July 17, 1998

Here’s what made the news 14 years ago, from the July 17, 1998, edition of the Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman:

Council nixes vote on manager

Wasilla City Council decided not to allow voters to consider a city manager form of government. A city manager resolution was approved in March 1997 and was set to go on the ballot this October, until city attorney Ken Jacobus discovered the resolution did not include a definite implementation date. The resolution, which Jacobus claimed was improperly drafted, was repealed by the council. The council then decided not to place that proposal on the ballot. Councilman Nick Carney said he disagreed with Jacobus’ contention that the wording of the original resolution “probably” violated state law.

High school sports survive

Mat-Su students will return this fall to no elementary track meet, reduced middle school activities and more expensive extracurricular fees at the high school level. However, all high school activities will still be offered. The Mat-Su Borough School Board gave its blessing for an administrative plan to deal with a $520,000 cut to the school activities budget. The only sticking point among board members was whether the high school fees should be waived for students who can’t afford to pay them.

Skateboard ordinance delayed

Wasilla City Council for the second time postponed a vote on an ordinance designed to curb troublesome skateboarders. The revised ordinance was in response to concerns raised at a public hearing that skateboarders were being specifically and unfairly targeted by the city council. The revised ordinance, which is expected to include other wheeled vehicles such as bicycles and in-line skates, will be brought back for consideration in August — after the city’s skate park opens.

It cost what?

According to advertisements, in 1998 you could:

• Drive a 1998 Buick Regal for $21,796.

• Purchase a new three-bedroom home in Big Lake for $89,950.

• Rent a two-bedroom apartment near the Four Corners area for $450 a month.