Dave Berry is the new president of the Chilkoot Indian Association.
Berry was elected during a contested election to the tribe’s board, and chosen president by board members. Della Brouillette also was elected in the vote.
Other officers will be determined at an Oct. 21 meeting.
Tribal administrator Jim Carnahan is officially on vacation until Sept. 23, Berry said, although he has moved out of the house he was renting, and shipped his cars south.
The question of retaining Carnahan was at the center of a dispute in July that closed tribal offices for two weeks.
Carnahan was seeking a $100,000 settlement from the tribe at the time, plus moving expenses.
Berry said Carnahan is on vacation “until I receive notice otherwise.”
He said the tribe is not advertising for a new administrator and rumors that Carnahan is suing the tribe are not true.
Work is continuing on two, ranch-style four-plexes in a subdivision the tribe is building off Major Road.
Berry said wood-pellet heaters must be installed I the buildings. Road upgrades and installation of a sewer pump station also must be done before the eight units are rented out. The buildings should be fully occupied by year’s end, Berry said.
“They’re looking really nice,” with sidewalks in and ground work finishing up.
The tribe is planning to get in foundations for two, 1,200-square-foot homes before winter, which would keep crews working through the winter. Tony Malone is project supervisor.