City of Whittier

The City Council meeting commenced with the pledge of allegiance. A significant portion of the meeting involved procedural matters, including the approval of the agenda and consent agenda, which required amendments to move several items (8, 10, 11, 12, and 13) to consent, followed by a subsequent decision to keep item 13 off the consent agenda for separate discussion later. The council then entered into an executive session to discuss correspondence received matters that could potentially injure a person's reputation. Following the executive session, a presentation was given by a representative from the State of Alaska Department of Natural Resources regarding proposed land conveyance project areas (Passage Canal Panorama, Billings Cove, PoE West, and Esther Bay). The presenter emphasized that the process is in the early research and agency review stage and announced a future public scoping meeting for detailed community input.

The meeting included procedural actions such as approving the agenda and consent agenda, with one item being pulled for separate discussion. Citizen comments were received, though no one signed up to speak. Key discussions covered harbor use fees and their impact on boat owners, updates from the Priswac representative regarding budgets, cost recovery, and the upcoming Canary Creek Dam project. Presentations included a years of service award for Daniel Blair and a City of Whittier proclamation recognizing Jesse Al for exemplary community vigilance leading to a life-saving intervention. Reports addressed the positive progress of the railroad land purchase legislation, updates on harbor float integrity issues which required engineering review, repair of damaged floats, the status of lighting installations, and an active investigation by the Coast Guard regarding a sheen in the harbor. Finally, the City Manager's report highlighted successful financial damage control efforts, specifically reversing a downward trend in the general fund balance despite delaying a major revenue source.

This meeting served as a stakeholder conversation regarding the Commercial Ground Transportation Fee. Attendees expressed significant concerns about the fee, noting that some stakeholders were apparently not invited or denied virtual participation options. Key objections raised included the fee being characterized as an entry tax, potential violation of the US Constitution's tonnage clause, and concerns over a lack of prior consideration of stakeholder input. Several transportation providers argued that the fee would negatively impact tourism, increase operational costs, and potentially lead to costly litigation or shifting business to other locations like Juneau or Vancouver. One representative noted that the original intent for the fee revenue to fully fund emergency services, specifically purchasing a second EMS vehicle and maintaining a second crew, was no longer accurate. One participant offered their company's ambulance services as an alternative solution for EMS needs. The overall sentiment among the stakeholders was a desire to negotiate the fee structure rather than implementing the current proposal, which they feel unfairly targets the industry and tourism.

The City Council meeting agenda included the approval of the agenda and consent agenda, presentations recognizing employee service and life-saving actions, and reports from the Mayor, Vice Mayor, and City Manager. Key discussions involved introducing Ordinance 2026-001 concerning amendments to the Commercial Ground Passenger Fee reporting procedures. Resolutions were presented to establish Federal, State, and Local Legislative Priorities for Calendar Year 2026. Resolution 2026-004 authorized a sole source contract with Sage Mechanical for boiler replacements at the Public Safety Building due to an emergency need. Resolution 2026-005 addressed mid-cycle budget amendments, including re-appropriating unspent 2025 grant and project funds into 2026, and retroactively amending the 2025 budget for actual costs. The agenda also listed informational items covering Financial Reports, Committee Minutes, and Recruitment Updates, and scheduled an Executive Session to discuss confidential matters related to the Alaska Railroad Corporation Land Purchase and financial implications.

The meeting included citizen comments providing updates on local health initiatives and recent training/council activities. The agenda and consent agenda were approved with amendments, including inserting an Executive Session to discuss City Manager performance. Reports covered the Whittier Waterfront and Economic Development Plan, with a directive to hold a work session, and Great Whittier LLC's operational plans concerning demolition and construction, noting land ownership concerns. The Mayor reported on a tour of Huna Totem operations. Council also approved Resolution 2025-032 authorizing a sole source contract with Sage Mechanical for boiler pump replacement. Other actions included confirming a commissioner appointment to the Port & Harbor Advisory Commission, approving funding for a New Year's Eve fireworks display, directing administration to organize a Community Holiday Dinner, and directing administration to prepare a resolution for continued funding of Alaska Weather Consulting. The Council entered an Executive Session to discuss potential litigation against the State of Alaska regarding a Public Records Request failure and City Manager performance.