The Soldotna City Council adopted a resolution forming a special assessment district for Whistle Hill sewer utility improvements. Petition forms were submitted to the city in March by Henry and Mary Krull, sponsors of the special assessment district.
“The purpose of the SAD is to extend the sewer line or the sewer main up Whistle Hill Loop to provide services to the Whistle Hill development and all of the properties along the way,” according to Director of Economic Development and Planning, John Czarnezki. “The total length of the sewer line is about 1,500 feet. It would start near the old map shop and continue up Whistle Hill Loop, north on Paces and end on John’s Circle. The reason for the request is the poor soil conditions in this area. The Kroll’s have stated that their septic system has failed in the past and other neighboring properties have also indicated that they have to pump on a regular basis to keep their systems operating.”
A previous resolution states that it is the burden of the applicant to demonstrate the project’s benefit to the city when more than the minimum matching amount (50%) is requested. The project sponsor requested a 75% cost share, citing the considerable investment into the community and city of Soldotna, in addition to future plans.
Council Member Dave Carey proposed an amendment to the resolution (which was approved), making the cost share 75% on the part of the city, “I’m just looking at the financial side of the people putting this in. They’re helping the others, again, in this overall development. This is the right thing to use our funds for. It is a right time to do it. A huge amount has already been spent. This isn’t someone with a blank lot saying I’d like this and then we’ll start working on it.”
“Absolutely the city can afford the project in that we have sufficient fund balance in the Utility right now because we pay 100% up front and then we get repaid over time,” according to City Manager Stephanie Queen.
Whistle Hill Loop falls within the Sterling Highway right-of-way and is within the proposed Sterling Highway MP 82.5 to 94 Safety Corridor project, which includes the expansion of the highway to four lanes, divided by a depressed median. It also would include turn lanes, bike paths, and intersection realignments. It’s unknown what affect, if any, the project would have on Whistle Hill Loop.
Click here for more information on Resolution 2022-027.