Assembly rejects contract to build Selawik fire and search-and-rescue facility

The Northwest Arctic Borough Assembly voted down a resolution to contract for construction of a Fire/Search and Rescue building in Selawik after members raised concerns about cost, siting and procurement.

Mayor Dickie Moto summarized Resolution 24-27, which would authorize a contract with Northern Contractors and Consulting, LLC to build the borough's planned facility in Selawik, and “recommend[ed] do pass,” according to the meeting minutes. Assembly members said the proposal needed further review before committing grant funds.

Member Dood Lincoln-Carr moved to approve the resolution; Member Miles Cleveland Sr. seconded the motion. After extended discussion — including concerns about building costs, whether an existing structure or a school-district lot might be used, and how the RFP was written and executed — the motion failed on a roll-call vote. The minutes record the motion as failing unanimously; individual vote tallies are not specified in the transcript.

Members pressing for more vetting said alternatives should be explored. Member Craig McConnell questioned the procurement documents and urged the Assembly to issue more specific bid documents and emphasize local hire opportunities. Member Raven Sheldon asked the Public Safety Director whether there was a grant deadline tied to the project; the minutes do not record a specific deadline response.

Officials from Selawik urged caution and more study. Selawik Tribe Director Tanya Ballot said the community needs a properly built facility and that the village lacks access to fire-safety equipment, saying, “they need this facility with the best material to do the right way; no access to fire safety equipment.” Selawik Mayor Clyde Ramoth and City Administrator Lenora Foxglove both urged additional research into costs and options, and Foxglove provided a brief project history during the discussion.

Assembly President Nathan Hadley Jr. and other members noted possible alternative sites, including a school-district lot and renovation of existing buildings (questions were raised about the town’s old Native store and the so-called White Building). AML Director Nils Andreassen and Borough staff participated in the discussion and agreed to continue coordination with Selawik.

The meeting record shows no formal agreement to proceed with a revised plan at that session. After the vote, Assembly members offered closing remarks; the meeting adjourned at 2:53 p.m.

Next steps recorded in the minutes call for additional research and coordination with Selawik officials and with the Alaska Municipal League, but no new action or deadline was adopted at the July 25 meeting.