforce) were loaded as a sample. He observed that health care had no specific sub-items or metrics, making it hard to track progress. He expressed strong support for using the software to define measurable goals for each priority and to review them regularly at council meetings. He encouraged the city manager and staff to adopt the tool for the council\u2019s strategic plan. - Record keeping \u2013 Another council member inquired about how the software fits with the city\u2019s record retention requirements. Dan responded that AchieveIt is not for vital records but can track process improvements; Kate added that the official adopted plan documents remain the record. They noted that data can be easily extracted and that the platform is FedRAMP-certified for security. - Breaking down silos \u2013 A council member praised the software\u2019s ability to show linkages between plans and to help staff understand how their work connects to city goals. Nate added that an all-staff survey had previously identified low scores on \u201cunderstanding how decisions are made,\u201d and this tool could help tell that story. - Public engagement \u2013 The council member also noted that the public often stops participating when they see no action on plans; the software could demonstrate progress and encourage continued input. Key Outcomes - Implementation to proceed \u2013 Staff will move forward with launching AchieveIt for the comprehensive plan, waterfront master plan, parks and rec master plan, economic strategic plan, and hazard mitigation plan. A training session earlier that day involved 22 users from multiple departments. - Council priorities integration \u2013 Council members expressed a desire to use the software to track their annual priorities with measurable metrics. The upcoming strategic planning session will be used to refine goals with specific, trackable outcomes. Staff (Kate and Nate) will work with the council to define and input these priorities. - Next steps \u2013 The software will be made \u201clive\u201d for staff to begin reporting on current status of plan actions. Dashboards will be developed for regular council reporting and eventually for a public-facing website. City Manager Nate stated that the budget should be aligned with plan goals, and the software will help visualize that alignment. - No formal vote \u2013 The council did not take a vote; the decision to implement and expand the tool rests with the city manager. The council\u2019s feedback will guide how the software is used for strategic oversight.