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Assembly approves ordinances and wide package of resolutions; approves VPSO housing lease amid procurement concerns
Summary
The Assembly approved three ordinances and a block of resolutions on Aug. 27, 2024, including a $860,000 allocation to replace school fire-protection systems. A lease for VPSO housing in Kotzebue (Resolution 24-31) passed despite an objection from Member Craig McConnell over the lack of a competitive bid.
At its Aug. 27 meeting in Kivalina, the Northwest Arctic Borough Assembly introduced three ordinances (24-09 through 24-11) and approved them as a block. The ordinances amend employee relocation expenses, authorize a memorandum of agreement for grant-management services and approve a contract for copier/printing services with Konica Minolta.
The Assembly also approved a package of resolutions largely by block vote. Among the items approved was Resolution 24-32 authorizing up to $860,000 from local assistance and tribal consistency funds to replace fire-protection systems at Selawik and Noorvik schools. Several Village Improvement Fund (VIF) applications and grant acceptances were approved as part of the block.
One resolution drew substantive discussion: Resolution 24-31, to approve a lease with Nasruk Nay Consulting for VPSO housing in Kotzebue. Public Services Director Jones recommended the resolution. Member Craig McConnell objected to the procedure, stating the lease did not go out to bid and that he would not have supported it under a different procurement process. Members Reid Magdanz and Lincoln Carr said housing needs in Kotzebue are acute and that timing argued for approval. The Assembly recorded the approval by majority; the meeting record shows no answer from Member Miles Cleveland Sr. and no recorded vote from Member McConnell on 24-31.
Why it matters: VPSO housing supports village public-safety staffing; housing shortages were repeatedly raised. The $860,000 authorization for school fire systems is a notable capital action in the packet of resolutions.
What’s next: Approved contracts and grants will move to implementation by the departments listed in the resolutions. Members asked for clarity on procurement and bid processes for leases and contracts going forward.
