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Northwest Arctic Borough commission approves seven Village Improvement Fund applications
Summary
The Northwest Arctic Borough Village Improvement Commission voted unanimously Aug. 22 to approve seven Village Improvement Fund resolutions in a single block, authorizing funding for heavy equipment, infrastructure repairs and an ongoing Kivalina environmental program; the commission set a tentative next meeting for Jan. 14–15, 2025.
The Northwest Arctic Borough Village Improvement Commission on Aug. 22 unanimously approved seven Village Improvement Fund applications in a single block during a virtual special meeting.
Vice Chairperson Billy Lee moved to approve the items as presented; Commissioner Alvin Iyatunguk seconded and the motion carried by unanimous roll-call vote of commissioners present. The resolutions approved were: VIC Resolution 24-12 (Native Village of Shungnak — heavy equipment purchase); VIC Resolution 24-07 (Ipnatchiaq Electric Company — power plant upgrade); VIC Resolution 24-08 (Opt-In Kiana — community building repair, equipment and supplies); VIC Resolution 24-09 (City of Selawik — water and sewer systems for homes); VIC Resolution 24-10 (Native Village of Kivalina — ongoing environmental program); VIC Resolution 24-11 (City of Kotzebue — heavy equipment purchase); and VIC Resolution 24-06 (adoption of revised policies and procedures).
Madam Chairperson Marie Greene asked whether the approved resolutions would be placed on the next Northwest Arctic Borough Assembly agenda; staff and commissioners expressed thanks to the finance department for their work preparing the applications. Commissioner Shirley Adams noted that NANA had funded the Kivalina Environmental Program and said NANA was funding three positions while the Kivalina request here covers two positions.
The commission began the meeting at 10:04 a.m.; a quorum was recorded with Commissioners Tim Gavin Jr., Shirley Adams, Alvin Iyatunguk, Nathan Hadley Jr., Billy Lee, Jia Ballot and Chair Marie Greene present. Absentees noted at roll call included Morgan Johnson, Norman Monroe and Austin Swan Sr.; Glenn Skin and Naomi Chappel were listed as excused.
Chair Greene also informed the body that Commissioner Larry Westlake Sr. had submitted his resignation verbally at the prior meeting; commissioners discussed the process for replacing a VIF member and whether a call of the chair would be appropriate in that circumstance. The commission tentatively set its next meeting for Jan. 14–15, 2025, with travel on Jan. 13.
There were no public comments. Closing remarks included Vice Chairperson Lee offering thanks and noting flooding in Kobuk and Shungnak, Mayor Dickie Moto Sr. expressing appreciation and stating the Assembly’s next regular meeting will be in Kivalina, and Chair Greene requesting an emergency contact form and an updated printout of Borough code. Commissioner Alvin Iyatunguk moved to adjourn; Commissioner Tim Gavin Jr. seconded and the meeting adjourned at 11:05 a.m.
