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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University to weigh in on resource extraction
The Haines Borough Planning Commission voted to hold two more public hearings as it works to define “resource extraction” in borough code after the University of Alaska requested the commission table the discussion for 30 days. Changing the definition of resource extraction came up last spring after a resident asked whether or not they needed a permit […]
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Assembly made winter closure an easy choice, owner says
After 14 years of ownership and year-round business, Harbor Bar and Lighthouse Restaurant owner Mike Ward is closing it for the winter and putting the establishment up for sale. Ward said the closure and sale of his restaurant and bar is in part a smart business decision, but also a political one. Last month the Haines […]
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Assembly shoots down manager’s drone policy
The Haines Borough Assembly rejected Borough Manager Debra Schnabel’s proposed drone policy that would have, in part, allowed the borough to use a drone to photograph residents’ property without permission. The policy also addressed the use of a drone in search and rescue, mapping and other applications where aerial images would be useful. Although the assembly didn’t […]
Posted inNews, Timber
Assembly probes University on Mud Bay timber sale alternatives
University of Alaska representatives and the Haines Borough Assembly discussed alternatives to a timber sale on the Mud Bay peninsula, which included the possibility of the Haines Borough constructing a road to provide access for a potential land sale. The university’s Board of Regents triggered the timber sale on about 400 acres of land in the Mud Bay Land […]
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Assembly and State Troopers spar over police responsibility
The Haines Borough Assembly and Alaska State Troopers Director Hans Brinke reached an impasse Wednesday afternoon on which government agency is responsible for policing the Haines Borough outside the townsite. The Alaska State Troopers, which moved its trooper position to western Alaska last spring, maintain the borough is responsible for policing outside the townsite. Borough staff created an ordinance […]
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Engineers and assembly differ on pathway’s safety
The Haines Borough Assembly voted last week to oppose a proposed trail leading across the boat ramp in the Portage Cove Harbor design but a PND engineer said a path still needs to be available to keep pedestrians out of the parking lot. PND Engineers changed the “sea-walk” trail into a sidewalk. PND Design Engineer Brandon Ivanowicz […]
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Winter tour permit on hold
An Alaska Mountain Guide permit application to operate winter tours around 26 Mile will head to committee before the Haines Borough Assembly takes action. A resident and winter tour operator objected to certain aspects of AMG owner Sean Gaffney’s proposed backcountry ski, snowmachine and snow cat tour areas. The terrain includes land around Porcupine Road, Sunshine Mountain […]
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Northwest Wild Sheep and Goat Council data back in ordinance
The Haines Borough Assembly voted 5-1 to include Northern Wild Sheep and Goat Council management recommendations for borough staff to overlay when it considers amendments to the commercial heliski terrain map. Members of the parks and recreation advisory committee and the tourism advisory board voted 6-5 at a joint meeting earlier this year to strike the language from the […]
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Borough assembly meetings: How long is too long
Haines Mayor Jan Hill will crack open a parliamentary procedures rule book during next week’s assembly meeting in an effort to make them more efficient. Hill told the assembly at its Oct. 10 meeting that discussion of ordinances for introduction were limited to five minutes each. “Many times when we introduce our ordinances we talk about each one […]