At this month’s Government and Services Committee Meeting, several ordinances were moved to be heard at the next assembly meeting on Sept. 12, including ordinances that amend Borough code regarding the Chilkat Center for the Performing Arts, the Library Advisory Board, and the Parks & Rec Advisory Board.
The proposed ordinance on the Chilkat Center stipulates that staffing of the center may be in the form of a management agreement approved by the assembly, and that the Borough may support the center’s operations.
The proposed establishment of a Library Advisory Board would require at least one advisory member to serve on the hiring committee for library director. Assembly member Cheryl Stickler noted her appreciation of the involvement of different stakeholders during the hiring process.
The committee also proposed to get rid of the seven-member Parks and Recreation advisory committee. The department was de facto inoperative. “We have for years frustrated this community by calling for it and not funding it,” said Schnabel. Stickler added that “Haines citizenry is being very effective in promoting parks and recreation. They are doing it much more efficiently than the Borough government.” Stickler’s comments were in reference to the work of Haines Huts and Trails, which most recently includes the installation of the first public use cabin.
GASC members pointed out that removing the parks and rec committee did not signify the borough’s abandonment of the cause. Schnabel noted that since parks are facilities, their maintenance could be covered under the public facilities program, and since recreational activities are programs, they could be introduced through assembly resolutions. “Someday I would like to see a recreation department,” she said.
The municipal pool has its own budget category and will not be affected by the sticking of the parks and rec department. The proposed ordinance for the public facilities advisory board was not moved to assembly because further deliberation was needed. GASC repealed the public safety commission.
In terms of nonprofit funding, GASC proposed $22,500 for Salvation Army Alaska, $22,000 for Alaska Avalanche, $5,000 for Haines Senior Village, $2,000 for Alaska Arts Confluence, $24,000 for Becky’s Place, and $15,000 that is split between SAIL and Takshanuk Watershed. Members suggested funding the Haines Dolphins Swim Team by increasing the general fund by $9,000.
GASC also discussed a community builder award proposed by Schnabel that would award individuals, business entities or organization who have contributed to the community. “A lot of good people are doing a lot of good in the community, and they sometimes don’t get outed,” she said. Schnabel proposed advertising for nominations in October, reviewing nominations in November, and awarding the winner a $1.000 prize in December. The proposal will go before the Sept. 26 assembly meeting.