Cordova: July 1, 2026 - City Council Regular Meeting

Recording. It's processing.

Uh, will people join me in the Pledge of Allegiance, please?

Pledge of Allegiance to the new flag of the United States of America and to the Republic of Georgia. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Okay, and can the clerk call the roll, please?

James Astro, absent. Lee Collins, here. Deborah Adams, here.

Aaron Hanson absent. Casey Kinsman absent. Wandy Rainey here. Mike Mickelson here.

4 Present. We have a quorum. We have a quorum. Thanks everybody. So we've got the agenda before us.

I understand that some people are a little bit time limited tonight, and I wondered if anybody wants to consider— any of the council members want to consider moving the action items up on the agenda a little bit so that we can be a little bit more expeditious about people's time? I'm in support of that.

Uh, would somebody Let's see, um, we need to, uh, approve the agenda. Maybe somebody wants to make a motion to approve the agenda and then, um, make a motion to amend it. What do you want us to—. It needs to go— I think we, we need public comment. We need public comment, and then after public comment, be able to move.

So above G? Yeah, and the 3 action items on the back. Yeah, so new and unfinished business, move up to G, right? Or make it like minus pending agenda, F8 or something, F.5 or something. Okay, um, I move we approve the regular agenda with the change of item 10, 11, and 12 moving to F4, 5, and 6, I guess, or A, B, and C. Let's do that instead of putting numbers on them.

F—. Uh, A, B, and C after chairpersons and representatives for commissions in the, uh, we're just going to do 10, 11, and 12 up to there. Okay.

I'll second. Thanks. So it's been moved and seconded to amend the regular agenda. Is there further discussion on that?

All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. Aye. Aye. Aye.

Aye. Okay, I would say any opposed, but that was all the people present, so Okay. So then let's move on to— so the agenda has been approved. We'll move on to disclosures of conflicts of interest and ex parte communication. Does anyone have any conflicts of interest to disclose or ex parte communications held recently?

Communications by and petitions from visitors. We don't have any scheduled guest speakers. Are there audience members who want to make comments on agenda items tonight?

Anybody? Viewer?

I printed out some pictures because I was a little bit late. Tyler, I was a little bit late to get them submitted. It's just like some comparisons between Cordova Harbor and Kodiak Harbor, Kodiak, which is like one of the busiest ports in Alaska. Um, that's kind of reference with some— I better keep one of those. Oh, see that one?

I think you had ones that were emailed to you. Oh yeah, these were the email ones. Think that, yeah, yeah, anyway, it's one of the most, if compared some comparable harbors to Cordova's, and it just also happens to be one of the busiest ones around the state. You can see the, you know, the approach to come to that harbor is narrower than ours. The entrance to that harbor is roughly the same.

These are all pretty approximate measurements, but The best we could do with Google Earth.

And I think that we should just kind of keep that in mind while we're thinking about some of the concerns of the stock we're getting in. So good evening, my name is Tyler Dillon. Hello, I'm Burke and Spring Marine Road. First, I'd like to thank the mayor, city council, city staff, everyone here tonight, those watching online. This project has been a dream of Camp Hughes for many years, and we're incredibly grateful for the opportunity to help make it a reality.

We're here today requesting a small portion of AS220 tidelands adjacent to the Tidewater Development lot. This will square off the water frontage on the property that we are currently in negotiations with the city to purchase. Acquiring this additional piece of land will allow us to construct a dock that will better serve our operations while supporting both the Copper River and Prince William Sound fishing fleets. Uh, we understand the concerns that were raised by the Harbor Commission, and we'd like to briefly address them. First, the navigation for large vessels, towing barges and such through the harbor entrance.

I think that would be a pretty rare occurrence for that area. It could easily be managed by anchoring outside if you had to, or utilizing the T-dock or the Ocean Dock staging area for a slack tide to maneuver whatever you're trying to get in the harbor into the harbor. If the conditions were dangerous to enter the harbor with our proposed dock in place, it would most likely be dangerous to enter as it currently is. Even with our proposed dock in place, I'm sure there will still be— uh, sorry, I'm muttering. Even with our proposed dock in place, there will still be 500+ feet of navigable water between the dock face and Spike Island.

I'm confident that experienced mariners will continue to view the Currituck River Harbor entrance as safe, accessible, and fully functional. This project does not narrow the harbor entrance, it simply results in slightly different approach while maintaining ample room for safe navigation. Second, concerns regarding dock lighting affecting the visibility. We're fully committed to work with the city and the U.S. Coast Guard to develop and obtain approval for an appropriate lighting plan for that dock so it would be, you know, as least invasive as possible. Third, the existing Coast Guard navigation light We will definitely have to work with the Coast Guard and coordinate throughout the project to ensure all navigational aids remain properly located, fully accessible, and compliant.

I think the Coast Guard's going to know to build something if we angry with the lights, so we'll make sure that's addressed. We understand that the change can be difficult, especially in places that people know and care about, but we truly believe this project represents positive change. It will strengthen our commercial fishing infrastructure, support local fishermen, create jobs, contribute to Pearl's long-term economic future while maintaining safe public access and navigation. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Thank you.

Good evening, Madam Mayor, City Council members, and city staff. On behalf of our family and Camp Tuzelas around Seafoods, I would like to sincerely thank the City Council, city staff, and everybody who has supported our proposal to build a seafood offloading dock on the Tidewater Development property. We have received an incredible number of formal letters of support from our fishermen, community members, organizations, local businesses, and we are truly grateful for the support. We're very proud of our relationships. Um, as Council has already approved moving forward with the concept of this project, tonight's request is simply the next step.

In implementing that decision by revising the property boundaries. As part of that process, we present to you the preliminary survey showing the proposed re-plat this evening. As outlined in our original proposal, the re-plat accomplishes 3 important goals. First, it returns the resisting TDOC track back to the public. Second, it sets aside a portion of the property for a future public park And pedestrian access along waterfront property side of the community greatly values.

Third, it includes the deepwater frontage known as ATS 220 that is necessary to construct the approved seafood offloading dock. Working waterfront is— infrastructure is what built Cordova. We believe this proposal represents the thoughtful balance between preserving recreation and investing in our community. Our community's future. By supporting the stock, we are investing in our community's primary industry.

This project will support our local fishing fleet, support jobs, encourage private investment, increase fish tax revenue, and generate lasting economic benefits for future generations. Again, tonight is about taking the next procedural step on a project that council has already approved. We appreciate your partnership. Consideration and the opportunity to continue investing in Cordova's future. Thank you very much.

And, um, I'm here to speak in support of the disposal of 4,100 square feet of lot ATS 220. I've been a commercial fisherman based out of Cordova for nearly 20 years and have navigated harbors from here all the way to Astoria. Cordova is neither the easiest nor the hardest. The T-Dock, Ocean Beauty, Trident, and especially our fuel dock can be much more difficult to navigate than our harbor entrance. Ken Chu's planned dock will not change any of that.

We make do in this town with very little waterfront, and we all accommodate each other to I think this small patch of water is a small accommodation. I know that the staff looking views on building a dock down there, and I appreciate that City Council has weighed those views and decided to move forward in the process to help Kim to build a dock. That is another step in that process. Let's keep moving forward. Thank you.

Any other audience comments?

Okay, it's a sunny evening.

Okay, well then we could—. Excuse me—. We can move on to chairpersons and representatives of boards and commissions.

Um, excuse me, typically those are the board of school board. Is there anybody wants to speak to that?

Um, all right, so then let's move on. We agreed to amend the agenda, so we're going to take up our, uh, new and miscellaneous business items next.

So we've got, um, Council action on the disposal and method of disposal for a portion of Alaska Tide Survey 220. Madam Mayor? Yes. I move to dispose of the requested portion of ATS 220, approximately 360 square feet in size, as outlined in Code of Openness Code 740060B by, um, Negotiating an agreement with the party who submitted the letter of interest to lease or purchase the property. Second.

It's been moved and seconded, um, moved by Rainey and seconded by Collins. Um, would you like to speak to the motion? Um, I just think with this came the request to fix the property lines down there so they could do a trade-off. And I don't see any reason why this would be an issue. I don't think it's going to lose anything with the boat parking then in the front.

And, uh, I certainly like to be able to see the Rutzers be able to do what they want to do. That's just Councilor Collins.

Yeah, same feelings on the issue. I think it's more just about them having legal access to the front of their warehouse, uh, see if it causes any future issues, that owning this part of the roadway.

Any, um, folks online? Council Member Adams or Mickelson, do you have any comments? I'm in support of this. It seems like it's a, it's a very obvious solution to some problems that we should, we should definitely address since we have the chance.

I'm in support of it as well. It seems like a simple way to solve what is a awkward situation. So, thank you.

Okay. Hearing no further discussion, all those in favor of moving to dispose of the requested portion of AS220, about 360 square feet, by negotiating an agreement with the Rutzers, who submitted a letter of interest Please signify by saying aye. Aye. Aye. Any opposed?

Same sign.

Motion carries.

Okay, so then we're on to council action on disposal and method of disposal for a portion of Lots 4A and 4B of the Harville subdivision.

Yes, I move to redesignate the requested portion of land from not available to available on the land disposal map and to dispose of the requested portion, lots 4A, 4B, Harville subdivision, approximately 1,780 square feet in size, as outlined in ordinance code 7.40.060B.

By negotiating an agreement with the party who submitted a letter of interest to lease the, uh, or purchase the property.

Second. It's been moved, um, by Council Member Rainey and seconded by Collins. So, Council Member Rainey, since the other portion of the, the rez— I really have nothing to add from all the information in the packet.

Yeah, same issue, I think, is same issue as the previous action, I guess. Yeah, just that.

Okay, uh, Council Member Adams or Council Member Mickelson?

I'll be supporting this.

I will as well.

Sounds pretty straightforward. All those in favor of the motion to redesignate the requested portion of land from not available to available on the land disposal map and to dispose of the requested portion of Lots 4A and 4B, Harville Subdivision, by negotiating an agreement with the party who submitted the letter of interest. Please signify by saying aye. Aye. Aye.

Aye. Uh, oh, any opposed? Same sign. Motion carries.

Moving right along, uh, now we will consider council action on disposal and method of disposal for portion, um, another portion of Alaska Tide Survey 220, approximately 4,100 square feet. Yes, I move to dispose of the requested portion of ATS 220, approximately 4,100 square feet in size, as outlined in the Fargo Municipal Code 7.40.060, by negotiating an agreement with the party who submitted the letter of interest to lease or purchase the property.

So, um, so it's been moved by Council Member Rainey and seconded by Collins and Council Member Rainey. This is the next step in getting the processing area taken care of, and I believe that it makes sense and it doesn't impede our harbor, and I'd like to see things move forward with CAM 2's expansion. Thank you. Council Member Collins.

Yeah, I'm, uh, in support of this. Really happy to see it happen. CAM 2 could really use the stops they're offloading, and I don't see it impeding our harbor as well anymore than boats of TDOT already do, because again, they're on gate in the harbor and see this as— yeah, really positive thing for—.

Council Member Adams or Mickelson? Yeah, this is a positive step forward, so I'm in support of it, and I'd like to see CAM realize what their plans are.

I'll be supporting this. I think, uh, I certainly hear the concerns of, of some of the our community members about the mouth of the harbor, but I've certainly been other places with narrower harbors with just as big of boats coming through and just as much traffic. So I think, I think this is a really important, um, thing for us to pass. And, uh, yeah, we, we just need to support this business that's been supporting our community. And, um, I'll be voting yes.

Thanks.

Um, another round of comments. Anybody have anything you want to add?

Hey, all those in favor of the motion to dispose of the requested portion of ATS 220, approximately 4,100 square feet in size, as outlined in the Cordova Municipal Code 7.40.060, by negotiating an agreement with Cam 2's Alaska Wild Seafoods, please signify by saying aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Any opposed?

Same sign.

Shoo carries.

Great, thank you.

Okay, so then we'll go back to the rest of our regular agenda, and we have the consent calendar.

Yes, right. I move to approve the consent calendar.

Exactly. Yeah, me too.

Uh, we just— we've got 4 sets of minutes. For folks following along online, we've got 4 sets of minutes in the consent calendar and occurrence of the mayor's appointment of David Phillips to serve as the city representative on the Prince William Sound Aquaculture Board of Directors. That's not consent calendar. Roll call? Um, yeah, yeah, yeah.

For approval of the consent calendar, please make a motion.

Mike?

Lee Collins? Yes.

Absent. Randy Rainey? Yes.

Deborah Adams? Yes. Mike Mangelson?

Yes. Then calendar passes. So, okay, we took care of improvement units. We don't have any bids for contracts. We have reports of officers next.

So I got my report in late, so it wasn't, I don't think, actually in the packet, but I think it was in people's boxes. And I've just been following the state operating budget and, um, yeah, I plan on contacting our state delegation and urging them to have an override vote on the Community Assistance Program, which the governor vetoed.

$20 Million. I attended, as did the city manager and the school superintendent, Rural Health Transformation Program work session that was on Monday. There was another one yesterday morning, and maybe you have more to add about that, Sidem. But the Rural Health Transformation Program, maybe folks already know this, there's about $270 million that's coming to the state just in one year. And so the State Department of Health folks are doing a series of community meetings in, around, all around the state, and they're looking for ideas and projects that people are doing locally that can help make progress in the delivery of healthcare within 6 initiatives that the state has identified.

So, yeah, if, if people want to learn more about that, you can look up RHDP. On the state's website. And I think from Cordova, we've had 2 applications that have made it to the final round. I want to say I know the CCMC submitted 2 applications, and I think NVE did one also, and—. And the fire—.

And the fire— okay, EMS folks. Yeah. So there was like one round of kind of winnowing, I think. In fact, you were asked to Submit a letter of interest. Oh, okay.

And then you get asked to move forward. Yeah. So we have been asked to move forward. It's my understanding. Yeah.

Yeah. Okay. So, so that's pretty great. The July 4th celebration is coming up and the chamber is looking for volunteers and also someone from the city to speak. I'm going east because my mom turns 89 next week, so I won't be here.

But if there's a council member who would like to speak at the 4th of July, celebration, that would be great.

I guess people can—. Kathy's here, they could talk to Kathy. I'll be handing out flags, so I'll be there. That'd be great if you want to, yeah, say hello and welcome. So yeah, the chamber is looking for volunteers.

Also, the, I think there are calls going around looking for volunteers for Salmon Jam, which is 2 weeks from Saturday.

And let's see, I attended, as did some city staff, there's an AML-sponsored asset management webinar series that I've been listening in on. I think I know that Kevin Johnson has participated in those and so has Samantha. The state of Alaska just released a draft policy framework, not the plan itself, but just a draft policy framework for a long-range transportation plan. So that's open for public comment for the month of July. I didn't see anything in particular on there about the ferry, but I know the ferry has its own long-range transportation plans and/or long-range plans, or maybe that's why that's the case.

And I guess I just want to say I made a remark at a previous council meeting that seems to have kicked up a lot of talk about— I was mentioning, you know, we were talking about revenue and there was some discussion about Don't— it wasn't the meeting at which we talked about the mill rate. It was before that, um, where I mentioned, I said, well, you know, there's— in the past we've talked about, uh, a personal property tax, which is a tax on planes, boats, RVs. I think they have something like that in place in Anchorage. Um, and like I said, it kicked up a lot of talk, and I just want people to know that, um, We have not asked staff to research it. We—.

No one on the council has endorsed that. It's not to say that I'm not concerned. I'm very concerned about what happens with our 2027 budget. We've had a super slow start to the gillnet season. That's going to make a big difference in our raw fish tax.

So still some big unknowns that we're going to have to face.

And I know people But we hear people say that we need to live within our means, which obviously is important.

Some say they would close the pool. Some say they would close the museum. Some say close Bedarkey. I think those are huge quality of life assets that people count on for living here. And so we really have to balance those.

And I think too, once you close something, it becomes really hard to reopen it. So that's kind of the worst-case scenario. We might want to think about having a town hall meeting this fall sometime to have a community-wide conversation about revenues and expenses. And we'll—. No, that's— I'm just making casual remarks here.

These are not making plans. We're not setting dates. We're not committing to it. I'm just saying these are things we might want to be thinking about because of the level of concern. So those are my comments, and I'm happy to answer any questions about what was in the written report or anything else.

So I appreciate all communication we're doing.

Very appreciated. And even thank you Thank you.

Um, so okay, we can move on to the manager's report. Thanks. Uh, so you have a— you may be too tall. I'm just a problem child. This—.

Write down a little. Okay. Uh, so just to put a number to the community assistance program, we have that 105 $1,659 budgeted this year.

So we at this point will not be seeing that in the 2027 budget.

I wanted to talk a little bit about— and I won't forget you, Samantha— about the budget tool that we're implementing. We are working very hard to become more and more efficient. You probably really can't explain how spreadsheets being passed around and being used become a nightmare very quickly. So this is going to be very important. It's going to save a lot of time, errors, and just— it will flow out better to staff.

Um, I just want to reiterate, um, at last meeting, Council Member Kinsman asked about what we could spend the $1.9 million from the forest receipts on. It's not obligated. But again, we need to understand where we are and we shouldn't be jumping to spend that money before we know what our revenue looks like. And unfortunately, we don't know other than what gets cut by the state prior to the end of the year. And again, that's, that's in '27, the cuts in '27.

So I would like to sit on it and then let it generate interest, earn us money, and have a discussion about it when we know a little bit more about where we're at. Um, yeah, we're— we will have an audit earlier than we did last year, and it's moving through the process. We're going to have that by September 1st. That will also help us know where we ended last year. And I'm guessing that's not going to do as well as we did the year before.

Um, so also speaking about revenue, I would like to bring an ordinance so we can put this to bed, because every budget year we talk about the MAP tax and bringing vehicle rental and public accommodations up to 7%.

So instead of waiting until October when we're in a frenzy and there's a million things going on, let's just go to a board meeting and we can have that decision. Things—. That means 14% for us now we charge. Correct.

I'm just putting it out there as a revenue source. We ask this question every year. We can do it in two separate ordinances. Um, but let's, let's make a decision on so we know what we're looking for or not looking for. Um, we'll have some estimated revenue with that when we do that.

We also did a, a some work with Holly. Um, I just want to remind council that during the budget in that we were getting ready for '26, we made a deal that we would increase the lawyer costs for the union contract negotiation, and we would talk about annex and lawyer costs in '27. So, uh, the estimate of $80,000 to $250,000— $80,000 with a consultant, $250,000 is not— these are rough, it's not really an unknown, um, But one thing I did learn as we went through it, as I read through it, which we didn't have a lot of time, I really want to read it and understand it. But there is a process, and the first step in the process is a feasibility study. Does it make sense to do this financially?

And, you know, we could budget that feasibility study, get one step done in the process, and then understand if it makes sense. I mean, I do understand. I read some of the things that were generated. But there's a lot of things we don't think about. Do we have to maintain that road?

I don't know how—. I don't even know if we have to. I don't know how we would do it. There's a lot of questions I think that are logistically difficult and would increase the cost. So I would like to get a better understanding of what the obligations are when we annex.

Like, what does that mean? So do a cost-benefit analysis. Yes, which is part of the process of actually doing it. So it's not like we're pushing it out, right? We're still moving forward.

I don't know what that costs, but I could get that number and budgeted in '27. For a reason, a cost-benefit, yeah, earnings study. Yeah.

So now you get to hear the good news from Samantha. Someday I'll get the good news. Thank you, Sam. You're welcome. So, uh, Renosis is flying in on Sunday.

We just got word, so the tech's coming in. They'll start work on Monday morning. The pool is ready for them, uh, and good news just follows that, but, um, The boiler, um, is up and running again. Um, I get fixed it today when he came in off vacation. We had the part for it.

Um, we were waiting a long time for the part. They sent the wrong one originally from Ireland, so it took a little while to get the part. So that's up and running. So it's a lot easier even in these temperatures to have them do the liner and set the glue for it. So, um, and then we're just moving on forward from there.

We'll start filling the pool. And, uh, putting chemicals in it. So, um, it's on the horizon.

I was asked last meeting how, how much we kind of eaten into that budget amendment for the pool, and we're about at $37,000 right now. So that's not including the master plan. That was a separate—. Great.

Yes, what a journey. Yes, I mean, it's been a year, right? Over a year. Yeah, yeah. So yeah, the finish line, I'm optimistic.

I'm hopeful to get up and going soon. Yes, I know. Thank you.

Great. Questions for the manager or So one thing I should mention is I won't be here for the next meeting. I'm on leave starting the 9th through the 21st.

If we have one.

Any other— any questions for the management?

Great, thank you, staff. Thanks for the report, Cheryl, that was super helpful. Yeah, yeah.

Um, City Clerk, I just have a few things, um, to report. Um, the bills for property tax were mailed today. So they should be in everyone's mailboxes the next few days.

Um, Susan is out until July 10th, and the 2025 foreclosure process has been, um, started, and, um, the decree of judgment from the court was put in today. So those will be publicly notified starting tomorrow, the 30 days, in 3 public areas since we no longer have a newspaper.

And everyone on that list will be getting certified letters in the mail. Or fax them. That is all.

They say property tax, Dylan French. Every— well, we're going to be, um, setting up for the primary in August, right? There'll be—. We'll be here for assistance if they need us, but the state has some really great local A regular local election.

Okay, okay, thank you. Any questions for the Deputy Clerk?

Anybody online?

All right, so then we have correspondence, which I know is— was published in the packet. Um, I signed, I didn't write, but I made a few minor tweaks to some letters of support for the, um, to CCMC applications for Rural Health Transformation funds. Um, I did something similar to a letter to Dunley based on some Alaska Municipal League comments. Yeah, that's our correspondence. Happy to answer questions.

And There aren't any. That takes us to audience participation. I'm sorry, pending agenda, pending agenda. Okay, pending agenda.

First question is, do we have— want to schedule a meeting for the 15th?

Are you asking? Well, they didn't want it to sneak past yet. That was their reluctant, yeah. I know, I don't really— but it was, um, man has stuff, was the, or the ordinance. Yes, yes, we actually do.

I forgot about the sales tax. What do we need to do? Uh, so they have— well, Cheryl can talk to it better than I can. The voice in the back. Yes, but also has stuff coming from planning.

Please, um, the remote sellers has a code amendment for us, so we will need to, uh, get that in. The deadline is actually July 35th, but they're going to work with us on that so that we— because we have to get to store. So we do need a July 15th. Okay, it sounds like there's planning work that you need to include. Yeah, what's that?

A planning lease approvals. Yeah, okay.

Okay. Okay. So anything else that folks want to see on, uh, as pending agenda items?

Nice. Okay, so we got a meeting on the 15th, and I'm not hearing about any new items.

Now can we, we move to audience participation? Okay, yeah, members of the audience who want to come speak on any item, um, and we do a 3-minute And it's just to be equitable to everybody. Thanks. Hey, hello, I'm Kathy Renzel, and I'm here on behalf of Cordova Chamber of Commerce for First Street in Cordova. As many of you know, the Chamber is working hard and preparing for the Fourth of July celebration, and we're excited to bring the community together to celebrate our nation's 250th anniversary.

And we hope everyone can come out this Saturday, July 4th. From 12 to 3 PM at the grassy field. We will be putting up the big tent just in case weather-wise. Um, and lots of really great community partners have helped make that happen, including Parks and Rec, DE, True Gash Corp, and others. Um, I mentioned the Fourth of July tonight because it highlights a larger conversation that I, um, think our community needs to have, that community events like this don't happen on their own.

They require months of planning, coordination, volunteers, sponsorships, equipment, insurance, and countless hours behind the scenes. And this year the chamber moved forward despite reduced funding and staff capacity because we believed that this was an important tradition worth preserving, and we had some great partners step forward to really help make sure it happened. For residents in communities like Valdez, Ketchikan, and Fairbanks, the city organizes the event directly using their own municipal staff and resources. In Seward, Sitka, Homer, and Wrangell, the city or borough funds its Chamber of Commerce to organize the celebration on the community's behalf. The approach differs, but the principle is the same.

The celebrations don't happen by accident. They require intentional public investment. It may be free to the public to participate, but it's not free to put on these events. Today, the Chamber is filling that role in Cordova. But it's difficult to foresee a future for doing that without looking at a sustainable path forward for funding the chamber.

Um, we can't realistically commit to organizing last year's Fourth of July celebration if we can't figure out a way to keep the chamber funded. So, um, that is a criticism, and it's not an easy thing to say. It's just simply the reality of our current, uh, capacity. And I just wanted to make it publicly known to the city and to the community that that's the case. The Fourth of July also reflects something bigger.

Um, while it has always been a quality of life tradition for the local community, it recently— we've also seen visitors choosing to spend the holiday weekend in Curitiba for the event. And this is 250th year, and it's also on a weekend, so we're expecting that to be the case here. And that shows how quality of life and destination marketing are closely connected. Years ago, when the city established the accommodation surtax, it also began providing annual funding to the chamber to serve as Curitiba's destination marketing organization. Destination, and those decisions went hand in hand.

Reinvesting visitor-generated revenue into attracting future visitors and strengthening the local economy— that just makes sense. The Chamber has been and continues to be the organization equipped to carry out this work on the city's behalf. This year, much of the work has been significantly reduced for destination marketing due to a loss of funding. Outreach to expedition cruise lines, meeting and conference travelers, and other targeted destination marketing efforts have been— had to be scaled back. So I'm just here to see if we can find a way to move forward together in the future and to say that we value this event and community quality of life events as well as visitor-centered events, that there needs to be larger conversations within the community and within the city to find ways to move forward together.

And on another note, yes, Tammy Jam is 2 weeks away, very excited about that. And we also have our Blues Fest dates out as well. And the Shorebird Festival was a big success with lots of visitors in town from all over that we heard really great things from local businesses about. Cool. So thank you.

Thanks. Oh, and also congrats to Cam too.

Thank you, Mayor and council members. I'm just like to introduce myself. I will be the— I am the new superintendent as of today, I guess. Yes. So yes, I'm very excited, um, to be here.

I've been here for a couple of weeks and have only had positive experiences, um, with everything, the environment as well as the people. Um, as far as the school district goes, just a couple of quick announcements for the public is that we do have a few open positions for next year. Paraprofessional, cook, um, certified teacher, and then a driver. We don't hire the drivers, First Student does, but just for the word that we will be looking for a driver. And then as far as funding goes, I do recognize that, um, I'm becoming part of a community that really supports education and appreciate what was able to be funded for our next school year.

Um, regarding the budget, um, the governor allow the one-time funding to go through in the operating budget with a contingency that it still depends on oil prices. So if they don't remain high, we really don't know. So I think that information comes out the end of August. So we're still just in the waiting period on what our budget looks like for the upcoming year as well. Thank you.

Thank you and welcome.

Pleasure to have you.

Other audience participation?

Audience? Yeah, anybody?

Last call. Okay, uh, council comments. I'm gonna pick on you, Lee, and start on your side of the room, your side of the table.

Yeah, um, yeah, congratulations. Well, I'm excited they're going to have a dock there to use. And we'll just say, for my time using that crane at their dock now, I'm amazed how long they spent using the slowest crane in harbor for all their offloading. So the dock is going to be an improvement.

And the one other comment is, I believe, is the survey is still open till 17th of this month, the Alaska Municipal League has a Safe Streets for All survey that can be done online, and that, uh, is a really, I think, valuable way for us to put input in for any improvements you can see around town, for, uh, all— for, uh, infrastructure for pedestrians, bikers, all, um, just to make our streets safer for everyone. So I encourage everyone to to take, take a chance to look at that and, and do it. Thank you. Yeah, that's a great notice. Um, going to the folks online, Council Member Adams, do you have any comments?

Uh, just briefly, uh, congratulations to CAM 2 and looking forward to what the future is going to bring with a DOC and processing for CAM 2 and growing that business. So I'm excited to see the first step here and to welcome the new superintendent to Cordova. And sorry, I'm going to be missing the Fourth of July.

Thank you. Councilmember Mickelson? Yeah, I'm really excited that we're helping CAM 2 make this a reality so that they can continue to provide excellent processing for our community and support our fishing fleet. And welcome to the new superintendent. It's always nice to see people in the audience making comments.

Thanks.

Thank you, Council Member Meaney. Yeah, thank you, Cheryl, for your reports. That's very helpful. I appreciate those in the packet. And congratulations to Cam too.

I just want to also mention the fact that not only are they bringing, you know, jobs to the community, but they took a lot of derogatory community pushback and are still looking to invest in Cordova, move forward, and not only do that, but take into consideration requests for altering a purchase that they did. And I think that, you know, that's not brought forward enough. I think as a small business, taking community comment to heart and working with that is a huge, huge deal. And I really appreciate the process that they're going through by trying to save some of that waterfront for other folks. And working with negativity to continue to want to expand.

So I appreciate that greatly. Welcome to the new superintendent. I'm really looking forward to working with, working with you and just thanks to Sam for all the work in the packet. There was a lot of information in the packet. I appreciate the planning information, planning and zoning.

That's very helpful. And also can't abuse extras. Thank you for those. Great, thank you. Okay.

Let's see. So yeah, we agree we're going to have the meeting on July. So that'll be the next time we come together. Maybe getting a quorum will be quite so hard. We'll see.

Glad to see the fishing, the sonar count there on Miles Lakes, their numbers start to tick up a little bit. That means there might be some voters on the flat before too long.

Right, well, thanks everybody. With that, one more motion. Move to adjourn.

Second.

Thanks. Thanks, Devin and Mike, for hanging with us online. Okay, have a good evening. Take care.