City Council - Regular Meeting

Cooper here. Deputy Mayor Alcantra here. Council member Allen here. Council member Carrington here. Council member Collins here. Council member Graham here. And council member Moer here. We have a quorum.

Thank you. On to the pledge. Carlo, would you lead us in the pledge, please? I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Thank you. That's fine. Sure.

Can you do that in Japanese? Before we uh move uh go to the agenda, for all those folks in the audience, if you have a cell phone, please uh silence your phones. Um they become the property of the mayor if they ring. So, and on council, same thing. If you have please silence your phones and if you have an emergency, please let me know and we can make arrangements for that. Before we get to the agenda, are there any changes uh to the agenda? Yes, ma'am. I would like to move item I, action memorandum number 26-50 to or wait, I need to move to approve then we discuss. Okay.

Do you want to move? Okay. I want to move item A, action memorandum number 26-50 to item I action memoranda. Okay. Any others? Mr. Mayor. Yes. Could I uh I'd like to move uh item A to the same part of the agenda, please. Okay. Thank you. Did she say I thought she said F and G. I'm sorry. No, she Yeah, she did item A. Dirt works. Oh, she did item A. I'm sorry. I didn't hear that. My bad. Thank you.

Yes, ma'am. I would like to move uh item E u memorandum number 26054 to uh section I thank you with the uh amendments wishes of the council move to approve second any other further discussion on that madam clerk council member Carrington Yes. Council member Moer. Yes. Council member Collins. Yes. Deputy Mayor Alcantra. Yes. Council member Allen. Yes. Council member Graham. Yes. And Mayor Cooper.

Yes. It is unanimous and approved. Thank you. On to communication appearance requests. Uh Deputy Mayor as a proclamation recognizing National Day of Prayer. Sir. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Do we have any uh members of uh Palmer Churches here? I I don't I don't I don't see any.

I'd like to read a proclamation proclaiming May 7th, 2026 as National Day of Prayer. Whereas, the National Day of Prayer is an annual observance established by the United States Congress in 1952 and designated by the president, inviting people of all faiths to pray for the nation. And whereas this day serves as an opportunity for citizens to come together in reflection, humility, and unity, seeking wisdom, guidance, and strength for our communities and and leaders. And whereas prayer has long been a source of hope, comfort, and resilience, fostering compassion, understanding, and a shared commitment to the common good. And whereas communities across the nation, including the city of Palmer, recognize the importance of respecting diverse beliefs while encouraging voluntary expressions of faith and reflection. And whereas the National Day of Prayer encourages individuals, families, and groups to gather in observance, whether privately or publicly. in accordance with their own traditions and convictions. Now therefore, by the mayor and city council of the city of Palmer, Alaska, hereby proclaim May 7th, 2026 as National Day of Prayer in the city of Palmer and encourages all residents to observe this day in a manner meaningful to them. Reflection on the values of unity, service, and hope.

Thank you.

Thank you, John. Miss Carla, we are now up to you. Please which is good evening. Um Iowa kata swigus. Good evening. My name is Carla Swick and this is actually one of my favorite times of the year because we get to introduce our Palmer Seroma delegation. This is um a program that I am so grateful for because in 1987 I was sitting in my math class at Palmer High School and I heard an announcement that said if you are interested in going to Japan um pick up an application and apply. And it was to represent the city of Palmer with if we look up on the wall uh at the bottom one, two, three, there is Mayor George Carte. And it was Mayor George Carte and his wife Kathy. And I um I thought I don't have anything going on this summer. I applied. I got chosen. And I got to go over to Soma for three weeks with Mayor Carte and his wife. First time out of the country. Um I was living with a host family. I remember waking up and my breakfast was here. It looked like a wonderful um dinner. It was salmon, salad, rice, miso soup. Um I I went to the school. They had the whole band out there welcoming us in. It was um it was the first time that I really uh had that strong connection with my

own city. And I loved I was I was a moose at Palmer High. I had a strong connection with Palmer High. has strong connection with my co my church, but it was this program where I really felt connected and got to know my city. So, um thank you so much. Today, we're going to um meet the delegation. This is going to put us, I think, close to 900 citizens over the last 45 years who have traveled to Soma and the Soma um delegates coming here. And um tonight, they've been practicing their Japanese. They're going to introduce themselves in Japanese and um tell you kind of some of the things they're looking forward to doing in Saroma. They leave May 31st and they will come back on the 18th. What's really unique with the program is they get to live with the host family. They'll take field trips out with the the city. The city will show them the city government, agriculture, um the beef industry, the scallop industry, and then they get to go to school and see what it's like to be a Japanese um teenager. So, um, thank you so much for supporting these kids. Where do we go? Yes. to surroto. Um, hello, my name is Ariana. I live in Palmer, Alaska. I'm currently 13 years old and I'm an eighth grader at Palmer at Palmer Middle. Um, some of my hobbies and interests are jiu-jitsu, hiking, and cooking. um in Soma. I would love to learn more

about culture and language um with my host family. I would love to watch shows with them, connect with other people from, you know, um other culture and and just experience all of that. Um, um, Um umitis Yes. Um My name is Ivy Clemens. I'm 17 and I go to Palmer High School. Um, I really love

to play video games and listen to music, take photos, and do art. So, I hope to do a lot of those things in Japan as well. Um, in Soma, I'd really love to participate in a variety of classes, including art and cooking especially, and I would love to participate in some of the clubs like bad mitten as well. um with my host family. I'd love to uh watch their favorite Giblly movie with them because I love that show, those uh movies from Japan. And I'd love to take a walk at night in Japan. Um and then in Soroma, I would love to visit all the local hot springs and stores because I love to shop and it's fun. And then finally, I'd really love to try wearing a kimono as well. Um, thank you for your consideration and for keeping the connection between Soma and Palmer alive for so long. Seuku. Titus.

Um, hello everyone. My name is Abby Paddock. Um, I'm 17 years old. I live in Palmer. Um, I'm a junior at Palmer High School. Um my my uh hobbies are softball, wrestling, and um art. Um in Soma, I want to go to the star pool. Um I want to go shopping, and I want to visit a temple just to see what the religions are like. Um at school, I want to wear a uniform, make a bunch of friends, and eat tons of food. And I want to try softball club and all of the other clubs. um with my host family. I want to go hiking um on Hoya Mountain. I want to go fishing. I want to go thrifting. And I want to go to an onsen. Um if possible in Japan, I would love to try on a kimono or yukata cuz I think they're gorgeous. Um I'm so grateful for this opportunity. Um it's been my dream to go to Japan for a while now. So, thank you for your time. Um um the pomus shiu Titus Hokkaido

omitis. Y Thai Scooty Tidus. Um, so my name is Anna Schillinger. Um, I've lived in Palmer since uh since I was a baby and I'm 17 and a junior in high school. Um, my hobbies are art, skiing, and hiking. Um, when I am in Saroma, I like to go hiking and experience the nature that they have there and see how it's different from um, Palmer's. Um, when I'm at the high school, I'd like to take an art class and try new sports. Um, and when I'm with my host family, I'd like to cook and possibly go to a hot spring. Um, thank you so much for this opportunity. I'm very excited. because I'm not saying my name or my age on record. We're just going to go with I'm the old lady. Okay.

So, the first part was I like anime, manga, and reading light novels because I'm a geek. The second part is because I'm a geek and a special education teacher. When in uh Saroma, I really want to see how their teachers support their special needs students. And you know, I want to learn. I could always learn. So, While in Saroma, I want to walk around the lake with my host family. I want to go grocery shopping and actually make something that tastes good instead of randomly going down the aisle saying brown sauce. We'll add that tonight. So, I am very honored to participate with this delegation this year. Thank you very much. Body sushi. Hello, it's nice to meet you. My name is Autumn Sullivan. I am from Palmer,

Alaska, and I'm a seventh grader at Palmer Junior Middle School. Um, my hobbies are playing volleyball and doing other sports. Um, I also love anything that's art related. And I love cleaning in Soma. In Soma, I want to try new food and eat sushi. At school in Japan, I want to meet new people and make new friends. and with my host family. I want to see the beautiful nature and go for walks. Thank you for supporting us and listening to us this evening. I am very excited to go to Japan. Host family. Hello everyone. My name is Dus Kenny. I am a junior at Palmer High School. I was born in Alaska. I am 17 years old. My favorite things to do are playing sports like football, soccer, basketball. I I am very grateful for this opportunity to go to Japan and be a ambassador of this city. I I cannot wait to experience everything with my host family. I can't wait to feel like a

Japanese student and to meet and greet everyone I possibly can at Soma. Thank you for your time. Fore! Foreign! Foreign! Hi, my good evening everyone. Um, my name is Penny. Um, I'm 12 years old and a sixth grader at Palmer Junior Middle School. Some of my favorite things to do are reading, skiing, and drawing. I especially like, uh, exploring just outside and finding new places. Um, in Soma, I really want to learn more about the culture. Uh, I want to learn how to make a traditional Japanese dish and just, uh, experience like what it is, what it feels like to be in Japan. At school, I would love to participate in music class and play clarinet with the band. I believe music is a universal language that can connect that can connect different countries and cultures, and I would would love to share that experience with others. I also look forward to exploring the town of my host family, shopping, and spending time together in everyday activities. Thank you so much for your your time, and I truly look forward to this opportunity.

Yashami decor deskaku shumiwa dorito hiking to tugu zipu rain to o gaku de dorino jugu to nonmoas.

Hi, my Hi, my name is Dean. I'm a 14-year-old 8th grader at Palmer Middle School. Some of my hobbies are hiking and cooking. And in Saroma, I would like to do a cooking class with the people and with my host family. I just would like to hang out and learn what their fun is. Thank you for your Thank you. Thank you for your guys' time.

Pilgrim. Oh, I have to flip it upside down. Okay. No. Uh, no. Ra sensei. Okay. Shimmy. Shimmy. Gardeninguoto. To hikinguoto. toaku to Yori. Noaku Kazuko. Hi, my name is Miss Pilgrim or Aaron Pilgrim. Um, I will be going on my second delegation to Saroma. So, I went in the 2023 delegation and I'm super honored to be going on the 2026 delegation to Saroma as well. It's a wonderful community and I'm so glad that Palmer continues to support this amazing program and our amazing connections between Saroma. I glanced up while the kids were doing their presentation and you can see we have even in city hall we have our connection between our sister city and that kind of was really heartwarming. Um, so I am a middle school teacher at Palmer Junior Middle School. This is my 16th year in the Matsu School District, but my 19th year as a teacher. Um, and I'm very excited to continue to support all of this, all of these delegates and their learning of different cultures um, within um, our continued partnership. Um, thank you guys for everything that you do and I will turn it back over to Carla.

So, we just wanted to say hello before they take off and then um when they come back in the in the fall, we'll have the Soma students come over and you'll get to meet them. But thank you for I know it's a long time listening to all our Japanese, but they will have to do this to the the the Seroma City Council and so getting a practice with you and um you meeting them because they will be representing our city and our school. So, thank you so much for having us tonight. And um we'll say domo. Carl, I have a question for you. So, when you all come back, are you going to come back and and uh have them tell us what

they had? They had goals before they went. Can we have them come back and say, "Yeah, we actually got to do that." Yes. You know, that'd be great. Mr. Mayor. Yes, sir. Oh, sorry. Go ahead. I think I met Carla. I can't remember if you were a teacher then back in early 2000s or yes over when I went to Japan you know that was the first time I I met Carla so it's been a couple years ago

yes sir thank you so much Mr. I just wanted to thank Sensei Swick and your whole team is that uh my daughter Tasa was able to go on this trip last year. It's phenomenal trip. It's uh 18 to 21 days. Not only they get to spend a great time in Soma with their host families and then hopefully host them in September when they come over to Palmer, but uh also get to spend a couple days in the largest city in the world. And uh while Tasa hated that because it was too busy, she loved her time in Saroma. She wasn't a big fan of Tokyo, but she was a huge fan of Saroma and her family and stays in touch with Yuma, her uh her host family and a student that came over and stayed with us for a while. Um I think they only stay with us for about a week versus two weeks, I think, when you're going over there. I don't know what changes year to year.

Yeah. Yeah. Um, so it was uh it's it's a phenomenal experience and uh my daughter will be graduating here next month, but she talks about her Japan uh trip uh quite often and uh yeah, it's definitely a highlight of her uh 18 years on this Big Blue Marvel so far. So you guys are going to have a great time. You did a great job introducing yourself and your uh Japanese is very much on point for this much that I know. So very very very good. Thank you. My last comment is that I hope you all just enjoy yourselves. That's really what it's all about. Yeah, you're going to meet some new friends and eat some uh traditional Japanese breakfast, you know, um or not. Um but the most important part is just, you know, have a great time and you know, you know, it's a chapter in your life that you'll never have an opportunity to do again. So, with that, we're going to take a break and uh chat. Thank you.

Okay. All right. We're back in order and we're at reports. City manager, I see you're online. Please give your report.

All right. Thank you. Um, just to start, the Great Alaska Aviation Gathering will take place May 2nd through the 3rd at the Alaska State Fairgrounds, the Palmer Municipal Airport. Event hours are Saturday, May 2nd from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, May 3rd, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Residents and visitors should expect increased vehicle traffic and air traffic in the area during the event. But don't worry, this is an FAA approved event, so any unusual air patterns that you see are approved by the FAA. On a special note, Palmer based Glenn Air, which employs about 15 people locally, has um also a broader impact across the state, has brought one of only three DHC4 Caribou aircraft in the entire world to the Palmer Municipal Airport. Uh this aircraft will also be on display for the event and but will later be placed into service hauling outsized cargo using its unique rear door ramp to very short like unimproved air strips. So short takeoff and landing air strips. Um it supports a range of users including the department of defense, the division of forestry and fire protection, other emergency emergency response and public service organizations. And it's really exciting to have such a unique and rare aircraft calling the Palmer Municipal Airport home. And again, it's only one of three in the entire world. And its home base will be here in Palmer, Alaska. Moving on, Palmer Cleanup week will take place Tuesday, May 4th through Friday, May 8th from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily. Dumpsters will be available at the Palmer Sports Center, which is the ice rink for yard debris disposal during these hours. Please note household garbage and animal waste will not be accepted. Uh participants should meet at the Palmer Sport Center to pick up the yellow bags for trash collection and children who return filled bags will be

entered into a drawing to win a bike generously provided by the Greater Palmer Chamber of Commerce. So, thank you Chamber of Commerce for that. A community barbecue will begin at 11:30 a.m. followed by the bike drawing at 11:45 a.m. And we want to extend our sincere thank you to Alaska Demolition for providing dumpsters throughout the entire week. Your partnership is uh recognized and appreciated. And on great news, Palmer Municipal Golf Course is scheduled to open April 30th with all 18 holes available for walking play only. At this time, the driving range will remain closed due to wet and fragile conditions, but the opening date is consistent with previous years and especially encouraging given the recent snowfall we've had. And staff continue to make progress on inventory management and tracking at the golf course. We are pleased to round out our qualified team, including several returning employees who the years of experience and institutional knowledge are a valuable asset to the course and its success and its success. We invite the community to join us tomorrow, April 29th, for the grand opening of the really newly remodeled uh clubhouse, and it's in conjunction with Celebrate Palmer and our 75th birthday. Attendees can enjoy food trucks, meet members of our police and fire and rescue departments, and tour the new newly redefined clubhouse space. And again, going back to the Palmer Sports Center, we have um expanded our sponsorship opportunities to better engage local businesses, organizations, and community members. Information on the available sponsorship opportunities can be found at palmer.org or under community development or you can also contact the community development for more information. Thank you.

Any questions of the city manager? Yes, ma'am. I'm not sure if this would be a question best um for business manager or for Mr. Mayor, but um I understand um from some residents there was concern about the banners for the high school students that have traditionally been hung um along Alaska Street here and but then heard maybe that's been worked out. Didn't know if there was any word on status of those.

Yes. So, uh last week I told staff that we would be hiring or hanging those banners, but we don't have them in our possession yet. the school hasn't um received the banners either. I believe that they will be ready sometime May 7th and then once they're turned over to the city, we will continue this tradition and hang the banners for the students. Thank you. Yes.

Uh Mr. Mayor, I just was on that same wavelength. I'm so uh happy to hear that because I know a lot of uh ever since co and they started that program, but a lot of people that um it's like a family tradition to walk uh up and down Alaska Street looking not not just for their for their graduates, but for who's graduating Palmer High that year. I remember the first year they had uh banners and posters all the way over to Pizzeria deli and had to use their their building to hang a few and and in years uh closer here the more recent past in 24 and 25 I think it's just a matter of number of graduates at Palmer High has come down significantly over the last six years. I think it's down to around 120 this year or something where I think in 2020 it was somewhere around 150. But I'm so glad to hear that uh uh city manager circle and Mr. Mayor that that's worked out. That's just sort of a a rumor that they weren't going to hang the banner. So uh thank you for thank you for providing that information.

Yeah. And the uh the school mentioned to me that the banners will be arriving. They will have next Wednesday. So any other questions, madam manager? Thank you.

Thank you. Moving moving on to my report. Uh I met with the uh municipal planning organization last week. Um and good news, all Palmer projects were approved. Uh I think we have two in the top 20 on on one of theirs. Um and so those are going to be, you know, funded. I'm not sure if they're actually going to get any of them started this year, but for sure next year. I think it's going to be all next year that we'll get all those projects done, which is a good thing. Um along those same lines, I know that the joint meeting that we had Monday with PNZ, um there was some discussion about Arctic and I am meeting with um Adam Bradway who is the DOT representative for this area and a couple of other his boss uh this Friday and we will be discussing uh issues regarding their plan and what we want to have done on Arctic. Um, so, um, I think that's going to be a positive thing. I know that they typically, you know, if they get on a stip, it takes a while, but I, you know, have mentioned to them that that city potentially would have some funding to do some stuff as long as they are have the ability to come back and do something else for us. I think I mentioned before that we got um Evergreen, East Evergreen and Airport Way and Galcana paved because we had uh paid to have the realignment of the charter school and airport way and so you know kind of a give and take kind of thing and I think that they will be willing to do that as well. So I I will obviously keep you up in informed on that. as as was mentioned uh tomorrow 5 to 7 um we're going to be presenting uh citizen of the year and business of the year as well. Um but uh in my mind I don't think that precludes us for having our the normal uh celebrate Palmer that we've had in July. Uh we've done that for I know over 30 years. Um it was run by the chamber and then took taken over by

the city. Um, and I contacted the chamber um, today and they are more than willing to help us with that event. You know, they don't want to take it over, but they are willing to, you know, provide volunteers and do stuff that we that we need from them. So, I think that's a good thing. Uh, May 12th, uh, Pioneer Peak Elementary kids, about 50 of them are going to be touring the city. Uh, two groups of 25. Um I have I've got the honor of walking them around uh you know maybe downstairs into the jail cells, you know, um letting them know what's going on there and uh and they'll be over at the fire hall and and I think over at the museum as well. So um that's pretty much what I have. Um any questions of me?

Yes, ma'am. um on the after last week's meeting um with PNZ and we had talked about having something on the agenda this week. Are we putting that off because of the meeting that you have this coming Friday and then yes potentially having something on the agenda after that and yeah and well it is it is on the committee of the whole to discuss artic so it is it is on the agenda so you guys can decide when you get there if you want right I know right I don't know why it does that but it is there okay thank you

yeah obviously the issue that was that was brought up as well is it's state road right and we are very limited to what we can do we can recommend but they can say absolutely not that they're not going to let us put up any barriers or any of that kind of stuff. So, we'll I'll find out more on on Friday. Anything else? Okay, moving on. Madam clerk, I don't have a report at this time, but if I'm here for questions if anybody has a question. Yes, ma'am. It is our attorney's turn.

Good evening. Um, I am Anna Crra, not Leslie Ne, but that's okay. Um, I would prefer to be Leslie Need on most days. Um, I'm an attorney with Lanny Bennett Blumstein. We're contracted to work with the city and provide advice. Um, just three general items for uh, reporting to the council tonight. First and foremost, the best thing to report is that Amco has decided not to issue any citation, any fine, or any sort of revocation action whatsoever with respect to your beer and wine license. which means that tomorrow at your opening the golf course um the city is able to sell beer and wine immediately. Um it's the best case possible scenario outcome just given um as we talked about last week the nature of the violations, but Amco was satisfied with the city's response and um is not intending to take any additional action. Um, just a heads up, you might see Amco at the golf course more frequently this summer just checking in. Um, you know, I did speak with Officer Linger, who was the compliance and enforcement officer here in Palmer. Um, and he encouraged me, council members, really anyone who has questions about anything AMCO related to reach out to him. Um, I was, you know, so I think that's a a good door to open and a good relationship to maintain. So, um hoping to just close the door on that issue really forever, fingers crossed, um and not have to deal with it. Um the second, uh item, it's not so much of a report. It's it's just I guess a question to the council is I know that we've continued to talk about a training slashwork session special session um to you know do open meetings act training to talk about your code of ethics. we are quickly rounding into the summer months where everybody is very very very busy. Um, and so I wanted to maybe just

sort of posit the idea of uh conducting a poll to see when people are available for, you know, a a work session during the week. Um, I know that summer weekends are really like precious. Um, but potentially uh on the weekend it because this is an important item for the council to, you know, check off its list. Um, and so I I'm I'm just I'm just asking for a date so that we can know when to make oursel available. Um, and I would just uh ask that council members consider that if you if you feel so inclined. Um, and then finally, just a a final report, you know, on the the sort of day-to-day what we continue to do with with the city. um continuing to communicate frequently with your city manager, um with your clerk, with HR, just on general, you know, employment law questions, um public record response issues, you know, the the typical sort of daily municipal business that comes up, continuing to review contracts, um and you know, basically just carrying out I don't want to say, you know, basic in the sense that they're like not complex, but just you know, the typical legal functions that city attorneys complete in their role as city attorneys. Um and so after the excitement of earlier this year um and the you know golf course contract negotiations seem things things seem to have sort of settled a little more which is nice um for everybody and um it's just you know we continue to enjoy getting to know all the city employees and your the manner in which you conduct business. So happy to answer any questions and appreciate the opportunity to be here tonight.

Any questions? Yes, ma'am. Yes. Um I think that I need a second city council member to say that they also support it. Um but is there a way that you could send out an Outlook poll for the next Are you doing the thing for like the next few Saturdays or whatever to get a date picked for you guys?

Perfect. Awesome. In in combination with that, I would like to, and I know I've talked about this uh quite a while, is have a work session that we come up with our priority listings of all the projects that we would like to move forward with for the next one, three, and five years. And so we will come up with dates, send it out, and then you please respond to the city clerk, let us know, and we will let everybody know what the best dates are for that. So, anything else? All right, get that out.

Thank you. Moving on. Audience participation. Please sign in. State your name. Three minutes per person. Council meeting. Council meeting rules protect your right to testify and be heard even if others in the room disagree with you. Council meetings rules also ensure that those attending can express their views if they do not interfere with the rights of others to see and hear the proceedings. At all times, order and decorum will be maintained in keeping with the civility and dignity of the legislative process. Please be respectful during audience participation. No disruptions to city business or threats of any kind will be allowed. Any threats against others could result in criminal prosecution. Again, please sign in, state your name, and three minutes per person. And Shannon, I think you're on the list.

So far, and I believe um Mr. I'll turn the microphone on for you.

I guess before I leave or before I read the letter, I just wanted to um state that we were actually informed that we were not able to to um put the banners downtown. So, we paused on printing them. They are in the process of being printed now. So, I just wanted to make a clarification for that. So, and that was resolved today. Um good evening, Mayor Jim Cooper and members of the city council. My name is Shannon Nushman and I am here tonight on behalf of Palmer High School and the parents and community and as a parent and community member to speak about the senior class downtown banners. Thank you for taking the time to listen. I work in the counseling department at Palmer High School and communicate a lot with our senior families. What I hear most often is how excited they are to in seeing their child's banner displayed downtown. Six years ago during COVID, a group of parents came together to find meaningful ways to celebrate the class of 2020. The downtown banners were one of those ideas. What started as a creative solution during a difficult time has grown into a tradition that families, staff, community members, and businesses now look forward to each year. These banners are more than just a visual display. They bring people into downtown Palmer. Families and friends walk the streets, visit local businesses, and take time to celebrate our students together. It has become a simple but powerful way to connect our school and our community. We are incredibly grateful to the city of Palmer and to specially to Jude Bilifer and the public works crew for the time and effort it takes to instill the banners each year. We also recognized that when we attempted to produce them, produce the banners in-house, it created challenges and added frustration to that process. Moving forward, the banners are being professionally done to ensure consistency and to better support the city's efforts. I was raised in Palmer and attended our local schools. My own

children have grown here and recently graduated from Palmer High School. I take great pride in our community. As a parent, one of the new one of my now favorite traditions in May is meeting family and friends for dinner and walking through downtown to look at the banners. It is something we look forward to each year. Each banner represents a student who has worked hard, who has a story to reach this milestone, our sons, daughters, and grandchildren. And seeing them displayed fills me with pride. At Palmer High School, we often say we are family. Many of our teachers and staff are graduates who have come back to give to the next generation. Our younger students look forward to the day that they see their own banners hanging from the street lights in Palmer. In many ways, downtown Palmer reflects the same sense of connection and pride. It the banners are a visual or a visible reminder of that and who we are and what we value as a community. I respectfully ask the council to allow this tradition to continue. If there are challenges to address, we are ready to partner with you on solutions moving forward. This is a meaningful part of celebrating our students and strengthening our community and we will love to see it. Can I have 15 more seconds?

I wrote this letter prior to my conversation with Jude, but would like to still be included for the record. And during our conversation, he confirmed that the banner that today that he will that the banners will be raised this year and we will work together to develop a plan moving forward next year. I sincerely appreciate his support as well as the city's efforts to move ahead with displaying the banners. Thank you for your time. Thank you.

Anyone else wishing to come forward and speak? Seeing no one rapidly leaving their seat, we will close audience participation and move on to public hearings. First public hearing is ordinance number 26002 repealing in part Palmer municipal code title six animals to transfer the city's jurisdiction and authority over animal care to the Matusa Sitno bureau on an area basis effective upon the burough's acceptance of such jurisdiction and authority. Open a public hearing. Anybody who'd wish to come forward and speak on this ordinance, please do so. Seeing no one, closing public hearing, bring it back to the council.

Yes, ma'am. Mr. Mayor, thank you. I uh would like to move that we postpone this to allow planning and zoning to review the the ordinance as well as uh the council discuss further discussions of the animal control and what's going on at the bureau at this time. So, if I read you correctly, what you'd like to do is move this ordinance back down to planning and zoning so that they can review and make sure that all the items that are here um are that we need to have go back into the land use or correct. All right. Do I have a second on that?

A second. Thank you. Any discussion? Yes, sir. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I think that's a great idea. Um I I had the same thought. Um we need to the timing on this. I mean, we need to make sure the bureau has their stuff together. I know they're doing an investigation. They're they're trying to get everything um in line, and I'm sure they will, but I think a little pause from us um to make sure that we we you know, we can be confident that that's all squared away makes sense for us. Thanks.

Yes. Yes, ma'am. I also agree that this is um postponing it is a a good idea at least to let the the issues that are currently plaguing the bureau kind of come full circle as far as a resolution with that goes. Um I guess my question is has this already been looked at by planning and zoning? It has not. Okay, cool. That answers that question. So the second part of this is that I um was kind of surprised by the bureau's announcement that the public uh taxes would go up in the cities of Palmer, Wasola, and Houston, while the greater areas would not have a tax increase, property tax, which is the second part of why I'm asking that this be postponed because we just voted down a bond for the library because We didn't want to impose those taxes upon our residents. So, this kind of goes hand in hand.

I just wanted to let everybody for reference, we do have the burrow here represented if they have any questions for the burrow while they're here. Yes, ma'am.

So, this question is going to show my uh that I'm new at this, but what would planning and zoning do with this? Exactly. I'm not real clear on what types of things they would look at or other additional information they would gather. when we first heard from the Matt Suburo and I believe he's here this evening so if you would come up and just kind of correct me if I'm wrong. Uh what was said was that we could take out our animal uh animals from the residential areas and incorporate that into the land use and uh of our municipal code. So we're going to have to move some things in planning and zoning is going to have to uh take a part of this. So if you look if you look at our our code we allow for example we allow chickens right bur does not you know and if we have you know pigs and other animals that are that we allow all that goes away so PNZ needs to look at that and and see what actually needs to be moved from our code into the land use if because once it's in land use it takes it away from the animal control and then then it can go forward to the burrow. So I I think a really good example of that is in the burrow. Um and I know this a little on the nose. I apologize. It is not my intent. You can have kennels, mushing kennels within the city limits of Palmer. You cannot because this would go into effect. The burrow rules for animal would go into effect. So in order to essentially protect Palmer's not having those animal those uh like kennels, whatever within city limits, it would need to be moved to zoning. So the city of Wasil is also going through this process as far as moving some of like the restrictions they have that the bureau doesn't into zoning so it's not part of the title animals versus having like random one and two section spots in animals that everything else is repealed in that if that kind of makes sense. So I don't know if anybody wants to hear

from me but I'm the one who actually wrote this legislation. So b pretty much what I did is I worked with the attorneys and I went through our animal title and I removed anything that had to do with um animals and regulation. I kept everything that had to do with like having animals at the fair. You can have seven chickens and whatever it is in your backyard and went from there with the intent that we would then later move the land use stuff into land use. So it's absolutely up to the council. But just so you know, when I did go through and write the legislation, you'll see what is struck out is just anything that had to do with animal regulations. Anything that had to do with animal ownership I left in. So, and then so yeah, Mr. Hayes,

Mr. Mayor. Yes, sir. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um, I'm I'm glad Mr. pays us here from the bureau to maybe kind of uh uh maybe alleviate some concerns or give us some uh edification is that if we do this motion to return things to planning and zoning, how much are we derailing the uh uh ability for all three communities? It sounds like was doing a similar thing. Maybe one question I have is that is this uh this resolution that we passed five months ago, four and a half months ago, is that now null and void until we pass this thing tonight? And is are things just in limbo right now? Where where are we at sort of be my question?

It should still be on. Is it on?

Okay. Um thank you, Mr. Mayor, council members. Uh my name is George Hayes. I'm the deputy bureau manager. uh we discussed this a couple of times in uh in here and with the other cities. So the land use portion of it, you could move some of those things such as the the not having mushing kennels or not having kennels if you wanted to do that. Um I don't know I don't remember if it was your city or or was uh they could not have more than four animals. Um, and so that was already in there. And there were two ways to do that. One, you could refer this back to your land use uh side of the house on your on your uh code and then take care of it there. Or talking to our attorney, you could make a modification such as um you would put a a code or a resolution forward to our burough assembly. And for instance, if you said we want to have no more than four animals in the city limits, then um you could put that resolution forward to the burough assembly. Notwithstanding burrow code, within the city of Palmer, there will be no more than four animals per household, something like that. And you could do that for each one of the items you wanted to keep within your code. Now, whether it be land use or non-land use, and you could make that modification through the burough assembly, or you could refer it to your land use. Either way, it seems like my understanding when that conversation came up, that's still something the burrow could vote down. We still wouldn't have where the land use is part of our code. But if we're bringing a resolutions to the burrow, you guys could still vote no. That I mean that's a that's a real thing. Is

that my understanding? Yes, ma'am. That's correct.

Yes, ma'am. Um, can you talk to us a little bit about the um, property taxes and how that was not discussed earlier when we made our initial decision on this?

Yes, ma'am. Um, I don't remember if we did or didn't, but the areawide taxes would go up because all of the nonerawide taxes that are being paid now to pay for the animal care would then go into the areawide taxes. So arewide taxes for everyone essentially would go up just a hair. But the non-erawwide taxes the cities were not paying. Of course that would be eliminated. What would be eliminated is your contract with the burrow. So I think you pay about $40,000 a year now uh from the city for a contract to do animal care for you. And that would go away but within the city limits your areawide would go up a little bit. Thank you.

That's to off that's to offset the the contract fees that we're paying now about 3,000 a month or whatever it is approximately. So the area wide increase with taxes increases to offset basically to offset the money that we're paying out of contract currently. It works out that way, but it's essentially the move from non-erawwide functions when they go area has to be by paid by everyone.

And one of the things that Mr. Brown had mentioned was that um within the cities, we started a few years back starting to raise the amount of each of the contracts based on fair share. They said, "Okay, if your if the total numbers of animals per year is 3,000 for simple math, and 500 of those come out of Palmer, then we figure out what the total number per animal it costs at our shelter. And then we move that over per animal to the 500 animals Palmer would bring in." Well, when we calculated that, the fair share for Palmer was 98,000. Fair share for Wasilla was 110,000, but and round numbers. Um, but we were not paying anywhere close to that. At the time we started it, you were paying 12,500. That was 2015, 2016, somewhere in there. About 10 years ago now. Um, so we wanted to raise that about 10%, 5 to 10%. And we looked at it last year and unfortunately the fair share costs had gone worse than they were before for the burrow uh in that 10-year period. So the five or 10% increase we had per year didn't keep up with the overall inflation and the fair share amount. So Mr. Brown said we have to do something if this doesn't go through and we're then paying back in to area or non-erawide the shelter still there and you're doing your own animal care then he would look at raising the amount of the contract for each one of the cities to that fair share amount. So it would be significantly higher than the 40,000 you

pay now. This does not preclude uh if we have an issue that our our police department cannot still pick up animals and take them to the shelter or do we have to wait and call you? It would work just if you voted this down or eliminated the bureau taking over animal care, then it would go back to what it is now. If if if it's approved and the bureau has authority over animal care, that preclude us from taking animals to the shelter or do we have to call burrow animal control? I'm going to phone a friend. Matt, can you come up please?

Hello, I'm Matt Hardwig. I'm the chief animal care and regulation officer the burrow. And no, the police would be able to still bring animals to our shelter. we would pick them up. It'd be the same way we do for anything for non-airwide right now. So, troopers can bring an animal to us. Fire can bring an animal to us or we'll go pick them up. It's the same thing that we're doing now. No change. Correct. Right. Thank you. Any other questions? Yes, sir.

Uh yeah. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Uh Mr. Hayes, if we take the time to send this back to plan and zoning and just the the time frame that it takes for government wills to spend, is that a concern to you at all or is it uh is what some of the fellow council members want to do okay in your in your opinion? The only impact it might have on us is working towards the transition date of one July because none of this would be effective until July 1st in FY uh 27. I know that I think animal care is already working with your folks to do that transition that would unless they just keep doing the transition without a without the final approval. But that might be the only concern. Uh other than that, no, it's it won't be effective until July 1st. So, I think we're good.

Yes, ma'am. Correct me if I'm wrong, but we have already approved it as far as them them taking over. What this is is making sure that there isn't a weird like ordinance slash city code gap between, oh yeah, we've done the cut over July 1. now all the burrow stuff is actually what's in effect as far as planning and zoning goes versus if we get that passed ahead of time. Um there isn't like that weird gap where somebody moves in the city is like I don't know I checked code it said I could have 65 chickens um and you know we run into that issue and correct me if I'm wrong but that's kind of where we're at in this process. Is that right? Yeah. I I think what we're trying to do is go to back to P&Z and make sure there are no gaps. Yes.

Exactly. I agree. Mr. Mayor, sir, was for instance passed their uh repealing of their code at the same time they passed the approval. But you're right. If you need to to work out that gap or work out those details, so there is no gap, then absolutely. Thank you. Any other questions of Mr. Hayes? Thank you, sir. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. So, back to the council. We have the what we have before us is a motion to move this ordinance back to planning and zoning or move to planning. Yeah. Move it to planning zoning. Yeah,

that is correct. Yeah, madame clerk. Council member Allen. Yes. Didn't work. Council member Collins. Yes. Council member Moer. Yes. Council member Graham. Yes. Deputy Mayor Alcantra. No. Council member Carrington. Yes. And Mayor Cooper? Yes. It's passed. Thank you.

Open a public hearing for ordinance number 26003, an ordinance of the Palmer City Council amending Palmer Municipal Code 4.15. Bravo general provisions establishing the minimum hiring age of 16 years old. This was brought up before the council uh before and what we're doing is currently we have a hiring age of 18 and what this does is allow us to hire down to 16 so that folks can actually work at the golf course. Anybody who wishing to come forward on open up the public hearing on this ordinance. Seeing no one close it. Bring it back to the council. What's the wishes of the council? Move to approve. Second.

Any any any questions, comments, concerns, discussion? Yes, sir. Comment. It's a good idea. I didn't realize that we had a 18-year-old restriction before. I think it would have been a good idea even even before the golf course situation. So, yeah, I think it's I think it's a good ordinance and thank uh uh city manager Zurkel and others for their work and Benji for work on it. Thank you. Anything else, madam clerk? Council member Carrington, yes. Council member Moer, yes. Deputy Mayor Canra, yes. Council member Allen, yes. Council member Graham,

yes. Council member Collins, yes. Mayor Cooper, yes. It is unanimous and approved. Moving on to action memorandum and this will remove them, right? Yes. Correct. Sorry. First item is action memorandum number 26050 authorizing city manager to negotiate and enter to a contract with Dirt Works Incorporated an amount not to exceed $523,882 for the Cedar Avenue Improvement Project. Um wishes of the council.

Move to approve. Thank you. Second. Mr. Bifer, would you come forward please? I'm sure that we have questions of you. Yes, ma'am. That you move this one, please.

So, I realize that this has already been approved through the budgeting process. Um, and I really appreciated the um the social media for the closure for the streets over here on Evergreen. Uh, can you tell us a little bit about your plan and and when the construction will take place and will there be detours? Construction will start 26 May. There will not be any detours because it currently is not a road. So there's no need to detour anyone. There will be no inroad work that will take place. So it is a standalone no detour type type project. As said 26 May is the tenative start date right now. That's after school

so that we don't impact anything there. and a target uh substantial completion is in August with final completion in September. I know there's a lot of dog uh walkers over there. Will it be cordoned off so that they can walk around it? There will be a traffic and pedestrian control plan. Okay. As we do with most of our projects, there'll be signage and fences if necessary, but I don't foresee an issue with dog walkers. Obviously, if there's heavy equipment there, right, it's prudent of them not to walk their dog right towards moving heavy equipment, but never know.

Again, that's that's something we can certainly reinforce with the contractor. Thank you. Yes, sir. Yeah. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Uh, thank you, Mr. Wiler. Um, I don't know if I didn't see it in here. I don't know if you know it off the top of your head, but when you say construct a new roadway segment, um, do you know the length of that roughly? I do not know that distance off the top of my head. Um, and just one board, Mr. Sorry.

Uh, thank you, Mr. Mayor. And just, uh, so you're aware, I don't I don't have any issue with this and this award, obviously. Um, but I I do think as a general uh observation, any anything that carries these kind of dollar amounts to it, I'm probably going to uh if somebody doesn't beat me to the punch like they did tonight, I'm probably going to withdraw it from a consent agenda and put it on an agenda where the public can hear from you and hear from us about uh really anything in six figures and especially something that's in the mid six figures, I think deserves a little bit of time, a little bit of light shined on it. I think this looks like a fantastic project, but just uh for future reference, I guess. Thank you.

My guess is 200 feet maybe, you know, but I don't know. It'll it'll extend the current cedar and then it'll, as mentioned, it'll cut the tracks and then connect the current cedar. It'll um the entrance will be right across the street from Palmer Fire Department, Palmer Police Department. Police Department, excuse me. Correction. Sorry. Any other questions? Thank you, sir. Appreciate it. Madam clerk, council member Moer, yes. Council member Collins, yes. Council member Carrington, yes. Council member Graham, yes.

Council member Allen, yes. Deputy Mayor Alcantra, yes. And Mayor Cooper, yes. It is p unanimous and approved. Thank you. Moving on. Action memorandum number 26054 approving a city council community grant to the Alaska Community Foundation in the requested amount of $1,500. Um wishes of the council. Move to approve. Second. This was me. Yes. I'm sorry. Please go ahead.

So I just had a a question. Um It seems like this is a request for funding to build their endowment. And I don't know, I guess I just question a lot of most of what we do are for community events or community different things. And I know that they give to the community, but I don't know. I guess I just had questions about giving to another organization to build their endowment. And that I And before we before we get any further than this, I will um say that I have a conflict of interest in this. I am a board member of the Palmer Community Foundation and you know I'm willing to listen to discussion, but deputy mayor leave it up to you. I also um I definitely agree with the question about funding an endowment because it's like giving money to a a group so that they can collect interest on that money and it's not for one specific purpose. And it seems like that's been the the goal previously where there are very specific like this is what we're going to use it for. We're going to use it to put a park bench or or do something very specific with that money from the city. Um, and it is a small pool that we have to work from every year. Um, I guess one of my questions is, and I don't know if Miss Gina is still here or not, but um, have we ever given the Alaska Community Foundation th this grant before? Um, and if if not, I I don't necessarily support giving money to an endowment without a specific purpose for that money.

I can answer that. I So, I put together the legislation and I did research to see if we had given money to them before and we have not. Thank you, Council Member Collins.

Thanks. I did have a similar concern to those uh mentioned here that yeah, it's not going to a specific event or specific thing to be done. It's just like putting it into someone else's taking it from our bank account, putting it into someone else's bank account, I guess, was less appealing to me than some of these more specific projects. Not saying that it's not a great foundation. I think they do a ton of great work and um and I'm almost sad to say like u would hate to say no in a way because they do do a lot of work but like said where it's not going to something specific um I am hesitant about that. Is there further discussion?

Um I'm going to I'm going to chime in that um I I feel the concern of uh of fellow council members. I also know that a lot of times uh groups like this have to um have some sort of uh matching funds. I'd like I heard uh the statements that everybody appreciates the work that they do. Um you know, I know this is just a $12,000 pot of money and and goes away quickly, but uh this is a great organization. I hate to see him have to come back and say, "Okay, it's specifically in order to do this particular thing when they've scored um as high on the scoring chart as they as they have." So, I'm uh probably uh on on the other end of the vote and I'm going to be uh supporting this this motion. Council member Moer. So, I too have some concerns about the endowment uh in reading through the packet uh that there's no clear delineation just they're collecting dollars um in with the 26 operating matching budget of 30,400. But, um again, I I concur with our council members that it is a great organization. They do give great work um it and benefits within the community. However, I will not be supporting this this evening. So, thank you.

All right.

Council member Allen, yes. Council member Collins, no. Council member Graham, no. Council member Moer, no. Council member Carrington, no. Deputy Mayor Cantra, yes. And Mayor C. Mayor Cooper can vote. So, it does not pass. Four nos. I hand gabble back to you, sir. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Um,

we have um no unfinished business, no new business, no items on the table, I don't believe. And we're back to audience participation again. And um I will read my little diet tribe once again. Council meeting rules protect your right to testify and be heard even if others in the room disagree with you. Council meeting rules also ensure that those attending can express their views if they do not interfere with the rights of others to see and hear the proceedings. At all times, order and decorum will be maintained in keeping with civility and dignity of the legislative process. Please be respect respectful during audience participation. No disruptions to city business or threats of any kind will be allowed. Individuals who could not follow these guidelines will be removed. Any threats against others could result in criminal prosecution. Please sign in. State your name and three minutes per person. Anybody who wishes I will open up audience participation. Anybody who wishes to come forward. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Mike Malefki is my name. I live in downtown Palmer. I wanted to speak to two things. One, um, last night there was an event over at the Palmer Depot. Uh, some of you may have understood there was an event and I've I was, uh, happy to be there. Uh, Lee and I were both there and the event was sponsored by the Jewish Center and Rabbi Greenberg has been here a number of times. um the lieutenant governor was there, the burough mayor was there, and somewhere between 100 and 200 other people were there. The reason why I mention it is that it's difficult given the number of things that happen in this small community to often know about

events that occur. Um, I came away saying that one was probably world class and you missed it. But there's hope. In other words, it was videoed and that video is available. I didn't do the video. It was professionally done. Uh but if you check with the Jewish center, I would say it it might be worthwhile just taking taking a look at what happened there because the message that came across was really suitable for everybody. It wasn't a particular religious specific message. And so I wanted to make sure that the opportunity uh I know many people had other things they were doing etc. But an opportunity to to take a look at that. Um the second thing looking forward uh Palmerai the organization which supports the Palmer exchanges uh will be there. Um I picked up all of the pieces uh for the noodle shoot and the noodle shoot will be operating. I would suggest you get there early. Not that we will necessarily run out of noodles, but um that can happen and I think you will enjoy it. We're looking forward to it. I think it's a great venue to do this. We've done it for many years and uh got a lot of people that are volunteering to make it happen. So, thank you.

Anyone else wishing to come forward and speak to the council during audience participation? Stephen, you're like, you got nothing. All right. All right. Seeing nobody come forward. Close audience participation. Move back to item N committee. The whole um wishes of the council. This is this this is to discuss Artic Avenue traffic safety options. We can or can don't have to. I move to postpone that till a to the next regular city council meeting after you have your discussion with state DOT. I'll second that if necessary. All right.

Any other further discussion, questions, comments, concerns about that. I guess we can call. You we can call roll if you want. Yes. Yeah. Okay. Sure. Mayor Cooper. Yes. Council member Allen. Yes. Council member Graham, yes. Council member Collins, yes. Council member Carrington, yes. Deputy Mayor Cantra, yes. And council member Moer, yes. It's approved. Thank you.

Council member comments. Madam Moer, we'll start with start with you. Well, I uh was at the Palmer Golf Course uh just checking out the um renovations and it looks great. I have to say um Nate and his team did a very great job doing that. Um but also at the same time I had the AMCO um inspector had just left and you were on the phone with Tom and that's when we pulled up and we learned then that uh they were so excited about the decision. So we were excited for them and it was a great tour that they took us on. Uh so that was my big thing. I also wanted to give a big shout out. Uh, I finally after all these years went to the birdhouse um food truck. What great sandwiches they serve and he even gave me three off. So, uh on my ticket. So, uh my card uh great news on the um uh celebration of the 75th anniversary. Uh, I look forward to tomorrow evening and I also look forward to July and I hope that we can celebrate Palmer for all year long and um, thanks for everybody's hard work. Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Graham. Keep it short and sweet because last time I said anything about the weather, it snowed the next day. So, I'm not going to do that again. Um, my

my bad. So, um, I just want to say that I'm really excited that the golf course is opening. Unfortunately, I won't be able to get by there tomorrow like I had originally planned. My son is starting at PJMS and parent night is tomorrow. So, um, wish me luck because I will try not to cry. Um, I also wanted to thank the city manager and the city clerk um, and so many of the directors for all of their work the last few months getting everything put together. I know there's a lot of um a lot of moving parts on a lot of different topics right now between the golf course, AMCO, the changing ordinances with the burrow, um everything that happens right at the beginning of the year that kind of got piled on all at once. Um and I I think it's really heartening to see how quickly things have been getting resolved once we get past the major timelines of stuff. So, I really appreciate that. Um, and I want to congratulate the city manager and I hope that she has a restful uh leave period. Um, I'm not sure how long she's going to be gone for, but I hope that everything goes very well and we're all thinking about you and your brand new tiny human. Um, beyond that, I hope everybody has a fantastic weekend and I look forward to seeing lots and lots of pictures of what goes on at the event tomorrow um, and over the weekend. So, thank you guys.

Thank you, Mr. Allen.

I want to thank the city manager and the mayor for um, putting the people's mind at ease about the the banners. Um, I received a lot of calls yesterday, people reaching out to me even this morning. Um, and full disclosure, I had a son that graduated from Palmer High 2 years ago, and I've got another one that's going to graduate in two year, or he graduated four years ago. I've got another one that's going to graduate in two years. So, um, I know, uh, my my oldest son, you know, he and his friends loved having their their banners up there was a big deal to them and seeing all their friends and I know that my younger son and his friends are all looking forward to it, too. So, uh, I'm grateful. I know it I know it it takes some work from the city and but it's I think it's worth it. It's a it's a beautiful thing that we do uh downtown and and I'm grateful to you guys to make sure that the tradition uh continues. Other than that, I'm excited about tomorrow. I hope I hope to see most of you there and uh can't wait to get back out on the golf course. So, thank you,

Adam Carrington. Um, I just I too I want to just thank uh the everybody that's part of getting those banners up. I think celebrating our graduates is so very important. Uh, it kind of those banners give this are part of that small town feel and so getting those banners up there I think is just super super important just for our community as a whole to celebrate our our our graduates. So, I'm really glad that that's worked out. Uh, I want to uh wish the Saroma kids well. I know they're going to have a lot of fun. I really appreciate them coming and and talking to us. Um, looking forward to tomorrow to the the anniversary. So, uh, April 29th is actually our our birthday for our city for 75 years, as well as, uh, looking at our our new improved golf, uh, course, but also looking at, uh, celebrating and I'm hoping we celebrate in July as well, because I just think that's uh, a good time to celebrate, too. Uh, I um I do want to say I did bring up the the community Alaska Community Foundation. I do believe they do some really good work. Uh, and I don't I don't want to disparage that at all. Uh, and and voting against the grant. I just um it was just the idea of it for me. uh and we just have a small amount that we give every year and so giving it to uh in a different manner was important to me. So um hopefully we'll see you guys tomorrow at the celebration. And that's all.

Thank you. M Collins,

thank you. Um yeah, a couple things. Um just one thing that often when I say something up here and then afterwards I'm like that was poor wording. So, one of those that happened to me today was on the Alaska Community Foundation. I said, "Move things from our bank account to their bank account account." By ours, I meant the city of Palmer. Um, so, um, just wanted to make that clear. Um, so, um, but yeah, um, don't want to, yeah, the vote to take away anything from the really excellent work they do for our community. I also, uh, I'm pleased about the banner situation. Um, even not having anyone graduate yet, my family and I still walk down and go, "Oh, that's so and so's child." Or, you know, I coached that child when and and just um just all the memories of just all the community effort that goes into helping these young people um grow up and become who they become, I think is really neat to be able to see that kind of um recognized or um highlighted um for a moment with those banners. So, um, last thing, uh, library, uh, making progress every day, which is really exciting. I think I saw a big cabbage radio is, uh, doing like a photo a day or something to show the progress. So, that's been kind of fun. And, um, I know, uh, friends of the Palmer Public Library are still continuing, um, with, uh, fundraising efforts. And my understanding is they'll be re or their focus is going to be going more to like reaching out to local businesses um who may want uh to donate and then have that donation recognized in both a groundbreaking ceremony and other things they have planned like a donation wall in the library and things like that. So for any businesses that are interested in being um recognized that way and um commemorated as um having contributed to our community in that way um that would be something to look out for as they reach out to businesses. Thank you,

Deputy Mayor. Oh, yeah. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um, so first I want to thank uh Shannon Nushman and Palmer High folks for showing up and thank Jude Ber and others for making it happen. A little shagrin that it got to that point. I hate to think, you know, we maybe look internally to why they had to do a stop print on their uh banners. Um like others up here and Mr. And I had uh three kids graduate from Palmer High 2014, 2019, 2023. So the only one that got a banner, you know, with his dog and a cool banner and I don't know what eventually ended up happen to him was my son who graduated in 2023 because the earlier ones banner the banner idea didn't exist yet because of, you know, kind of driven by COVID. But now that it does exist and it's such a uh wonderful thing um and people expect I I hope that we can find a way even if it's putting money in the budget to have a small contract. So it takes some pressure off public works but have a small contract to somebody to say this is what you do. You hang 120 banners on you know May May 1st, May 5th, whatever date we can get them from Palmer High. You take them down on May 30th. And that way people that no matter what day they graduated from Palmer High or or their kids graduated, whether it was, you know, May 14th, May 18th, this year it's May 19th, no matter what day they graduated from Palmer High, if they want to make that uh journey downtown and have a dinner and bring a bunch of family members and uh you know, frequent our businesses because they love that family event of seeing their banners at Palmer High. We need to make sure that this stays in place for the future. So, I hope that can be looked at and we don't get to the point of seeing emails and having people uh um worried that it's not going to happen again. I want to thank the

burough personnel for being here. Um they definitely kind of uh set my mind at ease a little bit on the actions that we took tonight. I I do feel bad for Palmer Community Foundation. And I look I look at uh you know they had a line item in there for a little over $1,100 for supplies and I think if they just would have said hey we need money for supplies nobody would have had an issue versus we need money to put in our account to try to build more money. I hope they'll reapply and if they reapply just with hey this is why we need 1500 for this I think it'll it'll have a different outcome. I'm fairly confident it will anyway. Um I want to congratulate all the students and chaperones that are going to ser like I mentioned earlier today. It's a phenomenal thing. Uh 40 46 years I think now Mr. Mayor that's been going on. Uh the sister city part I don't know how many years but 900 people back and forth um to this town that's actually a little bit smaller than Palmer. Um, and it's phenomenal what got started, uh, you know, by a ham radio call 40 46 years ago, I believe. Uh, so it's pretty amazing. I want to say, uh, happy 75th birthday to Palmer. I don't think, uh, you look a day over 60. So, uh, I think, um, tomorrow's event uh, knock on wood, is going to be a little better weather than today. So, in spite of the snow that we had today, I think it'll be a good event tomorrow. and um uh look forward maybe a little after 5 that I can get there, but I look forward to uh being there and uh and seeing what transpires. Uh definitely has been a long cold winter as I think anybody can attest to. So um but I'm happy to hear uh the city manager say that uh uh open to walkers um as of uh Thursday, I think she said. Uh so so I think that's a I

think that's a positive thing. So, thank you all for uh coming out tonight and uh move forward and see you back here on May 12th.

We we'll probably have better weather as long as Councilwoman Graham doesn't speak to it at all. Um on the banners, obviously Jude, thank you. Um city manager, thank you, ma'am. Thank you um for all the support. Um, you know, people talk about, oh, they walk down and they see their kids and they see their parents and, you know, I walk down and I go, "Huh, I know their grandparents, you know." So, so, so it kind of puts it all in perspective. And it always amazed me when we have this Roman delegation here that we have kids from 12 to 17 that speak amazing Japanese. And it's like, oh my gosh, you know, I had a hard enough time, you know, doing English or French when I was in school. So, my hats are off my hats off to them. They do an amazing job. Um, yeah, tomorrow I think it's going to be going to be fun. Um, and you know, again, like I mentioned, we'll push forward for having a July event as well. Um, and I did mention that we're, you know, have this ethics training that we will put out a calendar, uh, and re and some dates and you guys please respond to that. Uh, because I do want to incorporate the the work session with that because, you know, we're overdue to have that so that we can come up with our projects and our our priorities. And I will keep everybody informed as to what happens on the meeting on on Friday. So, with with nothing else, we're adjourned. Thank you folks.