The Haines Borough Assembly voted to postpone the selection of the Community Development Block Grant Fund application on Tuesday to the Oct. 23 assembly meeting. The grant, administered and determined by the Division of Community and Regional Affairs, is to serve an Alaskan community on issues related to health and safety. This year, the proposals from the Haines […]
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Posted inNews, Alaska Marine Highway System
Marine Highway System proposes changes to Upper Lynn Canal service
The plan to run two Alaska Class Ferry day boats, the M/V Tazlina and M/V Hubbard, in the Upper Lynn Canal might get scrapped as the Alaska Marine Highway Service is requesting funding to add crew quarters to the Hubbard and divert the Tazlina to Prince William Sound. AMHS director Shirley Marquardt told the CVN Wednesday that […]
Posted inNews
Assembly adopts conservation resolution amid controversy
The Haines Borough Assembly adopted 4-2 a contentious resolution in support of the Stand for Salmon citizen’s initiative on Tuesday evening. Assembly member Brenda Josephson and assembly member Sean Maidy were opposed, citing that they do not feel the local government should have an opinion on a state-wide issue on voters’ ballots next month. Ballot Measure 1 […]
Posted inNews
Borough to seek legal advice about revoking Alaska Excursions’ permit
In an effort to shield the borough from legal liability, borough staff last week halted public discussions about revoking or suspending Alaska Excursions tour permits at Glacier Point at the assembly’s commerce committee meeting. At Tuesday’s regular assembly meeting, the assembly voted 6-0 to refer the matter to the borough’s attorney. Alaska Excursions owner Robert […]
Posted inNews, Haines Borough
Sales tax now exempt for renters
The assembly voted on Thursday to adopt an ordinance exempting sales tax for long term residential renters. The new ordinance defines long term as nine months or more, and adds that “rent” or “lease” refers to a dwelling, apartment, or commercial establishment. “It often happens where somebody rents a house — they rent it by […]
Posted inNews
State Troopers report details death at Alaska Excursions glacier tour
Launching a canoe in high water too close to rapids and a corresponding engine malfunction contributed to the death of a Nevada pastor this summer on a tour with Skagway based Alaska Excursions-a company that was criticized by former employees this spring for operating unsafely and neglecting maintenance of its equipment. Steven Todd Willis, 50, […]
Posted inNews
DOT to curb blind corner on Third and Main Street
The Alaska Department of Transportation will soon extend by nine feet the no-parking zone on Main Street in front of Talia’s Treasures. In an effort to address perceived traffic hazards, Haines Borough and Chilkoot Indian Association officials have been working with the DOT to improve traffic safety at intersection of Third Avenue and Main Street. Citizens have […]
Posted inNews
If voters reject paying for police, the assembly has a choice to make
Mud Bay, Lutak and Upper Valley residents are preparing to choose whether or not they want to create an on-call police service area in their neighborhoods. If they vote yes, their property taxes will increase to pay for police respone to, essentially, imminent threats to life and property. What happens if they vote no? If any or […]
Posted inNews, Public Safety
Voters to decide on police service areas
Voters in Mud Bay, Lutak and Haines Highway who live outside the townsite will have the option to create on-call police service areas in their neighborhoods when they head to the ballot box in October. The Haines Borough Assembly voted 4-2 Tuesday to approve an ordinance that, upon voter approval, will levy up to 1 mill in property taxes […]
Posted inNews, Haines Borough
Assembly delays rental tax exemption decision
The Haines Borough Assembly last week postponed taking action on an ordinance aimed at reducing expenses for long-term housing renters. This spring, assembly member Sean Maidy proposed exempting sales tax from long-term residential rentals. The borough’s sales tax rate is 5.5 percent. A person or family paying $1,000 a month on rent pays an additional $55 in […]