City council to consider accepting, spending money

Jan. 7, 2007

By MARY AMES/Frontiersman

WASILLA - Two proposals are slated for public hearings at Monday night's meeting of the Wasilla City Council.

The first ordinance would accept $3,580 from the state and match those funds to train police officers in drug recognition. The second ordinance would appropriate $136,000 to purchase three lots next to Nunley Park. After purchasing the lots, the city would expand the park for picnic areas, space for activities or more parking, according to Bruce Urban, manager of Recreation and Cultural Services, and the ordinance's sponsor.

Three ordinances are on the agenda for introduction, with public hearings recommended for the council's Jan. 22 meeting. One would appropriate $100,000 for air conditioning improvements at the police station. A second would prohibit simultaneous takeoffs and landings on parallel runways at the municipal airport. The third, sponsored by Councilman Steve Menard, would require competitive sealed bidding, with some exceptions.

For the past two years, the Public Works Department made repairs to the police department's rooftop air conditioning units. However, the units are too old to continue cost-effective servicing, according to the proposal from the department's director, who also expects the project to be completed no later than July 15.

The amendment to city code on takeoffs and landings became necessary with the completion of a gravel and turf runway parallel to paved runway 3-21. The amendment, generated by the Public Works Department, would bring city code into compliance with Federal Aviation Administration regulations.

The ordinance sponsored by Menard is intended to prevent the appearance of contracts being awarded without competitive bidding for projects with a value of $10,000 or more. In his introduction, Menard wrote the ordinance will help prevent future litigation without hamstringing the city's productivity.

A resolution brought forward by Mayor Dianne M. Keller would expand the city's educational incentive program for the police department to the remaining departments. The resolution would recognize and encourage all employees to obtain post-secondary education or advanced certifications, according to the resolution.

An action memorandum on the agenda will award a $78,000 contract to ASCG Inc. for the preliminary design of a new library. The company's proposal was one of seven the city received.

The council meeting begins at 7 p.m. at Wasilla City Hall on Herning Avenue.

In other city news, the agenda paper packets are now also available on CD, in PDF format.

Contact Mary Ames at 352-2284 or mary.ames@frontiersman.com.