Palmer Council decides on fair's appeal process

March 20, 2007

By SHARON G. McBRIDE/Frontiersman

PALMER - Neighbors of the Alaska State Fairgrounds troubled by its noisy race track were granted a figurative victory lap back at the beginning of February when the city's Planning and Zoning Commission voted to place limitations on the fair's motorized sporting contests and outdoor concerts.

However, when fair officials filed paperwork with the city of Palmer to appeal the commission's decision, that victory was cut short and the city suddenly found itself in a gray area, having never dealt with an appeal before.

After last Tuesday's Palmer City Council meeting, council members were educated on the process and their roles in deciding the fate of the Alaska State Fair's request to hold summer-long races through

its pending conditional use permit.

After a lengthy question-and-answer session with City Attorney Michael Gatti, the council unanimously voted to adopt rules drafted by Gatti to deal with the situation.

The proposed rules relied heavily on the permit appeal process used by the Municipality of Anchorage.

During the process, the council will serve in a &#8220quasi-judicial capacity,” and will have a similar role as members serving on a supreme court, Gatti said.

He also explained that council members can't talk amongst themselves about the issue or talk with members of the public about the status of the appeal.

That will ensure that the process is conducted fairly for all those involved, Gatti said last week.

The entire process from start to finish could take up to 60 days or longer. A final hearing date, which will be open to the public, has not yet been set.

Contact Sharon G. McBride at 352-2250 or sharon.mcbride

@frontiersman.com.