Regional Wellness Conference Focuses on Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence
Sexual assault and domestic violence have been discussed more frequently in Nome recently. Kawerak and the Bering Sea Women’s Group continued that public conversation earlier this month by hosting a regional wellness conference.
Nome City Budgets Not Yet Finalized; Resolution On Sexual Assault Postponed for Discussion
At Monday’s council meeting, City Manager Tom Moran said Nome is currently projected to be almost $2 million “in the hole” for FY ’19. Those numbers could change, as the City budgets are not finalized yet. Also on Monday, both council members and Nome citizens supported postponing a resolution on improving local responses to sexual assault, so that the wording of the resolution can be revised.
In Council’s Agenda: Budgets, Resolution on Sexual Assault Against Alaska Natives
On the Council’s agenda for May 14 is a resolution to support justice for Alaska Native victims of sexual assault and other violent crimes. This measure was written in response to last week’s work session, where a group of Nome citizens voiced their concerns about what they say is systemic discrimination against Alaska Natives.
Nome Citizens Seek Reform, Citing ‘Deficiencies in Public Safety’ for Alaska Natives
A group of citizens in Nome is calling for change in the handling of sexual assault cases — and the City Council says it’s listening.
City Continues Lease Agreements with Federal Aviation Administration, Supports Graphite Creek Mine
A land lease regarding Newton Peak has existed for years between the City of Nome and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and will continue for another ten years. Before adjourning the regular meeting, the Nome City Council passed a resolution to support the Graphite Creek mining project.
Shelter to Close Early; Police Chief Asks for Action Plan for Nome’s Homeless
“We paid quite a bit of overtime this year and used our salary dollars before we normally would have done that,” Rhonda Schneider said of NEST’s early closure this season. She and the NEST team hope that people without a place to go can find somewhere safe to sleep while NEST is closed.
2018 NJUS Budget Passed; Reps From State LNG Project Visit During Council Meeting
No comments were made, no discussion took place: all five present councilmen voted “yes” to approve the NJUS budget. Slightly more time was spent on the Council’s only piece of new business: an ordinance to transfer municipal property to Jessica and Howard Farley, Jr., through a lease agreement.
‘18 NJUS Budget Is Main Item of City Council Meeting
The Nome City Council has a slim list of business on the agenda for tonight’s regular meeting. An important item, though, is the second reading of the 2018 Operations and Maintenance budget for Nome Joint Utility System (NJUS). The City Council’s regular meeting convenes Monday at 7pm in Council Chambers.
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.
Nome City Council to Consider Port Tariff Amendments
Nome City Council could make the final decision on a controversial ordinance regarding Port tariffs at tonight’s regular meeting. Vitus Energy is urging the Nome City Council not to create regulations that they say could cause the City to lose sales tax revenue.