Jude Bilafer

This document outlines the economic development goals for the City of Palmer, as guided by the Board of Economic Development and contained within the City's Comprehensive Plan. The five primary goals focus on maintaining and advancing relationships with institutions and cooperatives, encouraging research and development, strengthening Palmer as a shopping destination, enhancing its appeal as a tourism hub, and promoting the city as a desirable place to live and conduct business.

The key discussions and actions included authorizing the City Manager to negotiate and enter into an agreement with HDL Engineering Consultants LLC for land acquisition and design services related to replacing the Cedar Hills Booster Station, with a contract amount not to exceed $252,549.00. The agenda also covered the swearing-in of a new council member, the issuance of a proclamation declaring March 29, 2026, as Education and Sharing Day, and a presentation from the Palmer Community Foundation. Under unfinished business, the Council addressed Resolution 26-002 B, which proposes amending the 2026 Fee Schedule to increase the City Sales Tax rate by one percent temporarily to finance the construction of the new Palmer Public Library.

The meeting agenda included reports from the Airport Superintendent covering airport maps, the Capital Improvement Program (CIP), the Master Plan list, FAA correspondence, and an update on the lighting project. New business items focused on a Zoning Change proposal designed to relax lot coverage maximums and reduce setbacks to maximize buildable space for airport tenants, and a discussion regarding the potential conversion of Aprons A, B, C, and D into lease lots to improve land utilization. The Commission also discussed a proposed Aircraft Storage District (A-X) zoning for these aprons. Audience participation included a comment in favor of the Palmer Golf Course. The commission passed a resolution recommending Runway 16 be designated as the Calm Wind Runway for wind conditions less than five knots.

The meeting agenda included several consent items for approval, such as authorizing the City Manager to purchase eight sets of turnout gear not to exceed $32,816.96, confirming the appointment of Dave Dickason to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, confirming the appointment of Sam Laffey to the Planning and Zoning Commission, and authorizing a contract amendment up to $78,918.00 with the Palmer Museum of History and Art for Visitor Information Center operation. Additionally, the Council considered Action Memorandum No. 26-030 concerning an amendment to the professional services contract with the Palmer Museum of History and Art for curatorial and archival services totaling $84,475.00. A public hearing was scheduled for Resolution 26-002 B, which proposes amending the 2026 Fee Schedule to increase the City Sales Tax by one percent (1%) from April 1, 2026, until October 31, 2027, to finance the construction of the new Palmer Public Library. The fee schedule update, including the sales tax modification, was documented in the meeting materials.

The City Council meeting agenda included several items for authorization via Action Memoranda. These actions involved authorizing the City Manager to purchase 8 sets of Turnout Gear from MES, confirming appointments for new members to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and the Planning and Zoning Commission, and authorizing contract amendments with the Palmer Museum of History and Art for management services for the Visitor Information Center and for professional curatorial, archival, and museum services. A Proclamation Recognizing Black History Month was also scheduled. A Public Hearing was set for Resolution 26-002 B, which proposes amending the 2026 Fee Schedule to increase the City Sales Tax by one percent to finance the construction of the new Palmer Public Library.