Public Meetings - Valdez, Alaska

The Valdez Board of Equalization met on May 20, 2025, to adopt complex appeal procedures for an appeal filed by Alaska Ventures. The meeting was called to order at 9:35 PM (agenda listed 8:30 PM). Two members were absent: Chair Fleming and Member Love. The board approved the procedures as amended following a motion and vote. Discussion Items - City Attorney Jake Stazer presented the proposed complex appeal procedures, explaining they were needed for the Alaska Ventures appeal after previous removal from code. The procedures set forth discovery rights, conduct of proceedings, evidence exchange, and introduced a pre-hearing conference option. - Board member Devon moved to adopt the amendments presented by the city attorney; seconded by member Whitty. The amendment was approved unanimously (5-0). The main motion, as amended, then passed unanimously (5-0). Key Outcomes - The board approved the Complex Appeal Procedures with the amendments suggested by legal counsel, by a vote of 5 in favor (Devon, Whitty, Lally, and two others) and 2 absent (Fleming, Love). Meeting adjourned at 9:41 PM.

The Valdez City Council met on May 20, 2025, at 7:00 PM in council chambers. The meeting included the swearing-in of new council members John Lumba and Joy Whitney, farewell to outgoing members Sharon Scheit and Alan Sorum, election of the mayor pro tem, and extensive discussion on amendments to RV park and tent camping regulations, including a new permit system. The council also approved several consent items, new business items, and resolutions. Council member Foster was absent initially but arrived later; Council member Love was absent and excused for the entire meeting. The mayor recused himself from executive session due to a conflict. Consent Calendar - Approved, with a vote of 6-0-1 (Love absent), the consent agenda consisting of: (1) Approval to enter executive session regarding VMC 3.30 appeals and litigation strategy; (2) Proclamation recognizing International Human Resources Day (May 20, 2025); (3) Proclamation for National Safe Boating Week (May 18-24, 2025) and Wear Your Life Jacket at Work Day (May 16, 2025). Public Comments & Testimony - Jeff Sachs (resident): Thanked council for approving lawn maintenance along the highway from Meals to the state garage, stating it will reduce the load on RV parks and improve the town entrance. Asked when the contract starts. - Faith Harris (Discover Valdez): Questioned the timeline for a replacement essential air service plan following Raven's potential departure in September. City Manager Nate Duvall responded that a new RFP for essential air service is under legal review with the Department of Transportation, and Raven is obligated to fulfill 140 days of service contractually and may be mandated for an additional 30-day extension. - Harold Blam (resident): Addressed council about a crushed trailer on his property in Alpine Woods that he has been unable to remove for three years despite contracting efforts. He stated that he welcomes the city's forced abatement process but expressed concern that if only one contractor bids, costs could be high. He thanked Police Chief Bart Hinkle and Abatement Officer Dan Plaster for extensions. - Kate Spatiforra (Valdez RV Park owner): Opposed the permit process for boondocking, calling it an unnecessary program. She argued the existing system works for extenuating circumstances, that building a new program creates costs and infrastructure that compete with private RV parks, and that charging fees would be inappropriate for land already paid for by taxpayers. - Jeff Sachs (second time): Expressed agreement with the idea of permits only when RV parks are full (e.g., four weekends per year) and suggested a $50 per night fee. He also opposed using South Boat Harbor for RVs, noting it is designed for boats and trailers. - Faith Harris (second time): Asked City Manager Duvall to clarify the original intent of the permit program, which he said was to reduce police burden by providing a simple piece of paper for car campers. She noted that she had no opinion on the ordinance itself. - Unnamed speaker (public): Raised an example from a University of Chicago daycare study, arguing that implementing a fee for late pickup actually increased late pickups by removing the social norm. He suggested a fee might similarly increase boondocking demand beyond current levels. - Unnamed speaker (longtime resident, 40 years): Expressed frustration with government regulation and

The Parks and Recreation Commission held a regular meeting on May 13, 2025, at 6:34 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting covered leadership changes in the PRCS department, a new commission trail report initiative, public comment on popular trails, and commission discussions on meeting format and project updates. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from March 11, 2025, were approved unanimously with no objections or changes noted. Public Comments & Testimony - Faith Harris (Discover Valdez Visitor Center) stated that Homestead and Dock Point are the primary trails recommended to cruise ship visitors and those with accessibility concerns, and that Overlook Trail is emphasized for short visits. She also mentioned a planned software system to track trailhead visitor counts starting next year, with data going back seven years. Discussion Items - PRCS Acting Director Report: Bridget Rich reported she began as interim director on May 5, 2025, and will become acting director on July 7, 2025, when Ken Wilson’s approved leave ends. Rich, a local homegrown employee in her eighth year with the department, expressed excitement about the role and continued collaboration with the commission. - Commission Trail Report: The commission introduced a new initiative to hike and evaluate trails monthly using a rubric. For the first assignment, they will assess Dock Point and Homestead trails. Commissioners discussed dividing into teams after a baseline evaluation, with reports due to staff by the Monday before the next meeting. The goal is to supplement staff maintenance efforts and provide feedback on trail conditions. - Commission Business from the Floor: - Commissioner Pete proposed that future regular meetings be held at a round table instead of the dais to improve nonverbal communication and effectiveness, noting that technical issues (microphones, cameras) are solvable. Other commissioners expressed mixed opinions: Commissioners Aiden, Jeremy, and Ben preferred a round table if logistically feasible; Heidi and Ben were flexible. The consensus was to first consult the city clerk’s office about open meeting act requirements. - Commissioner Pete also reminded the commission that the joint council meeting clarified the commission’s role as both “ears” and advocates for outdoor recreation, given their volunteer expertise. - Project Updates (from Acting Director Rich): - Neil’s Hill: City Manager Nate Duvall reported that small changes to the project are necessary due to boggy terrain, but any eliminated or shortened elements will be added elsewhere. More details will be available by the June 10 meeting. - Skate Park Ramp: The damaged ramp has been ordered from American Ramp Company; contract finalization is underway, with installation expected by fall. Key Outcomes - Trail Report Assignment: Commissioners will evaluate Dock Point and Homestead trails using a prepared rubric and submit their reports by the Monday before the next meeting (June 9, 2025). Further trails will be added in future months. - Meeting Format: No formal vote was taken on moving to round table seating. The commission will request guidance from the city clerk’s office regarding open meeting act compliance before deciding. - Next Meeting: Scheduled for June 10, 2025.

The Valdez City Council held its regular meeting on May 7, 2025, beginning at 7:00 PM following a work session on Title 16 Subdivision Code Revision. The meeting covered election certification, contract approvals, code amendments, and property tax resolutions. Councilmember Sorum was absent and excused. A total of 343 ballots were cast in the May 6 municipal election, a turnout of 10.89%. Consent Calendar - Approval to go into Executive Session regarding the City Manager contract. - Proclamation: Public Service Recognition Week – Mayor Fleming proclaimed the week of May 4–10, 2025, as Public Service Recognition Week in Valdez. - Both items were approved unanimously (6-0-1). Public Comments & Testimony - Amber Dennis (Marketing Manager, Valdez Museum) highlighted the museum’s annual appeal, a new exhibit titled "Rarified Light" (Alaska’s largest fine art photography exhibition), and a new membership structure aiming to offer free admission to residents. She thanked the council for support. Discussion Items - Certification of Election Results (May 6, 2025) – City Clerk reported 343 ballots cast (306 regular, 31 absentee, 6 questioned). One ballot not counted due to voter being registered in Kenny Lake. Elected officials: Joy Whitney (228 votes) and Dominique Lumbo (275 votes) to City Council; Scott McCombie (264 votes) and Sonia Ash Salanovich (186 votes) to School Board. Motion to certify carried unanimously. - Contract Amendment 2 with X-DLX Investments – $5,000 for maintenance of turf, landscape, and pond water along the main highway right-of-way. City Manager Duval explained DOT’s mowing is minimal and the city previously funded this work; the amendment restores service. Approved unanimously. - Change Order 1 with Harris Sand & Gravel – $104,650 for pavement management Phase IIIB on Pioneer Drive. IT Director Osborne clarified the change order combines two projects for efficiency, avoiding separate bidding. Approved unanimously. - Purchase Agreement with L3Harris – $695,000 for police and fire radios. IT Director Osborne stated this was a multi-year selection, the only vendor meeting emergency service needs; pricing under NASPO purchasing agreement. Approved unanimously (6-0-1). - City Manager Contract with Nathan Duval – Moved to after executive session. Approved unanimously (6-0-1) with council members expressing full support for Duval’s leadership. Ordinances - 25-04 – RV Park and Tent Camping Code Amendment (Second Reading) – Postponed from previous meetings. City Manager Duval reported ongoing stakeholder meetings; target for resolution is May 12. Motion to postpone to May 20, 2025 was approved unanimously. - 25-06 – Oil & Gas Property Tax Code Amendment (Second Reading) – City Attorney Staser explained two clarifications: expand taxability scope and allow Board of Equalization to hear taxability appeals. Adopted by roll call vote: 4 yes (Devons, Foster, Lowley, Scheidt), 1 no (Love), 1 abstain (Mayor Fleming), 1 absent (Sorum). Resolutions - 25-24 – Budget Amendment for Fuel Flowage Revenue – Recognizes revenue from Crowley Fuels LLC fuel dock lease agreements. Approved unanimously. - 25-25 – 2025 Property Tax Rate and Mill Levy – Establishes the real/personal property tax rate and mill levy for municipal and school purposes. Finance Director Elson clarified an attached ICD (informal conference decision) showed a $0 adjustment. Approved unanimously. Reports - Community Service Organization Grant Program – Progress report provided; no action taken. - City Manager Report – Duval noted a housing survey underway, successful Small Business Conference, and two state bills (HB 13 on property tax exemptions, HB 212 on municipal education contributions) where council may wish to send letters of support. - City Clerk Report – Clerk noted upcoming strategic planning session (currently May 30–31; possible move to June 20–21 to increase attendance), attendance at IIMC conference, and need for two more volunteers to review All-America City scholarship applications (Mayor Fleming and Councilmembers Foster, Devons volunteered). - City Attorney Report – Update on 2024 C-plan renewal (adjudicatory hearing pending), Escape property tax case (motion for summary judgment), and appeal of BMC 3.30 by Alaska Ventures (Board of Equalization hearing set for mid-June). - Mayor’s Report – Mayor Fleming recapped the Small Business Conference, plaque ceremony for new cruise ship, and promoted “Puppies in the Park” event on May 10 at 9 AM. Council Business from the Floor - Councilmembers thanked outgoing members Sharon and Alan for their service, congratulated newly elected officials, and recognized city staff for Public Service Recognition Week. Councilmember Love also thanked Parks and Rec for Little League field preparation. Executive Session - The council entered executive session to discuss the City Manager contract (approved consent agenda item). Upon return, the contract was approved. Key Outcomes - Election results certified; new council members to be seated. - Four contract actions approved (X-DLX, Harris Sand & Gravel, L3Harris, City Manager employment agreement). - Ordinance 25-04 postponed to May 20, 2025. - Ordinance 25-06 adopted (4-1-1). - Both resolutions (25-24, 25-25) adopted unanimously. - City Manager contract approved, confirming Nathan Duval as City Manager. - Strategic planning session dates under review (potential shift to June 20–21). - Scholarship review committee formed (Mayor Fleming, Councilmembers Foster, Devons).