After more than an hour of testimony from residents, the Haines Borough Finance Committee last week recommended to let voters in the fall municipal election decide the fate of the 1 percent tax for tourism and economic development. Committee members Ron Jackson and Diana Lapham supported the recommendation; Tresham Gregg was opposed. The assembly will take up […]
Search results
Posted inNews
Crosswalks not only issue on Main Street
An order to cover up artfully painted crosswalks on Main Street is only the most recent wrinkle in a prickly relationship between the Alaska Department of Transportation, downtown property owners and the Haines Borough. Since 2011, when DOT used federal money to pave streets and rebuild sidewalks on state thoroughfares downtown – including Main Street and […]
Posted inNews
Meeting on parking at Mud Bay
Following complaints from residents and property owners, the Department of Transportation and Haines Borough will hold a joint town hall meeting Friday to deal with parking issues near 7 Mile Mud Bay Road. The town hall meeting is tentatively set for 5 p.m. at the library. Check the borough website’s calendar for updates. State right-of-way agent Joanne […]
Posted inNews
Two meetings to give update on biomass project
A shift in plans for municipal biomass heat from wood pellets to chips will be a main topic at two informational public meetings next week hosted by the Haines Borough. Borough consultant Darsie Culbeck and biomass experts from the region will be on hand for meetings set for noon Monday at the assembly chambers and 7 […]
Posted inAlaska Marine Highway System, News
Borough OKs $10K for ferry plan
The Haines Borough Assembly last week unanimously agreed to contribute $10,000 to a joint effort between the state and a regional economic development organization for creation of a 25-year strategic plan for a sustainable ferry system. Gov. Bill Walker recently signed a memorandum of understanding with Southeast Conference to draft a long-term plan for the Alaska Marine […]
Posted inNews
Board upholds non-retention of kindergarten teacher
An informal hearing on a decision by the Haines Borough school board to not renew the contract of kindergarten teacher Sue Ackerman took on the tenor of a court hearing Tuesday, with a union representative and the school district attorney offering conflicting accounts of Ackerman’s performance. The board unanimously reaffirmed its decision. Board member Sarah Swinton was absent. […]
Posted inNews
Questions on new busking policy
Street performers will be allowed on the cruise ship dock and in other public places under a busking performance policy issued by the Haines Borough last week. The policy is good news to Mark Carroll, one of the musicians who raised questions about busking and wants to play at the dock. The borough revised the policy early […]
Posted inNews
Third and Main lot pursued by buyers
The Haines Borough Planning Commission will meet at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, July 7, to consider two requests to buy the borough-owned lot at the corner of Main Street and Third Avenue, land that some residents want for a public park. Resident Terry Pardee submitted a brief request to the borough on May 25 stating he and his […]
Posted inNews
Police chief choice wavers, takes offer
Following a breakdown in negotiations last week over his request that the Haines Borough cover $27,000 in moving expenses, police chief candidate Heath Scott contacted the borough Wednesday to re-open negotiations and struck a deal. Scott and manager Bill Seward agreed to $15,000 in moving expenses with a commitment to serve three years, an offer Scott previously […]
Posted inNews
State: Remove crosswalk art
Department of Transportation spokesperson Jeremy Woodrow said he is bracing for complaints following the state’s order that the Haines Borough remove scenes recently painted on two Main Street crosswalks. “We’re ready for the calls,” Woodrow said. Woodrow said the state learned of the painting by reading a newspaper article about artist Merrick Bochart’s work on the crosswalks. […]