Message from the City Manager

As we move from 2022 into 2023, I am excited about several projects and issues facing the City of Valdez.

Housing

St. Patrick Planned Unit Development
The City of Valdez has signed a Developer’s Agreement with William Harris to develop infrastructure on Whalen Street and further improvements with St. Patrick Planned Unit Development. A potential grant from the City to the developer is part of the Developer’s Agreement if all the requirements of such agreement are met. 40-50 housing over a 5-10 year period is possible as the development builds.

Skitter Street
The City has an agreement with the developer to provide a grant to assist with developing ten lots on Skitter Street.

Valdez Senior Housing Project
Through a Community Development Block Grant and City contribution, the City has developed infrastructure in the Providence Valdez Medical Center area to prepare for a new Senior Housing Complex. With our partners at Cordes Development, the project will feature 28 units at over $10,000,000, funded by tax credits, grants, developer financing, and City contributions.

Chugach Housing Project
The Chugach Corporation has owned property on Meals and Egan for multiple years and, in 2023, is moving to develop the property with over 30 housing units. The units will primarily be housing dedicated to the local workforce and will range in rental time frames depending on the need of the local company seeking housing.

2023 Construction

Sewer Force Main
The Sewer Force Main project is a $35 million project replacing and upgrading the current sewer force main serving the core area of Valdez. Voter’s approved the project for bonding in May of 2022. The City is working with partners in Senator Murkowski’s office on the final securing of a $5 million earmark from the Senator’s Office.

H-K Dock Replacement
A $15-$20 Million project upgrading Harbor facilities will be ongoing in 2023 and is assisted by the State of Alaska Harbor Grant with approximately $4.5-$5 million.

Meals Hill Improvements
A $3 million project funded through the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration Grant will create a trail enhancement in Valdez that the Valdez Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services will maintain. Project work will begin in 2023, with 2024 as the likely timeframe for completion.

Citizen Referendums

A Ballot Measure to increase residential property tax exemption from $50,000 to $75,000 on a residential structure with a tax value of 250K will be voted on in February. The passage of this measure will lead to a reduction of $500 in property taxes.

A Ballot Measure to create gender-neutral language for positions described in the Valdez City Charter, including the City Manager, City Clerk, and Mayor. Any reference to gender should be eliminated from the position description. As City Manager, I believe the change is overdue and that all positions should be hired based on merit.

The City continues revamping Title 17 Zoning Regulations, addressing the Childcare problem in Valdez, exploring opportunities with mariculture, and welcoming approximately 60 cruise ships in 2023. The City of Valdez will continue to provide outstanding emergency services, PRCS activities, Public Works, Ports and Harbors, and other staff support services to our nearly 4,000 residents.

I wish a prosperous and safe 2023 to City Council members, City employees, and most of all, Valdez residents, whom City staff strives to provide increased communication, transparency, and exceptional service.

Sincerely,
Mark R. Detter
City Manager

Update from City Council

City Council and School Board Come Together to Discuss Childcare Needs

On January 31^st, the Valdez City Council and Valdez School Board met for a joint work session on childcare – many key stakeholders and community leaders also participated in the discussion. Child care is an acute challenge in the community, and addressing the shortage of quality early care options has been a high priority for the City Council.

The City of Valdez, with financial support from Providence Valdez Medical Center, contracted with the Stellar Group to conduct an Early Childhood Needs Assessment to understand better the effects of Valdez’s childcare crisis on families, businesses, and the community more broadly, as well as explore contributing factors to this crisis and provide recommendations to move closer to an ideal child care system. The product of this work is an in-depth report that answers a myriad of questions relating to childcare capacity, reliability, quality, and demand in our community.

The meeting started with an introduction to the work done so far by Valdez’s Zero to Three Alliance, and representatives from the Stellar Group presented their final report. Conversations after the presentations centered around the next steps and the possibility of forming a task force to spur action toward addressing the childcare needs in Valdez. School district administration also shared data related to Kindergarten readiness.

You can find the report and a video of the work session on the city website under the agendas tab.

City Council to Consider Ordinances 23-01 and 23-02 for Adoption

Ordinance 23-01 and 23-02 both had their first hearing on January 17th. The City Council will vote on whether to adopt them at their regular meeting on February 8^th(the meeting will take place on a Wednesday due to the special election). Here’s a little background on these proposed changes to the code:

Ordinance 23-01 - Repealing and Re-enacting Chapter 3.12 Titled Property Taxes.

This ordinance overhauls Chapter 3.12 of the Valdez Municipal Code relating to property taxation. This extensive code revision aims to simplify and add clarity to the property tax appeals process, including how Board of Equalization hearings are conducted and how late file appeals are considered, and removes language that is no longer pertinent. It also works to align local ordinances with the requirements of state law.

Ordinance 23-02 - Amending Chapter 9.12, Section 9.12.070, Titled Fireworks, Explosives, Stench Bombs. First Reading. Public Hearing.

This proposed change was recommended by the Parks and Recreation Director and Chief of Police. The amendment changes the time of allowance for fireworks on December 31^st of every year which is currently 10:00 pm to 4:00 pm. This update aims to allow the city’s annual fireworks display to be held earlier in the evening, providing a more family-friendly time for the New Year’s Eve celebration.

Don't Forget to Vote in the Special Election on February 7!

Just another reminder to voters that a special municipal election will take place on Tuesday, February 7^th, bringing voters a proposal to increase the allowed residential property tax exemption from $50,000 up to $75,000 of the assessed value (or the maximum permitted under state law).

If you won’t be in town, absentee voting is underway through Monday, February 6^th - you can stop by City Hall to cast an absentee ballot in person during regular business hours or request a ballot by mail or electronically. Voting options are also available for individuals experiencing disabilities or health challenges that keep them from getting to the polls.

For more information about the Special Election and to read the full text of the proposition, visit the city’s elections website.

Online GIS Viewer Now Available for Public Use

The City of Valdez is releasing a new mapping tool for public use. This tool is an online Geographic Information System. For those wanting to learn various types of property information, you can call it your new best friend! AKA, Online G.I.S.

Think of this tool like Google Maps, with local property ownership and assessment information, approximate property lines, zoning districts, and more. You’ll find aerial imagery and tools to help create maps for permit applications or event planning.

Information previously only available on the property tax roll, or with a visit to City Hall or public records request, is now easy to locate anywhere you have internet access. Visit the City of Valdez website homepage or Planning Department page to access the online map viewer.

Employee Spotlight - Katie Carr

Katie Carr comes from a long legacy of family members assisting with municipal elections for the City of Valdez. She was in middle school the first time she remembers spending time with her mom, Shannon Day, at the city polls. Katie continued to volunteer for municipal elections, serving as a youth worker, and eventually held the position of Precinct 1 Chair.

In 2019, Katie was hired in the City Clerk’s Office and began facilitating elections for the City. Her duties include staffing precincts, absentee voting, and working with the State of Alaska Regional Elections offices for state and federal elections.

Katie shared, “My family has been involved in serving at the local election polls for nearly 40 years. I began working as a youth worker in 2005 or 2006. My mom, Shannon Day, began working elections in 1996, moving into the chair position in 1997. Her mom, Dixie Nichols, also served many years, first appearing on the Resolution appointing Election Judges for the Municipal Election in 1984. My great-grandmother, Gloria Day, also served approximately 16 years working with my mom in Precinct 2.”

Four generations have served Valdez through elections, soon to be five, as Katie’s children have attended Election Board training sessions and will soon be old enough to serve as youth workers, continuing the family legacy.

Katie believes elections are the cornerstone of local government. They allow residents to speak up and make a difference, whether running for office or voting on an important matter. Individuals who serve on election boards are vital to the success of every election. They are willing to work long hours, providing a safe place, a smile, and a sense of community, as they preserve the sanctity of our polling places.

For those interested in getting involved in election work, call City Hall at 907-835-4313 or email Katie at kcarr@valdezak.gov, and she will forward contact information to the Precinct Chairs. If you’re interested in learning more about municipal elections, contact Katie; she’s more than happy to visit with you any time!

Pictured: Katie Carr, Lois Gilson, Shannon Day, Gloria Day, and Katie's two daughters. Photo courtesy of the Valdez Star, May 11, 2016 edition.

valdez water with mountains in the background

Valdez Water to Compete in the 2023 Great American Water Taste Test Finals in February

The Great American Water Taste Test is the nation's largest drinking water taste contest. The winners of each statewide competition compete for the best-tasting water in the country at the National Rural Water Association's annual competition held in Washington, D.C. The drinking water is judged based on three attributes: clarity, bouquet, and taste. State Rural Water Associations conduct preliminary competitions selecting the best water from small and rural water supplies to represent their state at the national finals.

The City of Valdez won first place in the statewide competition held in November. Staff submitted a 1-gallon sample from the City's water system. Water samples were judged on a scale of 1-30 (per judge). The City took home the top prize with a score of 86 points!

Social Media Engagement - January Success Story

January 9 was National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, a day to recognize and show gratitude for the work law enforcement does every day to protect and serve our community.

Facebook Post Analytics

Reach: 4,029 (the number of people who saw the post at least once).

Engagements: 140 (the number of reactions, comments, shares, and clicks on the post)

63 reactions, 96 comments, and 2 shares

February Meetings and Events

Important Dates for February 2023

Thursday, February 2^nd – City Council – City Projects Work Session
Monday, February 6^th – Ports & Harbors Commission
Tuesday, February 7^th – Special Municipal Election
Wednesday, February 8^th – City Council – Regular Meeting (note date change due to election); Library Board
Thursday, February 9^th – Planning & Zoning Commission
Monday, February 13^th – School Board
Tuesday, February 14^th – Parks and Recreation Commission
Tuesday, January 17th – City Council – Hospital Master Plan Work Session and Regular Meeting
Wednesday, February 15^th – Economic Diversification Commission
Thursday, February 16^th – Valdez Museum Board of Directors Meeting (Zoom)
Monday, February 20^th – Presidents’ Day Holiday – City Offices Closed
Wednesday, February 22^nd – Beautification Matching Grant Lunch and Learn
Thursday, February 23^rd– Beautification Commission
Monday, February 27^th – School Board

Access agenda materials and meeting schedules for Valdez City Council and City of Valdez Commissions.
Access online calendars for additional city events and activities.

Engagement Opportunities

Website Photo Project - Spirit of Valdez
Help us capture the essence and spirit of Valdez for use on the City's website. The City of Valdez Communications office is looking for talented photographers to showcase Valdez and is now accepting submissions for photos to be featured on the City of Valdez’s main website. The City is in the process of redesigning the website. While several large images are currently featured on the City’s homepage, the redesign will include images used throughout the site. The City would like to highlight local artists’ photographs and the Valdez community. Photos may be submitted by anyone, with parent or guardian approval, for those under 18.

Title 17 Zoning Code Revision: Sign up to receive project updates by email! Join the mailing list to receive project updates about the zoning revision process. At most, six emails will be sent. To sign up, visit the project website, enter your email address in the Sign Up for Project Updates, and click the JOIN button.

Join a City Board or Commission! The following boards or commissions still need volunteers to step up and engage: the Museum and Historical Archive Board of Directors, Valdez Consortium Library Board, and the Economic Diversification Commission. Visit the Boards & Commissions web page to learn more or to apply for a vacancy.

Sign up for FlashVote!
Valdez residents are encouraged to sign up for FlashVote, a survey tool that allows residents to have a voice in city government through text, email, or voice responses. FlashVote is a public survey research platform that recruits a panel of residents representative of the entire community to answer short surveys. FlashVote is designed to gather feedback within 48 hours, allowing City government to quickly get useful and statistically valid information from residents. Responses from FlashVote surveys will be used to inform City decisions on services, programs, and initiatives.

Join your friends and neighbors and sign up at www.flashvote.com/valdezak.

Help Name the Newsletter! We need your help naming the City's newsletter. Offer a name for the City's newsletter along with a brief statement explaining why your selection is the best name for the newsletter. If your submission is selected, you will win the City's undying gratitude! Submit your newsletter name nomination to communications@valdezak.gov.

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