In a convoluted stray from procedure and with prodding from the borough manager Tuesday, the Haines Borough Assembly expanded heli-ski map terrain after letting the resolution fail without discussion during its public hearing. Assembly member Brenda Josephson made a motion to adopt manager Debra Schnabel’s recommendations, which included approving 10 of the 15 proposals. No one seconded […]
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Posted inNews, Timber
No bidders for timber sale
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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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 […]
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Planning commission revisits zoning conflicts
The Haines Borough Planning Commission discussed rezoning Takshanuk Watershed Council’s heavy industrial zoned property after previous commissioner Brenda Josephson questioned the borough assembly’s support of a Takshanuk letter requesting state grant money for trail development on the property. People already bike, hike and cross-country ski in the area. A natural trail “along the Chilkat River between Carr’s Cove and […]
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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Mayor, working group to sell solid waste plan to public
Haines Borough Mayor Jan Hill and borough manager Debra Schnabel are working to refine and release a publicly subsidized solid waste program plan that will be palatable for the public. The Solid Waste Working Group presented a plan to the borough assembly Monday that includes up to a 1 percent sales tax increase to help pay for the estimated $500,000 […]
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Debate over downtown lot’s use crops up again
Public versus private use of a downtown lot resurfaced as various borough boards and committees rehashed what to do with the empty lot at Third and Main, known as lot 8A. In a 5-2 vote last month, the parks and recreation advisory committee recommended that the lot be designated as a public use and recreation […]
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Safety commission seeks two additional members
The Haines Borough public safety commission met last week to seat a new chairperson, discuss long-term goals and devise strategies for grappling with illegal drug use in Haines. Last month the borough assembly denied the commission’s proposed name change to the “public health and safety commission.” Assembly members cited concerns about taking on the additional responsibilities of […]
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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 […]