A Haines Borough committee meeting to discuss possible penalties for heli-ski firm Southeast Alaska Backcountry Adventures Tuesday became a closed meeting with an attorney when the firm delivered a letter challenging the borough’s right to regulate the industry.
The letter, from company owners Scott Sundberg and Nick Trimble, says the borough did not have a vote required by code to extend its powers over heli-ski operations on state lands.
The assembly met for more than an hour with attorney Brooks Chandler, then directed Chandler to further review SEABA’s claims.
About 16 residents testified at the meeting, most in favor of relaxing heli-ski regulations.
SEABA has acknowledged violating its borough heli-ski permit by exceeding its allotted skier days during the past season.
Mayor Jan Hill said she expected a response from Chandler by Sept. 14.