MAYOR'S E-MAIL REPORT

Mayor George Wuerch
Anchorage, AK
Jan. 10, 2003

Safety Minute

This week, during a routine inspection, the Anchorage Fire Department found an extremely hazardous situation in a multi-dwelling unit. AFD says the landlord was attempting to heat the boiler by using two weed burners. This incident could have been deadly if not for the inspection. Fortunately, all residents were evacuated safely. Please use only approved heating units installed by professionals. Many fire deaths are caused by make-shift heating devices not appropriate for use in homes or businesses.

City moves forward on Abbott Loop Community Park plan and Simonian ball fields

The city is moving forward with its commitment to have Simonian Little League playing ball on a new field by summer 2005. The plan, up for approval by the Assembly next Tuesday, is to have the ground graded and seeded this summer with construction of the fields, fences and other infrastructure in 2004. The finished project is to include a community park, four baseball diamonds, one soccer field, 144 paved parking spaces, concession plaza, playground, trail head and picnic shelter.

First Muniversity class next Tuesday

The Municipality is offering a lecture series to the general public called "Muniversity." It's designed to give citizens an opportunity to better understand how their local government works and the role, responsibilities and resources of the various departments of government. Muniversity will be held on Tuesdays, noon to 1 p.m., starting next Tuesday, Jan. 14. For more information, call 343-6114 or visit www.muni.org. Muniversity is a collaborative undertaking of the administration, Assembly and Community Councils.

City financial department receives award

This week, the city's finance department was notified it is receiving the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting. The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) awarded the Municipality of Anchorage's 2001 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. We are proud of their accomplishment.