Wasilla approves investigator, sets priorities

WASILLA — City council has a lot on its plate, with a full course of goal-setting, fish and an investigation.

Wasilla City Council has given the final green light to a local law firm, Denali Law Group, chosen to conduct an independent probe into the relationship between city administration and Meritage Development Group LLC. The firm has proposed a price tag for the investigation at a maximum of $23,500 and will charge an hourly rate of $150, which is less than what Wasilla pays for the services of city attorney Tom Klinkner.

Coming at a time when the city is tightening its purse strings, Councilwoman Stephanie Massie said the probe estimate seems reasonable.

“Obviously, having a little amount of money, it’s a good number,” Massie said.

In addition to being happy with cost of the investigation, Massie and other council members, including Steve Menard, are looking forward to resolving what has become a long-running controversy over how the city has dealt with the developer and surrounding landowners along the Parks Highway.

“I’m glad the investigation is moving forward,” said Menard, who first proposed the probe.

Council is also weighing in on a very different matter of local concern.

As the Alaska Board of Fisheries has decided to list the northern district sockeye salmon as a stock of concern, the Wasilla council slipped in its own resolution to emphasize support for increasing the number of fish in the district.

Sponsored by Deputy Mayor Kristofer Larson, council joined the Mat-Su Borough in passing a resolution asking the state Department of Fish and Game recommend the board designate sockeye and chum salmon of the Susitna (Yenta) Rivers and Fish Creek as stocks of concern. The resolution asked the board to devise a plan for salmon escapement enumeration, to establish escapement goals for all salmon species in the northern district and to support the Sustainable Salmon Policy.

Not only is the number of fish a local concern, but Larson said the amount of money coming into Wasilla because of fishing is also important to the city.

“One of the things a lot of people don’t realize is, man, those fish bring a lot of money,” Larson said.

Although some people travel to fishing holes near Houston or Willow, Larson said many fishermen stop in Wasilla to fill their tackle boxes and lunch pails.

“If there’s nothing out there to catch we’re not going to get that money,” he said.

Budget goals

Council this past week has also identified seven 2008 to 2010 budget goals that cover a wide range of future projects:

• maintain a small and efficient local government that is accountable to city residents;

• encourage a strong and diverse economic base;

• refine the long-term Capital Project Plan to preserve and improve city infrastructure for future growth;

• develop stable and equitable sources of revenue;

• continue to work toward self-sufficient enterprise funds and ensure systems meet the needs of residents and businesses;

• continue providing high-quality, efficient and effective law enforcement;

• maintain and enhance the quality of life for current and future Wasilla residents and visitors.

Each is expected to be accomplished through specific tasks outlined by more than 50 initiatives for the seven goals.

Menard proposed a new initiative for the city to invest $50,000 annually to help preserve and clean up waterways in Wasilla. Menard said $50,000 isn’t enough to cover all the city’s waterway needs, but it would help set efforts in motion.

Contact Chris Gillow at chris.gillow@frontiersman.com or 352-2284.