Haines Borough

Key discussions during the meeting included public comments regarding the need to improve parking near Carr's Cove and ensuring ADA access for the Front Street trail. Partner updates noted efforts to secure storage for a ski trail groomer and the submission of an RTF grant for trails and crew hiring. Old business addressed the disbandment of the Heliski Map Committee, maintaining the status quo for heliskiing management, the process for PRAC seat applications, and the appointment of a representative to the Chilkoot Corridor Ad Hoc Committee. New business focused on the Tlingit Park Conveyance, where support for keeping public parks public was emphasized, and the tabling of the Green Schoolyards topic. The committee ultimately voted to send a letter of support for the proposed HHT Twin Coves cabin, noting community and user benefits, despite some wildlife and financial considerations. Committee members also expressed interest in facilitating CIP funding for after-school care and discussing PRAC's role within the Borough Budget.

Key discussions during the meeting included several public comments concerning the Chilkat Valley mine, the Lynn Canal Conservation request for 'stakeholder' status on the Lutak Dock project, and proposed cell towers at Mud Bay. The Assembly approved the agenda and consent agenda as amended, which included approving the minutes from the 2/10/26 meeting. New Business featured the unanimous adoption of several resolutions: one requesting $12,210,000 from the State of Alaska for the Port Chilkoot Cruise Ship Dock component, another approving optional pre-payment on Sewer Revenue Refunding Bonds, and a third authorizing a construction contract for the Small Tracts Water Main Extension Project. A resolution to extend the Heliski Map for Matchstick Productions failed. Ordinances introduced included amendments to property classification and budget line items, and a significant ordinance requiring containerization of bulk ore to protect public health. The Assembly declared the Porcupine Road FEMA repairs complete and directed staff to formally close out FEMA involvement for the 2020 storm event. The Assembly also addressed the Lynn Canal Conservation stakeholder request, formally considering all interested borough residents, tribes, and dock users as stakeholders, and limited private conversations regarding the Lutak Dock process to identified freight, fuel, and cargo operators.

The assembly meeting involved several key actions and discussions. The consent agenda included the introduction of multiple ordinances amending the Haines Borough Code regarding historic Dalton Trail RMSA Commercial User Fees, definitions and zoning for communication equipment, and establishing a Severance Tax. It also included renewal and new license applications for AMCO Brewery and Restaurant Eating Place licenses, and a Mayoral appointment to the Letnikof Estates RMSA. Public hearings were held for Ordinances 26-02-725 (amending property classification for mobile homes) and 26-02-726 (amending the FY26 Budget), and the sixth public hearing for Ordinance 25-07-715 regarding communication equipment. New business included introducing Ordinances 26-03-730 through 26-03-733, requests for assembly action regarding the Tanani Bay Subdivision septic system takeover and a proposal for reimbursing local licensed daycare providers, discussion of the 'Safety Belt' framework, and the appeal of Conditional Use Permit #23-22 for the Campbell Heliport.

This document outlines a proactive framework, referred to as the 'Safety Belt' ordinance, for the Haines Borough. Its two-fold goal is to ensure economic growth without environmental degradation and to establish certainty for the economy while providing security for the environment. The framework focuses on fiscal neutrality, public safety, and public health, introducing clear, hard-coded standards for high-impact industrial development. Key protections include prioritizing underground storage for high-risk materials, implementing a user-pay road trust, mandating sealed containers, ensuring vocational contributions to adapt the workforce, and converting developer promises into legally binding permit conditions. It aims to replace reactive 'planning through lawsuits' with a stable, proactive path forward for the Chilkat Valley.

The meeting addressed bear/human interaction recommendations, focusing heavily on the reinstatement of the bear monitor program which was discontinued due to Covid; the program is considered essential. Discussions included the challenges Parks faces in funding and hiring qualified monitors due to a state hiring freeze, and exploring a short-term solution via ADFG for monitoring near the weir area under ADFG regulations. Other ideas considered were implementing boat launch or day fees (though funds would go to the general Parks pool), limiting park hours (denied as the area is multi-purpose), addressing congestion at the Lutak bridge by involving the Haines Borough, and developing a walkway or viewing platform on the east side of the river (though general sentiment favored leaving that area undisturbed). The necessity of the weir was affirmed as cost-efficient compared to alternatives like sonar. Public comments included requests to compare congestion hours for potential closure times, suggestions for mandatory training and identification for monitors, and confirmation that altering an animal's behavior on multiple occasions constitutes enforceable wildlife harassment.