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City Council Elects to Not Vacate Right-Of-Way, Moves Fiscal Year 2019 Budgets Forward

Two NPD officers take their oaths of office, led by City Clerk Bryant Hammond, during a regular City Council meeting. Photo Credit: Davis Hovey, KNOM (2018)

Before concluding Tuesday night’s meeting, the Council approved a resolution to increase the mill rate from ten to 11 for this calendar year (2018) and authorized the lease of municipal property to the Federal Aviation Administration for an eight-year period. One ordinance that didn’t pass would have vacated the right-of-way in block 96 of Tobuk Alley.

On Nome Council’s Agenda: Municipal Property Ordinances, Budgets

Nome City Council members review budget items. Photo: Matthew F. Smith, KNOM.

If passed, one ordinance would authorize the Nome City Council to lease a tract of land near the Nome airport to the Federal Aviation Administration for eight years, at a cost of $1,806.39 annually. The second ordinance that could pass tonight is set to vacate the right of way in a section of Block 96 that intersects with Tobuk Alley.

Nome City Budgets Not Yet Finalized; Resolution On Sexual Assault Postponed for Discussion

City of Nome Council Chambers. Photo: Margaret DeMaioribus; KNOM

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.

Nome Truck Fire Still Under Investigation

Nome Police investigators examine the truck that caught fire in the parking lot of Old St. Joe's.

According to Nome Police, the vehicle’s sole occupant at the time made it out of the pick-up with the help of bystanders. Gasoline was smelled at the scene, and a gas can was found in the truck.

Two Murder-Related Cases Continued Down the Line at Nome Courthouse

Alaskans awaiting arraignment in Nome's courthouse. Photo: Matthew F. Smith, KNOM file.

Back in July, 38-year-old Frank Johnson of Nome allegedly stabbed a Nome Police officer with a kitchen knife. In a separate case, 43-year-old Frank Lee of Teller allegedly stabbed and killed 31-year-old William A. Johnson of Utqiagvik. Both cases were granted a continuance and will have further hearings in the coming months.