University says strong interest remains for logging The University of Alaska initiated an “over-the-counter” negotiated sale process for timber on the Chilkat Peninsula after receiving no bids for the controversial logging plan. Last week the Haines Borough Assembly voted 5-1 to evaluate the borough’s legal options if the University of Alaska awards a timber sale contract. In […]
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Posted inNews
Lot design advances
The Haines Borough Assembly narrowly approved the Portage Cove boat launch and parking lot design concept after a continuing debate about the safety of a pathway. The assembly voted in October to oppose a trail that leads across the sport boat ramp. Since then the port and harbor advisory committee, the planning commission and the parks and […]
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New committee appointments
The Haines Borough Planning Commission and parks and recreation advisory committee recommended new appointments for expired and empty seats to Mayor Jan Hill. Three seats were open on the planning commission. The planning commission voted to recommend newcomers Sylvia Heinz and Kristen Hatthorn. Donnie Turner’s seat expired and the commission recommended his reappointment. Diana Lapham and Michael Mackowiak also […]
Posted inLetters to the Editor
Zoning interpretations don’t line up
Thank you to the five Borough Assembly members who supported the purpose and intent of Haines Borough code in response to the proposed University timber sale. I find it extremely ironic the one dissenting voice that recently questioned Borough support for Takshanuk Watershed Council’s grant proposal to develop a narrow trail through an area zoned for heavy […]
Posted inNews, Timber
Assembly: University timber sale University timber sale
The Haines Borough Assembly voted to evaluate the borough’s legal options if the University of Alaska awards a timber sale contract in the Chilkat Peninsula because “the proposed University timber sale violates all existing provisions for commercial use in the Mud Bay rural residential zone as well as the purpose and intent of that code.” Assembly member Stephanie […]
Posted inNews, Timber
Assembly: University timber sale violates Mud Bay code
The Haines Borough Assembly voted to evaluate the borough’s legal options if the University of Alaska awards a timber sale contract in the Chilkat Peninsula because “the proposed University timber sale violates all existing provisions for commercial use in the Mud Bay rural residential zone as well as the purpose and intent of that code.” Assembly member Stephanie […]
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Department of Justice awards borough grant for sixth officer
The U.S. Department of Justice awarded the Haines Borough $125,000 to hire a sixth police officer, but the borough might have to give it back. Borough Manager Debra Schnabel said the borough applied for the grant when staff created an ordinance that would have expanded police service borough-wide. The borough assembly did not advance the ordinance due to community […]
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Engineer disputes harbor contractor’s initial claim
PND Engineers last week rebuffed the small boat harbor expansion contractor’s claim that the seafloor was harder than described in bid documents for dredging operations. Harbor expansion contractor Pacific Pile & Marine notified the borough in July of differing site conditions after experiencing dredging delays and in October estimated the additional labor and equipment costs […]
Posted inNews
Manager urges litigation for land
Haines Borough Manager Debra Schnabel recommended the borough assembly challenge the Alaska Department of Natural Resources’ attempts to withhold a parcel of land the borough selected as part of a municipal land entitlement allotment from the state. In a preliminary decision of land conveyance letter to the borough, DNR’s Southeast Regional Land Manager Benjamin White wrote that […]
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Borough to take over new bridge in Excursion Inlet
The Neva Lake Bridge in Excursion Inlet is open to traffic again after the U.S. Forest Service replaced the structure. The previous wooden bridge, located on a National Forest System road was closed to vehicle traffic in July of 2016. The Forest Service deemed the bridge unsafe because of main support beam failure. The Forest […]