Council Unanimously in Favor of Port Tariffs and Regulations, Despite Debate Over Rate Effects on Users
Councilman Gerald Brown said that he understood why Sitnasuak would be in favor of this ordinance, and if passed without changes, it (the ordinance) could be seen as limiting other business in Nome’s waters. Ukallaysaaq Tom Okleasik said he wouldn’t characterize the situation like that and reiterated his view that this tariff ordinance would encourage investments in the local economy and boost onshore infrastructure.
Old Museum and Library Building to Be Sold, City Council Decides
Tom Moran explained that Mason Evans, the interested buyer, plans to turn the old museum and library building into a retail marijuana dispensary. Councilman Mark Johnson took issue with selling the historic building for the purposes of furthering the marijuana industry in Nome, but the rest of the Council voted in favor of selling the property.
In 3-2 Vote, City Council Declines to House Sex Offenders at Nome’s Halfway House
After more than an hour of discussion, the Nome City Council decided not to allow sex offenders who are actively receiving treatment to stay at the Seaside halfway house.
Remains of Polaris Hotel Demolished, Being Removed; Report on Cause of Fire Still Unreleased
According to the City, Q Trucking was awarded the contract to demolish, remove, and haul away the Polaris wreckage by December 26th. In terms of what originally caused the Polaris Hotel to burn down, the investigation into the fire has essentially concluded, but Papasadora says the report is still being put together by the various entities involved.
City Council Discussion on Sex Offenders at Seaside Continues; Final Decision Yet to Be Made
The Council was split three-to-three on an ordinance to change the Nome Code of Ordinances to allow sex offenders who are actively receiving treatment to be housed at Seaside. The tiebreaker vote came to Mayor Richard Beneville, who voted yes in favor of moving the ordinance on to the second reading phase.
Older Draft of Nome’s Junk Motor Vehicle Ordinance Fails — But Two Newer Ones Move On
The Nome City Council passed an ordinance to amend Title 5 and Title 18 with an updated definition of a junk motor vehicle. They also voted in favor of prohibiting the storage of junk motor vehicles in all zoning districts except the industrial one, and implementing fines for any violations. Both ordinances now go to the second reading phase.
Public Intoxication Ordinance Fails; City Seeks To Buy Old Masons’ Property
An ordinance to prohibit intoxication in public right-of-ways was voted down. For $20,000, the City of Nome could buy the west half of the Masonic and City cemeteries, providing more space for community members to be buried until a new cemetery area is designated.
Alcohol Related Ordinances Postponed, City Manager’s Contract Unofficially Renewed
Councilman Stan Anderson requested that an ordinance limiting the hours of liquor sales and an ordinance for a ten percent excise tax on alcohol be kicked off the agenda. The Council unanimously approved, with the intention to bring them back after holding a work session on August 14th.