Ice rink, fire safety get support

PALMER -- The Palmer City Council gave financial boosts to a new ice rink and to fire safety education during Tuesday's meeting.

Council members voted unanimously to add $206,900 to the Fiscal Year 2004 budget to help fund the new projects. The money comes from the city's general fund.

The indoor ice rink, planned for a 14-acre plot of city land on Cope Industrial Way, will receive $200,000 in additional funding under the budget amendment. Palmer voters approved a $1.5 million bond for the rink and other possible recreation uses in November 2003.

Previously, the city bought used ice rink equipment from the shut-down Bonnie Cusak Memorial Ice Arena in Anchorage. Ice is scheduled for use beginning in October, although an enclosure and locker rooms won't be built until Phase Two of the project is funded.

The council also approved $6,900 in city money as a match for a $62,100 grant to buy a 33-foot simulated home to teach children and others how to escape from a home fire.

Palmer Fire Chief Dan Contini secured the loan from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of Homeland Security. Although owned and maintained by Palmer Fire Department, Contini said the "fire safety house trailer" will be shared with other fire departments in the Valley.

The unit probably will arrive by June or July, Contini said.

Also Tuesday, council members gave formal approval to a resolution accepting the Assistance to Firefighters Grant from FEMA.