Houston public meetings in 2022
37 substantive meetings from 2022, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
December 17th Work Session
The Houston City Council is holding a work session to discuss the Capital Improvement Program and specific projects. The agenda also includes training regarding a grader. As this is a work session, no formal votes or decisions are scheduled.
- Capital Improvement Program discussion
- Capital Improvement Projects discussion
- Grader training/discussion
December 8th, 2022 Regular Council Meeting
The Houston City Council will hold public hearings regarding the purchase of a new road grader and the adoption of a long-term Capital Improvement Program. The agenda also includes a funding proposal for Clear Creek Cat Rescue and an agreement for a city financial audit.
- Ordinance 22-14: $51,404.44 for a Caterpillar 140-15 road grader
- Resolution 22-15: Fiscal Year 2024-2030 Capital Improvement Program
- Proposal for funding Clear Creek Cat Rescue
- Agreement with Altman, Rogers & Co for a city financial audit
November 30th, 2022 WORK SESSION
The Houston City Council is holding a work session to discuss focused items for fiscal year 2023 and legislator coordination. The agenda also includes Alaska Municipal League training for newly elected officials. Per city code, no votes or decisions are taken during this work session.
- Discussion of FY23 goals
- Discussion regarding legislator coordination
- Alaska Municipal League training for newly elected officials
November 10th, 2022 Regular Council Meeting
The Council will consider introducing ordinances to amend the FY 2023 budget for a road grader and an extended financial audit. Public hearings are also scheduled regarding liquor license transfers and a marijuana cultivation facility renewal.
- Ordinance 22-14: $51,404.44 appropriation for a Caterpillar 140-15 road grader
- Ordinance 22-15: $70,000 appropriation for an extended financial audit by Altman, Rogers & Co
- Public hearing for Beverage Dispensary License transfer (Houston Lodge)
- Public hearing for marijuana cultivation facility renewal (Freedom 49 Farms LLC)
- Resolution 22-15: Adoption of the FY 2024-2030 Capital Improvement Program
November 8th, 2022 Council Special Meeting
The council will review options for audit services for the 2021-2022 fiscal year and a special audit service covering July 1, 2022, through October 31, 2022. The meeting may also include an executive session with the City Attorney regarding legal advice.
- Review of audit service options for 2021-2022 fiscal year
- Review of special audit service (July 1, 2022 - October 31, 2022)
- Executive session regarding attorney-client communications
November 5th, 2022 Work Session
The Houston City Council is holding a work session to discuss winter road maintenance and contract planning. Per city code, no votes or formal decisions are taken during these sessions.
- Discussion regarding Winter Road Maintenance Roads and Contract Planning
October 31st, 2022 Council Special Meeting
The Houston City Council will review the minutes from the October 17, 2022, special meeting. The council will also consider Resolution 22-14 regarding banking signature card updates and authorizations for the mayor and deputy mayor at Matanuska Valley Federal Credit Union and First National Bank.
- Approval of October 17, 2022, special meeting minutes
- Resolution 22-14: Banking signature card updates and authorizations
October 17th, 2022 Council Special Meeting
The Houston City Council will hold elections for the positions of Mayor and Deputy Mayor. The council also plans to fill vacancies in Council Seats A and D through nominations and elections.
- Election of Mayor and Deputy Mayor
- Filling vacant Council Seat A
- Filling vacant Council Seat D
October 13th, 2022 Regular Council Meeting
The Houston City Council will hold a public hearing regarding Ordinance 22-13 to allocate State of Alaska Community Assistance Program funds to the Public Works Department. The meeting also includes various department reports and an executive session for a performance evaluation.
- Public hearing for Ordinance 22-13 regarding road maintenance and equipment repair funding
- Approval of September 8, 2022, meeting minutes
- Annual performance evaluation for Chief Hartley
October 10th, 2022 Council Special Meeting
The Houston City Council will certify the October 4, 2022, election results and swear in newly elected council members. The meeting also includes the election of a Mayor and Deputy Mayor. Additionally, the council will move to fill the vacancy for Council Seat B.
- Certification of the October 4, 2022, Regular City of Houston Election (Resolution 22-13)
- Election of Mayor and Deputy Mayor
- Filling Vacant Council Seat B
- Swearing in ceremony for newly elected council members
September 8th, 2022 Council Regular Meeting
The Houston City Council is holding public hearings on short-term rental definitions and a rezoning request for Surrat Estates. The council will also consider a $48,792 budget amendment for a sand storage building. Additionally, an ordinance to allocate state funds for road maintenance will be introduced.
- Ordinance 22-08: New definitions and classifications for short-term rentals
- Ordinance 22-09: $48,792 budget amendment for a sand and equipment storage building
- Ordinance 22-10: Rezoning 977 S Kenlar Road from R-1 to MFR
- Ordinance 22-13: Allocation of state funds for road maintenance and equipment repair
September 8, 2022 Regular Meeting
The council approved three ordinances: one adding short-term rental definitions and regulations to the land use code, another appropriating $48,792 for a steel storage building, and a third rezoning a property at 977 S Kenlar Road from single-family to multi-family residential. All passed 5-0. The consent agenda, including road maintenance funding, was also approved.
- Approved Ordinance 22-08 adding short-term rental definitions and regulations to land use code (5-0)
- Approved Ordinance 22-09 appropriating $48,792 for a steel building for sand and equipment storage (5-0)
- Approved Ordinance 22-10 rezoning Surrat Estates Lot 1 at 977 S Kenlar Road from R-1 to MFR (5-0)
- Approved consent agenda including August meeting minutes and Ordinance 22-13 for road maintenance funding (5-0)
August 31st, 2022 Special Council Meeting
The Houston City Council approved Ordinance 22-12, appropriating $28,000 from the Capital Account to the General Account for the Morvro Lake Natural Gas Dana Court utility infrastructure project. The vote was 4-0, with two members absent. No public comments were received. Council members noted the project will help lower heating costs this winter.
- Approved $28,000 transfer for Morvro Lake Natural Gas Dana Court utility project (4-0)
August 25th, 2022 Special Meeting
The council approved Ordinance 22-11, amending the FY 2023 capital budget to appropriate $60,000 from the Capital Account to the General Account for the Morvro Lake Natural Gas project. It also introduced Ordinance 22-12, appropriating $28,000 for the Dana Court utility infrastructure project, and set a public hearing for August 21, 2022. Both votes were unanimous (5-0). Council members expressed support for the natural gas projects, and Deputy Mayor Wilson noted that funding for later phases is not yet secured.
- Approved Ordinance 22-11: $60,000 budget amendment for Morvro Lake Natural Gas (5-0)
- Introduced Ordinance 22-12: $28,000 for Dana Court utility infrastructure, public hearing set (5-0)
August 18th, 2022 Rescheduled Regular Council Meeting
The council will hold public hearings regarding marijuana cultivation licenses and tax code updates. Proposed ordinances include new short-term rental regulations, a property rezoning at 977 S Kenlar Road, and two budget amendments. The meeting also addresses the resignation of Council Member Sandra Porter.
- Rezoning of 977 S Kenlar Road from R-1 to MFR
- $48,792 appropriation for a sand and equipment storage building
- $60,000 appropriation for the Morvro Lake Natural Gas project
- Public hearings for marijuana cultivation licenses
- Acceptance of Council Member Sandra Porter's resignation
August 18, 2022 Regular Meeting
The council approved Ordinance 22-07 amending the municipal excise tax on marijuana, and approved three action memoranda of non-protest for new marijuana licenses (Cold Creek Gardens, Magic Flower, BP ProGro). A resolution to create a legislative delegates team failed on a 2-3 vote. The council also accepted Council Member Porter's resignation and set a process to fill the vacancy after the October 4 election.
- Approved Ordinance 22-07 amending marijuana excise tax code (5-0)
- Approved non-protest for Cold Creek Gardens marijuana cultivation license (5-0)
- Approved non-protest for Magic Flower marijuana license (5-0)
- Approved non-protest for BP ProGro cultivation license (5-0)
- Failed Resolution 22-11 to create a legislative delegates team (2-3)
- Accepted Council Member Porter's resignation and set vacancy-filling process (5-0)
- Introduced Ordinance 22-11 to amend FY2023 capital budget for Morvro Lake Natural Gas project (5-0)
- Introduced Ordinance 22-09 to appropriate $48,792 for a steel building for sand storage (5-0)
August 11th, 2022 Regular Council Meeting
The Council will hold public hearings on marijuana cultivation licenses and tax code updates. It is also introducing ordinances for short-term rental regulations and property rezoning at 977 S Kenlar Road.
- Rezoning of Surrat Estates Lot 1, 977 S Kenlar Road to MFR district
- Ordinance establishing short-term rental classifications
- $48,792 appropriation for a sand and equipment storage building
- $60,000 appropriation for the Morvro Lake Natural Gas project
- Acceptance of Council Member Sandra Porter's resignation
07.14.22 Council Meeting
The council is conducting a public hearing to update marijuana excise tax definitions and rates. Additionally, the council will review non-protest applications for several marijuana cultivation licenses and introduce new land use regulations regarding short-term rentals.
- Public hearing for Ordinance 22-07 regarding marijuana excise tax updates
- Non-protest memorandum for Cold Creek Gardens LLC marijuana cultivation license
- Non-protest memorandum for Yesip, LLC (Magic Flower) marijuana license
- Non-protest memorandum for BP ProGro, LLC cultivation facility license
- Introduction of Ordinance 22-08 regarding short-term rental land use regulations
July 14th, 2022 Council Regular Meeting
The council will hold public hearings on marijuana tax updates and several cultivation licenses. They also plan to introduce an ordinance regarding short-term rental classifications in land use districts.
- Ordinance 22-07: Amending marijuana excise tax code references
- Non-protest for Cold Creek Gardens LLC marijuana cultivation license
- Non-protest for Yesip, LLC DBA Magic Flower marijuana license
- Non-protest for BP ProGro, LLC marijuana cultivation facility license
- Ordinance 22-08: New regulations for short-term rentals
June 9th, 2022 Council Regular Meeting
The Houston City Council will consider the adoption of the FY23 annual and capital budget. The agenda also includes a public hearing for a conditional use permit extension at 15875 West Parks Hwy. Additionally, the council will review updates to personnel policies and marijuana excise tax definitions.
- Resolution 22-08: Conditional Use Permit extension at 15875 West Parks Hwy
- Ordinance 22-07: Amendments to Marijuana Excise Tax code
- Resolution 22-12: Revisions to City Personnel Policies and Procedures Handbook
- AM 22-12: Approval of the FY23 Fee Schedule
- Ordinance 22-05: Adoption of the FY23 annual and capital budget
06.09.22 Council Meeting
The council will consider adopting the FY2023 annual and capital budget under Ordinance 22-05. A public hearing is scheduled for a conditional use permit extension at 15875 West Parks Hwy. The agenda also includes proposed amendments to marijuana excise tax definitions and city personnel policies.
- Public hearing for Conditional Use Permit #12-01 at 15875 West Parks Hwy
- Introduction of Ordinance 22-07 regarding marijuana excise tax definitions
- Resolution 22-12 to revise the City Personnel Policies and Procedures Handbook
- Adoption of the FY2023 annual and capital budget (Ordinance 22-05)
- Approval of the FY23 fee schedule (AM 22-12)
June 9th Regular Meeting
The Houston City Council adopted the FY2023 budget as amended (Ordinance 22-05) and approved an extension to Conditional Use Permit #12-01 for QAP/Colaska at 15875 West Parks Hwy, with an amendment changing the extension to 12 months. The council also approved the consent agenda as amended, approved Action Memorandums 22-13 and 22-12 (with a fee schedule amendment), and postponed Resolution 22-11 to the July 14 meeting. All votes were 4-0 with three members absent.
- Adopted FY2023 budget ordinance 22-05 as amended (4-0)
- Approved Resolution 22-08 extending Conditional Use Permit #12-01 for 12 months (4-0)
- Approved consent agenda as amended, pulling Action Memo 22-12 to new business (4-0)
- Approved Action Memorandum 22-13 (4-0)
- Approved Action Memorandum 22-12 as amended, adding 'Hourly' to Fire Department fees (4-0)
- Postponed Resolution 22-11 to July 14, 2022 (4-0)
May 12th, 2022 Council Regular Meeting
The Houston City Council will hold public hearings regarding the adoption of the FY 2023 annual budget and a $4,815.00 fire department grant. The council also plans to consider several departmental budget transfers and the appointment of a new Public Works Director.
- Public hearing for FY 2023 annual budget adoption (Ordinance 22-05)
- Public hearing for $4,815.00 Volunteer Fire Assistance Grant (Ordinance 22-06)
- Extension of Conditional Use Permit #12-01 at 15875 West Parks Hwy
- Appointment of George Thompson as Public Works Director
- Creation of a City Legislative Delegates Team
May 12th, 2022 Regular Meeting
The Houston City Council approved the FY2023 budget ordinance (22-05) after a series of amendments, including changes to animal control funding, payroll taxes, and capital projects. The council also approved a $4,815 fire grant appropriation (22-06), extended a conditional use permit, updated banking signatures, and confirmed the Public Works Director. A resolution to establish a legislative delegates team was postponed to the next meeting.
- Approved FY2023 budget ordinance 22-05 with amendments (6-0)
- Approved $4,815 Volunteer Fire Assistance Grant appropriation (6-0)
- Approved extension of Conditional Use Permit #12-01 at 15875 W Parks Hwy (6-0)
- Approved Resolution 22-09 updating banking signature card (6-0)
- Approved Resolution 22-10 confirming George Thompson as Public Works Director (6-0)
- Postponed Resolution 22-11 on legislative delegates team to June 9 (6-0)
- Approved consent agenda as amended (6-0)
05.12.22 Council Meeting
The council will consider adopting the $1,375,920.00 annual and capital budget for Fiscal Year 2023. The agenda also includes budget amendments, fund transfers, and the appointment of a new Public Works Director.
- Adoption of Fiscal Year 2023 annual budget totaling $1,375,920.00
- Ordinance 22-06: Appropriation of $4,815.00 from a Volunteer Fire Assistance Grant
- Resolution 22-08: Extension to Conditional Use Permit #12-01 at 15875 West Parks Hwy
- Confirmation of George Thompson as Public Works Director
- Establishment of a City Legislative Delegates Team
April 14th, 2022 Regular Meeting
The Houston City Council approved Ordinance 22-02, appropriating $15,758 from the general fund for ballot tabulators, after a motion to postpone indefinitely failed 2-5. They also approved Ordinance 22-03 for $43,883.60 for firefighting turnouts, Ordinance 22-04 rezoning three lots from PLI to R1, and Action Memorandum 22-08 for a liquor license non-protest. The consent agenda was approved, including a $4,815 volunteer fire assistance grant.
- Approved Ordinance 22-02: $15,758 for ballot tabulators (5-2)
- Failed motion to postpone Ordinance 22-02 indefinitely (2-5)
- Approved Ordinance 22-03: $43,883.60 for firefighting turnouts
- Approved Ordinance 22-04: Rezoning three lots from PLI to R1
- Approved Action Memorandum 22-08: Non-protest for Bear's Den Liquor license renewal
- Approved consent agenda including $4,815 volunteer fire assistance grant
04.14.22 Council Meeting
The council is considering ordinances to fund new ballot tabulators and firefighting gear. The meeting also includes rezoning requests for residential lots and discussions on city personnel policies.
- Ordinance 22-02: $15,758 for ballot tabulators and election equipment
- Ordinance 22-03: $43,883.60 for firefighting turnouts and related equipment
- Ordinance 22-04: Rezoning lots in Enchanted Forest and Woody Lakes South to R1
- AM 22-09: $36,000 fleet maintenance agreement with Mat-Su Borough
- AM 22-10: $65,896.53 for 16 radios from ProComm Alaska
April 14th, 2022 Council Regular Meeting
The Houston City Council is holding public hearings on ordinances to amend the FY2022 budget for election equipment and firefighting gear. The council will also consider rezoning lots in the Enchanted Forest and Woody Lakes South subdivisions. Additionally, the council will discuss updates to city personnel policies regarding pay rates and authority.
- Ordinance 22-02: $15,758.00 budget amendment for ballot tabulators and equipment
- Ordinance 22-03: $43,883.60 budget amendment for firefighting turnouts and equipment
- Ordinance 22-04: Rezoning lots in Enchanted Forest and Woody Lakes South subdivisions to R1
- AM 22-09: $36,000 fleet maintenance agreement with Mat-Su Borough
- AM 22-10: $65,896.53 grant expenditure for radios from ProComm Alaska
March 10th 2022 Regular Meeting
The Houston City Council approved Resolution 22-02, accepting the Fiscal Year 2021 Financial Statement and Federal Single Audit Certification, and Resolution 22-04, confirming Rebecca Rein as City Clerk and updating banking signatures. Both items passed with votes of 5-0 and 4-1 respectively. The meeting also included public comments thanking outgoing City Clerk Sonya Pevan for her service.
- Approved Resolution 22-02 accepting FY2021 financial statement and federal single audit (5-0)
- Approved Resolution 22-04 confirming Rebecca Rein as City Clerk and updating banking signatures (4-1)
- Approved consent agenda (5-0)
- Approved meeting agenda (5-0)
03.10.22 Council Meeting
The Houston City Council will discuss budget amendments to fund new ballot tabulators and firefighting gear. The agenda also includes proposals to rezone three residential parcels and the confirmation of a new City Clerk. Additionally, the Mayor will provide an update on potential federal infrastructure funding for city roads.
- Appropriation of $15,758.00 for ballot tabulators and election equipment
- Appropriation of $43,883.60 for firefighting turnouts and related equipment
- Rezoning of parcels in Enchanted Forest and Woody Lakes South subdivisions to R1
- Confirmation of Rebecca Rein as City Clerk
- Report on potential infrastructure bill funding for city roads
March 10th, 2022 Council Regular Meeting
The Houston City Council is reviewing several ordinances, including budget amendments for election and firefighting equipment. The council will also consider rezoning requests for two subdivisions and the appointment of a new City Clerk.
- Ordinance 22-02: $15,758.00 for ballot tabulators and election equipment
- Ordinance 22-03: $43,883.60 for firefighting turnouts and related equipment
- Ordinance 22-04: Rezoning parcels in Enchanted Forest and Woody Lakes South subdivisions to R1
- Resolution 22-04: Confirming the appointment of Rebecca Rein as City Clerk
- Resolution 21-PC-06: Planning Commission recommendations for three land use amendments
February 10, 2022 Council Regular Meeting
The City Council will conduct public hearings regarding beverage dispensary and marijuana cultivation license renewals. The council will also consider amendments to the Capital Improvement Program and municipal code for mayoral elections. Additionally, the council is scheduled to review the Fiscal Year 2021 financial statement and audit certification.
- Public hearing for Beverage Dispensary License #533 (Houston Lodge)
- Public hearing for Marijuana Cultivation Facility License #14956 (50 Shades of Green LLC)
- Amendment to the 2023-2029 Capital Improvement Program regarding utility infrastructure
- Ordinance 22-01 regarding Mayor and Deputy Mayor election procedures
- Resolution 22-02 accepting the FY 2021 Financial Statement and Federal Single Audit
02.10.22 Council Meeting
The Houston City Council will hold public hearings for beverage and marijuana cultivation license renewals. The agenda includes a Mayor's request regarding how council members communicate with city staff. The council will also consider amendments to the Capital Improvement Program and the Fiscal Year 2021 financial audit.
- Beverage Dispensary License #533 renewal (Houston Lodge)
- Marijuana Cultivation Facility License #14956 renewal (50 Shades of Green LLC)
- Capital Improvement Program amendment for utility infrastructure
- Acceptance of Fiscal Year 2021 Financial Statement and Federal Single Audit
- Ordinance amending Mayor and Deputy Mayor election dates
February 10, 2022 Regular Meeting
The Council adopted Resolution 22-01 (Amended), replacing the Utility Infrastructure Distribution and Subprojects with the Power and Natural Gas Utilities Master Plan, Phase 1, and reducing the total from $4,250,000 to $993,410. They also adopted Resolution 21-26 (Amended) confirming state legislative priorities, with Power & Gas as priority #1 and Fire Station 9-3/Public Works shared facility as priority #2. The Council approved non-protest statements for renewal of a beverage dispensary license (Doris Jane Incorporated dba Houston Lodge) and a marijuana cultivation license (50 Shades of Green LLC), and adopted Resolution 22-03 requesting participation in the federal Building a Better America grant programs. Ordinance 22-01, which would have changed the election timing for Mayor and Deputy Mayor, failed.
- Adopted Resolution 22-01 (Amended) replacing utility infrastructure projects with Power and Natural Gas Utilities Master Plan, Phase 1, reducing total from $4,250,000 to $993,410 (5-2)
- Adopted Resolution 21-26 (Amended) confirming state legislative priorities, with Power & Gas as priority #1 and Fire Station 9-3/Public Works shared facility as priority #2 (5-2)
- Approved AM 22-06: statement of non-protest for renewal of Beverage Dispensary License #533 held by Doris Jane Incorporated dba Houston Lodge (6-1)
- Approved AM 22-07: statement of non-protest for renewal of Marijuana Standard Cultivation Facility License #14956 held by 50 Shades of Green LLC (5-2)
- Adopted Resolution 22-03 requesting participation in the federal Building a Better America grant programs (unanimous)
- Postponed Resolution 22-02 (accepting FY2021 Financial Statement and Federal Single Audit Certification) to March 10, 2022 (unanimous)
- Failed Ordinance 22-01 to change election timing for Mayor and Deputy Mayor (2-5)
- Approved consent agenda including January 13, 2022 minutes (unanimous)
January 13th, 2022 Council Regular Meeting
The Houston City Council will hold public hearings regarding marijuana cultivation licenses and budget amendments for pandemic response and fire department equipment. The council will also discuss state legislative priorities and updates to the capital improvement program.
- Public hearing on $109,800 grant for pandemic emergency response and employee safety
- Non-protest statements for three marijuana cultivation facility licenses
- Budget amendment of $1,875.95 for a Fire Department computer replacement
- Update to the Capital Improvement Program regarding utility infrastructure
- Appointments to the Parks and Recreation and Planning & Zoning commissions
1.13.22 Council Meeting Packets
The council will hold public hearings regarding several marijuana cultivation facility licenses. Members will also consider budget amendments to accept a $109,800.00 grant for emergency response and funds for a fire department computer. Additionally, the agenda includes discussions on state legislative priorities and utility infrastructure plans.
- Public hearings for marijuana cultivation licenses (Double Eagle Farms LLC, Kine Co. LLC, and Arctic Farm LLC)
- Budget amendment to accept $109,800.00 from Mat-Su Health Foundation for emergency response
- Budget amendment to fund a Fire Department computer replacement with $1,875.95
- Resolution regarding state legislative priorities for FY2023 capital improvement needs
- Proposed changes to the Capital Improvement Program utility infrastructure plan
January 13, 2022 Regular Meeting
The Houston City Council approved Resolution 21-26, as amended, setting state legislative priorities for FY2023 capital improvements, including adding a Power & Natural Gas Utilities Master Plan, Bear Paw Lake Activity Park, and Fire Station 9-3/Public Works Shared Facilities. The resolution was set for a second public hearing on February 10, 2022. The council also approved three marijuana facility non-protest statements, two budget ordinances, and two commission appointments.
- Approved Resolution 21-26 (amended) setting FY2023 legislative priorities (7-0)
- Approved AM 22-01: non-protest for Marijuana Standard Cultivation Facility License #28947 (7-0)
- Approved AM 22-02: non-protest for renewal of Marijuana Standard Cultivation Facility License #17409 (7-0)
- Approved AM 22-03: non-protest for renewal of Marijuana Limited Cultivation Facility License #13663 (7-0)
- Approved Ordinance 21-10: accepting $109,800 from Mat-Su Health Foundation for emergency response (7-0)
- Approved Ordinance 21-11: appropriating $1,875.95 for fire department computer (7-0)
- Approved consent agenda including Dec 9, 2021 minutes and introduction of Ordinance 22-01 (7-0)
- Approved appointments: Tony Kuse to Parks & Recreation Commission, Debra Meister to Planning & Zoning Commission (7-0)