Wasilla City Council approves purchase of old Iditarod Elementary building

WASILLA — The Wasilla City council heard comment on both sides of a proposal to spend $1.5 million for an approximate 12-acre, borough-owned property. After everyone had their say, the council unanimously approved purchasing the former Iditarod Elementary School parcel, which the city plans to use for its new police-MATCOM E-911 dispatch center.

The topic was one of two major items on the council's May 8 regular meeting agenda. The second was approving a three-year contract with the city's International Union of Operating Engineers Local 302 employees.

Dealing with Ordinance 17-11, amending the budget for the land purchase, resident Gavin Bucaria, a stalwart opponent of the purchase, who has addressed the council on the topic at previous meetings, once again asked the city to examine alternative, smaller and less expensive locations for the planned dispatch center. He has said all along that he would like to see the parcel utilized by the Mat-Su Borough School District as part of a future larger campus for adjoining schools. He asked the council to at least postpone acting on the ordinance until the end of the city's fiscal year.

On the other side of the issue, city property owner Richard Payne chimed in. Payne said he owns several million dollars of property along Main Street and adjoining areas. Although not a resident, Payne said he does have a lot of money invested in the city and he feels police presence in the downtown area is lacking. He said crime in the area is increasing and he is in favor of the dispatch location calling it an excellent place to put law enforcement.

Following public input, each council member was given opportunity to speak on the issue prior to casting a vote. Deputy Mayor Stuart Graham said Wasilla has looked for a number of years for a suitable location as it has outgrown its existing police facility. He said there are covenant restrictions which prohibit commercial use if purchased by the city. Graham said the chance was a unique, once-in-his-lifetime chance to acquire, what he termed, a truly prime piece of property.

Colleague Tim Burney said he was apprehensive when the idea first surfaced. Burney said he was concerned about operating costs as it relates to a continued budget, adding that public safety still reigns as his biggest concern as a councilman. He said after reviewing all options, his apprehensiveness fell by the wayside, but, he said, moving forward should be done in a responsible, financially prudent manner.

Council member James Harvey asked for input from police chief Gene Belden. Belden didn't take sides on the purchase but made it clear the department has greatly outgrown its current facility. He said it's to the point where some department personnel have had to be moved out of the complex. Additionally, the department has had to acquire connex boxes for evidence overflow, ammunition, and excess storage, he said.

After all had their say, Mayor Bert Cottle said the city is being both fiscally conservative and responsible in moving forward with the purchase. He said the idea of purchasing the property has been in the works since 2014 and that the entire process has been public and documented. He said nothing has been done "under the table". Following Cottle's comments, the question passed unanimously.

Moving on to the union contract, Resolution 17-12, Graham explained why he asked it to be tabled from the group's regular April 24 session. Stuart said at first look, there were some things in the contract he didn't like, based on tight economic conditions facing the state, borough and local municipalities. He said that now, having looked at the agreement, discussed it with various individuals and compared it to other collective bargaining units, he felt both sides bargained in good faith and he is in favor of its approval. However, Graham said he felt the council didn't provide adequate guidance to city personnel who bargained on their behalf. Graham said moving forward in a tight economy, things are going to get tight and he wants the council to provide additional guidance.

Burney said he concurred with Graham's tone, adding that the delay should not be seen as a reflection of the performance of personnel. Burney said he felt it imperative that the city looks at where it is headed long-term.

Cottle said he felt the contract was fair and one the city should move forward with.