The Haines Borough Assembly changed its heliski code and administrative policy Tuesday in part to align with language similar to the Bureau of Land Management and to make language consistent throughout code.
Most changes eliminated inconsistencies. Others reduced the required borough spot checks from five to three per operator each season. A section titled “Complaints” was removed that allowed the borough to request GPS data after receiving public complaints.
The bulk of the changes went unopposed by the assembly and public. Jessica Plachta opposed the reduction of spot checks and said complete data is the “missing link for responsible heliski management.”
Borough clerk Alekka Fullerton said that for the last several years, the borough has only been completing three spot checks due to the short heliski season caused by poor weather and the pandemic.
Assembly member Debra Schnabel made a motion to continue five spot checks each season in an effort to provide concessions to residents who are “most interested in sharing the airspace and terrain.”
Schnabel’s motion failed 5-1.
In other assembly news, an ordinance that will increase the borough’s water and sewer utility rate schedule advanced to a second public hearing. The ordinance will raise rates by 5% each year for the next four years beginning in July. Borough staff proposed the rate hike in February to compensate for state funding cuts and a rise in expenses that have outpaced revenues. In the current fiscal year, water and sewer spending is expected to exceed revenue by more than $80,000.
The assembly approved in its third and final hearing a property tax incentive for subdivision development in an effort to create more housing options. The ordinance will provide a temporary exemption on the increase in assessed value of unsold lots within new subdivisions. The exemption will last for up to five years without caveats and up to 10 years for properties improved to promote economic development and create employment in the borough. The borough’s newly formed housing working group recommended the tax incentive and will continue to address issues related to the lack of housing in Haines.