Issues addressed, Palmer resident honored at city council meeting

PALMER — The Palmer City Council held a brief meeting July 24 to discuss economic priorities for 2019 prior to the budget approval in December, amend the city budget, hear a presentation from the Board of Economic Development and recognize Kristy Bernier for winning an Emmy.

Deputy Mayor Richard Best used his council comments to note a correction from a previous Frontiersman publication.

“I believe they mischaracterized a comment that I had made,” Best said.

The article read, “Deputy Mayor Richard Best suggested in jest to Councilwoman Sabrena Combs that MEA may be able to assist with the process as Combs works for MEA.”

“I’d like to state that i did not direct my comment to Councilwoman Combs. That was to Julie Estey who is the Director of External Affairs for MEA who was in the audience, who addressed us earlier that evening. I would never ask Councilwoman Combs to compromise herself and put herself in a conflict of interest situation. That was not my intent. I’d like to apologize to Councilwoman Combs if it was also taken in that respect but for the record I did not direct that comment to Councilwoman Combs,” Best said.

The council also took a moment to recognize Bernier, a life-long Valley resident who was part of the team that was honored with a NATAS Northwest Regional Emmy in June for their Arctic Slope Regional Corp. documentary titled “True North, the Story of ASRC.”

“Kristy has shown great leadership creativity in her field, compassion in her field which is an inspiration for others to follow,” said Mayor Edna DeVries in a proclamation. “We express our pride and congratulations for all the work that you have done and the role model that you are.”

Bernier, executive vice president of Brilliant Media Strategies in Anchorage, began her work on “True North” three-and-a-half years ago as a contract with ASRC which been a client to her company for years

“It was an amazing project and it put together all the things that I love about my job most of all creative direction,” Bernier said. “It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done and the most rewarding.”

The council heard a presentation from Board of Economic Development Chair Dusty Silva. Silva’s seat on the BED is up for reelection along with two others. Silva discussed the changes in renting the depot, and stated that there are now five categories for renters.

Ex officio member of the BED, Richard Best, praised former councilman and current Community Director Brad Hanson for his direction of the meetings.

“The formula or recipe that Mr. Hanson has been utilizing to engage in thoughtful conversation to kind of plan his next movements and our discussions has been refreshing, and I think the conversations have been very in depth and thought out. I’m very pleased in the direction we’re going and the direction the chair has taken this,” Best said.

Councilwoman Linda Combs used her board comments to thank law enforcement.

“There is nothing more reassuring than to know that we live in a community where public safety comes first,” Linda Combs said.