Andrew Coccaro

The Regular City Council Meeting resulted in several key actions. The Council waived protest for two alcohol license renewal applications (Fushimi, LLC and Costco Wholesale Corporation). Two resolutions were adopted: Resolution No. 5205 honoring the Clay Street Cemetery Commission, and Resolution No. 5206 providing 60 days for community input regarding the redevelopment of 123 Lacey Street before an RFP is issued. Two ordinances were advanced to the subsequent meeting: one authorizing the lease of a portion of City Hall to the Fairbanks Children's Museum, and another amending general code sections related to the Gasoline Excise Tax exemption. Furthermore, Resolution No. 5201, which invites proposals for the redevelopment of 123 Lacey Street, was postponed to the next regular meeting.

This document outlines the strategic asset allocation and goals for the Fairbanks Permanent Fund. Its primary objectives are asset preservation, maximizing income for city capital and operating expenses, and maintaining purchasing power for present and future generations. The strategy details an asset allocation across three main categories: Risk Control, Risk Assets, and Alternatives, with specific weightings designed to ensure financial and budgetary stability for city residents.

The Council took several actions during the regular meeting. Protests were waived for multiple alcohol license renewals, including The Banks Alehouse and Wedgewood Resort, as well as several marijuana license renewals for GoodSinse, LLC. The Council adopted Ordinance No. 6340, amending the 2026 Operating and Capital Budgets for the first time. Resolutions were adopted authorizing the City of Fairbanks to apply for funding from the Rural Health Transformation Program and to apply for FFY2027 Congressionally Directed Spending for Vehicle Barriers and a 911 Integrated Drone Network. Two ordinances, No. 6341 regarding transfers over $10,000 and No. 6342 regarding contract award authority for $100,000 or more, failed to advance. Resolution No. 5201, concerning an invitation for proposals for redevelopment at 123 Lacey Street, was postponed to the March 9, 2026 meeting.

Key discussions during the meeting involved addressing a citizen's records request concerning a relative's burial location, which was confirmed to be Evergreen Cemetery, not Clay Street Cemetery. The financial update noted a consistent account balance and mentioned an upcoming resolution for Bed Tax Grant award amounts before the City Council. The Commission approved the purchase of 2,000 rack cards through Graphic North, Inc. after reviewing local printer quotes, with minor design edits confirmed for finalization. Regarding an order with Quiring Monuments, mockups were reviewed, and the Commission prepared to coordinate a new small order for markers, anticipating the official award approval. Under new business, the Commission discussed and approved the process for a family to purchase a new marker for Frank Anderson, including coordinating payment and confirming details about the engraving.

The agenda for the Regular Meeting included procedural items such as Roll Call, Land Acknowledgement, Invocation, and Flag Salutation. Key discussions centered on public testimony during Citizens' Comments regarding proposed compensation increases for the Mayor and Council Members (Ordinance No. 6338). Special Orders involved a public hearing and consideration of renewal applications for four alcohol licenses. Unfinished Business included the adoption of several ordinances, notably Ordinance No. 6334 regarding reports from Fairbanks Native organizations (amended to report every other month), Ordinance No. 6335 concerning City Council approval of excess expenditures, Ordinance No. 6336 removing term limits for Discretionary Fund Committee Members, and Ordinance No. 6337 authorizing services for a snow storage site exchange with the Tanana Valley State Fair Association. New Business addressed several resolutions: Resolution No. 5200 urging the rejection of statewide sales tax proposals, Resolution No. 5201 inviting proposals for redeveloping City property at 123 Lacey Street, Resolution No. 5202 authorizing an application for the BUILD Grant Program for Island Homes Subdivision Reconstruction, and Ordinance No. 6340 amending the 2026 Operating and Capital Budgets. The Council also reviewed various meeting minutes received as written communications and discussed matters in Executive Session.