Houston public meetings in 2023

12.18.23 Rescheduled Regular Meeting

The City Council will vote on ordinances regarding tax foreclosed land and budget appropriations. The meeting also includes several statements of non-protest or protest for marijuana manufacturing and cultivation facilities.

• Ordinance 23-23: Retention of a tax foreclosed parcel at Enchanted Forrest Block 16 Lot 013
• Ordinance 23-24: Appropriation of $15,336.64 from the Alaska Municipal League Joint Insurance Association
• Ordinance 23-25: Appropriation of $38,000.00 from the Public Works Auction
• Ordinance 23-26: Appropriation of $5,885.00 from the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
• Statements regarding multiple marijuana manufacturing and cultivation facility renewals

12.14.23 Regular Meeting

The provided document consists of a series of alphanumeric placeholders. No specific business items, topics, or decisions are listed for this meeting.

December 14, 2023 Regular City Council Meeting

The Houston City Council will consider several budget amendments involving funds from the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, the Alaska Municipal League Joint Insurance Association, and a public works auction. The council will also vote on retaining a tax foreclosed parcel at Enchanted Forrest for public use and review statements regarding marijuana facility renewals.

• Ordinance 23-23: Approving retention of a tax foreclosed parcel at Enchanted Forrest for public purpose
• Ordinance 23-26: Amending FY 2024 budget to accept $5,885.00 from Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
• Ordinance 23-24: Amending FY 2024 budget to accept $15,336.64 from Alaska Municipal League Joint Insurance Association
• Ordinance 23-25: Amending FY 2024 budget to accept $38,000.00 from Public Works Auction
• Action Memorandum 23-46: Statement of protest for renewal of Kine Co. LLC marijuana cultivation facility

11.16.23 Special Meeting

The Houston City Council will consider a permit for a 164-foot meteorological tower at 15158 W Millers Reach Road to collect wind farm data. The council is also scheduled to review the FY24 fee schedule and authorize participation in the Community Development Block Grant Program.

• Conditional Use Permit for a meteorological tower at 15158 W Millers Reach Road
• Approval of the FY24 Fee Schedule
• Authorization to participate in the Community Development Block Grant Program

11.16.23 Special Meeting

The City Council approved the FY24 fee schedule with several amendments to permit costs and penalties. The Council also authorized participation in the Community Development Block Grant program. Resolution 23-29 was removed from the agenda due to a lack of quorum in Planning and Zoning.

• Approved FY24 Fee Schedule (AM 23-38) as amended (Unanimous)
• Set Founders Day Special Event Vendor Permit fee to $75 (Unanimous)
• Struck first time Business License fee from FY24 schedule (4-3)
• Maintained Special Event Vendor Permit per day fee at $10 (Unanimous)
• Maintained daily campsite rental fee at $20 (6-1)
• Increased failure to obtain a conditional use permit fee to $3,000 (Unanimous)
• Increased failure to obtain a variance permit penalty to $3,000 (Unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 23-28 to participate in Community Development Block Grant program (6-1)

November 16, 2023 Special Council Meeting

The City Council will consider a conditional use permit for a meteorological tower at 15158 W Millers Reach Road. The meeting also includes discussion of the FY24 fee schedule and participation in the Community Development Block Grant Program.

• Conditional Use Permit for a meteorological tower at 15158 W Millers Reach Road
• Approval of the Fee Schedule for FY24
• Participation in the Community Development Block Grant Program

November 9, 2023 Regular Council Meeting

The Council will consider several budget amendments involving state disaster funds, insurance associations, and public works auctions. Additionally, the Parks and Recreation Commission has submitted recommendations regarding community development grants and new tiered annual park passes.

• Ordinance 23-22: Amending FY2024 budget for State of Alaska disaster funds (AK-22-288)
• Ordinance 23-24: Amending FY2024 budget to accept $15,333.64 from Alaska Municipal League Joint Insurance Association
• Ordinance 23-25: Amending FY2024 budget to accept $38,000.00 from the Public Works Auction
• Resolution 23-PARC-06: Participation in Community Development Block Grant Program
• Resolution 23-PARC-05: Creation of tiered annual passes for city parks and trails

11.9.23 Regular Meeting

The Council approved an ordinance to appropriate state funds for 2022 flood disaster recovery and authorized a contract for the FY23 financial audit. Two additional budget ordinances were introduced for future consideration. Several sets of previous meeting minutes were approved or postponed.

• Approved Ordinance 23-22 to appropriate state funds for 2022 August flooding disaster (Unanimous)
• Approved Ordinance 23-23 to retain a tax foreclosed parcel at Enchanted Forest for public purpose (Unanimous)
• Approved Action Memorandum 23-28 for Altman, Rogers & Co to audit FY23 finances with completion date of 04-30-24 (Unanimous)
• Introduced Ordinance 23-24 to appropriate $15,336.64 from Alaska Municipal League Joint Insurance Association (Unanimous)
• Introduced Ordinance 23-25 to appropriate $38,000.00 from public works auction (Unanimous)
• Approved September 14, 2023, and October 9, 2023, meeting minutes with amendments (Unanimous)
• Postponed October 12, 2023, and October 16, 2023, meeting minutes to December 14, 2023 (Unanimous)

11.9.23 Regular Council Meeting

The City Council will consider several financial updates including budget appropriations from insurance and public works auctions. The Parks and Recreation Commission is also recommending the creation of tiered annual passes for city parks, trails, and camping.

• Resolution 23-PARC-05: Recommendation to create $30 day parking, $60 campground, or $75 recreation annual passes
• Resolution 23-PARC-06: Recommendation to participate in the $40,000 Community Development Block Grant Program
• Ordinance 23-22: Budget amendment for State of Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management disaster funds
• Ordinance 23-24: Budget amendment to appropriate $15,333.64 from the Alaska Municipal League Joint Insurance Association
• Ordinance 23-25: Budget amendment to appropriate $38,000.00 from a Public Works Auction

10.16.23 Special Meeting

The City Council held elections for the positions of Mayor and Deputy Mayor. Carter Cole was elected Mayor with 5 votes, and Mike Adams was elected Deputy Mayor with 7 votes. The Council also authorized the closure of the city's Covid account.

• Approved Resolution 23-27 to close the Covid account with Matanuska Valley Federal Credit Union (Unanimous)
• Elected Carter Cole as Mayor (5-1-1)
• Elected Mike Adams as Deputy Mayor (7-0)

October 16th, 2023 Special City Council Meeting

The Houston City Council will conduct elections for the positions of Mayor and Deputy Mayor, including nominations and swearing-in ceremonies. The council will also consider Resolution 23-27 to close the Covid Account at Matanuska Valley Federal Credit Union.

• Election and swearing-in of Mayor
• Election and swearing-in of Deputy Mayor
• Resolution 23-27 to close the Covid Account with Matanuska Valley Federal Credit Union

October 19th, 2023 Work Session

The Houston City Council will hold a work session to discuss floodplain areas and retirement options for city employees. The council will also address Mat-Su Borough annual calculations for property tax exemptions. Per city code, no votes or decisions are made during this work session.

• Discussion of Houston Floodplain Areas
• Retirement options for City of Houston employees
• Mat-Su Borough annual calculation on property tax exemptions

10.12.23 Regular Meeting

The City Council approved a resolution extending building and landscaping requirements for Gorilla Fireworks. The council also authorized a professional services agreement for disaster recovery and confirmed state legislative priorities for 2025 capital improvements.

• Approved Resolution 23-22 (S) granting building requirement extensions to Gorilla Fireworks (Unanimous)
• Approved Action Memorandum 23-36 for Professional Services Agreement with Lounsbury & Associates, Inc. (Unanimous)
• Approved Action Memorandum 23-37 confirming Houston Airport Selection Committee (Unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 23-23 confirming state legislative priorities for FY 2025 capital improvement needs (6-1)
• Approved Resolution 23-26 supporting railway completion to Port Mackenzie and stating the City is not in favor of a road (Unanimous)
• Postponed approval of September 14, 2023 minutes to November 9, 2023 (Unanimous)
• Accepted Fire Chief evaluation following executive session (Unanimous)

10.9.23 Special Meeting

The City Council certified the results of the October 3, 2023, Regular City of Houston Election. The council also appointed Tani Weber Schoneman as City Clerk and updated city check signing authority.

• Approved Resolution 23-24 certifying October 3, 2023, election results (6-0)
• Sworn in newly elected council members Lisa Johansen and Jeffrey Brasel
• Approved Resolution 23-25 appointing Tani Weber Schoneman as City Clerk (6-0)
• Approved amendment to Resolution 23-25 removing Rebecca Rein as a signer for City checks (6-0)

08.10.23 Regular Council Meeting

The Council approved amendments to public nuisance definitions and enforcement, accepted a $29,879 grant for community health, and authorized the closure of city bank accounts at Matanuska Valley Federal Credit Union. A proposed ordinance to limit marijuana establishment licenses failed for lack of a second.

• Approved temporary extension to Conditional Use Permit 12-01 (7-0)
• Approved $29,879 Healthy and Equitable Communities grant (7-0)
• Approved Ordinance 23-15 revising public nuisance definitions and enforcement (7-0)
• Ordinance 23-16 regarding marijuana license limits failed for lack of a second
• Approved liquor license renewals for Susitna Bar and Grill (7-0)
• Approved closure of city bank accounts with Matanuska Valley Federal Credit Union (7-0)
• Confirmed appointment of Jared Eison as Public Works Director (7-0)
• Approved establishment of an Ad-Hoc Houston Airport Selection Committee (7-0)

07.13.23 Regular Council Meeting

The City Council approved a sales tax increase from 2% to 2.5% for five years, subject to voter approval, to fund parks and recreation. Council also adopted the Fiscal Year 2024-2030 Capital Improvement Program and protested a marijuana cultivation license renewal.

• Approved Ordinance 23-12 to increase sales tax from 2% to 2.5% for parks and recreation, subject to voter approval (7-0)
• Approved Ordinance 23-14 adopting the Fiscal Year 2024-2030 Capital Improvement Program as amended (7-0)
• Approved Action Memorandum 23-25 protesting the renewal of marijuana cultivation license #16261 for Matanuska Thunder Farms (7-0)
• Introduced Resolution 23-15 to deny a Conditional Use Permit extension for Colaska Inc. dba QAP; public hearing set for August 10, 2023 (7-0)
• Postponed Resolution 23-17 regarding the Matanuska Thunder Funk music festival to August 10, 2023 (7-0)
• Approved Consent Agenda including minutes from four June meetings and introduction of Ordinances 23-13, 23-15, and 23-16 (7-0)

06.22.23 Special Council Meeting

The council approved the meeting agenda. A motion to rescind a previous amendment to the fiscal year 2024 budget regarding the reallocation of $8,000 between animal safety and public works failed.

• Approved June 22, 2023 Special Meeting Agenda (4-0)
• Motion to rescind budget amendment for $8,000 reallocation failed (3-1)

06.08.23 Special Meeting

The City Council accepted the FY2022 financial statement and audit certification for public record. Additionally, the Council authorized the closure of all city bank accounts held at Matanuska Valley Federal Credit Union.

• Approved Resolution 23-12 accepting FY2022 financial statement and audit certification (7-0)
• Approved Resolution 23-14 authorizing the closure of all City bank accounts with Matanuska Valley Federal Credit Union (7-0)

06.06.23 Special Meeting

The City Council convened a special meeting primarily to discuss the FY 2024 Budget during a committee of the whole session. No substantive votes or policy decisions were recorded beyond the approval of the agenda and adjournment.

• Approved the Special City Council Agenda (6-0)

May 11th, 2023 Regular City Council Meeting

The council will hold public hearings on budget amendments for fire department grants, a new dump truck, and utility infrastructure projects. They will also introduce ordinances regarding marijuana license limits and the FY2024 annual budget. A resolution for trail and boat launch improvements is also scheduled for discussion.

• Ordinance 23-07: $80,214.35 appropriation for a 2007 international dump truck and shipping
• Ordinance 23-08: $34,000 grant appropriation for utility infrastructure projects
• Ordinance 23-10: Introduction of marijuana establishment license limits
• Resolution 23-11: Partnership with Susitna Rotary for trail and boat launch improvements
• AM 23-20: Re-appointment of Levesque Law Group, LLC as city legal counsel

05.11.23 Regular Council Meeting

The Council approved several ordinances to amend the FY23 budget for fire assistance, equipment purchase, and utility infrastructure. It also authorized a public-private partnership with Susitna Rotary for trail and boat launch improvements.

• Approved Ordinance 23-06 to appropriate $5,931.00 from Volunteer Fire Assistance Grant (7-0)
• Approved Ordinance 23-07 (S) to appropriate $80,214.35 for a 2007 international dump truck and shipping (6-1)
• Approved Ordinance 23-08 to appropriate $331,902.17 in grant funds for natural gas utility projects (7-0)
• Approved Ordinance 23-09 to streamline the Capital Improvement Program process (7-0)
• Approved Resolution 23-11 for a public-private partnership with Susitna Rotary for trail and boat launch improvements (7-0)
• Approved Action Memorandum 23-20 to re-appoint Levesque Law Group, LLC as general legal counsel for three years (7-0)
• Approved Consent Agenda including April 13, 2023 minutes and introduction of Ordinances 23-10 and 23-11 (7-0)

April 13th, 2023 Regular Council Meeting

The council will consider ordinances regarding budget amendments for fire department grants and natural gas utility projects. The agenda also includes public hearings on marijuana cultivation licenses and a discussion on retail license caps.

• Appointment of David Johnson to the Planning and Zoning Commission
• Non-protest statements for marijuana cultivation license transfers and renewals
• Ordinance to purchase a 2007 International Dump Truck with plow and sander for $78,013
• Budget amendments for natural gas utility projects using grant funds
• Discussion on retail marijuana license caps

04.13.23 Regular Council Meeting

The Council approved the appointment of David Johnson to the Planning and Zoning Commission and issued non-protest statements for two marijuana cultivation licenses. The Council also passed a resolution supporting a Social Security office in the Matanuska-Susitna area and approved the City Clerk's annual review.

• Approved appointment of David Johnson to Planning and Zoning Commission (7-0)
• Approved non-protest for marijuana license transfer to Coopalation, LLC (7-0)
• Approved non-protest for marijuana license renewal for Guest Services, LLC (7-0)
• Approved Resolution 23-10 supporting a Social Security office in Matanuska-Susitna (7-0)
• Introduced Ordinance 23-07(S) to spend $80,214.35 for a dump truck and shipping (6-1)
• Introduced Ordinance 23-09 to streamline Capital Improvement Program processes (6-1)
• Approved annual review of City Clerk Rebecca Rein (6-0-1)
• Approved Consent Agenda including budget amendments for fire grant and utility projects (7-0)

March 23rd, 2023 Special Council Meeting

The Houston City Council will consider an action memorandum to authorize the Mayor to sign a purchase agreement for road maintenance equipment. This item involves the capital purchase of a 2007 International dump truck with plow.

• Purchase agreement for a 2007 International Dump Truck with Plow

March 9th, 2023 Regular Council Meeting

The Houston City Council will hold public hearings on several marijuana business license renewals and a budget amendment for public works equipment. The agenda also includes discussions regarding regional transportation connectivity and noise control ordinances.

• Budget amendment of $10,295.80 for a new 4 cubic yard commercial road sander
• Public hearings for various marijuana cultivation, manufacturing, and retail license renewals
• Proposed amendments to municipal financial and purchasing policies
• Introduction of an ordinance to amend noise control specifications
• Resolution supporting the Port MacKenzie Rail Extension and Knik Arm Crossing

03.09.23 Special Council Meeting

The City Council approved funding for a new commercial road sander and adopted amendments to municipal financial and purchasing policies. The council also issued several statements of non-protest for marijuana establishment license renewals.

• Approved Ordinance 23-03 to appropriate $10,295.80 for a new 4 cubic yard commercial road sander (5-1)
• Approved Ordinance 23-04 amending financial policies, fiscal provisions, and purchasing/contracting (6-0)
• Approved 13 statements of non-protest for marijuana license renewals (6-0 each)
• Approved amendment to Resolution 23-07 to strike four specific tax account parcels from ownership conveyance request (6-0)
• Denied motion to introduce Ordinance 23-05 regarding noise control specifications (1-5)
• Resolution 23-09 regarding transportation connectivity failed to be picked up from the table

02.16.23 Special Council Meeting

The City Council approved a resolution requesting the Matanuska-Susitna Borough convey ownership of parcels within city limits for public purpose lands. Council also authorized the establishment of new bank accounts with Northrim Bank. A resolution regarding transportation connectivity was not introduced.

• Approved Resolution 23-07 requesting land conveyance from Matanuska-Susitna Borough for public purpose lands (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 23-08 establishing new bank accounts with Northrim Bank (5-0)
• Denied motion to postpone meeting to February 22, 2023 (3-2)
• Approved amended meeting agenda (5-0)
• Failed to introduce Resolution 23-06 regarding transportation connectivity

February 9th, 2023 Regular City Council Meeting

The City Council will hold a public hearing regarding the appropriation of $300,000 to the reserve account. The agenda also includes introducing ordinances for a new road sander and updates to municipal financial policies. Additionally, council members will address unfinished business regarding an audit review.

• Public hearing for Ordinance 23-01 to appropriate $300,000 to the reserve account
• Introduction of Ordinance 23-03 to purchase a new 4 cubic yard commercial road sander for $10,295.80
• Introduction of Ordinance 23-04 regarding municipal financial and purchasing policies
• Discussion of Ordinance 22-15 for a $70,000 audit review by Altman, Rogers & Co
• Resolution 23-04 to establish an Ad-Hoc Burn Barrel Advisory Committee

02.09.23 Regular City Council Meeting

The Council approved a budget amendment to move $300,000 to the reserve account and established an Ad-Hoc Burn Barrel Advisory Committee. They also adopted an alternative allocation method for the FY23 Shared Fisheries Business Tax program. One ordinance regarding a financial audit was postponed indefinitely.

• Approved Ordinance 23-01 appropriating $300,000 of non-recurring revenues to the reserve account (6-0)
• Approved Resolution 23-04 establishing an Ad-Hoc Burn Barrel Advisory Committee as amended (6-0)
• Approved Resolution 23-05 adopting an alternative allocation method for the FY23 Shared Fisheries Business Tax program (6-0)
• Approved Ordinance 22-16 establishing that Mayor and Deputy Mayor elections are not held on the same day as certification (6-0)
• Postponed Ordinance 22-15 regarding a $70,000 financial audit review indefinitely (6-0)
• Approved consent agenda including introduction of Ordinances 23-03 and 23-04 (6-0)

February 7th, 2023 Special City Council Meeting

The Council will discuss entering an executive session with the City Attorney regarding a confidential case involving a former employee. Additionally, the Council will consider Ordinance 22-15 to appropriate $70,000 from reserves for a financial audit by Altman, Rogers & Co. This audit follows the resignations of three city financial officers.

• Motion for executive session regarding a confidential case involving a former employee
• Ordinance 22-15: $70,000 budget appropriation for an extended audit by Altman, Rogers & Co

01.12.23 Regular Council Meeting

The City Council approved a resolution for state legislative priorities and capital improvement needs for fiscal year 2024. Samantha Jones was appointed as Treasurer, and a resolution for the disposal of city property was passed. Ordinance 22-16 regarding election dates was postponed to February 9, 2023.

• Approved Resolution 23-01 for state legislative priorities and FY2024 capital improvements (7-0)
• Approved Resolution 23-02 appointing Samantha Jones as Treasurer (6-1)
• Approved Resolution 23-03 for the disposal of city-owned personal property (7-0)
• Postponed Ordinance 22-16 regarding Mayor and Deputy Mayor election dates to February 9, 2023 (6-1)
• Referred Ordinance 23-02 regarding burning of junk trash and garbage to committee (7-0)
• Approved 2023 Regular City Council meeting schedule (7-0)
• Confirmed appointment of John Siivola to Planning and Zoning Commission (7-0)
• Approved meeting minutes from December 8 and December 17, 2022 (7-0)