Palmer considers annexation to expand local services

Palmer is researching the benefit of annexing areas in the greater Palmer area outside the city’s boundary where municipal services and infrastructure are used by residents who live nearby but beyond city limits.

“Annexation is a step that would benefit residents by giving them a stronger voice in shaping Palmer’s future,” Palmer manager Kolby Zerkel told the city council Aug. 12.

“It would enable the city to continue addressing critical needs, such as replacing aging infrastructure like the Evergreen Avenue water mainline, and advancing important projects like the Bogard Booster Station,” Zerkel said.

Strengthening its revenue base will allow the city to maintain and improve services within city limits and in areas already served outside the limit, she told the council.

“It would also position us to continue to grow into the Greater Palmer Area as more residents seek city-provided services.”

City officials will share information and engage a community discussion as the idea is developed, she said. Annexations involve a process through the state Local Boundary Commission that often includes approval by the Legislature and approval by local voters.

On other matters, Zerkel said improvements along Fireweed Avenue in Palmer are aiding pedestrian safety and compliance with the American Disabilities Act.

Downtown Palmer parking has been increased by 21 spots, and creation of new pathways have improved handicap access to the city center. The new parking was created by re-purposing an unused part of the Palmer Depot lot.

Zerkel also said the city is close to hiring a new Human Resources director. Recruiting for the position officially closed Wednesday, Aug. 13 and on Friday city officials were to decide what can be offered to candidates. Also, a Request for Proposals for reconstruction of the city public library has been advertised with bids due Sept. 10.

On airport matters, John Diumenti, director of the city-owned airport, said a new Airport Master Plan will be under development next year that should involve the entire Palmer community, not just airport users. The plan is a required by the Federal Aviation Agency and must deal with aviation noise impacts in the community, he said.

Residential areas in the Butte and Lazy Mountain areas are affected by noise from aircraft using the airport. Virginia Hudson, a council member, said she has been concerned about low-flying aircraft in the Gulkana Street area.

Aircraft are often flying below treetop level along the river in the area and sometimes low along the river. Hudson said he worries about safety for people hiking or walking in the area. Diumenti said the FAA has a “reckless and careless” rule with a procedure for people to complain and for the FAA to investigate.

The master plan process is a mechanism for the public to formally bring concerns to the FAA so that the agency can develop initiatives to deal with problems, he said. Discussions on the plan would also involve issues related to airport expansion that could affect airport-owned land now used in the Palmer Golf Course.

In minor administrative actions, the council approved the acceptance of a $1,760 state High Visibility Enforcement Overtime grant to be used for speed limit enforcement by Palmer’s police department.

The council also authorized the city manager to negotiate a contract with HDL Engineering Consultants for final design and preparation of bid documents and plans for the Valley Trails Subdivision pavement rehabilitation. The amount approved was $18,170.