Hemp, vandalism and tax among topics at latest Wasilla City Council meeting

WASILLA — The Wasilla City Council heard discussion on the rising industrial hemp industry and discussed a new city flag along with the rest of the regularly scheduled business during its meeting Monday night.

Kirby Coman of Hempire Co. spoke to the council during persons to be heard on non-agenda items. He emphasized the difference between marijuana and hemp and detailed the company’s plans to purchase lands in Willow for farming hemp. Coman detailed that they were going through the licensing process with the Department of Agriculture and stated plainly that hemp has no psychoactive properties like marijuana.

“It’s a lot more to do than a little retail storefront, it’s an educational service for Alaskans and tourists,” said Coman.

Kelly Zaumsiel also spoke on the issue.

“What Hempire Co. is about educating people on this plant… We hope to show people there’s a way to fix these ailments and alleviate these deficiencies with cannabinoids. I urge you to do some research on the endocannabinoid system,” said Zaumsiel.

Zaumsiel discussed that patients have seen tumors and cancer pain relieved through hemp products. Where some lose their hair due to the narcotics they are prescribed, hemp treatments do not have those effects.

The council read proclamations honoring Flag Day and Men’s Health Week.

Councilman James Harvey then led the discussion on a new city flag. The current flag was created during a competition for school children in 2010 and was the only applicant. Harvey argued that it had no distinctions making it Wasilla-specific and questioned if the flag could be designed by professional artists.

“You can’t designate that it’s the city of Wasilla flag so I agree with Mr. Harvey. I think it’s time for us to change,” said Councilwoman Glenda Ledford.

The council detailed various concerns ranging from vandalism at Wonderland Park to helicopters flying over neighborhoods during hours not approved by the FAA. Councilman Stu Graham, who called in to the meeting, questioned city of Wasilla Public Works Director Archie Giddings on the vandalism and broken light fixtures in the tunnel under the railroad. Giddings stated that a bid had put out and cages would be installed to protect the light fixtures. One of the two park rangers hired in June had to take a leave of absence due to health concerns, but Ledford was pleased to see a group of mothers activating on Facebook to supervise the park when their children were playing.

Mayor Bert Cottle reiterated that cameras were soon to be installed and that the skate park near Wonderland would be one of the first places to get security cameras.

The council heard testimony from city Attorney Leslie Need who discussed the legality of collecting taxes from internet purchases within the city. Need stated she had expected to hear a Supreme Court decision on the way to the meeting, but that there was a legal gray area between large retailers like Amazon delivering goods to the front doors of Wasilla citizens and smaller stores who distribute their goods.

“If we keep going down the road of every time we turn around we can find a loophole, we can keep pilfering taxes from our citizens, we’re barely going to have enough people to bare that burden. I know it seems small and might seem rather insignificant but every time I turn around I hear a tax, it makes my blood boil and we should be fighting to stop taxing our citizens not finding more ways to tax our citizens,” said Councilman Tim Burney.