The Public Safety Commission last week discussed how complaints against police are handled and how to make sure those who brought up issues feel their concerns were addressed. Two residents spoke up during public comment and complained about interactions they’ve had with local police. Laurie Dadourian said she had a recent interaction with an officer […]
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Posted inNews
Moment of silence, apology at meeting
At a meeting that included colorful moments, the Haines Borough Assembly Tuesday heard the tourism director explain why she recently resigned, slashed the mayor’s salary, and issued a public apology to residents barred from the borough office last year. They also voted to help cover rising costs in employee health insurance, and held a requested moment of […]
Posted inNews
Manager hire vote roils community
The Haines Borough Assembly’s 5-1 decision to hire Debra Schnabel as borough manager Tuesday has further engulfed a community already embroiled in controversy. As it stands, three borough assembly members are in the midst of a recall effort, another resigned Tuesday night after the manager hire, Haines Police officers have filed a grievance against the borough and, for many reasons, distrust […]
Posted inLetters to the Editor
Mayor playing politics with committee
The Mayor is incorrect in her Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee vacancy timeline. As noted in the PRAC minutes, we unanimously approved George Figdor’s reappointment to the committee months ago. Mayor Jan Hill ignored that request. After that reappointment recommendation, we had one empty seat available when Meredith Pochardt resigned, John Brower who had an application on file declined to […]
Posted inNews
Mining steering committee plans forum on issues
A new mining steering committee recently organized by Takshanuk Watershed Council plans to educate the public through a “comprehensive and nonbiased” mining education forum this fall. Takshanuk executive director Meredith Pochardt said the group, made up of representatives from the Haines Borough and various mining, fishing and conservation organizations, had its second meeting Friday to begin planning […]
Posted inNews, Local News, Klukwan
Klukwan program aimed at youth jobs
Klukwan high school students are learning the basics of pre-employment skills and career exploration, hoping to snag a job this summer at local businesses. Margaret Sebens, interim program director for Southeast Alaska Independent Living, said SAIL and the state Division of Vocational Rehabilitation have teamed up to host a seven-week class and summer work program […]
Posted inNews
Assembly reverses on trash regulation
The Haines Borough Assembly Wednesday reversed a decision made earlier this month and is now in favor of borough regulation of garbage collection rates. The question divided the assembly at its March 2 meeting, where Mayor Jan Hill broke a 3-3 tie in favor of sending a letter to the Regulatory Commission of Alaska, supporting regulation of garbage collection rates […]
Posted inNews
Extension for comments on trash rate regulation
Community Waste Solutions is advocating that the Haines Borough Assembly reconsider a Feb. 28 recommendation that the state regulatory commission set local garbage rates, following a three-week extension of a comment deadline. CWS representative Sally Garton told the borough’s Solid Waste Working Group March 2 that the Regulatory Commission of Alaska granted the borough a deadline extension […]
Posted inNews
State trooper position moved
Alaska State Trooper Director Colonel James Cockrell wrote Haines Mayor Jan Hill last week informing her of the state’s decision to move the Haines trooper position to Bethel. Cockrell said his agency has experienced a $10 million budget reduction during the past two years and is facing a $1.4 million reduction this year along with the loss of […]
Posted inNews
Assembly: Have state govern garbage rates
Mayor Jan Hill broke a 3-3 Haines Borough Assembly tie Tuesday to recommend that the state regulatory commission regulate trash collection rates instead of the borough. Community Waste Solutions, the town’s privately-owned trash handler, said state regulation could lead to a hike in collection fees. This action comes after the RCA set a March 2 deadline to hear a […]