Houston: Regular Scheduled City Council Meeting 09.10.2026

Call to order the September 10th, 2026. Rachel Longacre has joined.

Um, regular scheduled meeting at 6 PM.

Roll call, please.

Council Member Johansen. Here. Council Member Lewis. Here. Council Member Courtney.

Here. Council Member Khan. Here. Council Member Mitchell, I believe, is delayed. Councilman Deputy Mayor Brazel.

Here. Mayor Kohl. Here. We have a quorum.

Okay, Clerk, would you like to read the—. Yes, you don't have to stand. I'm going to sit because my mic won't go up.

In remembrance, September 11th. 25 Years on, we paused to remember the morning sky line was torn and thousands of ordinary lives were taken without warning. We honor the people who went to work, boarded planes, or simply began their day and never came home. We honor the first responders who ran toward the fire, the passengers who fought back, and everyone who searched. Comforted, and rebuilt in the days that followed.

Their courage did not end the grief. It showed what we owe one another: to remember the names, to care for those still carrying the loss, and to refuse to let fear or hatred define us. We do not forget. We stand with the families. We keep watch.

And we choose to live in a way that honors the lives that were taken. Never forget. Father, thank you again for this gathering of the community. Thank you for everyone that showed up tonight, and thank you for the council members and the city staff. That just work so hard to keep the city going.

God, I just pray that you'd bless us with a good time of peaceful decision-making tonight. God, for clarity, for important information that's coming out. And God, I just pray that you would lead us and guide us to make the best decisions for this awesome city. In Jesus' name, amen. Amen.

One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Okay, uh, make motion to approve the agenda. Second. Okay, I'd have liked to do one amendment to it. So I didn't know Kevin McCabe was actually going to show up. So under the state legislators, we have Senator Roucher, and I'd like to add Kevin McCabe to that list.

Any objections to that?

Motion's been made and seconded to approve the agenda. All those in favor? Aye. Opposed? Motion carries unanimously.

Okay, uh, clerk, if you read the Founder's Day proclamation.

City of Houston mayoral proclamation recognizing Houston Founders Day committee members. Whereas Houston residents codified Houston Founders Day as an official city holiday in 2025, and whereas it is the job of the Founders Day committee to provide ad hoc leadership and organization of the event, helping collaborate many organizations and agencies together to provide a safe, fun, family-focused event. Whereas the following members of the public served on the steering committee for organizing Houston Founders Day 2026, and the council would like to thank them for the service: Carter Cole, Charlie Shoup, Christian Hartley, Robert and Amy Hall, Amanda Kuno, excuse me, Murphy Rankin, Cheryl and Marty Mativa, Dana Mendoza, Adam Rain. Now therefore, the City of Houston City Council hereby recognizes the contributions and impact of your participation in the planning and execution of Founders Day 2026. In witness whereof, we have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the City of Houston to be affixed this 10th day of September, 2026.

Thank you. Chief, would you read the proclamation recognizing October 4th through 10th? 2026 Is Fire Prevention Week for the City of Houston.

Certainly. Um, so City of Houston mayoral proclamation, a proclamation recognizing October 4th through 10th, 2026 as Fire Prevention Week for the City of Houston. Whereas the City of Houston is committed to the ensuring the safety and security of those living and visiting our state And whereas fire remains a serious public safety concern both locally and nationally, and the presence of lithium-ion batteries in many household devices introduces fire risks. And whereas most of the rechargeable electronics used in homes daily— smartphones, tablets, laptops, power tools, ebooks, e-scooters, and toys— are powered by lithium-ion batteries, which if misused, damaged, or improperly stored, charged, can overheat, start a fire, or explode. And whereas the National Fire Protection Agency, NFPA, reports an increase in battery-related fires, underscoring the need for public education on the safe use of lithium-ion batteries and devices.

And whereas the way lithium-ion battery devices are charged can make a difference in helping prevent home fires. And whereas safe charging includes using the cord and charger that came with your device or one approved by the manufacturer, charging on a hard flat surface, watching for warning signs like devices that are very hot or hard or start to swell, unplugging when fully charged, and charging larger devices like e-bikes outside and away from exits. And whereas residents are encouraged to understand that safe charging means making smart choices every time they plug in. And whereas first responders remain dedicated to reducing the occurrence of fires through prevention, safety education, community outreach. And whereas the 2026 Fire Prevention Week theme, Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging is a Superpower, serves to remind all residents that safe charging can help reduce the risk of fires in homes and communities.

Now therefore, he, Carter Cole, Mayor of Houston, do hereby proclaim October 4th through 10th, 2026, as Fire Prevention Week throughout City of Houston—. That will need corrected, Mayor—. And urge all residents to learn about the practice about safe charging habits.

Dated this 10th day of September, 2026, City of Houston. Thank you, Chief.

Okay, brings us to the reports. But, uh, Senator Roucher, you want to come up and give us the latest greatest?

How's that go? Ready? All right, so, uh, not much going on this week, but I do, uh, I do have a little bit of a report to make. We had a gas, uh, uh, meeting today between the, uh, Senate Resource and the House Resource Committees, and they got together in the LIO in Anchorage. There was an interview with, uh, John Henrik from, uh, from Fury, and otherwise known as Hex, and, uh, Hillcorp.

And then there was, uh, uh, there was the utility company called Chugach. So basically we just interviewed them. Their, their opinions were somewhat different from, uh, apart from each other. Uh, Hilcorp sees a need for bringing gas down from the North Slope and the need for a gas line. Uh, I think most of the state sees the need for a gas line because we really cannot have manufacturing in this state unless we're able to provide enough gas to produce energy to keep something, uh, as much manufacturing as it can going.

So I think that's the— that's the key to bringing gas down off of the North Slope. We do not have it in the inlet. So, uh, John Hendrick, for Fury, he kind of thought that the gas line should just sell their gas overseas and then he takes care of the state. Um, in my opinion, that kind of leaves us in a, uh, a bit of a bind, okay, if we, if we head that way. So, um, because he calls the shots and he's got us over a barrel then, right, once we, we end up going that route.

So I think that was an important takeaway for me. I also know that the, uh, The Senate was actually leading the meeting, Senate Gissel, uh, Senator Gissel. And of course, I don't believe Senator Gissel is fully in support of bringing a gas line down from the North Slope at this time. I think half the state believes that. But, um, and, uh, the reasons are— people are guessing.

But either way, there are, there are a few out there that have a reason to believe it's just a matter of, uh, the administration that's in power right now. But either way, um, so I guess elections elections have new consequences or elections have differences. So we'll see what happens there. But that's basically what happened here. I'm sure Kevin can bring you in on a few of the other things that happened right here in the district.

But that's what happened at the Senate level. Does anybody have any questions before I get off the— All right, thank you. Appreciate it. Thank you. Thank you.

Representative McCabe. I'm going to sit and do this, talk to you guys. Good evening, Mayor Cole and Houston Council, Community Council. I appreciate the opportunity to come in, brief you on some of the legislative stuff that I've been doing in District 30 and around the state in the last month, frankly. So a couple of things.

Several weeks ago, went up to Pika to visit Pika. We were the first legislators up there. Really, really interesting piece of infrastructure. It's, it's very new. It's very modern.

A lot of it is controlled from one separate, separate house. So very various different aspects of it, including the grind and inject plant and, and the drill rig and everything. They're, they're all kind of controlled from one spot. If you ever get a chance to get up there and visit it or have any kind of chance, I would urge you to take it. It's an amazing piece of infrastructure.

They plan on 80,000 barrels a day by the end of September. They're already well on their way to that, and that will do a lot towards increasing the revenue to the state, to the general fund. So it's really, really interesting, and I'm excited to see that Pica's online and Willow is next. So it's good for us. Uh, Port McKenzie, uh, Nova Minerals brought their first barge in.

It's the, uh, most number, uh, the highest tonnage barge that's ever docked at Port McKenzie, almost a million pounds. Had all of their, uh, or a lot of their stuff for the plant that they have leased on, uh, um, Port McKenzie in the Point McKenzie area. It is not a smelting plant. So if you hear somebody say it's a smelter and antimony is dangerous, Antimony, smelted antimony, can be dangerous, hazardous. This is simply a crush and separate plant.

Um, we call it a processing facility, and the DEC is well aware of everything that's going on there, and they're permitting it, and they're doing everything right. And Nova Minerals, Chris Kurtaitzen is their CEO, he lives in Palmer. Um, he is committed to the Alaska environment, he's committed to Point McKenzie, and he is committed to doing this the right way. So I'm well satisfied after, after being there and seeing them unloading and seeing the equipment they have and seeing what they are doing on Point McKenzie. I'm very well satisfied that they are working with the, the greatest respect for Alaska environment in mind.

Um, uh, SB 208, the governor signed that bill in, uh, at the fair. It was a ceremonial signing. It was allowed to go into law a month and a half ago. I might have already spoken about it here. It's the industrial hemp bill.

Very good for Alaska farmers, for farmers on Point McKenzie. There are a couple ladies here that are signed up to talk about it later, so I won't steal their thunder and they can explain everything that's going on with hemp. But I am really excited. For those of you that didn't happen to watch it, it kind of happened— it's— I've never seen one happen that fast. So we wrote this bill in January, end of January timeframe.

I never thought it had a prayer of making it through. Senator Bjorkman had it, and that was HB 325, right? That was the industrial hemp bill by itself. Senator Bjorkman happened to have an agriculture bill that relieves some of the taxes and lease costs for farmers, and this industrial hemp bill was a perfect fit for it. So as the session moved along, my chief of staff came to me and said, hey, you know what, I bet we could put HB 325 into SB 208.

So you're all, you know, lawmakers for your city and you can kind of understand how you can meld two bills together as an amendment. And that's what we did, and it actually made both bills stronger. And so the governor was happy to sign that, happy to let it go into law, and I think it's fabulous. We had more than a dozen hem farmers until the first one or the second one had to start destroying their crop because of too high THC levels. And if you're a farmer and that's all your crop is and you suddenly have to destroy it, you rapidly realize it's not the farm, it's not the crop that you want to grow.

So this will bring some of them back. Now we just need the industry, and I think that's what, uh, Sarah and Lindsay are going to talk about when they come up to testify. So That's—. Oh, had a— well, Senator Rauscher was doing resources today. I was meeting with Glen Farn.

The really interesting thing that they said to me, despite all the shenanigans from the legislature in the last 6 or so months, they are committed to staying here. If it was me and I was doing that, this $54 billion risk, I would have already said goodbye to Alaska. They are committed to staying here. They know we have a problem. You, you guys are well aware of the problem north of Houston not having gas, right?

It's, it's— everybody's going to be in that situation here pretty quick, and we're going to have to import for at least 3 years. But they think they have the solution. I don't disagree with them. They are committed to staying here, and they're going to wait until, as Senator Rauscher said, we have a change of administration And we'll see what the legislature does in, in January. So having said that, we the legislature, me, need maximum input from you guys.

Letters, build the line, build a spur line, build the offtake to Houston, to North Houston, build the offtake to Talkeetna, to Trapper Creek. All of those things are important input, and, and we need the maximum participation from Alaskans to convince our more stubborn colleagues that this has to be done. So, uh, with that, any questions? Thank you for the opportunity. Thank you.

Okay, that brings us down to Mr. Hastings, come on up here.

I wanted you to come back. Yes, sir. Huh? Okay, I invited him back for the council to ask the questions.

Anybody have the questions?

I just think my main question last time was, after you fulfill the, the veterans and senior citizens in Houston, how do you decide outside of Houston who you're going to be helping with your program? So a quick overview of the program, um, it's, it's, uh, the title of it is a really long drawn-out title and we just reduced it to Operation Winter Warrior. It's a program that we began about 7 years ago. It was a handful of veterans, and we just wanted to help our fellow veterans that were struggling across the borough, and we found it to be a bigger problem than what we realized. And the more crosstalk that we did with the organizations around the borough, with the Health Foundation, Links, Council on Aging, the city's different organizations that receive requests for support and help, we realized that, uh, I don't think any of us realized just how many at-risk veterans that we have— at-risk seniors, not veterans, but just at-risk seniors in itself.

Um, I was in the, uh, Matsu Council on Aging briefing 2 weeks ago, and I think they came up with 27,000 was the number across the borough of seniors that would be considered either physically or fiscally at risk of succumbing to the winter challenges that we face. So therefore, we set up Operation Winter Warrior with a— I will say sort of a vengeance. Last year we had 178. Now, 178 doesn't sound like much when you look at 27,000 people, um, but one at a time, we're going to try to work, work towards saving them one at a time. Last year we were able to process and deliver over 100 cords of wood, and that was by hand.

That was, that was men and women with chainsaws and splitting hydraulic splitters and trucks, and that included firewood. We delivered propane, heating oil. We also ensured that driveways were kept clear and safe so that the patrons that we served could have access and egress from their homes. We work with the Wasilla Senior Center to ensure that the Meals on Wheels program— none of the volunteers or drivers have to posthole through the snow to get meals to people. We began that last year.

Up to that point, we hadn't. We learned from Marlene that one of our drivers was having to walk, you know, knee-deep snow to get meals to a patron. And there was one patron that couldn't even get meals for 4 days. So that got us a little bit tuned into what the overall need is. And the bottom line is, what we've learned is when someone, when someone has a need, it's not one need.

We don't just We don't just pull up and throw food on the porch. We don't just dump wood in the yard. We don't just throw some snow off the driveway. We begin in October, and we begin to make friends with them, and we create more of a camaraderie piece where they have someone they can count on. What we're learning is the average person that we're serving across the borough doesn't have a support network.

They don't have family, maybe not a spouse. Oftentimes the only other living, breathing animal in the house is an animal. It's a cat or a dog or more. So we try to provide camaraderie, someone that can call, someone they can reach out to if they're struggling. Um, to your question, um, 178 last year, and that was just a veteran focus.

This year we're targeting probably 250, and that was before I got this list. There's 90 names on this list. Only 3 of those people that we served before So we've just expanded dramatically. So how do I know what I'm going to do with this is done? That this isn't going to be done.

I—. It's not going to be done. Um, I've got about 110 cords of wood on the ground right now stacked up, ready to go, and another 80 that we're going to get hot on starting next week with the processor. And I have a feeling that we'll still be processing once all that wood is delivered. Our goal is to have it delivered before the snow gets too deep.

And I anticipate, I anticipate 250 being a really low number. The wood is not for sale. It is, it is provided at no cost. None of this, none of the services that we provide come at a cost to the patron. There are grants that we are able to access.

We've worked with Wasilla Senior Center on grants as well. As we've worked with the clients too, sometimes They don't realize what programs are out there. There are energy efficiency programs, there's working with the state program. So I've got people that are a lot smarter than me. I'm just working into this, that sort of try to keep all the dogs heading down the trail.

And we work with agencies that do the case management, do they do the intake, they'll do the follow-ups, and then we report back to them, just give them the data. Did I even remotely answer your question? Yes. Okay, bottom line is, is, uh, our goal is to, is to not, not find the spring report from the Alaska State Troopers that they found a senior, uh, no longer alive in their home in the springtime. So anything that we can do, uh, we want to definitely work with the city council, we want to work with the community on the whole and make sure that if someone's neighbor is struggling, if they live in an RV at the end of a, end of a gravel road and you haven't seen footprints in the snow Give us a call.

We'll put footprints in the snow and go check on them. We'll do what we can to help them out. Primarily driven, I've got a team of, or I've got 18, there's 9 separate teams of veterans and their families and everyone has his own. As example, you know, we might live 50 miles apart, but based off the number of people, and especially here, there's gonna be a high concentration. We start to work in concentric circles, sort of like a military, overlay.

We just— just what's closest to you. If you plow your driveway, just keep going. Once you've cleared yours out so you can move, just keep going and roll them up. And oftentimes— I know that at one point this winter, I have a 6-passenger plow truck, and at one point I had 5 people riding in the truck with me all night as we plowed out other people, and they would jump out and shovel a little bit, and we had coffee. And, you know, so we've made this into something a little bit bigger than just a service.

We've tried to make opportunity for the seniors, uh, perhaps to provide service to each other as well. So I thank you guys so very much for the trust and confidence in us. I hope that we can take some of the burden off of your very short maintenance team. I got to meet Travis today and he gave me the full rundown bumper to bumper, and I think I can handle this no problem. Like I said, I've got guys smarter and sharper than I am, and I feel confident calling him at any point.

So do you guys have any questions of me? I have one. Um, if there are community members that would want to volunteer their time, is that something—. Absolutely, absolutely. They contact— who do they contact for that?

Um, they'll contact me. I'll make sure that my number is left here with, with you, ma'am, with the clerk's office. And, and I'm not going to do a lot of big flyers and market and advertise. I don't think there's a need for it. I think the community of Houston is very well aware of the absolute amazing work that you guys did last year.

We're just going to try to pick up that mantle and take some of the pressure off of you so you can focus on the, the primary infrastructure of the city in the area. We'll handle this part as best we can. Yes, anyone, anyone wants to help, I will not say no. Thank you guys very much. Thank you.

Thank you.

That's a good piece of work you guys are doing, and I'm excited to work with you. So we appreciate that. Okay, that brings us down to Calvin. Would you come on up front here? And is the— we have a natural resource folks online?

Yes, we do. Rachel's on, like, Rachel, I'm here. Okay, thank you.

Uh, I'm gonna open it up to the council. I've met or spoke to both people, and I think this is more your guys's time to ask your questions of them. I would like Kelvin to give us kind of his background, where he's from, and why I think this is a good fit for Houston. If, Kelvin, you mind sharing your history? Yeah, thank you, Mayor.

And through the mayor to the council, thank you for having me. My name is Kelvin Goode. I'm with the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority. I'm originally from Iggiagik out on the Alaska Peninsula, and so I was born and raised out there and moved here into town when our community had a massive outward migration, and I'd like to say that we're kind of victims of our own success, and that my mom, she was the village president. She got a substantial amount of money for a roads program, a new airport, a new incinerator facility, and a landfill, and it was 100% local hire.

And so, 2-year project, everybody in the community got trained, got certified, CDLs, mechanics, pretty much everything to, to run what they needed to be able to deliver the road project and the airport project. And then fishing went really bad. We're a community of commercial fishermen, and caribou migrated away, and people had to sell their homes. And then all of a sudden they had all this experience, and they went and found jobs outside. And so we had an exodus of like 150 people in a matter of a year and a half, which our community was about 200.

So my family was one of them, and so I stayed here in Anchorage locally, went through the ANSEP program and through UAA to get my engineering degree, and, and now I'm working for ADA as a project manager managing infrastructure projects.

Thank you. Uh, it's, uh, nice to see Alaskans on Alaska boards, and I just took a liking to Kelvin when I met him.

And if you could kind of share some of the things that we talked about and what Ada has done around the state. Yeah, so, you know, the reason why I'm here is because of the proposed just under 20,000-acre parcel, or it's something that Ada put a request in. But one of the reasons why Ada did that is all of the large infrastructure projects that we've got around the state, where we see the state going. I'd like to say that Alaska's greatest export is not oil. Its greatest commodity leaving the state's not oil, it's talent.

Our people are leaving the state in great numbers, the people who are capable of delivering, capable of a lot. They don't have what they need to be able to, to survive and thrive in the state. And so what we see is on the horizon, potentially it'd be like a— the next TAPS. We have the LNG line, the proposed line that's on, on the floor now. We've got the Ambler Mining District, we've got the West Sioux Road, we've got that mining district.

There's the prospect of Section 102 and the coastal plain. So there's a lot of potential infrastructure development, and, and then there's also locally the PMRE, the Port Mack Rail Extension Project, which— that's one of the projects that I'm managing with ADA. And so everything junctures essentially past Houston, and so where that, where that proposed rail extension goes to Port Mack, which is the only deepwater port in South Central Alaska, it has a lot of promise and a lot of capacity to service a lot of that commodity exit. So mining ores, materials, and then also with the Golden Dome on the federal projects that we see that we really haven't heard about but we know are up and coming based on what the adminis— the president's administration is talking about. That's possible, that's possible commodity entrance.

All right, and so the way that ADA sees it is there's a lot of opportunity in this area of the state, and there's a lot of— right about, right about the Houston area, that's, that's where, uh, we see potential in partnering with the folks of Houston, the council, with the borough. And we, we just want to see job creation and infrastructure development and We think that all roads lead to this area, and so that's why we want to partner with folks in this area to try and develop opportunity. And we see that coming down the line, and it's, it's really similar to what Senator Sullivan's been working on and trying to get all that money for the Coast Guard to get new icebreakers up here because of the Arctic development. It's really similar in that way. There's a bunch of money that's being spent to to develop resources on the horizon, but we have to have the infrastructure in place to be able to move those, those commodities in that, in that economy.

And so we're trying to set ourselves up for success and plan in that way. And so really it's just a strategizing with the community, with people from the region, and trying to identify how we can make that happen, how we can foster job creation, how we can try to give back to the state to the people locally. And we've done it across the state, Ada has, or has attempted to, and this is just the next area that we'd really like to try that. And so that's kind of 30,000-foot view, really where we see the horizon moving, and everything's moving through that rail down to Port Mack and Houston with its adjacency to it, and the talent that lives in the valley being able to get things done. And the creativity there.

There's a lot of opportunity, and more heads are better than one. You know, we have some ideas for how we can develop infrastructure, and again, I'd like to iterate, we didn't— we put all projects under the sun. We don't have a single project in hand, no proposal, no nothing for that land, no plans for that land. When we submit a development plan, we have to have some sort of an idea about what can we do with it. What can happen?

And so it's all projects under the sun, but it really, it takes engagement with the community members, with those that live there to try to identify what is the ideal project for that location. And so, and in some places it's one thing and in others it's something else. It really depends on you. This is your backyard, this is your home. So it really is an engagement with you.

And so that's really where we began because it's a multi-year process, infrastructure development. You know, when Conoco first permitted, which it was one of their oil fields, it wasn't until 13 or 14 years before oil started flowing. So it's a long time before projects really come to fruition. And so planning takes some time, engagement takes time, and that's one of the reasons why I'm here. And that's one of the commitments ADA has, is to continue engaging with the people of Houston, the people of the Matsue Borough, and try to come up with some solutions so that we can create jobs to prevent that outflow of talent leaving the state.

And so that's one of the main reasons why I'm working for ADA. I had a lot of other opportunities out there, but this is something that I saw that I could potentially make an impact. And I was a top 40 last year. Under 40, and the reasons is because I try to work in a way where we can bring back to the state, because after living what I've lived and not being able to have a job in my community, I want to prevent that from happening in other places, and so it's a passion of mine personally, and that's why I'm here, but if there's any questions, I'm more than open to taking. I'm going to open it up to the whole council here, but I— we do have a work session coming up on hemp and hemp manufacturing, and, um, I would like, um, the folks that are— be able to get a hold of you and tell them or talk to you about their ideas and see how some of that might develop in the future here.

Yeah, and I, I brought some papers over there, uh, Regarding the Houston transfer, it was an op-ed that our Deputy Director put into the Alaska Dispatch. Above it, I left my card, and so if there are those that don't have an opportunity to speak with me, my contact information is there, and please feel free to get in touch with me. And, you know, one, one thing that ADA does have is there's a lot of tools that it has in its tool belt to be able to, to creatively to introduce economy in some way. And one of the, one of the less talked about, one of the less known facets of ADA is its LPP program, its Loan Participation Program. About a quarter of all of ADA's portfolio has to do with small business.

And so in some areas, if the risk profile on a business idea is too risky for a traditional bank to loan to a business, they can communicate with that bank that they'd like to, to participate in the loan participation program where ADA partners with that bank and they blend the rates. And ADA has typically between a 4 to 6% interest rate on, on its loan. And there's some other caveats with that, other requirements that that business would have to fulfill, but it usually lowers the risk profile for a traditional bank and it allows for that business to move forward with with their dream. And so that, that's one of the tools. There's many other tools that we have, and it just depends on— it depends on the partnership, it depends on the idea, you know.

It's not one size fits all, but there's a lot of opportunity to work with data to, to create economy and job creation. Okay. Yeah, uh, council, if any of you want to have questions for Calvin or for Rachel Longacre from DNR. She's on the phone. Now is your time.

I have questions. Okay, so you talk about you want the community involved in the decision and you want input from the community. How come the community wasn't Um, that's probably for Rachel. That would be—. Yeah, I mean, why wasn't the community, uh, I can't think of my words right now, sorry, uh, told about this land transfer prior to it actually being done?

Is that a question?

I'll take that question, but I'm afraid that my mic for some reason is very loud.

We can hear you. Okay, great. So that is the process that we're in currently. The land has not transferred. We have a preliminary decision that is out for public notice, and that is where the public is able to weigh in.

So the point that you're asking for is the point that we are in currently. Currently for the process?

They have a hard time answering your question, but I will tell you, they're great at giving you answers, but they could not— I had the same question. They were unable to answer my question. I will just tell you from DNR They believe that this process, it's just a process they go through, but why they didn't do a very good public process, I don't know, and they can't tell you. Okay, I'll be happy to answer that, Mayor Folt. The process that we are—.

Well, we've asked several times, so we'd love to have it. Okay, so if you give me a sec, I'll rattle through it and I'll give you as much information as is you guys are asking, the process that we're following is a statutory process that was passed by the legislature. That's the folks have voted on that and that's the procedure we're following. That public notice process is what we're doing currently. We don't have the ability to consult with individuals or communities or other governments prior to that step.

So it's, there isn't a question of like, why they weren't brought in. That is the process we have to follow. But that's where we're at right now, and it's really important for the community to provide comments that are back to DNR that are specific about what it is that the community needs, sees, disagrees with, supports, etc. That engagement, we extended it to September 14th. There's still time.

You can put your comments into our— we have a couple different ways that you can do that. I'm happy to supply those to to Mayor Cole. And that is where we take the preliminary decision where it's issued to the public now, and then we take that consideration and we may adjust, mitigate, and as Kelvin said, it may or may not transfer. The design of the statute is to allow the public input. It's absolutely necessary.

So that is the point that we're at currently.

Just so, um, I, I think clarity in this is always the best. What their position is, is if we would have asked for the land, we would have to go through the same process. We just didn't know it was available. Um, there is other lands that I am in discussion with them on. And we are going to do permits too.

So it's just the process that the state uses. I, or I assume it's from, from the state's processes. It's, it, it's not good the way it is for the public. I think they could do a much better way of how it comes out, but it's really the way I understood it, it's really up to the entity to ask DNR, and there is a, they were very thorough and gave me a packet in which I can fill out and ask for lands that DNR has. And if we have a good enough process and there's not a lot of people that complain against it, they can actually do a transfer.

Now I asked for, Mr. Blair has been up there at Zero Lake trying to get a road through a piece of property up there for years. I am in the process of requesting that to be given to the city because also it's got the historical trail on it. That would be also good to establish, uh, that back. So there is, there is a process, uh, I, and I don't think most of us know it, but it is there in which the communities can also use to get them. But that's a great question, and that's— it's just their process.

Yeah, and the comment period too, it, it's really important for everyone to comment, you know, in, in the event that there, there's something that we don't know about. Let's say if there's some sort of a title claim, and it's just an opportunity for the community to voice their thoughts, their opinions, their concerns, and And that's all recorded, and I believe that they've received just over 2,000 comments, the DNR has, regarding this conveyance, which all that information is really important because at the end of the day, it gives us and the DNR an idea about what people value, you know, and clearly we know that there's concerns about subsistence, there's concerns about public access. There's thoughts about a lot, a myriad of different things, and there are ways that the DNR can modify our application so that we can address those concerns, quell those concerns, and communicate with the public on how we can best move forward. But, you know, to answer your question about why we didn't, the land's technically not ADAs, right? And so we first have to come up with a development plan and with an application, and that's what triggers that process.

And, you know, in, in the future, I think there were some lessons learned here for me personally. And in the future, I think that engagement ahead of time, soliciting feedback from council members, from the mayor, you know, that, that's something, something that we'll definitely do, right? But But in terms of the process itself, it still has merit, it's still very important. And so anyone who does have a comment, if you have not, please do. And so, if the comment period's still open.

But when comment period is open, it's important to solicit or to provide your feedback to the DNR. Because they do take every single comment A lot of times those comments do change what the initial application is depending on the comment.

And if I may, this is Rachel still. It's not a vote, so I want to be clear that what we need in comments always is specificity. So explaining to DNR, like Kelbin has said, what uses are there, things that we may not see in a file that we pull off the desk and review the land So we need to understand what the community has to say that's specific. Also too, I want to put out there that we did do an informational meeting for this. We are in public comments.

I can't speak to the decision itself, but we did do an informational meeting and that is recorded and it is on our website at our DNR DMLW website, and I can get that address to you, Mr. or Mayor Cole.

Yes, yeah, we did, we did two. Yeah, okay. Um, also, have there any— have there been any land studies done up there on what is underneath the dirt? Not, not quite. I know that about 18,000-some-odd acres of the parcel It's already got an oil and gas lease to Donkel, and, and, uh, there's an oil— an oil company that has the lease until 2035.

And so as far as geotechnical studies to understand what, what the— say, if there's source materials for gravel or minerals or oil and gas, I'm not certain to that. I know that there's the prospect of oil— of gravel, excuse me, gravel, a material for for that. And one of the other thoughts was that from ADA's perspective, with all of the development, you know, access to gravel, that's something that would be important for infrastructure. And that's one of the reasons why we're considering— we considered submitting the application was for that particular aspect of it. But if, say, there was minerals, we wouldn't be able to mine anything realistically until 2035.

Or even submit anything because of that oil and gas lease. And so my understanding in reading on that was if he was to find some sort of an oil and gas deposit underneath where the mineral deposit was, the mineral deposit could not be mined until after his lease expires. And so I think the oil and gas lease takes precedent over that, but it's not to say that there isn't. And of course, geotechnical studies would have to take place And ADA would more than likely get out there and try to do that to see what's around the look, around the, around the, around the whole parcel. I mean, it's huge.

20,000 Acres is not small.

Yeah. Okay. And then I had been doing a little research on ADA and what you guys have done in the past, and you've helped with shipyards. FedEx facility, the Red Dog Mine. Um, your last board meeting, I listened to that, and you guys had a resolution to fund the Susitna Access Road.

Yep. And you're also working on the rail bed, finishing the rail bed to Houston. Yep. And then now you're looking at acquiring this land up here. So I'm just curious how that's all going to be connected.

So the connection is, if we're going to be trying— if there's a large-scale, say, let's just say a mining company wants to come in, and there are several that have claims out in the West Sioux area, it's going to take them several years for permitting. It's going to take them several years to put together the financial means to be able to put that project forward, but it's also going to take infrastructure to be able to do that. So exporting of 10— like, for instance, I'll switch up to Ambler Access Road, that which is another project that we have. But in the, in the mining district there, the Arctic Mine, day one from when it opens, they anticipate exporting 470,000 tons more. And how are they going to do that?

You know, there's, there's— we have ports across the state, but I don't really see there being capacity in a lot of them. Anchorage Port's got a lot of work going on right now. In the future, they'll be able to accommodate that. I don't think Whittier could. Seward, they're no longer in the export game for commodities of that nature.

And so really, it just leaves Port Mack. Right, and the, the thought was that if, if we can get that rail installed, it's, it's one of those if you build it they will come scenarios, right? Where we've talked to the, the feds and they said, oh, we're not going to use it, you know, we can't commit to using it, but if it gets built we probably would use it. And, and so there's, there's been a lot of letters from mining and mining companies and, and, uh and other parties in the north that would use that rail connecting all the way up to Fairbanks if it was there. And so, but how Houston plays into that is its central location.

You know, it's, it's adjacent to that rail. You have a lot of potential for, for gravel and other materials that would be needed for large-scale construction. And but then also too, there's I think that there's other opportunities here that we may not know about right now, and that's where engaging with you and the people from Houston and collectively with other parties across the state to see how that portfolio of large-scale projects from the interior, from really from the North Slope to the interior to Port Mac, how all those projects connect as a puzzle. And really the needs of somebody up, up north may be accommodated by a supply that you may have here and vice versa, right? So those connections take engagement, those connections take communication, and they take time.

And, and so that's why we're here, is to, to communicate with you, to, to begin that process so that we can try to line ourselves up for that infrastructure development so that we can accommodate for those, those companies that want to put people to work, because it takes time to do that type of, that type of work. On a large scale. Smaller scale stuff can happen in a few years, but when we're talking about multi-billion dollar, multi-year-long permit periods for some of these more sensitive projects, it takes time and capital. But, and that's where we come in here right now and try to line up those dominoes so that we're ready for when they're when they're hitting the ground. When their boots hit the ground, for instance, when Arctic— when they start mining, that road has got to be in place, and that rail will likely have to be in place.

And because what, what are they going to do with 470,000 tons of ore that first year? And, and that's just the first year, you know. And that's one mine on that entire mining district. There's the potential for 100+ years of mining up there because the whole Southern Brooks Range is literally a giant mineral belt. And, and so between all those different mines, we're looking at thousands of jobs, millions and millions of tons of ore, and, you know, a lot, a lot, I think, of good-paying jobs for Alaskans.

Not just there, across the state, you know, there's all the tertiary jobs and tertiary businesses that will be supported by the export of those commodities and/or other projects that come down the line. You know, we really don't know what the future has in store. I would love to I would love to see smelteries, foundries. I would love to see manufacturing here in the state rather than us being pillaged by outside companies shipping that to Asia to get processed. We've got the talent here, why don't we do it here?

And that's, that's a possibility with this land, you know. But, but again, it takes engagement with what the people of this region desire, what sort of opportunities there are and, and how we can set ourselves up for success in that way by partnering with you. I understand the fact of bringing jobs to Alaska and bringing, um, Alaska-made or American-made products, you know, instead of importing. Yeah. Um, with that said, then I know this is kind of off subject, but the West Sisson Access, isn't that mine that wants to go in out there, a Canadian company.

So it is paying for a road for a Canadian company. Yeah, it's a Canadian company, and, and yeah, it's a public road, so the public, everybody in the state would be able to use it. And so it's not just the mining companies that would use it, but there's also the facet of job creation— how many jobs are going to be created for people in, in this area. And it's going to be— it's going to put a lot of people to work. But then also the opportunities that come with that, you know, really, it, it's how creative people can get if you're a business owner or if you have an idea.

Because the money— where money comes, money is made. And, and I would love— personally, I would love to see an Alaskan company having that But for whatever reason, we don't. I don't know why. And so I don't have a good answer for you. I mean, I'm with you.

I would love to see an Alaskan company do it, but we're just not there yet. I foresee maybe in the future that can change, but it's— we got to start somewhere. That's the way that I personally look at that. So if the community would like to be involved in making a decision decision on what could possibly happen up here on this land. Um, how is that— how, how— what format will that be in?

How will you guys—. Like what we're doing right now? Yeah, engage me. We have a work session on one item already that's going to be, uh, the helm, and they want to do a manufacturing plant here in Houston, and we're gonna That's why I'm hoping we all can get there. I've tried to put the emphasis on it, but that's one that I would like to hook up with.

These guys are Alaskan people that are wanting to get a business started on that, and not just business, they want to manufacture here, and it's a big deal. So, uh, I— that's how it happens. Is we approach them with those ideas and they can look at the process and, you know. Yeah, we have a statutory requirement and that's the reason why AWA was made is to, you know, no jobs means, it means a lot of bad things. Coming from a community where there weren't, I've seen a lot of it personally and a lot of rural Alaska experiences it and It's depression.

It's, dare I say, suicide. It's very unhealthy habits. For instance, on the North Slope, bringing economy onto the North Slope, their average age was like 39 years old before that, and now it's in the 70s. Having work and having infrastructure in place, it really does change a person's overall health and well-being. But there's that old saying, idle hands do the devil's work.

And, you know, that's something that we want to prevent. That's something that I want to see for Alaska is putting people to work. And, and these large projects that we have is one means that ADA does that. There's also other means that ADA can do that. And by empowering communities and we'd love to see Houston do that, too, you know, but that's where— to answer your question, engagement in, and the whole process is still going through with the DNR.

The land's not in Ada's title, or the title's not in Ada's hands yet, so there's still quite a bit that has to happen. But if it were to happen, that's how we would go about it, is engagement with you and putting some sort of a plan together.

Yeah, I'm done. Anyone else? I've got a This may be quick.

Given your passion that you described, which I admire that, could you paint a picture for us of what you envision those 20,000 acres to hold? And maybe best case scenario? So I, at this point, I really can't because it's, it's not in— we're not at that point yet, you know.

There's—. So how about, how about juxtapose that? So best case scenario, worst case scenario. In general, from what I'm reading through this, there's all these opportunities, very nebulous. Yeah, could do this, could do that.

Nothing's committed to— it's just 20,000 acres. Yeah, I would think given your passion, there must be something behind that that's driving driving you to have it, to take an interest, to be here tonight. Yeah, what is that? Well, no, sure, the same thing we talked about in the office. That's exactly what I asked him, and I would love to hear.

Yeah, so I, whatever I say at this point is just speculation, you know. I would, you know, and, and so say if there are minerals out there, right? Mine, a development of a mine. But that would be something that can happen. Uh, there's a lot of, a lot of trees out there, right?

A lot of dead. And I, when I spoke with Mayor, Mayor Cole about it, one thing is if that rail goes in, you can go down, you can, somebody can start a, a company to cut all that beetle kill down, turn it into, uh, turn it into pellets and then export it to Asia. That's a business idea, right? That there's a lot of different things that we could see. I mean, if there's oil and gas out there, a gas deposit, why not get gas in your backyard?

If so, it also— there's, there's opportunity for manufacturing like the mayor was talking about. Worst case scenario— the best case scenario is some of those, or one of those projects happen. But for me, best case scenario is that we all coordinate together and we make it happen, right? Communication and community to make it happen. But really, it's buy-in with you.

I, I think that's, that's where it goes. That's why I'm really hesitant and reluctant to say this is what we're going to do, because we can't say that at this point. It's really all projects under the sun, and that's where engagement with your community comes in and really understanding what it is in terms of materials that exist or opportunities, business opportunities that exist. And since I don't have that information, I can't reasonably speak to it. But what I would love to see is I would love to see less cost electricity, less cost energy, less depression, more hands put to work.

And whatever form that comes in is a form that I think has to creatively happen. Between ADA and community members here.

I know that's not really probably the, the answer you were looking for, but that's the best one I got. And the worst case scenario is that it doesn't happen, right? And, and that's, that's worst case scenario for me. So, so let's talk about that worst case scenario. So it might be worse in some eyes, but there are, there are people in community who would like to see nothing happen.

To it because it's a playground. Yeah. So what are your thoughts on that? So would that be a tragedy if nothing was done? Well, one, what I say to that is that when it comes to subsistence and your culture, I respect that.

Ada respects that. The public access trails that exist, there's no intention to touch them. And so we don't— that's one thing we don't want to do is tread on people's rights, tread on people's subsistence activities. Tread on really what you care for because that's your culture and we don't want to tread on that. And so 20,000 acres is huge.

There's a lot that we can do outside of where your, your quote-unquote playground is, your quote-unquote your grounds, right, where people go to subsist, where people go to recreate. There's a lot more land to go around than than to go and tear some trail up, you know, someone's path to recreation. There's a lot of history up there too. Yeah, yeah. And so this is also where I say the public comment period is very important because we're not going to know everything.

DNR is not going to know everything. And so in some cases we're going to be relying on the subject matter experts, which are the people that live here. And so if a comment is submitted about, say, there's there's this out there and we didn't know about it, then that's something that actually gets put into the portfolio of comments which is seriously evaluated. And it'll alter the path on a decision. And so that's where the public engagement process is really important for people to participate.

Thank you. Yeah.

Can you hear me okay, Rachel?

Yes, I can hear you. Perfect. It's my understanding that that land has been in the Department of Natural Resources' hands for a very long time, and this process was initiated by DNR. Can you help us understand what's different in 2026 than was true in the previous 25 years? That makes it appealing now for the DNR to divest in a chunk of land that big?

Yeah, let me provide you a little bit of clarity though, because I want to make sure the narrative is very clear. DNR was approached by ADA to help find land that was suitable to fulfill their mission of creating development and economics. That is not DNR's mission, that is ADA's mission. We are the landholders, so they came to us and asked us for certain things that, you know, it was land within close proximity. This land is what suited that bill, and so Ada applied for it.

Okay, thank you. That's not the way I understood it, so I appreciate the clarification. Yeah, as I said, we do have an informational, um, meeting that we held. It is on our website. Website, and I'll get that address to Mayor Kohl.

And I apologize if that's you who's speaking. I didn't have any visibility here. Thank you.

I was just, you know, just listening to all this thinking, you know, as a businessman, I could completely appreciate the business mind behind this idea. This is not You know, this is the kind of stuff that makes the world go round. I get it. This is the kind of stuff that brings money into the economy for the state. I understand that, um, there's a lot of good that could happen with some of these things.

But, you know, if you, if you understand the community that— I mean, the proximity of this land to our community is, is the issue. Um, not just our community, but also, you know, this touches Meadow Lakes and all the way out to Willow. There's a lot of people that use this entire ground as a playground. It's not just Zero Lake Road, even though that is one of the— probably one of the main accesses. Um, so I can understand the business mind behind it, but if you understand the community, then you understand why most of us moved here.

We understand that we moved here for—. Not—. We didn't move here because this place was booming and we're hoping that it gets bigger, you know. Um, the community here, from what I've understood, from what a lot of people have spoken out, especially on social media, even though I hate going to social media for any information. Um, the idea behind it is, you know, when you have a proposal that mentions industrial development and, and then you come to say— and I'm not against you, I think you're awesome, I think, you know, your story is a great story, where you come from, what you're doing, there's a lot of good things that you guys have done, so I'm not going to knock the agency.

Um, but when you talk about, you know, this— the excitement of the rail bed coming in and, you know, all roads lead to Houston, and then we have this huge chunk of state land that's right above us— people that love Houston for what it is, they feel like all of this talk is squeezing them out of where they love to live, if that makes sense. And, and so we have, you know, we got Fairbanks the road coming in from Fairbanks. We're on the Parks Highway. There's a lot of things happening around in Houston. What I love about it is it's a quiet town with no wind.

It's awesome. Um, other than the mosquitoes, I don't get blown away. But it's just a, you know, it's our backyard. It's where we snow machine, it's where we hunt and all that. And I know it's a lot of ground, but, um, our community has spoken about very often about, and even the city council agreed, like, with our, uh, legislation— or not our legislation, I guess our resolution last month— just talking about the process didn't include us until it was all kind of sorted out.

And, and now the process includes us, and because there's been so much speak out, then there's been a little bit more attention But we weren't included or involved before this proposal was made, and so that's where we're feeling a bit left out. And so, you know, I understand the, the process. You know, oftentimes our process frustrates the public, but it is the process, and I get that. It's not a done deal yet, I get that too. There's a lot of time for comment, and there's been an extension for the comments, which is a good thing.

Um, what we're all wondering is how much difference is the comments going to make? You know, there's a lot of stuff up in the air because we live here, we've invested our lives here, we've put our money here, we've, we spend money here, we, we work here, we live here, our kids go to school here. And there's a lot of unknowns, um, especially with, you know, the rail bed coming in from that direction and then this chunk of land here and how all this stuff connect, you know, it's a tough thing for a Houston resident to wrap their mind around the change that could be coming. Because a lot of people— I've talked to a guy, I delivered some firewood for my son, uh, last week to a guy that's lived here for 44 years, and, you know, he's not really excited about any of this stuff. And so, you know, we, we just want to be included.

Obviously, it's a huge chunk of ground if, if the state could make money on it, man, Houston could use a little bit bigger budget for development, and it would be awesome to have some tax revenue to put in. I would love to see public safety. I would love to see, uh, more money coming to our fire department. I would love to see an actual police department here in Houston. If we're going to grow, I would love to see more public safety.

Um, we deal with a lot of issues around here with theft. I mean, it's a constant thing for me trying to figure out who's on my property, who's taking my stuff. We just don't have law enforcement here. We have a very small presence of state troopers that comes through. But man, it would be awesome if Houston— if so, if this land is up for grabs and it was able to be annexed by the city of Houston, it'd be great for some of this land to go to us that we could develop that's right in our backyard so that we can manage how it's done, what's actually being done.

That, that is another tool in Ada's belt. So something like that, a scenario like that is possible. Yeah, yeah. And so like I said, there's, there's a myriad of different things that, that ADA has at its disposal which make it a very unique corporation.

And, and that's where partnership with, with you comes into play, you know. Like, if you have ideas for development in your own backyard, we can take that home and we can see what, what works best for the city of Houston, what, what works best for you in your backyard. And, and I understand, you know, being from a small town, I understand the, the resistance to change, you know. And, and sometimes I, I often wonder what would have happened in my community if, if that change didn't happen. Would we all still be there?

But yeah, everybody would be maybe not the healthiest estates, right? And but that's not saying that's— that's— every place is different. That's not the same for, for Houston. And like you said, it is, it is a large chunk, a large swaths of land. And if that is the concern of the city, and anything can be engineered, anything can be designed, right?

That's how we're able to design an earthquake zone like we have, is we're taking into consideration certain factors. Right? But, you know, all we can do is just take to heart what, what you as a community feel and, and try to, try to move forward with what works best for you. Yeah, well, I feel good about you. I really do.

Like, I appreciate you showing up here today. I appreciate you being here in person to talk with us. That means a lot to us. You know, we want to be people that are easy to work with. You know, we're not all just out here saying stay out.

Yeah, um, we're like, if you come in, like, let's try not to disrupt what we love about this place. And that's, that's really the idea. And if it's something that would be beneficial to our community, that would bring in more revenue but not disturb the culture of our town, I think most people might be open to something like that. The hard part was, without any prior knowledge, we see a proposal that's talking about industrial parks and data centers. Yeah.

And It gets pretty flared up. Yeah. And, and so just, just because you brought that topic up, you know, we're not planning to, to put a data center up here because what— when we put our submission in, it was all projects under the sun. And we, we have done or considered data center projects in some parts of the state, mostly in Southeast because of their over-evident hydro. And those are communities that wanted that.

Because that's a revenue model that works for them. When they're talking data center, we're looking at something the size of a Connex. We're not looking at anything larger than that. It's more micro scale. And if, if, if a community wants that, that's something, and that's a revenue model that works for them, then that's something that we can work with them on.

But if that's not something that the Houston or the Valley or anybody in this area want, that's not something we'll consider. But at present moment, We don't have a single project proposal for anything data center, and we're not going to look for anything of that nature. The hard part there is the language, you know, the phrase data center. Yeah, it's like it could be a closet. Yeah, it can be a giant— and that could be where a single engagement session with the City of Houston that would have been beneficial, where that word would have been left out.

Yeah, right. And so it's just a portfolio of projects and anything that's revenue generating, really, and that's one of them, and it's something that is driving, it's a driving force, like really the new currency of our economy is attention, and it's attention and data, you know, that's really what it is, and I think our adversaries overseas are really at the, they're pedal to the metal to try to get as many as they can so that they can control that arena. And so I think that there's a lot of places in the United States that are doing the same exact thing.

Anyone else on the council have questions?

I don't think so. Okay.

All right, thank you. And thank you, DNR, for showing up online for us. Rachel, are you still there? I am still here, and if you don't need me, I'll go ahead and sign off unless you have any questions. Well, I'd like to give you a chance to say whatever you'd like to say.

I'm just— I was just here for informational questions. I'm sorry we can't really speak more to the project. That's why Ada's here. But if there's any procedural questions, I'm happy to take those offline even, and we can take comments through the 14th. Okay, Calvin, did you get any last words you want to say?

Yeah, my last word, just I want to express my gratitude to the council, the people of Houston for extending the invite to the mayor. Thanks for extending the invite for us to come out and host. And I know that this is a lot. Thank you to the people that showed up. This has been a bit of a longer engagement than I'm sure some folks thought it would be, but I just want to reiterate that we're more than willing to continue this process of coming back out to talk with you and, and throughout the, the rest of the, the process with the DNR.

You know, however it turns out, we, we want to be a good partner for the people of Houston, for the people of the borough, for the people of the state, really. That's just— but that, that takes engagement with the people of the state. And so that's the commitment that we have, is to continue engaging with you. So thank you, um, I appreciate your time. Thank you.

The only last closing thought I have on that whole thing is, uh, even if you wanted it to stay— the gentleman who spoke for the 40 years here, Houston's not the same as it was 40 years ago. That's true. It's never going to stay the same. It's how we develop it that's going to matter, right? We want healthy growth.

We need to have healthy, good growth. You're not going to stop it. You can, you can wish it away, but it's, it's going to develop, and we need to do it a smart way.

Okay, next item, uh, reports. No, Chris Rooney is not there. Uh, department reports. Any council member have any questions for our—. Rachel Longacre has left.

Any—. Hannah York Cook has left. Oh, on your report, Mr. Mayor, I just had a quick question. Can you refresh my memory on the Alaska Public Risk Alliance, the check for $150,000? $47,000.

What is that exactly? Oh, that's insurance. Insurance. Okay. Yeah, thank you.

Yeah, that's a fun one to have to do every year. Yeah, I was just like, I don't remember seeing anything about that, so thank you for the clarification.

Anyone else? Seeing none, we're going to move on.

Oh, actually, you want me to say something? Yeah, say something about Alaska Grizzlywood.

Uh, we spoke with Mr. Simpson and he was, um, doing— waiting on results from his environmental impact study and he couldn't guarantee that or they couldn't guarantee him that they would have the results by Friday when I posted the agenda. So he chose to wait to come back in October when he would have the results of the impact study, and people that provide the impact study will probably come with him. Then you can ask questions then. So he will be on October's agenda. So, and that's because he was supposed to return time date certain.

He—. Yeah, it was not ready September. Well, he, he was ready, he just— his report wasn't quite ready, so we, we scheduling for the next month. And Mr. Mayor, I apologize, I have one more question. I noticed that there's no Public Works clerk here tonight.

What is What is the status with the hiring of a Public Works Director? I have talked to one candidate, uh, to the point where I probably exhausted that, and we'll go back out and look for another. Okay. If I may, uh, the Public Works Clerk is sick. Oh, gotcha.

Okay, brings us down to public participation, public hearings.

Uh, Clerk, you want to read the first public hearing? After you. Item—.

Sorry. Ordinance number 26-16, an ordinance of the Houston City Council amending Houston Municipal Code Chapter 2.40, Disaster Emergency Planning, by adding Section 2.04.130, Continuity of Government Plan, for the purpose of authorizing, adopting, maintaining, and implementing a continuity of government plan.

We open the public hearing for ordinance number 2616 at, uh, what is it, 7:23. Anyone from the public like to speak?

Ordinance number 2616, anyone? Seeing none, we will close the public hearing for Ordinance Number 2616.

724.

We don't have a motion. Uh, yeah, I'll make a motion to approve Ordinance Number 2616. A second. Okay, Chief. So as the department head that puts us forward to the mayor for consideration, I just want to make something really clear because it is in your packet.

There is a template, a draft copy of the continuity of the COG in there. That is not what is being approved. This is only requesting an ordinance to put it into code. It'll come back before the council to approve the final continuity of operation. Oh, so I just want to make sure that that was clear because I— it is included.

It could look that way to the public. I just want to make sure it was really clear this is only about the code, not the plan itself. Oh, good point. I never even thought about it that way.

Any council members having any questions about it?

No.

Okay, motion's been made and seconded to approve Ordinance Number 26-16, an ordinance of the Houston City Council amending Houston Municipal Code Chapter 2.40, Disaster Emergency Planning, by adding Section 2.04.130, Continuity of Government Plan, for the purpose of authorizing, adopting, maintaining, and implementing a continuity of government plan. All those in favor? Aye. Opposed? Motion carries unanimously.

Okay, if you'd read Ordinance Number 26-17. Yes, Ordinance Number 26-17, an ordinance of the Houston City Council amending Houston Municipal Code Sections 4.01.0603 and 4.01.0604, Investment Policies. 4.05.030, Appropriations.

4.05.050, Approval of City Funds.

4.05.060, Reserve Fund C, add D and E. 4.10.080A, execution of contracts. 4.10.010, Definitions. 10.030, Purchasing. A, add B, 4.10.130A, limited competition procurement, and 4.10.190, local vendor preference, to provide clarification and streamlined process for purchases under $2,500 and allow for correction to current laws.

We will open the public hearing for Ordinance Number 2617 at 7:26. Anyone in the public have comment?

Seeing none, we will close public hearing. Of Ordinance Number 2617 at 7:27. I'll make a motion to approve Ordinance 2617. I'll second.

Any questions?

Cynthia, why don't you come on up here in case they have some questions?

I think she gave a pretty good outline of this, um, in the last work session we had that included this, but just for the public benefit, would you hit the highlights, so the public can understand what we're trying to accomplish here? Sure. Oh, thank you.

Um, I'm sorry, I'm getting used to new glasses. Good evening, everybody.

So I believe this is covering—. Here it is right here. First—.

This will update the agency for investment policies, appropriations, approval of use of city funds, reserve fund C, execution of contracts, and Limited competition procurement and local vendor preference. So 4.01.0603 and 4 for the investment policy. So this will allow—. Currently the city is mandated to have all of its investment CD structures in an FDIC insured account. Uh, for liquidity purposes and access to those funds, we have to slice it into small slices.

It creates a bit of a management burden managing the CDs. It also decreases the amount of rates that we can earn to some degree on those small tranches. We have to alternate the CDs. This will allow the city to take a larger tranche and earn about what we are earning if we're earning on money that's tied up for 6 months to 1 year, which is significantly better. This would allow the city to take 75% of that reserve and put it into a large chunk Uh, with AMLEP, um, we are 48 to 72 hours from being able to liquidate any of that money in an emergency, which would be good for the city.

Uh, anybody have any questions about AMLEP? I think AMLEP did a really good job. Maybe cover the, the purchase order process and what we're trying to—. Sure, yeah, you bet. Um, so currently the Treasurer's Office is mandated to certify funds before the city is obligated at a threshold of $99.

So as you can imagine, I'm flipping through the budget all day long. Um, it also mandates for there to be a purchase order, uh, created prior to the city incurring that obligation. With this, uh, ordinance proposes to do is to raise that threshold to $2,500.

Uh, the directors are already authorized up to $5,000. Uh, over that they have to have the mayor's approval. They would be responsible for, uh, serving certifying that budget, the finance office would still have audit control of that on a weekly AP basis and a monthly reconciliation basis. Most of those are— those transactions are happening via credit card. Anything over $2,500 would require Certification by Treasurer's Office first, and then, well, first it would go to the mayor if he authorizes it.

It's over $5,000, but certainly anything over $2,500 would be certified by the Treasurer, and a purchase order would be required prior to the obligation being incurred. So what that does is that really unburdens the finance department from hundreds of purchase orders that are $99 and more. It also frees up the departments to operate more freely, um, on a day-to-day basis. A, a fuel tank is more than $100. Uh, public works, public safety, um, are definitely, uh, hindered by such small thresholds.

Okay, anybody have any questions? Any other questions from council?

This makes sense to me. I mean, doing a PO every time somebody fills up a truck with gas seems a little ridiculous to me.

You can't get your truck filled up for under $99 anymore. No, no, I have to go back, I have to go back for cash back twice just to fill my car up.

Anything else here?

No other— I don't see any other questions.

Thank you. Thank you. Yeah, thank you.

Thanks for your question. Motion of the mayor accepted to approve Ordinance Number 26-17. I won't read all of those.

All those in favor? Aye. Opposed? Motion carries unanimously.

Can we take 10?

Yeah, I'll second.

Anyone object? I'm good with that. Okay, we'll have a 10-minute recess. Be back in our chairs at 15:10.

We're gonna recaffeine at 11 pills. At what? Oh, 11 tilt, like 11 o'clock.

11 Minutes late. Okay, read ordinance. Okay, we are on Ordinance Number 26-18, an ordinance of the Houston City Council amending Houston Municipal Code by enacting Chapter 8.11, HMC, Burial and Land Disposal of Waste, to prohibit the burial, backfilling, or other land disposal of trash, junk, and construction and demolition debris, declaring buried waste as a continuing public nuisance subject to abatement and providing for penalties.

We will open the public hearing for 2618 at 10-kill. Anyone from the public have any comments for 26— ordinance number 2618?

Seeing none, we will close the public comment. 751. 751. 751.

Anyone want to make a motion? I'll make a motion to approve Ordinance 2618. A second.

So, um, we had a couple residents, uh, who wrote in about the ordinance, um, and I, uh, one of them had, had read it as a ban on burning. Um, it isn't that— that's not what it is. And but if it could be read that way, I want to reword it so that that is no longer ambiguous or, or can be misread. Um, the, the other, uh, found a, a pretty significant gap. Um, the, uh, the construction debris definition, it needs to— needs to be clarified so that, uh, debris that is intentionally um, like, for example, pipe insulation wire.

So if we read that literally, it reads as material, um, in cases where those are installed on purpose, right? So there, there could be some improvement in there. And so between those two items there, it's pretty substantial.

Um, and, and then also the, uh, separately from that, that the ordinance as it was read in, it's not the one that was specifically approved by the lawyers. So there's some textual, some typos, title typos and things like that. So given those corrections, I think there was like a total of 7 of them that I found. Plus the other two substantial amendments, I'd like to, uh, to move to postpone Ordinance 2618 to October 8th, uh, the next regular meeting. And, um, I'd like to request that, uh, that the court re-notice the public hearing for that, for that date.

If they're substantive and you really changing your ordinance, it should be a reintroduction, correct? Right. If we want to reintroduce it, that's fine too. There's no—.

It—. When it goes into effect isn't— there's, there's no time pressure to do that. So we want to reintroduce it that's fine. I'll go back to the, the original and incorporate what I've learned with this. And I hesitated really to make a motion at this point because if the committee wants to talk about it in its current state, I'm willing to retract my motion so that we can have that additional discussion in this current form.

We're going to reintroduce it, we'll have plenty of time to discuss it later, and we can move on to business.

All right, so my motion stands. Well, um, well, well, I guess the motion would be to, to table it, to, to table it and to time uncertain or something like that. Okay, if you're going to reintroduce it, we just table this version, right? Yeah, you can just table it.

And rewrite it, and we can bring it back as an introduction in October if it's ready. Okay, you know, I'm fine with that. The only thing I would say is on the burn, keep in any of the treated woods. Um, that's a good point. Any of those things like that, because, um, there's arsenic in the Greenwoods, and there's who knows what else in the other.

So you don't, you don't wall your garden with that stuff. So absolutely, yeah. So I would say they should not be allowed to burn those, those type of woods. Um, you just have to— anything that's treated. I will say this about construction.

I spent a lifetime in it. There is, uh, I mean Construction debris should not be burned, period. It should be to a landfill. There's chemicals and stuff used in construction on all kinds of stuff. And yeah, letting it— any of that burn is not— it isn't like you've got a 2x4 that you're going out and patching something.

If they're building something, homes and stuff, a lot of that stuff will glues and different stuff put on it and discard it. So, and that's what I intend to clarify. It's the burning with the intention to conceal it that is the issue. So I'm just saying, I think you're already on the right thing. It's handled in the, in the, um, I think it's 8.10.

So I really wanted to focus on the, on the, on the, uh, on the burial aspect. That's what, that's what this is introducing as something new. So, okay, uh, it's a good point. Want to call—. Well, we have a motion to—.

I'll second it. Thank you. Motion's been made and seconded to table ordinance number 26-18. All those in favor? Opposed?

Motion carries unanimously.

Okay, why don't you read ordinance number 26? Um, ordinance number 26-19, an ordinance of the Houston City Council prohibiting city council members from signing non-disclosure agreements related to any public business of the City of Houston, Alaska, and providing for related matters.

Open the public hearing for 2619 at, uh, 8:56—. 7:56, Excuse me, 7:56. Anyone in the audience, uh, have any comments for—. Oh, here we go.

So just if I understand this correctly, this is being presented—. Oh, Samantha Raymond. Um, this is being presented at an ordinance to be created, or is this already in existence and there's an amendment to it? Just to create this, yes.

Uh, I guess just as a citizen, is has this been a problem? Why are we all of a sudden— I mean, all for it, absolutely, but has this been a problem previously, or are we just getting ahead of any non-disclosure agreements in the future? Just as a, as a general question, that's all. Yeah, well, we don't answer that, but I will in our— when the council speaks, I will address that. Thank you.

Anyone else like to speak to ordinance number 2619?

Seeing none, we will close the public hearing for ordinance number 2619 at 7:58.

I'll make a motion to approve Ordinance Number 2619. I'll second.

The reason why this ordinance was even brought up, or that I put together, and I didn't really even talk to the council about it, I saw in all this data center chatter that I was doing some research on that there was actually public officials in the lower 48. There's—. I actually passed on a sheet, uh, I don't know, I don't know if it made it in our pack or not. It's here. It is?

Okay.

There's a sheet in— that was part of the reason that chose this, and I'll be glad to provide you a copy of it, where there is states and a lot of different officials that had done that. I, I couldn't even believe it was possible, but it is possible. And so just to make sure it never happens here where I live, I don't believe anybody should ever have the right to conceal something that you're doing public business with. The public has a right to know that. And so this was purely something I put forward.

We'll wait to hear what the council has to say on it, but that's the reason why I did it.

Anyone else? I've never signed one. Yeah, I've never signed one, never been asked to. Um, I just It just always struck me as inappropriate, and I actually operate under the assumption that it was probably illegal. Turns out it's not, but it will be now.

Yeah.

Any others? You've answered my question why this was brought forth.

Yeah, it was crazy. I couldn't believe the— I couldn't believe it could actually happen. And then when I saw that was happening and it was actually starting to happen more, I said, yeah, no, that's not right. So that's how that happened.

Question's been made and seconded to approve Ordinance Number 26-19. 16, An ordinance of the Houston City Council prohibiting city council members from signing non-disclosure agreements related to any public business of the City of Houston, Alaska, and providing for related matters. All those in favor? Aye. Opposed?

Motion carries unanimously.

Changes to the audience comments. Yeah, I have a list. Um, I think a lot of people spoke that are on the list. Um, I have Lindsay Pode— Pool. Oh, I'm sorry, Pool.

Sarah, you're next. Yay!

Button.

Okay, perfect. Well, good evening, Mayor and members of the Houston City Council. My name is Sarah Williams and I serve as president of Sacred Seeds Foundation. Thank you for giving us a few minutes to introduce Greenville Composites and to begin what we hope will be a respectful, transparent conversation with the City of Houston. Greenville Composites is a vision for an Alaskan-based and Alaskans-first industrial hemp processing and building materials operation.

The idea is simple: Alaska growers can produce fiber hemp. We know that. But a crop only creates value when there is dependable local place to process it into useful materials. Our proposed facility would process industrial hemp into two primary materials: hemp hurd and bast fiber. Hurd is the woody inner portion of the stalk.

It can be prepared for hemp line construction, or you might hear that as hempcrete, animal bedding, and other applications. Bast fiber is the long outer fiber. It can be used in composites, insulation, feedstock stocks, clothing, textiles, and future Alaskan-made products. We are beginning with building materials because homes and buildings require large, dependable volumes of materials. That gives growers a clear local market and gives builders another option, but also gives Alaska an opportunity to make more of the materials it uses instead of importing them from everywhere else.

But I want to be very clear, Greenbuild is not coming to Houston with a project we intend to impose on your community. Working with the community is our top priority. We know that a processing facility raises really important questions like, where would it be located? Traffic, rail access, utilities, dust control, safety, jobs, land use, and most importantly, the character of Houston. Those are really legitimate questions.

We believe they deserve early answers, public conversation, and a project design shaped by the people who live and work here. Our goal is to explore a rail-accessible location in or near Houston that makes sense for the community, the growers, and the business. We want to listen before we ask for commitments. We want to understand the city's priorities and concerns of residents, the infrastructure realities, and the local process that must be respected. The opportunity is meaningful.

More than 200 acres of grower participation are currently promised, and additional growers have said that a real opportunity processing facility— or I'm sorry, a real operating processing facility— will give them the confidence to plant even more. That creates a path towards more than 2,000 acres of future fiber hemp capacity, subject of course to written grower agreements compliance requirements, market conditions, and responsible agricultural planning. A facility of this kind could create local jobs across operations, maintenance, trucking, material handling, construction, administration, and skilled trades. It could create new markets for Alaska farmers. It could support workforce training and building demonstrations, and it could help Houston participate in a broader effort to diversify Alaska's economy through value-added manufacturing.

Financially, the current target for the full facility is approximately $27 million. That includes site and facility development, processing equipment, utilities, installation, commissioning, and the working capital needed to responsibly ramp the operation. The plan is not to rely on one source of funding. It's a blended capital stack. Private investment is anchor capital, facility debt for long-lived building assets, equipment financing for processing systems, and grants or incentives where they appropriately work to support energy, workforce, and public benefit components.

We are especially interested in exploring whether AIDEA could be a constructive partner in the future because they exist to help promote Alaskan economic growth, diversification, manufacturing, and job creation. And we believe the Green Build goals—local agriculture, manufacturing, renewable materials, jobs, and economic resilience—align with that purpose. But we understand that any partnership must follow proper review, due diligence, and public process. So tonight we're not asking you to commit funds, approve a site, or make any decisions about anything. We're just asking for the door to continue the conversation.

We ask for your guidance on the right way to evaluate possible rail-accessible locations, the appropriate zoning and permitting path, the infrastructure questions that we must answer, and the best way to keep residents informed from the beginning. Sacred Seeds Foundation believes meaningful economic development should strengthen a community, not simply just show up here. If Greenbuild moves forward in Houston, we want it to be because Houston sees a real benefit from it has a real voice and help shape the project into something the community can be proud of. So thank you for your time, your service to this city, and your willingness to hear our vision. And on the 23rd, we'll share even more during our work session on HEP.

Thank you very much. Thank you, Mr. Adams. Were you wanting to speak before you're called up here?

Mr. Adams, were you wanting to speak before you were called up here? Okay. Peter Bauer.

Hello, Mayor, Council, and regular attendees. You probably already know me, Peter Bauer, running for the State Senate seat. And if you've looked at my website or talked to me, you probably already know a lot of my policies, and I'm happy to talk about them and learn from you. One thing I wanted to ask is Does the City of Houston have a permanent fund of any kind right now? We have a reserve fund.

A reserve fund. So this is something as a new politician that I'm learning about, that steep learning curve of getting into kind of a new way of doing things. Valdez, as a condition of the pipeline terminating there, required a permanent fund. For the, for the city, and it's worth, as of the last quarter, $340 million. And I just found out during my recent swing through Denali talking to the borough folks there that they also have smaller, but they have a permanent fund there as well.

So change, growth, it is going to happen. And what I would just like to offer in case it's useful sometimes is that as the city of Houston grows and changes, that's a thought that may help future generations. Separately, I'm sorry to say that Sandra Loomis was here, and she always, you know, you know her, she always has a kind word and wants to say her piece, but she had a family thing come up and had to leave, so I can't really speak for her, but I know she has said many times For our state government, we have not updated our mineral rights laws since like 1969, and I think we would mostly all agree that we aren't getting full value for our extracted resources. And maybe speaking more for myself now than Sandra, because I don't want to put words in her mouth, but we absolutely need to do that going forward regardless of what happens here locally in Houston with the land swap, whether it's data centers, whether it's gravel pits, whatever it is, railroad spurs across the state. We need to make sure that we're growing our funds and, uh, have money for future generations, not just now.

So, uh, thanks. Uh, we got like, what, 52, 53 days to the election, and, uh, instead of having the the same people running for the same seats. You have a choice in both the House and the Senate seat, so give us a thought.

Thank you.

Kim Short? She had to leave.

Mr. Rauscher, did you have anything else?

No. Okay. Ryan Shelton.

Hello, Mr. Mayor, Council, those online, and those in the room as well. Right, uh, my name's—. Oh, thank you. Sorry, my voice echoes so much, I thought it was on, but Hello to those online that couldn't hear that.

My name is Ryan Shelton. I'm also running for state Senate. Just wanted to say thank you for a wonderful Founders Day. Your hospitality here is just really unmatched. I thought that was really special and to have us all here and the short drive from Talkeetna, it was a very warm welcome here in Houston.

So I'll leave it at that, short and sweet. Don't want to take up the evening anymore. But, um, I'm just very appreciative of communities like this and you as a council as well. I think you do a fantastic job advocating for, uh, those who need a voice. So thank you.

Thank you. Thank you.

Christian Hartley speaking as both myself and as the fire chief. I just wanted to bring something up. So Lisa has read this, I post this every year on my socials, but I wanted to say it publicly on the record so that it's on the record. You know, when people talk about 9/11, they tend to default to thinking about first responders. That's the first thing you think about is the FDNY, 343, that kind of stuff.

The call that changed our world started like every other call does. Phone calls and station tones. Responders did what they do on every alarm, knowing the risks. By the third, fourth, fifth alarms, there were crews that were aware that this was likely an assignment they were not going to go home from, but they still strode forward knowing that there was a job to be done. Today is the 25th anniversary of the event that is seen by all Americans as a horrible tragedy of lost lives.

We talked about it at the beginning the meeting.

But remember with equal vigor that it was also the site of the single greatest civilian rescue in the history of the world.

So that their sacrifice will not be in vain, show respect not just for the first responders but also for the civilians that rushed in to help. All sorts of people helped, from the homeless to the wealthy, blue collar, white collar, no collar, Nobody cared. Everybody went in, they helped.

Their sacrifice is not in vain themselves as long as their memory is also honored. Everyone worked together to accomplish the single greatest rescue ever commenced by civilians. Over 30,000 people estimated to be rescued between FDNY, NYPD, PAPD, and their partners.

It happened 25 years ago, a quarter of a century. There are 90% of the kids that are in college right now were not alive when it happened. There is nobody in, in high school, middle school, elementary that was aware on that day. It's our job to tell their stories.

And again, it's everybody. It's a team effort. It's not just responders. It was union workers. It was the people that work next door, the people that work the cafe.

Just honor everybody. Don't just focus on one. I just wanted to point that out. Thank you.

Thank you.

Anyone else?

Seeing no one else, moves on to the consent agenda.

Make a motion to approve the consent agenda. I'll second.

Motion's been made and seconded to approve the consent agenda. All those in favor? Aye. Opposed? Motion carries unanimously.

Brings us to unfinished business. Resolution number 2618, a resolution of city council confirming the appointment of Kevin Allen Adams to the Planning and Zoning Commission. Thank you for joining. Waiting out.

Yep. I'll make a motion to approve number resolution number 2618. Did we just jump? Did we We just jump right over meeting minutes. That's in the consent agenda.

Oh, it is. Sorry, I'm new.

Can we get a second? No. Oh, I'll second. Thank you. Okay, Council, you wanted him in front of us.

We have him in front of us. Anybody got questions for Mr. Evans.

Can you tell me how long you've lived in Houston? 3 Years now. What brought you to Houston? I want to retire here. I'm old, I'm done.

I've always, uh, when I was first stationed in Alaska in '85 and '88, I used to come fishing out here all the time. So this was like our go-to place, and I was pleasantly surprised to see it still somewhat small as opposed to what the valley looked like. I was gone for 38 years, you got to remember. I came back in 2021, left in '88, came back in 2021, and the growth was just, you know, just slapped me. I was like, but out here it was still like, uh what I used to remember.

So that's why I came back.

What do you think are the biggest issues facing the Planning and Zoning Commission right now?

Well, we heard from ADA this, this evening and DNR, and, and it's, it's a, it's a battle, but we have to be strategic and we have to plan and we have to work with the community. That's the key. And Mr. Mayor's taking steps, and you guys took steps tonight. I mean, two of the ordinances flat out lay it out. Hey, moratorium.

And biggest one was NDAs, you know, because I think I brought that up to you, Mr. Mayor, about what happened with NDAs down in the lower 48. And so we have to stop it, and it starts here.

What do you feel from your experience? What can you bring to the Planning and Zoning Commission? Well, I've seen— I've been in the IT industry for 35-plus years, worked in data centers all over the world, and not just a lot of military sites, a lot of government sites, civilian sector. I still work. I work for Dell.

I'm a Unisys employee, but I work for Dell and EMC. I service all their equipment in the state, um, so I know what the equipment does and I can bring that knowledge base to the people when it comes to certain things like data centers, you know, that are proposed, you know. But I think that, uh, like me and Mr. Brazel have always talked about, there's not enough infrastructure up here, you know. But there's a lot of key things that can be put in place to limit and to restrict and to turn away companies when they see that all those restrictions are in place. And we can keep Houston the way people in Houston want it to be, not the way people from outside want it to be.

Our— one of our biggest issues right now with all of our commissions is getting people to show up. And I understand that life happens and we have things that we need to do, but do you feel you can commit the time to actually show up to our Planning and Zoning Commission meetings? Oh yeah, yes I can. I live like half mile up the road, so it's not far from me. But yeah, unless, you know, something happens with work and they got to call me away, but that rarely happens.

I've been I've been with UNISYS now for 5 years. I've had a whopping 2 callouts after hours. That one of them I didn't go on because I said, that's stupid, I'm not going out for this one.

But yeah, I can commit to it. Thank you. That's all I have.

You're welcome. Any other questions? We've talked. I just want to say thank you for stepping up. And that's one of the things that I brought up to Mr. Brazel tonight.

I was like, people talk, talk, talk, but they don't step up. Yeah, yeah, there's a lot of people that want things to change and they want to, but when push comes to shove— I mean, and, and I've— I just— I came to that one first city council meeting and, and I was like, there was so much misinformation and so much— I mean, so much. And I don't want to swear, but it's just a lot of shit going on out there. There's more stuff being flung than an Amish guy cleaning out his barn in the springtime. I mean, it's ridiculous.

And, and I think people need to be educated. They need to have reasonable conversations and not just fly off the handle and not listen to the crap that's going on out there. So if I can help change that I'm gonna.

Awesome. Well, thank you. You're welcome.

All right, ready? Done. Motion's been made and seconded to approve Resolution Number 26-18. Stay there. A resolution of the Houston City Council confirming the appointment of Kevin Allen Adams to the Planning and Zoning Commission.

All those in favor? Aye. Opposed? Motion carries unanimously. Yep, that's why I told him to stay.

We're not letting him get away. We're gonna actually swear him in right now. I'm gonna— yeah, I'm gonna swear him in.

I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States, the Constitution of the State of Alaska, the laws of this city, and I will honestly, faithfully, and impartially discharge my duties as a Planning and Zoning Commissioner to the best of my ability. So help me God.

Thank you, Stefan. Thank you. Thank you.

Okay, there's no new business. There's nothing placed on the table except for—. Well, yeah, there is. I have stuff. Yeah, go ahead.

Um, we have a letter from, uh, Kevin McCabe. Um, we have documents from ADA. We have documents from Sacred Seed Foundation.

And wasn't there something else, or did I get it all? I think that was all. Oh yeah, no, I got that one.

Okay, okay, moving down to audience comments. Would anybody like to speak for 3 minutes?

Samantha Raymond again, and I just wanted to say the Founders Day was an absolute hit. Unfortunately, I was stuck in a booth, but watching everyone walk by, the participation was great. It seemed like everyone was having such a great time. Charlie put in so many miles, bless his heart. I just want to say thank you all for everything and everyone who participated in Founders Day.

Being in Houston for 2 years, it's just a normal citizen, and finally being able to see that, it really gives me a lot of faith in the community and what can be accomplished if people just step up. And it's awesome, and, uh, I hope to be a part of it and drag my husband into it when he gets home and, uh, just see what can continue being done because it was awesome. It was a wonderful event. The fireworks were actually spectacular, and I couldn't stop talking about it afterwards. And the business I was with did really well, good numbers.

So great public participation. So I just want to say thank you, everyone, for everyone involved and everything everyone did. So thank you.

Yeah, it was, it was fun for sure.

Anyone else?

Seeing none brings us down to an executive session, and our executive session has, uh, go ahead. Um, an employee Christian Hartley annual review. Subjects that tend to prejudice the reputation and character of any person provided, the person may request a public discussion.

And I do waive the executive session and ask for public. Okay, I have his evaluation here if you want to start it down there. Pass it through. Start it. I would like to take this time, even though it's not in his review, um, About a year and a half ago, Chief had come and we talked.

He was talking about these rapid response trucks. And then we were able to get some funds from Senator Murkowski's office who helped get us the equipment.

And technically, we didn't ask— we had a truck, but it was actually a public works truck. But Chief convinced me that we needed this fast attack truck. And this is when you have confidence in a director that can see out ahead of things that may happen. And, um, you know, as much as we had to have the other stuff, I, I come to believe that he was correct. And so we got a one, one of them to start with, a new Ford, and he set it up with the pump, and the council all supported it, and It went through and we actually got it.

Well, what people don't know, and then I want to emphasize here, is Chief is always looking out ahead. What do we need to be looking for? What should we be doing as a community? I really appreciate when our directors do that because it's, I mean, part of— I could— that's going to be next month. I get to do it again.

But, but it's important that our people that serve you are thinking in advance. And, uh, I had a gentleman come in and he wanted to know, did you go look at that, that fire they put out with that, those two trucks that just zoomed in there and put them out? I said, well, he goes, well, they didn't really get out, but they got it so it's contained. And that was the entire purpose of those two trucks, was to get— well, the one truck, which he later set up on the second truck for— is they could get the firefighters there quickly without having to drag in all their other stuff. They could at least get somebody there to kind of suppress it until the rest of the folks could show up.

Well, over at Bear Paw Lake this year, there was was a moment. Had they not had that vehicle, we would have had a major burn in this town. And I just personally thought, oh my goodness, how important was that that we did that when we did— when we actually made that decision a year and a half ago. If we wouldn't have, a lot— a big portion of the town would have burn. But because he could respond that quickly, I mean, they were there in 5 minutes putting water on.

And if you looked at the— it was in dead black spruce and burning quite good, and they were able to suppress it till they got help. And I just— I want— Chief, I want to thank you for having the insight to to ask for that. That's a big deal, to have people care that much about what they're doing and get— getting people thinking like that. So as we pass this along, you guys can read it. If you'd like to add anything to it, by all means do.

It's super nice to do this out here. Yes, the public actually gets to hear it. We're not all—. It's not 170 degrees in the mayor's office while we all breathe on each Did you notice?

Oh, well then, okay, free eavesdropping. I felt like I was getting way more than I should have.

Wait, hang on. Good morning.

Classic.

Oh, one important portion. I changed our forms, uh, and that's probably why some of you guys are going, what's going on here? Uh, I, um, had to do it for the, uh, under the union contract to come up with a better evaluation.

And when I did that process, I also made one for the directors so that since I have to do those too, and it, um, it's, it's more in line with their duties, and, um, I think it gives a better— so if it's a little strange looking, that's because it's new.

Anybody have any comments on it or would like to make a comment about Chief? I just want to say thank you, Chief. Thank you for all you do for Houston. And it's, you know, my wife and I had a— we talked about it the other day. Somebody argued with you on Facebook, and that's so rare.

You're, you're a trusted source of information on, on social media, which is well needed in Houston. Um, but you are also just a faithful servant of this community, and we love that you are here. It's awesome. You're an incredible asset to the city. Um, I've seen you in action.

We've I've watched you, I've watched you work a community in such a way where I don't know anyone else in the city that could actually be trusted 99% of the time with what you say. Even if you're right, even if you're giving facts on Facebook, somehow you've managed to gain the trust of most of the community, and that's a huge thing. That's not to be overlooked. People trust you because you're— you do the research, but you're also— you show up for the community. They trust you because you serve.

They trust you because you've sacrificed so much for just serving the people that love to live here. So thank you for being here. I appreciate you.

Anyone else? I'd like to say, um, I mean, we've only been here for just shy of 4 years, and when I think of Houston, I honestly— I've— you're like the first person that pops into my head. You're, you're around for everything, you're around for everybody, and you're the rock of this community. And thank you. Everything you do.

In 18 years, that's great. And use some of your vacation time, you deserve it.

I want to thank you, Chief, for your, for your service. When, when my wife and I, we moved here, you were the first person, I suppose, representing the city that I, that I had met because you were looking for a lost dog and you came up my driveway, um, and it was just such a pleasant introduction. You, um, you're unwavering. So that same immediate trust that we established from— that I, that I felt in with your presence and how you were there, you were friendly You explained the situation, and, uh, and it was just— it was, um, I mean, you had a smile on your face, but you were concerned looking for a lost dog. And, um, and ever— every encounter that I've had with you since then has just reinforced that same genuine generosity.

And like Kent mentioned a moment ago, your servant attitude, your servant leadership You help, and it seems like you have your fingers in everything. And I don't think that anybody has any disparaging words they could ever say about you because of that, just that generosity and that giving nature that you have. You're a true asset to this community. Thank you.

Lisa? I'm one of your firefighters. I have so much to say. It's not going to be as nice. No, just kidding.

Um, I've said it a million times, our standing with the city as a fire department is directly because of your involvement and the way you treat people. And it's evident by what everybody else has said here, the, the presence that you hold in our community and how you lead people, whether it's fire department related or not. People do trust you and people do look up to you. And, um, it's a pleasure to serve underneath you. And I'll expect that $20 afterwards for saying that.

You, you bring the fire department to great heights, and you should be very proud of what you have done for the fire department and our community. Community. So thank you. We love—. We live up here in a world where these seats can change every 3 years, where this seat and that one can change every year.

You are the source of continuity in Houston as far as I'm concerned. If I want to know something that happened before I was here, your recollection of that is the one I'm going to trust. And I think that goes a long way. I don't think a lot of cities like this have the benefit of someone with the duration and the continuity that you have. I appreciate that.

Thank you.

Everybody needs to remember what he said for hopefully next month, but it's another issue.

Uh, continuity is very important in municipal workers. They have so much knowledge of how a city has operated over the years, and the chief is a great source of that. And I'm glad everybody feels the same way. Does anyone have any objections to my, uh, review? No.

Okay. Do I have to— we have to vote on that or no? Do we have to accept the report? I think so. I think so.

Yeah, I'll make a motion to accept the mayor's evaluation of Chief Hartley. I'll second.

Well, actually, technically we got to come out of the executive session to do that. You weren't in it. He waited. He waited. We never went in.

Yeah, yeah, that's right. Should be good. We just said in public. You're right. Very good.

Motion's been made and seconded to approve the mayor's evaluation of Christian Hartley. All those in favor? Aye. Opposed? Motion carries unanimously.

Okay, brings us down to clerk comments.

Okay.

Clerk has some comments.

Clerk's going to try and be nice.

Um, I try and work hard for you guys, and I know everyone's busy, but sometimes I really want to be like E.F. Hutton— when I talk, you listen. Um, for those This is for all of you, but it doesn't necessarily apply to all of you. Um, I send out emails and they don't get answers. At the last meeting, Mayor asked you guys to come up with dates that would work for you to have a work session. I got 2 replies, kind of 2 and a half.

Um, but no confirmed dates, and nobody else ever said anything. So we picked one for you, um, because we got tired of waiting.

I, I need you guys to check your emails, please. And if I ask a question, please answer me. I understand if you're not going to do the read receipt and you don't see it on your phone, that's fine. I understand that. I'll live with that.

But I am always going to try and send everything read receipt.

Please check your emails. We check emails every day. I have to work for you. And if you're not responding to me, how am I supposed to— you know, I need response.

Please. So with that said, Mr. Lewis, Councilmember Lewis, will you be attending the barbecue on the 17th, and will anyone be with you? No.

Yes. Okay, just you, because family members can come, they're invited.

Okay, you will be out. Okay, you'll be gone. I'm gonna be in Kotlik. Okay, and I have your answer. You just canceled.

He can't counsel. Yeah, he'll be, he'll be in my old stomping grounds. Carolyn can come. You want to come, Deb? You can come, Deb.

You can come. Do you guys want to come? I, I have to provide numbers to, um, my wife is depending on you, Mr. Mack. Don't make Deb be there by herself. Can't bring the kids.

She would have done it. She— the only reason she was coming, she thought those were coming. Okay, okay. And the meeting will be— the work session will be on the 23rd, correct? And if there's something I'm not doing for you guys, tell me, let me know.

But please check your emails at least once or twice a week, because sometimes I rapid-fire things because all of a sudden we're— Marish sending me information and you guys got to have it, and I never know if you read it. So just check your emails, please and thank you. And the flag pole, I'm still waiting for parts. Mayor had to order special parts because it's not really a real flagpole.

Um, if, if the parts aren't here by the time we start elections, I'll hang something off the railing and fly that way. But we do have these inside. But I will get— they will get put back up. Just everyone— I, I've heard rumblings about it, and I just want everyone to know we are fixing it.

And early voting starts on the 21st if you want to vote early. It goes from the 21st to the day before the election, which is October. Oh my goodness, Charlie, what day is our election? The 5th. It's the 5th.

Yeah, it's the 6th. Okay, so it goes from the 21st through the 5th, and you can vote here Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM, and then on Election Day we'll be open at 7:00 until 8:00 PM.

And if anybody wants to be an election worker, come fill out my little form.

I—. We can use more. I have, I have enough, but we could use more because we have another part of it that needs to be done. And a lot of times people like separate people to do that part that then did the day of. So, but we usually don't have enough people, so it's always usually the same.

So if anyone wants to be a worker, come fill out the form quickly and we'll train you. Thank you. That it? Yep. Okay, Council, um, How about you?

Me? Yeah. All right, I just want to say thank you to everyone that showed up tonight. Um, thank you to Kelvin. I appreciate you being here and just, uh, just the way that you handled it.

I really appreciate it. Um, if, if this is something that moves forward, I look forward to working with you to do what's best for the City of Houston. I believe that you guys do do have our best interest in mind. So thank you for, uh, just sharing all the information. It, it's— with so many unknowns, it's good to have a reliable source that has facts that can come and speak to us and kind of share the idea behind what you're up to.

And I think that, that helped me a lot to understand, you know, where your guys's mind is at. So I appreciate that. Um, yeah, thank you to everyone who worked on Founders Day. It It was an awesome time. Our kids absolutely love it.

It was a great parade, great weather this year. Don't always get that good of weather for Founders Day, so that was really fun. And I know there's a ton of work that goes into it, and the people that put it on, people that worked hard, our city staff. Charlie, I know you were out there. That's how you're running around like crazy.

And, um, 20 miles. Yeah, that's awesome. No, so there's, there's just a lot of people that put a lot into it, and that is recognized. It is, it's a, it's our big event that we have for Houston, and it's a big deal. So, and, you know, celebrating our 60th this year was another big deal, and, you know, that's pretty cool.

So, um, other than that, oh yeah, I guess we had a, we had several people showed up, um Thank you to Mr. McCabe, Mr. Osher, and just, man, we have an awesome audience. I appreciate you stepping up for the planning and zoning. That's a huge need in our city right now. We have not been able to move forward on several things, and so it's, you know, when we're hoping for positions to be filled, we're not just hoping for anybody. We We hope that there's someone with something to offer.

We hope that there's somebody with some experience, with, uh, some knowledge, people that like to get things done. And so I appreciate your experience that you do have. It's going to be very helpful, especially when we're trying to figure out legislation for not just any data center but industries that would come into Houston to make a substantial change in a positive direction. And so I think we can and work together to make that happen. So I appreciate you stepping up.

Other than that, probably forgetting something, but thank you to the City Council. This was an awesome meeting. I haven't seen this many smiles and laughs on the City Council and heard this much clapping in City Hall since I've started 3 years ago. So thank you guys for a great meeting. It was awesome.

Thank you, Christian, for everything you do. Your, uh, well of knowledge. Um, I know I've asked you many times for things that have gone on or whatever for history, and thank you for everything you do do. Kevin, thank you for your seat on the Planning and Zoning. It's— I wish there's more people that were up there so we had some backups and stuff for doing doing other things too for the rec.

And thanks for everybody else that showed up and talked. Knowledge is a beautiful thing to have. It keeps— it's better than people guessing and throwing weird things out there and just with no backlash or whatever. So, um, I guess That's all I can say. Thank you.

I did have one more thing. Yeah, I just wanted to say thank you to James Hastings, um, for his work with the Winter Warriors. Um, that seems like an awesome program, and I'm really looking forward to seeing what they can do. Seems like they got a great team that can do a lot of good in this community. And so very thankful that, uh, we had that Woods Grant that came through so that we would have the equipment to rent out for that, that's a, that's a big deal.

So a really good use of that equipment that came in. So awesome. Thank you, James. I'm done. I won't say anything else.

Okay, Lisa, what do you think? Callie first? You want me? Let's, let's have yours. Me?

Okay. Um, I would thank you, say thank you to everyone who came out tonight, and thank you to those watching at home. I always appreciate every single one of you that comes out. A special thank you to everyone who came up here and spoke. I truly appreciate hearing from everyone, whether or not I agree with you on, on some issues.

I— it's important that we talk and we have that dialogue. So I thank you for coming out here and talking. Um, I'd like to thank Mr. Adams for stepping up to Planning and Zoning. I think I think you have a great background and I'm really looking forward to seeing what you can bring to the city and everything. So thank you very much for that.

Thank you to Mr. Hastings. I think it's a very special type of work that they do for our community members. And I really like that they're collaborating with our city to get that help out there to more people. So thank you very much for that. Charlie, dude, you nailed it at Founders Day.

Like, man, you had sweat porn and everything. You were running around like crazy. So thank you very much for everything you did, because like I said, you were going crazy. I would also like to thank my fellow firefighters for everything they did for Founders Day. They're there early.

They are the last ones to leave. Um, some of them come in having worked other jobs and then spend all day at Founders Day setting up, provide security during the day. It's an honor to serve with the guys that I do. They're a wonderful bunch, and they don't get thanked enough for what they do. They don't expect thank yous, but I want them to know how much I appreciate them and all they do for our community.

So thank you to all the guys at the fire department. Um, the Houston Fire Department Auxiliary will be having a bake sale this Saturday at the Houston Gas Station. Shout out to the Houston Three Bears for always supporting the fire department and letting us hang out there for a while. Uh, we'll be there from 11 to 3 PM. Uh, October 10th, we will be having our fire Prevention Week open house here at Fire Station 9-1, so come out and visit us that day.

Um, 9/11, 25 years. It's hard to believe it's been 25 years since that day. Um, my family and I were stationed at a submarine base in Connecticut at the time. I'll never forget the bright blue skies that day. Uh, we don't need to just take a day to remember the people and the events of that day.

Honor them by remembering them every day in everything you do. And also remember that more people have actually died from 9/11-related illnesses than were killed that day. The people who are down there for days and months on end going through the rubble and all their sacrifices. And they're still sacrificing for us with these illnesses. So remember them every day in, in the way you act, in the way you treat others.

Don't let what we lost that day just, just fade away. When you say never forget, mean it. Mean it in your actions every single day as a U.S. citizen. Um, and that's all I've got.

Okay, uh, so first of all, I want to express my gratitude to Mr. Hastings. Um, I think he left earlier. Yeah, he bolted out of here pretty quick, right? But that was just so, uh, inspirational, uh, the kindness in that, in that man's heart and the good deeds that he does. Um, it's— it— I think that, that type of attitude is— it can be tremendously contagious.

So, so very grateful that he's, he's a part of the community and, and is working to improve this in, in every way he can, um, and recruiting others to do the same. So, so also I want to express my gratitude to Mr. Adams. Thank you. Welcome to the team. We're going to do good things.

Uh, Kelvin, I shook your hand earlier. I want to reiterate here publicly, uh, communication and, and the, um, the, the, the fact that you're here and you're listening and you're talking straight, that's, that's, that's all we need. That's, that's what makes this whole system work is, uh, is having that open communication, that open dialogue. And it was, it was, I think it was very refreshing to, to, to work through that, that session with you where we could get to the bottom of many issues. It was a pleasure to approve the, uh, the, the appraisal of your performance.

Uh, reading through the comments and so forth. Uh, I'm just— I'm proud to be in your presence because you are a pillar of this community. Good job.

And thank you for everybody coming tonight. Thank you for, uh, the, the public participation. That's, again, communication. That's what makes this work. That's it.

So I would like to just again thank everybody for coming, um, and I'm really glad that we had a representative here from ADA, like, face to face talking to us. As a council member, there's nothing more irritating than having somebody that is supposed to be here talking to us call in, because most of the time you can't understand a word that they're saying. And just to be able to look somebody in the eye goes a long way. So I really appreciate you coming. Um, Kevin, welcome aboard.

Thanks for stepping up. We need more of our community members to do that as well.

I guess I'm just— we got a handout here about the hemp.

This is very interesting to me, and I think, you know, this is a green, green industry. And then we have the potential to have Grizzlywood, which is another green industry. Green industry coming to Houston. And, and in my mind, maybe that is a good route for us to go, you know, bringing green industry to Houston, things that are gonna better our environment, our community, and bring jobs.

So, but yeah, that's all I have to say.

Sort of the nice thing about going towards the end, everybody's kind of said everything that should be said, so I'll keep it nice and short. Thanks to everybody for coming, um, I really appreciate the input. If anybody on the council needs help getting their email on their mobile device, our licensing includes that. I will come to you and help you.

Please shoot me an email, call me, something, and we'll get it on your phone so that it can become part of the idle rolling thing you can do on your mobile device while you sit at a stoplight or whatever.

Thanks. Okay, well, this was a pleasure to listen to everybody tonight. Um, I just want to thank everybody. Thank you. Thank the chief and everybody that makes the city work.

It was a long, hard day, so I'm ready to call it a day.

Adjourning at 9 o'clock.