Former Haines Sheldon Museum director Helen Alten is the new Haines Borough deputy clerk. Alten, who was brought on as a temporary, emergency hire to ease the burden of borough clerk and interim manager Alekka Fullerton, began her new job on Monday.
“It feels good to have work. It’s been a long time since I’ve had a regular paycheck,” said Alten, who was abruptly terminated from her role at the museum last June after the board eliminated her position.
In response to Alten’s termination, Public Employees Local 71, the borough’s employees union, filed a grievance, asking that Alten be reinstated. As part of a settlement agreement reached last month, Alten’s name was added to a list of laid-off borough employees in accordance with borough code. Employees remain on the list for two years during which time they must be given hiring preference for borough jobs for which they are qualified.
Alten’s responsibilities as deputy clerk will include administrative tasks associated with records management, public notices, permitting and code enforcement, as well as assisting with the preparation of meeting packets and recording minutes during public meetings.
The assembly approved the hire of a deputy clerk on a temporary basis last month after Tennessee real estate investor George Zoukee turned down the manager job. Assembly members determined it prudent to bring on help to assist Fullerton, who has been working two jobs for almost a full year.
“It’s honestly great for me because (Alten) already knows how to use the website. There’s very little training on my part. That’s a huge boon for us,” Fullerton said.
Alten’s hire is currently authorized through June 30. It’s possible the position could be extended, pending assembly approval. At past meetings, Fullerton has advocated for the creation of a permanent deputy clerk position.
The borough hasn’t had a deputy clerk since 2018 when Fullerton was promoted to clerk after Julie Cozzi retired.