December 28, 2008

Week #10 has been great as the trip to Seward on Tuesday missed the blizzard until coming home, Thursday was Christmas but on Saturday was the funeral for Roy Shapley. I did a lot of research on the Spruce Bark Beetle Program, we got our Federal Stimulus Projects determined and the Holidays seemed to give staff and employees some quality time with their families.

Item #1, the trip to Kamchatka, Russia proceeds along well with the word from Rotarian Jerry Near that all seems to be a go from their end. The Tyonek Corporation is not ready, at this time, to travel with us but others seem very enthused.

Item #2, it is always amazing to visit any Senior Center. Sterling is always most friendly and enjoyable. The Christmas Program by the Hawaiian Dancers was awesome.

Item #3, the teleconference with Senator-elect Mark Begich was most helpful and well attended. These types of calls are good for all of us as it focuses on our similarities as Alaskan communities. It was very good news to hear that Senators Murkowski and Begich are going to use the same request forms for Federal needs. This will save staff time and unnecessary duplication. I hope that Rep. Don Young will also consider this. The final list will be this week’s attachment to the Mayor’s Report.

Item #4, the trip to Seward was good in so many ways. The people were very friendly and Assembly Member Ron Long was extremely helpful. Claudia is doing a great job as the Borough’s face in Seward. Concern about the bridges outside of Seward is most pressing. I have agreed to speak to the Governor’s Office about the issue.

From the Qutekcak Natives, to AVTEC, to the Community Meeting, to the tour of the Sea Life Center, all went very well. More people, in Alaska and the world, need to be educated about the wonderful resources in Seward. Like Tyonek, Seward seems to be easily forgotten about by borough residents. This should not continue for many reasons. The least of which is that everyone has to be allowed to participate and benefit from the “social contract” that is American democracy.

Item #5, we have been asked by the State Oil and Gas Assessor to consider pushing for legislation regarding including transportation costs in the assessment of these resources. After a meeting this coming Tuesday with the State Assessor, I will speak to the Assembly regarding their wishes on this matter.

Item #6, the Federal Stimulus Package Borough Priorities could put many hundreds of people to work, directly and indirectly, and save the taxpayers of the Borough money. The needs in Seward and Nikiski are especially critical. The Bear Creek Fire Station and Community Center along with the Nikiski Fire Station Relocation could bring a fresh economic boost to both areas.

Item #7, the complexities of the Borough’s Spruce Bark Beetle Program are becoming more apparent as I become more knowledgeable of the dynamics of each grant and the programs they assist funding-wise. It is unfortunate that some seem to believe my purpose is to stop the Program when in truth I wish to re-direct the remaining stream of funding toward Right-of-Ways on Borough maintained roads that we will be working on over the next three years. Clearing these trees will save on-going funds for maintenance. I am also re-directing the personnel and hopefully making it more efficient and effective.

Item #8, the weekly status reports from each Department continue to be most helpful. I learn a great deal but also provide the supervisors in the respective department with a needed weekly review of their work. We must all continually review and assess our work in order to supply healthy evaluation of the use of taxpayer funds and employee’s time.

Item #9, this week the work done by the Road Staff and Contractors has been marvelous. Borough roads were in good shape so that the large snowfall was efficiently addressed with many people working all through the Christmas Holidays. We owe them our thanks.

This week allowed me to see many more people and evaluate many employees. The Borough has many opportunities for development and high quality of life as a result of those that live here and invest their time, talents and treasures making this a better place. Our economic diversity continues to be a great strength for the Kenai Peninsula Borough.