Wasilla planning clerk says role lacks authority to sign commission resolutions

Wasilla's planning clerk told Planning Commission members Tuesday that the clerk has not been delegated authority to sign the commission's resolutions or minutes, after two commissioners questioned who is signing off on city documents with no planner at the meeting.

The meeting agenda lists the acting city planner post as vacant. Minutes from the commission's Aug. 11 and Sept. 22 meetings list an acting city planner among staff present. Mayor Alina Rubeo, elected Oct. 6, took office Oct. 19.

Commissioner Brown raised the issue during closing comments. "We cannot sufficiently serve and advise the public without certain things, which is missing right now," he said. Assuming the clerk was now signing off on permits, Brown said he was "worried about that coming back as not being legal."

The clerk responded that nothing leaves the office "that has any risk of legality without going through either a contract planner or our legal counsel."

Commissioner Langill then asked whether the clerk had been delegated authority to sign documents on behalf of the planning department. The clerk said no, not the resolution and not the minutes, and said the clerk reports directly to the mayor for now. Langill said she shared Brown's concern but that it was for the administration to sort out with guidance from the city attorney.

The city attorney said there was no update yet but that commissioners would be told as soon as the city knew more. Earlier in the meeting, the attorney had advised postponing action on substantive matters until talking with the new administration.

The one exception was a resolution backing an update of the city's Parks and Recreation Master Plan, which commissioners approved unanimously. Langill noted that the City Council had approved the parks plan contract the night before. Alaska News reported Oct. 22 that the council was set to vote on a $200,000 contract for the plan.

Chair David Seals said he expects the administration to have proper information and representation in place before the next meeting. "I can't make that a guarantee to you," he said, adding that the new administration is working hard to resolve the situation.