Wasilla new construction data shows growth

WASILLA — Even though the State of Alaska is suffering through a tough economic stretch, Wasilla Mayor Bert Cottle shared new construction data showing city infrastructure continues growing at a solid pace.

At Monday evening’s regular council meeting, Cottle said the amount of property development throughout the city is up in almost every category over the past year. Using an Oct. 1-Sept. 30 template, data shared by Cottle shows an increase in the amount of commercial/warehouse, and public building construction square footage, along with an increase in the four-plex and multifamily units. The only decrease came in duplex buildings.

Running down the list, more than 65,500 square feet of commercial/warehouse facilities were added in 2016 compared with 42,055 the year before. New public sector construction—churches, schools and government—sat at 75,000 square feet with just over 63,350 from the same time frame in 2015. New duplexes fell from 12 in 2015 to eight this year. Four-plex units rose from eight to 12 this year and Cottle noted a new 42-unit complex is new this year.

“A lot of people would like to have the growth we’ve had over the past five years,” Cottle said adding “…this is our bread and butter.”

Prior to making his report, Wasilla Clerk Jamie Newman swore in council members James Harvey and Gretchen O’Barr. Both are serving their first full term which expires in October, 2019. Although it wasn’t an action item, Cottle recognized the appointment of Councilman Stuart Graham as deputy mayor, a one-year appointment. He takes over the post from O’Barr.

The council approved Ordinance 16-30 which appropriates $6,400 from the city’s cemetery fund to buy back 32 lots in the Wasilla Aurora Cemetery for resale. During discussion, it was noted that each plot may contain up to two caskets and that each lot costs $1,000. Cottle stressed that trees will not be allowed on the sites. He said some trees that were planted in other sections of the cemetery have caused the disinterment of burials.

Under public comment, borough resident Eugene Carl Haberman noted for the record that he is referred to Eugene Haberman in the minutes. He said he purposely signs his middle name when being placed on the agenda and he would like the minutes to reflect that.

Haberman also addressed election certification for three are cities held on the same night. He pointed out Wasilla and Palmer both scheduled 6 p.m. meetings and Houston 7 p.m. on the same night earlier this month. He said the public should not be forced to choose if they desire to attend the meetings.

“With all due respect, that’s total contempt,” Haberman told the council.

One consent agenda item was pulled and moved to new business. At Graham’s request, the council reinstated its July 10, 2017 meeting. Graham said the council only meets twice a month and that there was no reason to eliminate the session. The motion passed unanimously.