Palmer seeks operator for visitors center

PALMER -- The Palmer City Council Tuesday authorized City Manager Tom Healy to prepare a Request for Proposals seeking an organization to operate the Palmer Visitors Center.

The Greater Palmer Chamber of Commerce has run the center for several years, but its lease with the city expired in September 2003 and things have been on a month-to-month basis since then. Chamber President Stu Graham recently told council members the chamber wants to discontinue the consignment gift shop because it's been a financial drain, costing the chamber $20,000 last year alone.

Given that news, the council decided to consider options for the log building just east of the railroad tracks near downtown Palmer. Council Member Tony Pippel said Tuesday the overriding goals are to preserve the building and provide information to tourists and others from the site.

"Let's run it up the flag pole and see if anyone salutes," Pippel said in supporting the idea for RFP advertising.

Mary Ann Cockle of Palmer, who runs "Alaska's Finest" gift shop, suggested during Tuesday's council meeting that residents from the nearby senior center might want to volunteer at the visitors center.

Council Member John Combs called that a good idea, saying the seniors know a lot about Palmer and could make knowledgeable suggestions to those wanting to explore the area.

"They're a good resource," Combs said, adding that some paid staff also would be needed.

Council Member Steve Carrington voiced his support of RFPs for the visitor center, saying, "I'm open to interesting ideas. The RFP process allows people to put things down on paper."

The measure passed unanimously.

Several local artists who offer their products on a consignment basis at the center's gift shop, along with some local residents who aren't consignors, spoke during a Jan. 20 council work session in favor of retaining the gift shop, even if new management is found.