Appointed Board of Equalization Haines will have a separate board of equalization to adjudicate disputes about property assessments next year instead of relying on assembly members to do the job. A resolution to make the change passed at Tuesday’s meeting unanimously, the first change in the city’s tax assessment process after controversy with the process […]
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Posted inSoutheast News, Alaska Marine Highway System, Transportation, News
AMHS director: return of Prince Rupert stop faces substantial challenges
Numerous challenges are stopping the resumption of Alaska Marine Highway service to Prince Rupert, British Columbia, the ferry system’s director said at a conference of Southeast officials last week. During a Southeast Conference transportation symposium in Juneau on Feb. 8, Ketchikan Vice Mayor Glen Thompson asked for an update about service to the Canadian port, […]
Posted inAlaska Legislature, State of Alaska, News, Local News
State tax assessment bill follows Haines residents’ push
An advocacy push by Haines residents frustrated over the property tax assessment process has led a state senator to announce a pending bill to codify some of their requests in state law. Sen. Jesse Kiehl made an announcement in his Feb. 3 newsletter “Real Deal with Jesse Kiehl.” He said his bill would include provisions […]
Posted inNews, Local News
Relationship with community, tribe emerges as top priority at assembly session
A four-hour assembly session with a discussion facilitator on Saturday whittled down some of the sprawling goals members had put forward, but left more work to be done before putting forward concrete proposals. At the top of the priorities was the yet-nebulous topic of improving relations between the borough assembly, administration, local tribes and the […]
Posted inLetters to the Editor
Assembly meetings aren’t for personal beefs
I’m disappointed that the mayor’s refusal to allow a citizen the floor at the Jan. 22 assembly meeting has generated debate about citizen’s First Amendment Right to free speech (Mike Denker, letter of 2/1). The assembly meetings are business meetings. They are not forums for citizens to bring forward their personal issues with individual assembly […]
Posted inNews, Local News
After high-profile stumbles, manager scores low in assembly evaluations
Haines Borough manager Annette Kreitzer was given low marks on her communication to assembly members in evaluation that were distributed in early January. Kreitzer received an average of 1.1 out of 5 for keeping “the assembly informed about important and/or changing situations,” 1.3 out of 5 in seeking “assembly approval/guidance on controversial issues,” and 1.33 […]
Posted inHaines Borough, News, Local News
Assembly Briefs: No new state lobbyist, an appeal to FEMA on Porcupine Road
Mayor Tom Morphet controversially cut off a public commenter, assembly members considered an appeal to FEMA over canceled funding, and a new police chief was recommended.
Posted inLetters to the Editor
Here’s why I cut public comment short
As a former newspaper publisher and a Haines Borough Assembly member whopushed to get a second public comment period on assembly meeting agendas, I amsensitive to complaints that I limited free speech or censored public comment atTuesday’s Haines Borough Assembly meeting. As meeting chair, it’s my job to maintain order and decorum during meetings.During public […]
Posted inLocal News, Energy
‘We’re way behind’: EV charging station in Haines could bring tourists, help locals
Shelby Flemming has an electric car, but it’s not doing her much good this winter. She lives on Mosquito Lake Road, and owns a 2015 Nissan Leaf that has a 70 mile range — but only when it’s warm. Using the heater in colder weather, it doesn’t have the range to get to her work […]
Posted inNews, Local News, Wildlife
Governor axes Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve council as legislators question constitutionality
In one of his first executive actions of the new year, Gov. Mike Dunleavy dissolved the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve Advisory Council in the name of the “best interests of efficient administration.” The Legislature has 60 days to undo the action, based on state statute. The advisory council was established in 1982 along with the […]