GIRDWOOD VALLEY SERVICE AREA BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

Tracey Knutson, Chair;

Victor Duncan, Jim Henderson, John Gallup, Nick Danger

 


Meeting Minutes

Girdwood Board of Supervisors                         DRAFT…..DRAFT…..DRAFT

September 19, 2005

Glacier City Hall

 

Present:  Tracey Knutson, Chair; Jim Henderson, Victor Duncan, Nick Danger, John Gallup

 

Call to Order:  7:00 pm

 

Approval of Minutes:

  1. Regular Monthly Meeting August 15, 2005.  John Gallup MOVES to accept the minutes as presented; Victor Duncan SECONDS.  Vote:  4-0, unanimous in favor.

 

Announcements:

  1. New Board member appointed, Jim Henderson

 

  1. New GBOS Secretary, Brandi Hoke

 

  1. Update: Community Bulletin Board at Girdwood post office.  Installed and thanks given to Girdwood Rotary.  Basic guidelines to be followed regarding posting items are read.

 

  1. Girdwood Budget.

Last month made record that we would give budget amounts monthly.  Knutson gives explanation of monthly budget amounts:  Parks and Recreation has budget of sixteen thousand four hundred ten dollars ($16,410.00) for part-time employee yearly salary.  Thirteen thousand four hundred eighty five dollars and thirty-nine cents ($13, 485.39), eighty two percent (82%) has been expended.  We have a spendable budget in Parks and Recreation of one hundred twenty two thousand six hundred eighty dollars ($122,680.00) and have expended nineteen thousand eight hundred eighty three dollars ($19,883.00), seventeen point six two percent (17.62%).  Remainder period will go into purchasing.  Series of goals set, to include buying snow-machine in lieu of lease.  Heavy spending is going to occur in next few months.  Roads budget four hundred eighteen thousand seven hundred seventy dollars ($418,770.00), two hundred thirteen thousand three hundred seventy dollars ($213,370.00) expended to date.  One hundred seventy thousand dollars ($170,000.00) encumbered, ninety two point two nine percent (92.29%) expended.  The rest left is for initial plowing.  Fire; there are three (3) categories that amount to three hundred fifty three thousand dollars ($353,000.00).  Expended two hundred sixty one thousand one hundred ninety four dollars ($261,194.00), eight three point thirty three percent (83.33%.)  Will hear figures and percentages remaining monthly.  Will move forward to two (2) public hearings to set mill rate.  We will review figures that were spent and create a wish list to set mill rate for 2006.

 

  1. Quarterly Mayor’s meeting re-scheduled.

Knutson states meeting scheduled for December 15, 2005 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in Mayor’s Conference Room and that public is invited to attend.

 

7.  Girdwood Street Names.

Knutson shares list of names that are approved for change as of October 1st, 2005. (see attached)

 

  1. Turnagain Arm Health Center.

Knutson reads update from center.  They applied for Denali Commission Business Plan (a grant application) for clinic building funding on September 2nd, 2005, as original version was not approved.  Have received strong encouragement and believe they have a good probability of success with this submission.  Part of master plan is to provide better access to healthcare in Hope as well as a satellite clinic, still pending approval form Kenai Borough.  Valerie DeFrance, resident of Hope and leader of EMS there, created website www.tahcak.org.  Check for updates or send them e-mail.  The CHC grant application was delayed until December.  The government hasn’t released new grant information guidelines. TAHC has been paying a grant writer to work on parts of the grant application that can be completed without guidelines so they will be ready when they do receive new guideline information.  Several fund-raising and community events have been held including a Fly By Night event, Girdwood Fun Run, Healthy Futures Bird to Gird Bike Ride, and Coins for Change event.  Next opportunity for fundraising will be the first Snow Ball on November 5, 2005 at the Sitzmark, fun events for kids during the day, an auction in the evening and entertainment for adults.

 

New Announcements added by Knutson:

 

Anchorage Assembly and Planning and Zoning Hearing. 

Held September 19th, 2005 from 5:00p.m. -7:00p.m. at the Loussac Library.  They were seeking public comment on the draft Long Range Transportation Plan.   More information is available at www.muni.org/transplan or pick up copy of the executive summary available at the Traffic Engineering and Planning Department.

 

Introductions, Presentations and Reports:

  1. HLB Report – Robin Ward.

o      Trails Committee asked HLB for permit to construct new trail in the Beaver Pond area to connect California Creek with Bird to Gird Trail. Sending in application and still waiting on that.  Will process when it comes in.

o      Under-grounding for Chugach Electric feeder line along Lindblad Ave in the New Townsite will some time towards the end of this month, if it hasn’t started already.  Should see something happening there within the next few days.

o      In October, HLB will present the Crow Creek Neighborhood Plan to Planning and Zoning Commission with an associated request for amendment to the GAP. Will get a date and make sure everybody has it.

o      Discussion continues with several agencies to resolve problem of water backing-up in Old Townsite.  Knutson asks if Ward received confirmation of Mayor’s meeting being re-scheduled.  Ward is aware of the new date.  John Gallup states that he thought progress had been made on the drainage in Old Girdwood and asks if the logjam is broken. Ward confirms it is still a problem, though it has been temporarily relieved.  Solution still needs to be found.  Knutson clarifies that there are two separate issues, the drainage in Old Girdwood and the cleaning out of the drains.  Gallup was referring to the cleaning out of the drains.  Knutson confirms that progress IS being made on that, but it is a separate issue from what Ward was talking about.  Gallup asks Ward to bring presentation to LUC meeting when it’s ready instead of at the quarterly meeting.  Ward confirms it can be done early at the LUC meeting.

 

  1. USFS Update.

Knutson states Jim Fincher could not attend.  Reads update.

 

o      TRAILS –

Byron Trail has been fully reconstructed. 

 

Winner Creek Trail from Crow Creek road to the “T” has been reconstructed.  Forest Service is working with HLB on an easement for trailhead parking on Crow Creek Road. 

 

Upper Winner Creek Trail has been partially reconstructed, but portions are muddy.  A contracting crew will return next year and complete construction next year. 

 

o      WHISTLESTOP PROJECT –

Work on the project has been completed this summer for trail layout and potential cabin sites.  Design work and an environmental analysis will be ongoing this winter.  Funding for implementation is unknown at this time, but it is likely that some trail construction will start at the Spencer Glacier area next summer.

 

o      INTERPRETIVE SERVICES ANNOUNCEMENTS –

 

USFS hosting Nature Spooktaclular in late October.  It is a popular Halloween event for kids that allow them to dress up and learn different things about nature.

 

Begich Boggs Visitor Center staff is developing curriculum with Anchorage School District.  They are identifying educational partnership opportunities to utilize the new classroom.

 

o      SPECIAL USES –

 

No court decision in helicopter skiing case.  Last winter USFS increased area and amount of helicopter skiing.  A capacity and environmental study will be conducted by USFS on recreational use of 20-mile river.  This summer there has been substantial increase of use on the river by outfitters and guides.

 

USFS allowed temporary summer snowmobiling on Exit Glacier.  Made decision last spring.  Public expressed concerns at the time that it would conflict with other summer uses in the area.  USFS adopted measures to minimize possible recreational conflicts and would monitor the situation before any long-term decision was made.  Public feedback is appreciated.

 

o      OTHER –

 

New warehouse facility being constructed to house trail construction, marine and resource equipment.

 

  1. Girdwood Library and Community Center Task Force update, Brooks Chandler.

Brooks Chandler asked to give update in addition to quarterly update because of upcoming budget decision.  Task Force has been working for about a year examining funding and resources to raise funds for the library.  Recommending to board to include and initiative budget, the beginning step of a four (4) year plan to raise one million dollars ($1,000,000.00) through local property taxes.  Brooks states the task force will participate in budget hearings or be available for questions either at hearing or before.  Handed out information to the board that led the task force to their recommendation.  This is a four point six (4.6) million dollar project.  They would like to raise one million dollars ($1,000,000.00) through local property taxes in addition the one million dollars ($1,000,000.00) they have already received from the state, in part courtesy of Senator Bundy.  Brooks thanks him.  They anticipate receiving one million dollars ($1,000,000.00) through the Denali Commission Multi-Use Facility Grant.  The application was submitted last Friday. Remaining balance to be raised by individual contribution and application to various foundations.  They have identified the top six (6) or seven (7) that give grant monies for library-type purposes.  This is an ongoing process.  Success depends on the willingness of our own community to reach into their pockets to pay for part of the costs for a new library and community center.

The task force looked at two (2) ways to raise funds locally.  One was an assessment district improvement process.  This had advantages.  Knutson asks since these handouts will be used at budget hearings to make sure copies get to secretary.  Brooks assures her he will get them to her.  Brooks states the assessment district was the original way he thought would work best raise money, primarily because it includes all properties, whether nor not they are tax-exempt within the district.  This would include municipally owned property.  There is political resistance at the municipality level to include the property they own in assessing, some are against it.  It is kind of unfeasible, but to give us an idea of what the number looks like for an assessment district.  Per one hundred thousand dollar ($100,000.00) valuation translates into the mill rate that will be talked about as we head in to budget process.  Brooks states he has learned through this process that the forty-four point sixty seven (44.67) per hundred thousand (100,000) indicator on the assessment district translates to point four four (.44) mills.  In addition to the municipality not wanting to subject its lands to assessments, there is an administrative charge of forty-four dollars ($44.00) per property just for collecting and administering the assessment district.  For example, a property worth one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000.00) would pay as much of an administrative fee as you would to collect the money making the true cost to the property owner twice what is needed to raise the money that they are trying to raise.  Brooks states these are the reasons this idea is not feasible, but wanted to share this information from finance.  An AWWU process does assessment districts.  They are the ones that do it the most for water and sewer, and the answer was “no” when examined to obtain a discount or reduced rate.  That doesn’t mean we couldn’t decide otherwise, this is just what the task force has recommended based on what they’ve done. 

Task force took a look at property taxes.  Since we have now voted out the tax cap this is a viable option for raising funds.  The question will be whether as a community we have the political will and support for the project to use property taxes to raise the local contribution.  The task force looked at what it would take to raise one million dollars ($1,000,000.00) and asked the finance department at the municipality to translate that into a mill rate.  Looked at three (3) different time frames.  The budget Brooks handed out reflects what was thought necessary to be raised locally, but also included five hundred thousand ($500,000.00) for informational purposes.  The state funded grant allows multiple years before building starts.  This gives more time to raise money through property taxes.  One difference between using assessment district versus property taxes is that with an assessment district you can build and then collect the money.  With property taxes money needs to be in the bank because it is an annual process and the municipality will not feel comfortable building on the assumption that future political decisions will be made with continued funding.  If property tax decision made, a special capital project library center fund will be established, a designated savings account, and through the budget process, as taxes are collected, they would be deposited into this account. 

To raise one millions dollars ($1,000,000.00) over four (4) years would be two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000.00) per year.  From our current property taxes base of about three hundred seven million dollars ($307,000,000.00) would point eight one (.81) mills. This translates to eighty-one dollars ($81.00) per one hundred thousand ($100,000.00) of property valuation.  It is a fairly significant amount, but we can’t take ten (10) years to raise money this way like you could through an assessment district because you run into problems and can’t sustain a ten (10) year fundraising effort with volunteers, Brooks doesn’t believe.  They looked at three (3), four (4) and five (5) years plans and selected the middle one and this is what the task force recommends to include in the budget.  Knutsen questions clarification that the desirable alternative is the million dollars ($1,000,000.00) for four (4) years at point eight one (.81) additional mills.  Brooks says yes and says they thought this was within reach.  Given the fact that the community has voted more than three (3) to one (1) on multiple occasions to tax ourselves to build this project.  Jim Henderson asks about feasibility of using a revenue bond.  Chandler states that these have to be approved by voters in Anchorage so this has made things difficult.  That is the case even if revenue bond only draws revenue from this service area, it still has to be approved by the municipality.  When Chandler mentioned the community voting to tax ourselves, this is what he was talking about; approving a bond, though it was not approved throughout the municipality and it did not succeed.  Knutsen asks if there is a difference in revenue bond now that we are out from under the tax cap.  Knutsen asks if we could do one ourselves.  Henderson states that is what he meant as well.  Chandler says he doesn’t know, but the classic revenue bond is something you could not do because the revenue is from what you bill to pay the bond.  Chandler states he is not clear on all the aspects of municipal finance but says there is something called tax anticipation financing but does not know how it works, but would be happy to look into it.  Knutsen asks if this should be on the agenda for the next quarterly Mayor’s Meeting.  Chandler says no, that it should be part of budget process.  Knutsen says it will be.  Chandler says project should be discussed with mayor in the event they need money or support from the mayor’s office and that they have been very supportive of the project.  Knutsen opts to put it on the agenda for the quarterly meeting on December 15th, 2005.  Henderson comments that this is a logical and reasonable funding option and asks to question the municipality of its possibility.  Gallup reminds us the two additional meeting will be held and the setting of the mill rate will be the only thing on the table and everyone can look at these things then.    Knutsen confirms this.  Ward states that most revenue bonds are between four and a half percent (4.5%) and six percent (6%) so you’d be paying interest and the only way to finance that is with the annual fee.  So you have to decide if the collection and interest is worth spreading out.  Numbers need to be run.  Henderson states this is a cheap rate and that long-term funding is a desirable approach.

 

  1. Senator Bundy.

Senator apologizes, due to health issues and travel this is the first time since the session that he has been able to chat.  Tonight the teachers are voting on possibility of accepting a contract.  The media has portrayed that now they will go to the legislature to get more money.  That can be done, but it’s not that simple.  State funding for schools goes through a foundation formula and Anchorage is the base of that.  If Anchorage gets another fifteen (15) or twenty (20) million that they’re looking for, everyone else’s funding is base-plus geographic differential.  It will be a substantial amount more than just what Anchorage is asking for.  The teachers retirement system has a huge arrearage problem so that would be another forty (40) or fifty (50) million there.  So in order for Anchorage to get it’s ten (10) or fifteen (15) million, we are looking at a hundred plus (100+) million statewide.  This can be done, but every dollar spent there, is another dollar that cannot go to the library.  This is just being shared for informational purposes. 

The governor has drawn a line in the sand regarding the gas line negotiations and when the negotiations are done, there will be a thirty (30) day public comment period where adjustments can be made to contract.  Once it comes to the legislature, fine-tuning cannot be done; it’s a yea or nay vote only.  We need to take a close look at this issue as it comes out and collectively decide what is in the best interest of Alaska businesses.  Bundy is very concerned that some people are interested in a short-term gain versus what’s best long-term for our state.  Has confidence we will make the right decision, but everyone needs to look at it.  Knutson thanks Senator Bundy.

Diana Livingston comments that Senator Bundy will be the guest speaker at the Girdwood Rotary meeting on Thursday, September 22nd.  Invites public to attend at 7:00p.m. at the Alyeska Prince Hotel.  Senator Bundy says he has hopes for lots of questions.  Gives his phone number of 269-0181 and e-mails occasionally as things come across his desk.

 

  1. LUC Report.

Gallup states all LUC items are in New Business.  Ron Burson states action was taken on two (2) items; non-objection and the rest were non-action due to no representation or by request of the representative.  Knutson states we will take these items up under New Business.

 

Public Comment:  None.

 

Old Business:

 

  1. Board to schedule two (2) public hearings to set mill rate.

Knutson states board to will schedule two (2) meetings to set mill rate.  She hopes during the first meeting and to somewhat of a lesser degree during the second meeting, to share information on budget, how money much in each, primarily roads, Parks and Recreation and fire.  She will show how much control we have on those budgets and how much we’ve spent and chosen to spend on each of those budgets.  She hopes that the public will come forward with wish lists on any changes they would like to see.  Will show calculation shown to her by the Office of Management and Budget as to how much per one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000.00) of each individual’s property it will cost to increase the overall budget by certain amount.  At the end of the second session we should be able to know where we are at in regards to setting the mill rate.  The intent at the final December GBOS meeting will be to have one final session on budget and set the 2006 mill rate.  After much discussion, Gallup makes a motion to schedule the two (2) fall budget meetings to set mill rate for November 22nd, 2005 and December 14th, 2005 at 7:00p.m.  Danger seconds. Motion passes unanimously.  Notice will be posted at Post Office of these meetings.  Knutson confirms the second meeting is for continued input after being questioned by Julie Jonas.  Knutson states the GBOS meeting rules require two (2) meetings to obtain public input.  The distance between these meetings will allow for answers to be found for any questions. Knutson tell Jonas that in spreading the word to the public, to come to at least one of the meetings and be prepared.  Knutson clarifies that the board needs to know the amount of money needed in one (1) give year.  They also need to address if this is sustained funding or if it is a one (1) year capital that won’t affect the budget in 2007 or 2008.  Knutson reminds us we have only three (3) primary budgets that we affect here.  While the regulations say that we are waste, roads, parks and recreation and fire, we have nothing to do with waste and fire is under a vendor contract with the municipal fire department so we don’t have a huge impact on that either though we could change the mills on that.  Chief Chadwick will make presentation on that.  You will be hearing ideas from the board and decide after adding up the wish list.  Knutson confirms that the board sets the mill rate with public input and that it ultimately ends up forwarded to the assembly for approval.  Knutson states that as long as the budget process is sent in by the 1st of the year, that we will meet the budget deadline.  Brandi will confirm verification of this deadline.

 

  1. Resolution 2005-08.

Knutson reads complete resolution supporting the establishment of a museum in the historic Roundhouse Building.  GBOS supports this resolution.  Livingston states that this project doesn’t cost the community anything to build or the service area anything to sustain.  Steps have been taken to make sure foundation work has been completed to prevent Roundhouse from falling off mountain.  Lower part of roundhouse will be national ski patrol headquarters.  The new roof is close to complete, though interior work is not.  The project has one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000.00) left.  An additional one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000.00) anticipated to be needed for project completion next year.  The USFS will staff the museum.  Livingston requests historical artifacts relating to the history of Girdwood or skiing in Girdwood, to let her or Chris Von Imhoff know.  Knutson asks if the Roundhouse was put on the National Historic Registry and Livingston confirms it was and that it had to be done in order to receive some of the grants already received.  Victor Duncan asks if the top will be a museum, Livingston confirms it is.  Duncan asks who will maintain it.  Livingston states it will be maintained under an agreement with the USFS and Alyeska Resort.  Also, fees will be raised.  This will be a trade off for the ski patrol to use the bottom.  They will pay utilities and this will be formalized in an agreement.  Knutson asks if it is a pay as you go or open to the public.  Livingston states it will be open to the public for no charge; however there will probably be a fifty-cent ($.50) per tram ticket surcharge to go towards sustaining the Roundhouse.  Gallup asks if there is running water.  Livingston says there is.  Denise Dargan states she would like to get together regarding some historic items.  Livingston says this would be great venue to get items seen and declares what she likes about the fifty-cent ($.50) per head charge is that it spreads the support of the maintenance and sustenance beyond the community and beyond Alaska because a lot of people from out of state visit in the summer and winter.  She states that it will be open both winter and summer though she does not know the hours at this time.  Livingston clarifies building will be staffed.  Duncan asks how much it will take to finish project and Livingston says inside is still raw and that windows are an issue with the National Parks Service.  Livingston says project has to be kept as original as possible and that the architect wanted windows that would be more weatherproof and would last longer.  This issue is being worked out.  Livingston says the USFS will not give them any more money unless they comply.  Motion pending.  Gallup moves to support passing of Resolution 2005-08.  Danger seconds.  Passes unanimously.

 

  1. Resolution 2005-09 Playground Committee.

Tabled to November meeting by request of the Playground Committee.

 

New Business:

 

  1. From Land Use Committee meeting of September 13, 2005:

o      LUC Agenda item 0509-03 (Case Number 2005-135):  Petitioner Wayne Henderson.  Gallup states through a surveying error the petitioner ended up with his condo project about one point eight (1.8’) feet from where it was supposed to be, encroaching point eight (.8’) feet into the side setback.  Knutson asks how it came about.  Gallup states the petitioner’s surveyor is present and could probably explain it best.  Gallup has drawings that were presented to LUC.  Gallup states that at LUC meeting initial mitigation was suggested, but the other party countered.  All parties were present tonight.  Gallup says parties can sit down and arrive at some mitigation and that though it was an expensive mistake, it is eight tenths (.8’) of a foot. Gallup states it would be difficult to notice in a photo.  Knutson asks what the vote was at LUC.  Gallup states the vote was five (5) voted for, four (4) voted no, and five (5) abstained.  Mr. Henderson’s specific request is for a variance on the side-lot setback to allow building to exist where it’s built.  Knutson asks if they are going to Planning and Zoning to ask for variance and notes there was a split decision by LUC.  Knutson asks how this happened.  Tom Dreyer with Lantech says there is a fifty percent (50%) chance that Lantech has surveyed your property at one point in time.  He and his brother started Lantech back in 1978 and they specialize in Girdwood and Anchorage.  Dreyer states he has been skiing down here since 1965 and that he owned property here though the 80’s and 90’s, so they are not some fly-by outfit that came down and messed something up.  They have staked thousands of properties down here and the gentleman that made this error, though Dreyer is one of the owner’s and takes full responsibility, has been working for Dreyer for at least twenty (20) years and feels horrible about it.  Since this error was made, Dreyer has been working with Ethan Tyler, representative for the Taos Condo Association, the adjacent property owners.  Dreyer explains that regarding states that fire and property codes are not affected.  Wayne Henderson has installed thaw wire and footing drains with a proposed a retaining wall to provide the same drainage that was planned before the error occurred.  The overall pattern has not changed from the original plan.  Henderson states there is just let room on his lot to deal with it.  Knutson asks Henderson about other impacts besides drainage.  Henderson says there aren’t other serious impacts.  Knutson confirms that Henderson is not actually ON Taos Condo lot.  Henderson confirms they are not.  Knutson states there is mitigation on drainage issues and asks if there is anything else that is an impact.  Henderson is designer of building and would be happy to answer any questions.  Knutson asks Ethan Tyler for condo association’s position on issue.  Tyler says they are working towards an agreement.  An open dialogue has been kept with Dryer at Lantech and that a list of items that they could do to mitigate the problem has been forwarded.  They are working towards an agreement, but hoping it will be reached prior to the Planning and Zoning committee meeting.  Knutson asks how they feel about the divided vote at the LUC meeting.  Tyler says they were disappointed.  Tyler says they are concerned with snow removal and some issues with windows.  Gallup states that pending materials, everything is in agreement regarding retaining wall.  Henderson confirms.  Henderson says the footing drains pick up most of the water that comes off the building.  Henderson says the retaining wall will provide better drainage and a deeper trench for drainage.  Knutson states that what we project is not what necessarily happens one hundred percent (100%) of the time.  She wonders what will happen in the future regarding drainage.  Tyler says that one of the stipulations they have put forth in working with Lantech and Wayne is that they put in their condo association by-laws that any problems that arise would be their responsibility of their association.  Tyler states this is a work in progress.  Knutson asks if they are amenable to that and Dryer states they are.  Dryer asks for the boards support and Tyler’s’ support to get variance.  Wayne Henderson clarifies purpose of retaining wall is to get proper drainage.  Jim Henderson asks which area would be most likely to wash out.  Wayne Henderson states the most critical point is at the mid-point between their two buildings.  He wants to make sure the elevation is low enough to pick up anything that comes from between their two buildings.  Confirms he will make sure it is done properly.   Gallup states he thinks it’s sad that both developments couldn’t figure a better way to situate buildings so that there was something more pleasing to look and an a error such as this would have been more forgiving.  He says he’s glad this is not his unit.  Chandler states that a variance has a bunch of conditions and would be concerned if the board simply approved it that there would be less of an incentive to improve conditions and to reach accommodation.  Also states that a five (5) four (4) vote with five (5) abstaining, in his mind, meant that less that a majority in attendance was in favor of the petitioner’s request and LUC didn’t recommend the variance, but was unsure if that is how LUC works.  Member of public commented some that abstained because they were not residents or did not own property.  Gallup clarifies that abstainers are legal voters, but they chose not to take a side.  Another member of the public states that some were not clear on who could or could not vote.  Ron Burson states that an explanations process was declared at the meeting stating who was entitled to vote and the voting took place after this explanation.  An e-mail was generated after the meeting was adjourned, question the qualifications of some that voted, but since the meeting was already over, the time to address that would have been at the meeting.  Knutson observes that she has rarely thought that it is proper for the board to be talking too extensively about what people do on their private property and we have to support what it being done on private property within certain obvious boundaries.  Knutson’s natural leaning is to support the private property owner, however does declare that four (4) people abstaining and four (4) against means that eight people either didn’t want to deal with it or were against it and five (5) that were for it and that has meaning to her.  Also, Knutson is in agreement that there should be some stipulation put on a vote from the GBOS.  She is not sure what Planning and Zoning will do, but does agree that this is a matter that needs to be worked out between the property owners and she would be really remiss to not recognize the infringement on the neighboring property.  An error was made and should not befall the innocent neighbor; it should go to the person who made the error.  In Knutson’s way of thinking, the neighbor needs to be accommodated within reason.  It is incumbent upon the one who made the mistake.  Tyler wants to make clear that the association in no way wants to stonewall variance application just based on the fact that a building is built there, because whether there was a mistake made or not, there was still going to be a building built there.  They would like to work on reasonable requests with Wayne Henderson and Lantech.  Tyler is certain they can come to an agreement, but it means that he would support the board passing this with the stipulation on agreements made.  Gallup reluctant to support what the agreement looks like.  He states he doesn’t want a situation coming up later during a Planning and Zoning meeting where one party says, “Well, the GBOS supported us.”  He had hoped that by today their issues would be resolved so his vote would an easy one to cast.  Knutson asks for a motion.  Gallup motions that the GBOS support the application for petition of Mr. Henderson to the Zoning Board of Examiners and Appeals for variance on the misplaced condominium with the stipulation that the parties return to negotiations and arrive at an accord.  Knutson asks for clarification on the motion.  Gallup requests to make a motion to conditionally support the variance contingent upon the arrival at an agreement for mitigation between the two (2) parties, Mr. Henderson and the Taos Condo Association.  Danger seconds.  Four (4) in favor, one (1) abstaining.  Knutson wishes them luck.

o      LUC Agenda item 0509-04 (Case Number 2005-138):  Petitioner Municipality of Anchorage.  Gallup states this ordinance does not apply to Girdwood.  LUC took no action.

o      LUC Agenda item 0509-05 (Case Number S11415-1):  Petitioner Municipality of Anchorage School District.  Gallup states that school district wants a turn around, maybe for school busses, right on the curve going into the school.  A little bit of easement needs to be vacated.  They are not here to present and Gallup feels if it goes to Planning and Zoning without comment it will be fine. No action taken.

o      LUC Agenda Item 0509-05 (Case Number 2005-104 P&Z):  Crow Creek Area Master Plan – Postponed.

o      LUC Agenda Item 0509-07 – Ward states that approximately forty (40) trees need to be removed and used to widen trail.  HLB wanted to let public know and give public the ability for input.  Gallup says the result from LUC was unanimous in favor.  The work would be handwork to create level road for snow cat.  Gallup says that handwork doesn’t leave much of a scar.  Ward says they are very pleased with the work that has been done in the past and trusts them to do a good job.  Ron Burson states that all comments made at LUC meeting were in positive favor of this issue.  Gallup makes a motion that the GBOS drafts a letter of non-objection to Chugach Powder Guides cutting approximately forty (40) trees on the snow cat road to improve road for their snow cat.  Danger seconds.  Passes unanimously.  Knutson wants clarification on who will be writing letters.  Gallup assumed he would be writing both.  He will.

         

Board Reports:

 

  1. Land Use Supervisor, John Gallup.

Gallup notes all land use items have been covered.

 

  1. Parks and Recreation Supervisor, GBOS Chair, Tracey Knutson

Knutson notes that the Southeast Alaska Youth Corps is here through the middle of October working on three (3) different trail projects.  Chad Frank is working on a cooperative grant with the National Park service and working on paperwork that will be turned in later this month for trail work.  He is completing application with HLB for construction of a new trail; the one Robin spoke of in the HLB report along the Beaver Pond Trail to the bike patch along the Seward Highway.  He is about to begin purchasing items under the 2005 budget including a snow machine in lieu of leasing one and completing the bear-proof garbage can program that was started last year or the year before.  We will now have twelve (12) of them in the valley as opposed to three (3) and we have two (2) or three (3) more that have not been installed.  He will have a presentation when we go through the process of the 2006 budget hearings.  Knutson says her and Frank sat down with Mary Steinbach who is his boss at Parks and Recreation and spent a couple of hours on the projects and resolutions with regards to priorities.  The Town Square Park priority has been absorbed by economic development.  The remaining priority is a playground.  Parks and Recreation money will be focused on this priority in 2006.  There is a playground committee formed, working with Leathers, Inc. and they are working on funding because Leathers, Inc. is a fairly expensive endeavor.  They have spent one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) to bring up a design consultant for a workshop at the school on the 27th of September.  They will submit costs and plans during budget hearing.  We have also asked Parks and Recreation at the municipality to give a more standard idea of costs. 

The wood for the Nissman Memorial is scheduled to arrive in Anchorage from Seattle on September 28th and Frank is in the process of coordinating a city truck to transport the materials to Girdwood.  Preparation is taking place at Jake Thompson’s and the raising of the memorial will happen later in October.  From discussion with Frank it will probably be in later October so we will have that on our announcements the date it will be and assistance need to do that. 

Final note.  The camper in the Forest Fair Park has permission to be there.  They are from the Oregon Woods Group, and in exchange are they are doing work on the Nissman Memorial, clearing trees, leveling ground and doing trails work.  Parks and Recreation gave them permission through the middle to late part of October.   

 

  1. Public Safety and Fire Supervisor, Nick Danger.

Alaska Trooper Post:  Large number of complaints received.  Ten (10) D.U.I.’s, thirty two (32) complaints of suspected drunk drivers, fifty nine (59) complaints of reckless driving, four (4) animal complaints, sixteen (16) motor vehicle accidents, thirteen (13) search and rescue reports of overdue hikers, thirteen (13) thefts, two (2) identity thefts, two (2) warrants arrests, nine (9) reports of vandalism, two (2) stolen vehicle reports, seven (7) minors consuming alcohol and eight (8) reports of domestic violence. For the first two (2) weeks of September the driving complaints have not tapered off.  If you see a driver, call them in.  Winter months are approaching so make sure your vehicle is checked for the weather conditions while driving on the Seward highway.

Girdwood Fire Department:  For the month of August through September 19th, twenty-two (22) total responses, one (1) vehicle fire, two (2) other fires, two (2) rescue calls, sixteen (16) EMS calls and one (1) false alarm.

Open burning of spruce beetle kill only, call 267-5020 for further information.  Construction materials are not allowed to be burned.

EMS training course being put on by Girdwood Fire Department with the help of Alyeska Resort.  Course open to all residents of Girdwood.  The department is currently looking for new members. 

October is fire prevention month.  It is our goal to work with local businesses and civic groups to have smoke detectors placed in residences in Girdwood. The last three (3) structure fires in Girdwood, the residents did not have working smoke detectors.  The fire department was handing out free batteries.  Gallup states his life was saved because of a smoke detector.  Knutson says Chadwick was in the process of drafting an emergency preparedness plan, a three (3) or four (4) hour training session offered to members of the board and certain members of the public. Danger says Chief waiting on GBOS to see amount of interest in this session and that the Chief wants members actively trained in case of a civil emergency.  He would like to do that in January and Knutson suggested that since we have these budget hearings going on in the fall.

 

  1. Utilities Supervisor, Victor Duncan.

AWWU continues to work with EPA to finalize grant applications to secure reimbursement for portions of projects that are constructed and in service.  The EPA grant offer of four million six hundred ten thousand dollars ($4,610,000.00) was approved September 13th 2005 by the assembly.  EPA representatives will audit the project in late September 2005. The Crow Creek Plan is pending Planning and Zoning approval.  AWWU continues to hold pending location and development information prior to submitting to EPA. Wastewater project update’s focus at this time continues on stemming the I & I problems.  Tam began repairs on east side of Glacier Creek.  One hundred forty-one (141) manholes have been rehabilitated.  Tam Construction was awarded the contract for the Girdwood Place/Holmgren Water Extension and will begin work this week.  Gallup asks when we can get roads graded without the roads being torn up and done twice.  Knutson asked Redmond’s to give us a quote on getting roads graded before winter.

 

Gallup MOVES to adjourn the meeting; Danger SECONDS.  Vote:  5-0, unanimous in favor.

 

Adjournment:  9:10 pm

 

Minutes respectfully submitted,

Brandi Hoke

 

Secretary’s note:  Additional documents available by fax:

-        HLB report

-        AWWU August report

-        Girdwood Library/ Community Task Force status report

-        Resolution 2005-08/ supporting the establishment of a Girdwood museum in the Historic Roundhouse building

-        Resolution 2005-09/ supporting the renovation of Little Bears’ Playground