A resolution urging the Alaska State Legislature to take immediate action on fiscal legislation was voted down during Monday night’s Nome City Council meeting.
This resolution was essentially a letter reminding the Legislature to “do their jobs” to make sure that the state budget passes, or at least, that’s how Councilman Matt Culley sees it. Culley says this is something everyone already knows, so “what’s the point?”
Both Councilmen Stan Anderson and Matt Culley voted no, and without the sixth councilman, Tom Sparks, present for the vote, the Council did not have enough members to pass the resolution. Citizen Sarah Lizak reminded the Councilmen that even though it may seem like a waste of paper, this resolution could make a difference in the Legislature.
“So next time you think about voting something like this down because it won’t make difference, I think that, if we don’t try, then, absolutely, there’s a 100% chance we won’t make a difference, but if we try, at least there is that possibility,” said Lizak.
In other business on Monday night, a new ballot proposition will be available for Nome residents to vote on during the Municipal election this fall. That’s due to the passing of an amended resolution by the Nome City Council during Monday’s session. The suggested city sales tax of seven percent would be in effect during the months of May through August. If residents have “an appetite for raising taxes,” says Councilman Stan Anderson, then it could become reality.
Also during the City Council meeting, three contracts for city vehicle repair were awarded to Nome Machine Works. City Manager Tom Moran says it was previously uncommon for one single company to be awarded all three contracts from the City. The contracts will focus on repair for light duty, heavy duty, and emergency vehicles, respectively.
Councilman Stan Anderson expressed concerns that previous years’ contracts were not followed up on. Going forward, he would like to see these contracts overseen by the current city manager, so that “we can figure out, if nothing else, are we spending too much money on the vehicle, should we get rid of it?” said Anderson.
Tom Moran says the mechanic Trinity Sails and Repair, or TSR, was recommended by the Nome Fire Chief, but the City is obligated to contract with the lowest bidder. Nome Machine Works bid 5 dollars an hour cheaper for labor costs.
Lately, the anticipation of a large cruise ship called Crystal Serenity arriving in Nome has been building. That anticipation was not lacking during the City Council meeting on Monday. A resolution was passed to extend morning hours for alcohol sales in the city specifically on Sunday, August 21st, in preparation for the influx of people from Crystal Serenity arriving into town that day.
Finally, after open comments from the Councilmen came to a close, Mayor Beneville spoke about the recent search efforts for a missing hiker, Joseph Balderas. The room fell silent as Beneville offered a cautioning word for those venturing out into the “wilderness,” but he expressed gratitude for the community’s efforts. Even though the searchers “came back without what they wanted to see happen, we all appreciate it, searchers,” said Mayor Beneville.
The next City Council meeting is scheduled for July 25th at 7pm.
