The Haines Borough Assembly following an executive session Tuesday tentatively set a personnel grievance hearing for 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 19, that departing facilities director Brad Maynard said will discuss grievances he filed against borough administration. Tuesday’s agenda said the executive session would address a confidential personnel matter that included an employee request for a hearing before […]
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Posted inNews, Haines Borough
Assembly takes steps to put tour tax on ballot
The Haines Borough Assembly on Tuesday showed support for placing the borough’s 1 percent municipal sales tax dedicated for tourism promotion and economic development back on the ballot, possibly as early as the October municipal election. Mayor Jan Hill put the tax on the agenda as a discussion item following a request from resident Sally McGuire, who has considered […]
Posted inLetters to the Editor
Better and fairer ways than tourism tax
While it may be argued that the benefits of tourism trickle down to everyone in the Borough, it is patently obvious that some reap considerably larger benefits than others. As Sally McGuire has pointed out, the “costs” are also borne disproportionately. Years ago the fishing industry voted to tax themselves to promote Alaska seafood. They […]
Posted inNews
Expert: Assembly violated code
According to a government specialist with the Alaska Division of Community and Regional Affairs, the Haines Borough Assembly “should have appointed somebody” to fill a vacated seat earlier this month, but “there’s no real code police” to enforce any penalty. Glen Hamburg, who advises and assists local governments, said the borough code is “quite clear” about a […]
Posted inNews, Haines Borough
Assembly to discuss tour tax
Haines Borough Mayor Jan Hill said the borough’s 1 percent municipal sales tax for tourism promotion and economic development will be on the agenda at Tuesday’s assembly meeting. Resident Sally McGuire last month spoke at an assembly meeting and said she was ready to collect signatures to abolish the tax, but said the assembly “should take the lead […]
Posted inNews
ATV ordinance takes shape
By Krista Kielsmeier The Haines Borough Assembly on June 14 introduced an ordinance that would permit the operation of all-terrain vehicles on borough streets and roads. The ordinance sets a speed limit of 25 miles per hour for ATVs and is scheduled for a first public hearing Tuesday in the assembly chambers. Under the ordinance, each borough-permitted […]
Posted inNews, Haines Borough
Borough approves cruise study
The McDowell Group of Juneau will conduct a $19,900 Haines cruise passenger study this summer. The Haines Borough Assembly on June 14 approved the contract in a 4-1 vote, with member Scott Rossman opposed. He questioned whether the study would be “another survey to spend money, so that the McDowell Group can make money.” “In order to […]
Posted inNews
Delta Western lease still in negotiations; Additionally, fuel pumping at harbor temporarily taken over by borough
Haines Borough is still awaiting a signature by Delta Western executives to finalize a successor of lease for the Lutak Fuel Facility. “I think we have all the issues resolved,” borough manager Mark Earnest said. “The discussion is nearing the finish line.” In a separate lease, Earnest said the borough was notified by Delta Western earlier this year it no […]
Posted inNews, Obituaries
Norman Blank led the ‘quintessential’ Haines life
Longtime resident Norman Blank died Sunday, June 12, at home from complications of pulmonary fibrosis. He was 80 and had been active up until the hereditary illness progressed last fall. “He was just a great guy, honest, nice, capable, pretty clean living, fun to be around,” moose hunting partner Norm Hughes said. “We all should […]
Posted inElections, News
Open seat to be decided in vote; Assembly can’t agree; one member suggests pulling name out of hat
After a two-hour stalemate and failed compromise Monday, the five remaining members of the Haines Borough Assembly ditched the appointment process to fill a vacated seat and instead will leave the decision to the voters, while acknowledging the delay may violate borough code. Mayor Jan Hill said she was upset by the assembly’s refusal to compromise to reach the […]