Sidewalk Samaritans: Thank You For Your Service!

A friend of mine fell on the ice and broke her wrist in front of the old Video 144 building on Main Street a few weeks ago. She got to wondering: Why wasn’t the Borough enforcing a sidewalk clearing ordinance? She asked me. I asked Police Chief Gary Lowe. And that was how I learned that neither the Haines Borough nor the State of Alaska require property owners to free sidewalks of ice and snow! Like my friend, I had assumed otherwise.

It turns out that clearing sidewalks, sprinkling salt, is another one of the many good deeds Haines residents do for one another – without being asked. This is a great place to live.

Happy holidays one and all.

Whose Agenda?

Many mayors before me have been regarded as agenda gatekeepers. Early on I sat down with former Mayor Mike Case shoulder to shoulder to examine this concept by examining the Haines Borough Code. We read that the code says simply,

2.10.030 All reports, communications, ordinances, resolutions, contract documents, or other matters to be submitted to the assembly shall be delivered to the clerk by Tuesday the week before the meeting (one week plus one day prior), whereupon the mayor, with assistance from the clerk, shall arrange a list of such matters according to the order of business and the clerk shall furnish each member of the assembly, the mayor, manager and chief fiscal officer with a copy of the same in packet form five days in advance of the assembly meeting, including Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.

I have been inclined to interpret this section of the code broadly to mean that anyone, whomsoever, can deliver documents to the Clerk and that item then pops onto the agenda. The mayor is not allowed any special power to control the agenda. Former Mayor Case agreed that this was indeed a valid interpretation; and that "Mayor as Agenda gatekeeper" was a cultural practice, not a legal requirement.

As I threw open the doors to the agenda, our Clerks paled, just a little, at their new Mayor's enthusiasm. Last Thursday, they sat down with me, and explained, as politely and as gently as possible, that it is their job to make sure that the Assembly has the best possible information with which to make its decisions. The Clerks and the Manager are often faced with extensive research tasks to provide background support for agenda items. Might it be possible that my open-door approach to the agenda could result in overwhelming research tasks?

The Clerks offered a sensible modification. How about this? When an individual wants the Assembly to address a topic, the individual fills out an "Action Request" and it is that request that "pops" onto the Agenda. Then the Assembly considers the Request and moves as a body to set the request (or not) on a future agenda. I quickly assented.

This is very similar to the category we have added to New Business on the Agenda: Items for Future Assembly Meetings. It is during this part of the meeting that an Assembly member can move that a topic be brought forward. The motion is seconded; under discussion the maker of the motion provides the rationale for inclusion. The Assembly as a body then votes on the suggestion. The idea is that the Assembly sets its Agenda, with important input from staff and from the public.

The agenda belongs to the Assembly, and to you, through the Assembly.

Connelly Lake Meeting: Did the Assembly Hear the Community's Hopes and Concerns?

I think the Assembly did hear and did respond to both the hopes and to the concerns expressed during the November 29 meeting.

The meeting was convened so that the Assembly could consider submitting a comment to the Federal Energy Management Commission (FERC) pertaining to Goat Lake Hydro’s application for a FERC preliminary permit to investigate the feasibility of creating a hydroelectric project utilizing Connelly Lake.

The evening began with a presentation via telephone by Bob Grimm, president of Alaska Power & Telephone, the parent company for Goat Lake Hydro. Mr. Grimm used approximately 10 minutes to describe the application process and the application itself. The Assembly asked Mr. Grimm a few questions.

Following Mr. Grimm, many residents expressed their views about the risks and benefits of the project.

When the topic was returned to the Assembly, the Assembly worked to craft a motion that both supported the application for a preliminary permit (thus addressing the hopes for additional hydropower) and recommended additional studies.

The additional studies recommended seem to be a direct response to the concerns voiced by public testimony. The Assembly agreed that the dam needed more studies; alternate routes that would be less impactful to the anadromous fish streams running through the watershed need to be studied; the effect of the project on the pre-project water quality needs to be assessed; the financial feasibility needs to be considered in light of levels of sales or lack of sale of power to cruise ships; the possibility of insuring the watershed against a catastrophe needs to be studied.

The preliminary permit does not grant a license to construct. It just allows Goat Lake Hydro exclusivity with respect to pursuing studies to determine the feasibility of applying for a license to construct. As one member of the public said, and I paraphrase, “There really isn’t any reason to fear additional information.” And the Assembly took the opportunity to try to tailor some studies toward the information the community desires. I think they did a good job.

Striking a Balance: Public Comments & Assembly Debate

Every decision the Assembly makes should be informed. Borough staff and Assembly members themselves attempt to provide information pertinent to each decision. Members in the community are also welcome to inform the Assembly. When information is submitted to the Clerk, according to the published schedule, that information is included in the "meeting packet." The packet is then made available to everyone, members of the Assembly and the public alike, through the Borough website. Check out the meeting packet for the November 29 meeting here. Careful. It's 185 pages long!

Another way to inform the Assembly is to rise and speak in public. There are public comment periods at two places in every regular meeting agenda; as well as extra opportunities prior to Assembly decisions regarding ordinances. There is one public comment period on the agenda for the special meeting November 29. And that brings me to the core of my topic: striking a balance between public comments and internal Assembly debate.

When many people wish to rise to inform the Assembly during a meeting, time limits have to be imposed, for one simple reason: the Assembly itself also needs quality time to make a decision. The only place the Assembly can make a decision is in public. The only place and time Assembly members can confer with one another - persuade, and be persuaded by one another - is during a properly noticed public meeting.

I agree that time limits, especially when making an effort to communicate, can feel arbitrary; dismissive even. I don't like them, but one part of my job is to facilitate Assembly decision making; and one way to do that is to protect the time the Assembly needs for its deliberations. So the time limits I impose (or not) November 29 will depend on the number of people in the audience who wish to speak. My motivation for doing that is to divide a 2-3 hour block fairly between the information the audience wishes to convey and the need for the Assembly to consult with itself and arrive at a position. I hope to strike an acceptable balance. Please let me know how I do.

Friends of the Libary

The Friends of the Library invited me to light the star on the top of the tree at the Library Friday evening. I was thrilled and honored. The Library was packed. The tree is so huge and so full of lights that star at the tippy top is honorary, but of course, necessary.

As are the Friends of the Library - necessary to the vibrancy of the Haines Borough Public Library. The Haines Borough Library has a paid staff - but that staff has the added benefit of the support of a volunteer group whose only mission, according to President Sara Chapell is to "say YES to the library." It sounds like a very nice way to create a positive work environment and it goes without saying, though I'll say it, positive employees are productive employees. The Friends are a 501-C-3 non-profit organization. Click here for specific information about the organizational structure of the Friends of the Library.

The Lighting of the Library is one of the Friends biggest fundraisers. Last year the Friends contributed $9000 to the Library's budget. The Friends pay for the Summer Reading Program - staff salary as well as those motivational prizes that encourage our kids to read, read, read. One of the most important items in the Friends budget is grant writing. Grant writing, funded by the Friends, brought in $150,000 over for FY11 and FY12. This year, the Friends also paid for a gardener to maintain the landscaping around the library. Friends also contributed to the cost of landscaping around the new totem pole. Though this year a State grant is funding the APT charge for internet usage over the allowable amount, in years past the Friends have absorbed this cost. We could all use a Friends Of.... (you fill in the blank!).

Happy Thanksgiving!

It's nice to have a day dedicated to gratitude. Like all special days, it has "shoulders:" events before and events after. Tuesday the Haines High School cooking class sponsored a feast for high school students and their parents. Friday Haines businesses are offering special holiday opportunities to consumers and we will light the tree at the library - kicking off the season of camaraderie and lights. These events and more are the result of countless acts of individual creativity and energy, for which I am deeply grateful.

I played a small part in a specific event on Tuesday that, for me, illustrates the basic affection we have for one another and for creatures large and small. The Downtown Revitalization Committee meeting was just getting started at the Rusty Compass when committee member Brenda Jones came through the door cradling a kitty. She found the young animal lying in the dark on the highway about 4 mile. She said that when she stopped she didn't know what she was stopping for. A wild animal? An owl? It turned out to be a crushed, yet alive, young cat. She didn't hesitate. She scooped it up and drove to town. Did we know of anyone who could help?

As it happened, I was meeting hopping that evening and I knew that Steve Vick, executive director of the Haines Animal Rescue Kennel (HARK) and the Chair of the Assembly's Standing Committee, Government Affairs & Services, was about to convene a meeting elsewhere. We rushed over just before Mr. Vick convened his meeting and begged for a delay. Steve examined the kitty; Brenda suctioned out its nasal passages. The kitty was boxed into a nest, Brenda returned with the kitty to her meeting, Steve to his - and the beat of the borough went on, though we all wondered if the kitty would live through the night.

Wednesday morning Brenda emailed that she had named the kitty "Hope," and that "Hope was still alive." I loved that sentiment. One of the definitions, though considered archaic, of "hope" is a "feeling of trust." Haines is a place I trust. As my six-year old son once said, "Haines is a place where everyone takes care of everyone else," and we might add, "anything else." The story of Hope is one small illustration of the many acts of kindness performed by everyone of us.

I am perennially grateful for the borough I live in and I appreciate this special day to set aside time to celebrate it. Happy Thanksgiving!

Part 2: Meetings, Meetings, Meetings...

Two committee meetings, a special Assembly meeting, and a field trip were scheduled during the November 15 meeting. All meeting times and places are published on the Haines Borough website. But here's a little more information to whet your appetite for your government at work!

Tuesday, November 22, 6 PM: The Haines Borough Government Affairs & Services (GAS) Committee will meet in the Assembly Chambers to discuss the Chilkat Center management agreement between the Haines Borough and Lynn Canal Broadcasting. The Haines Borough provides space to KHNS in return for Center management services. The scope of services are laid out in a memorandum of understanding (MOU) originally adopted December 13, 2005. Lynn Canal Broadcasting, in a letter to the Haines Borough April 18, 2011, indicated a desire to return management to the Borough. The Committee is composed of Assembly members Steve Vick (Chair), Debra Schnabel, and Daymond Hoffman. The Committee may vote to recommend a course of action to the Assembly. The Mayor and other Assembly members may attend in an ex-officio capacity but they do not vote.

Tuesday, November 29, 6 PM: The Haines Borough Assembly will convene in a special meeting to take action on the opportunity to comment on the application for a preliminary permit from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) by Goat Lake Hydro, Inc. for a hydroelectric project at Connelly Lake. The comment period for this application has been extended to January 3 due to an error in the notification process. During the November 15 Assembly meeting, the Assembly unanimously agreed to take the opportunity to consider a comment.

As Mayor, I have taken the liberty of inviting Bob Grimm, president of Alaska Power & Telephone, or his representative to explain the application or to answer questions specific to the application from members of the Assembly. Following information from the applicant, there will be an opportunity for the Assembly to hear public comment.

Given the potential complexity of the issues, I recommend that comments be provided to the Assembly in writing prior to the meeting - if possible. Comments can be sent electronically to the Borough Clerk through the Haines Borough website. Depending on the number of people who wish to comment to the Assembly in public, I may ask that speakers adhere to a 3-minute time limit.

Following public comment, the topic returns to the Assembly. In order to discuss an Assembly comment, a motion will need to be made and seconded. That will open Assembly debate. Since members of the Assembly cannot discuss topics outside of a meeting, proposed ideas (in the form of a main motion) are often amended. The process can get confusing, so I've been studying! Bear with us. Motions and their amendments are the mechanisms through which an Assembly, working under Robert's Rules of Order, crafts its actions.

Just because the process is complex, the Assembly has agreed to decide on the elements of its comment at the November 29 meeting and then review its comment at the Regular December 13 meeting. There is no rush, so the Assembly can take the time to double check the language of its comment before it is sent to FERC.

Wednesday, November 30, noon: Facilities Field Trip/Ports and Harbors. The Manager will conduct a field trip for the Assembly and for the public to examine infrastructure. The first trip will take in Ports and Harbors: Lutak Dock, Small Boat Harbor, Port Chilkoot Dock, and Letnikof Cove Dock. Check on the Borough website for details.

Tuesday, December 6, 6:30 PM, Committee-of-the-Whole: Solid Waste Management. On November 15, the president of the Chamber of Commerce, asked the Assembly to consider mandatory garbage collection in the Borough. The Assembly moved to meet to discuss the solid waste disposal issue. Any vote of the Committee-of-the-Whole is advisory to the Assembly. The Assembly can only take action in a Regular or Special meeting. The next regular meeting of the Assembly is December 13.

Assembly Meeting Highlights - Part 1

The Assembly met at the leading edge of last night's snow storm. Now we are all snowed in. Unfortunately all my notes are 1/4 mile away at the top of our road where I judiciously parked my car about 10:30 last night. No doubt, it is now under feet of snow. Many thanks to Assembly member Daymond Hoffman who fearlessly led the way home last night - his tail lights only disappeared in swirls of snow a couple of times.

Please note that these are unofficial and incomplete highlights. I will add to this list. More importantly, Haines Borough Clerk, Julie Cozzi, will present the draft of the minutes of the meeting for final approval to the Assembly at the next regular meeting December 13, 2011. The approved minutes represent the official record of the Borough.

Proclamation of Appreciation for Mayor Jan Hill
We delivered a proclamation of appreciation to Mayor Jan Hill via telephone. Jan phoned in from Juneau where she is involved in interviews for a new SEARHC president. In appreciation of her many years of service to the Borough and to the community, we presented her with a silver bracelet carved with a Wolf design by Jenny Lyn Smith. Jan's sister, Sue Folletti, accepted the gift on Jan's behalf.

Fisheries
We held the first public hearing for Ordinance 11-10-273. Assembly member Schnabel amended the ordinance to show that the Raw Fish Tax came in $24,851 over the amount budgeted and that $15,000 would be appropriated from that fund to hire an independent fisheries analyst to review Alaska Department Fish & Game data and management practices to investigate the relationship, if any, between ADFG data and management, and the ever declining stocks in the Chilkoot and Chilkat watersheds. The analyst will prepare the report and present it to appropriate local, regional, and state boards. The appropriation was requested by the Northern Lynn Canal Gillnetters Association. The analyst will be under contract to the Borough. The amendment was passed and the Ordinance was moved to its second public hearing December 13. At that time, the Assembly may amend, adopt, or otherwise dispose of the ordinance. All ordinances of the Haines Borough must have at least two public hearings before adoption.

Improved Ferry Service
The Assembly unanimously adopted Resolution 11-11-316 which 1) reaffirms Assembly support for improved ferry service rather than the East Lynn Canal Highway, previously expressed in two resolutions (04-04-042 and 07-11-116); and 2) supports the recommendations of the Marine Transportation Advisory Board, specially emphasizing the deployment of Alaska Class Ferries while making sure that public transportation is provided to support walk-on passengers if a Berner's Bay terminal is constructed. The resolution will be sent to Andy Hughes, Planning Chief for the Southeast Alaska Transportation Plan, Governor Sean Parnell, Senator Albert Kookesh, and Representative Bill Thomas.

Haines Port Steering Committee
The Assembly adopted Resolution 11-11-317 redesigning the Port Steering Committee so that it conforms to Haines Borough Code 2.60 which requires member of Haines Borough committees to be residents of the Borough. The committee is now composed of 8 members: 6 of whom have been appointed: Scott Hansen for the Chilkoot Indian Association, Roger Maynard for the Planning Commission, Fred Gray, Michael Ganey, and Assembly members Joanne Waterman and Debra Schnabel. Four seats are designated for individuals with working knowledge of port facilities development, transshipment logistics and marketing. Mr. Gray and Mr. Ganey hold two of the four seats. Two seats are vacant and the Borough is continuing to solicit letters of interest.

Planning Commission Appointments
The Mayor's appointment of Danny Gonce to the vacant seat on the Planning Commission was unanimously approved, as was the re-appointment of Planning Commissioners Andy Hedden and Donny Turner.

November 15 Assembly Meeting: The Consent Agenda

The agenda for Tuesday night's meeting, as well as the packet of materials, is posted at the Haines Borough website. Click here.

The Agenda is lengthy; the packet is large. An Assembly, or any board for that matter, uses a consent agenda to free up anywhere from a few minutes to a half an hour for discussion of more substantial items. Consent agenda items are items that routine procedures and are adopted by unanimous consent. The Haines Borough uses a star (*) next to an item to show that it is on the consent agenda.

When the Assembly approves the full agenda, it also approves those items on the consent agenda all together without making individual motions for each item.

Nonetheless, all the items on the consent agenda are included in the Assembly's packet and in the packet available to you - the public.

This month's consent agenda includes minutes of past meetings, reports, resolutions, and two liquor license renewals.

Two resolutions pertain to change of signatories. The Assembly is required to adopt resolutions authorizing and designating persons to sign checks and as signatories for certain borough accounts. When elected officials change, new resolutions naming the newly elected officials, have to be adopted. The Clerk and I have put these "housekeeping" resolutions on the consent agenda (Resolutions 11-11-313; 11-11-314).

Another resolution, Resolution 11-11-315, is required by the state in order to receive fish tax revenue. The form is stipulated in state law (AS 29.60.450). This resolution is also on the consent agenda.

Two businesses are applying for the renewal of their existing liquor licenses: The Fireweed Restaurant and the Hotel Halsingland. The Alaska Alcohol Beverage Control Board notifies the Borough of pending liquor licenses renewals. The local government always has the option to make a statement. This item is on the consent agenda. By passing the consent agenda, the Borough indicates that it has no need to make a statement relative to these two licenses.

Staff and facility reports, including the Manager's report, are also on the consent agenda. The packet includes the Manager's report, the CFO's FY12 First Quarter General Fund Financial Report, the Public Library's Director's Report, and the Tourism Advisory Board minutes. Action items associated with any of these reports will always occur in the New Business section of the agenda and are not included in the consent agenda.

If any member of the Assembly asks for an item to be removed from the consent agenda, then it must be removed. The presiding officer will then assign the removed item to an appropriate section of the agenda.

Veterans' Day 2011

The veterans of the Chilkat Valley were on my mind as I, along with as many Alaskan Mayors, toured Eielson Air Force Base Tuesday. I loved seeing the planes, but most of all I loved being in the company of the Air Force and Army men and women. It was natural to say, “Thank you for your service,” and humbling to hear in return, “Thank you for your support.”

The Mayors went primarily to gain an understanding of JPARC (Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex) as well as an understanding of the impact of military spending on the Alaskan economy.

JPARC is recently in the news because the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force are preparing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to analyze potential environmental consequences associated with the proposed modernization and enhancement of ranges, airspace and training areas in the existing JPARC. For details about the proposal and to learn how to get involved go to JPARC EIS.

What I did not realize was that defense spending in Alaska accounts for 60,500 of the 357,000 jobs in Alaska or 17%. That’s more than the 52,000 jobs related to petroleum production.You can find the Executive Summary and a power point of this information in the report What Drives Alaska's Economy? at the Institute of Social and Economic Research.

Quite a few of the officers who addressed us at Eielson Tuesday mentioned that they were near to retirement. Potential retirees said that they hoped to stay in Alaska because Alaska has come to feel like home.

Representative Bill Thomas heard this sentiment and so he went to work last legislative session. Representative Thomas, himself a Veteran, secured a $500,000 grant for a feasibility study to site a Veterans’ Home, especially for those who need assistance as they age, right here in Haines. Though we don’t need a veterans’ home to celebrate Veterans’ Day, I can imagine that the day we open the doors in Haines will be a grand celebration indeed.

Thank you for your service!

Another Way to Deal with Sludge

With Scott Bradford's experiments with our own sludge in mind, I arranged to tour the Fairbanks Wastewater Treatment plant just before dawn Wednesday. (That was 8 AM here!)

Sludge is what is left after as much water as possible has been extracted from sewage. It has value, if properly treated, as a soil amendment. Treatment requires combining it with sufficient carbon and air so that it heats up thus killing any pathogens. Scott has treated sludge on a small scale producing vital compost. He tests it every which way to confirm that it is free of toxins, and by the way, it smells great.

Fairbanks, according to the plant operator, has the only installation in the state, and maybe the country, that treats 100-foot long windrows of sludge. I had to see it.

Once sufficiently de-watered, the operators use front-end loaders to mix sludge with large wood chips. Next it is laid down in 5-foot high 100-ft. long piles. The pile is fed with as much air as required through a blower system. Temperature probes are inserted. The pile is "done" after it maintains 131-degrees F for 3 consecutive days. There is no external source of heat. Biology does the trick. The piles "work" year round, despite deeply cold Fairbanks winters.

The piles are built on asphalt pads designed to capture any leachate from the "cooking" sludge and direct it back into the plant for treatment. The Fairbanks plant is a secondary treatment plant and delivers its effluent back into the river.

In the spring, gardeners and landscapers arrive with pickups and take away the sludge-turned-compost for $10 a pick-up load. And soon, after the cabbages, carrots and lettuce are harvested and consumed...the process begins all over again.

When this innovation was introduced in the late 90s, Northland Lumber was looking for a way to dispose of its chips and was delighted to deliver chips for free. However, now that the value of the chips is apparent, and the need determined, Northland dedicated equipment and time to harvesting trees just for chips. The treatment plant now buys chips, but in the process a small local industry has been created.

The large chips are screened out of the compost and used by the plant over and over again.

As we examine our own wastewater treatment system, I think a road-trip to Fairbanks might be in order!

Alaska's EAS Test Cancelled Due to Storm in Western Alaska

According to David Lee, with the Alaska Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Management, officials have cancelled the November 9 EAS test Alaska due to the big storm bearing down on Western Alaska tonight.

Because Alaska is such a small "big" state we probably all know someone who is going to be affected by the storm. Right now I am thinking about the little town of Gambell whose newly elected Mayor is here in Fairbanks, cut off from her town and anxious, but hopeful that between the emergency preparedness meeting held before she left for Fairbanks and the leadership of the vice Mayor, all will be well.

EAS Test Wednesday, November 9

Tomorrow, at approximately 10 AM, there will be a first ever nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) conducted by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

The Borough received a letter explaining the test from the State of Alaska Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. The November 1 letter explains that the test will last about 3 minutes and will involve "broadcast radio and TV stations, cable television, satellite radio and television services and wire line providers..."

The purpose of the test is to test a system that will "...enable the President of the United States to address the American public during extreme emergencies."

The public is encourage to provide feedback about the test through a web site that will be available tomorrow, November 9. The web address is http://ready.alaska.gov/test.

The Alaska Homeland Security and Emergency Management also wants to take advantage of this test event to remind us that everyone should have an emergency preparedness kit and plan. Ready Alaska has excellent lists for items to include in kits as well as checklists for plans and activities for adults and kids.

I really like the downloadable DHS & EM 7-Day Survival Kit Calendar. It lists items to gather a day at a time for a month. By the end of the month you have a survival kit that will allow you to survive for 7 days until help comes.

Day 6: Traveling

I am headed up to Fairbanks today where I will join Assembly member Jerry Lapp, Manager Mark Earnest, and Clerk and Deputy Clerk Julie Cozzi and Jamie Heinz for the Alaska Municipal League's 61st Annual Local Government Conference. Click here for the agenda. And here for the workshops. I will be out of the office until Monday November 14. I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Tuesday I will attend the day-long Mayor's meeting and then dive into workshops on Wednesday and Thursday. I am glad several of us are attending because ALL the workshops look compelling. Since the workshops run concurrently, in groups of 2, 3, or 4 any one attendee must make tough choices. Right now I am drawn to Wednesday's Determining Specific Leadership Behaviors, AML resolution and policy pertaining to public works & infrastructure; and Thursday's Disaster Management for Mayors and other Leaders; AIDEA; Lobby Basics.

Meanwhile I working with staff and residents on three resolutions and one ordinance for Assembly consideration at the up coming November 15 meeting. One resolution is in support of the Alcohol Task Force. Chief Lowe and Jan Hotze have contributed some language.

Another resolution is in support of improved access to the upper Lynn Canal via ferries. It follows the recommendations of the Marine Transportation Advisory Board's October 27 comment on the Southeast Alaska Transportation Plan Scoping Report, the Haines Chamber of Commerce's November 4 comment, as well as previous resolutions adopted by previous Haines Borough Assemblys. Though the comment period closed Nov. 4, Andy Hughes, Southeast Regional Planning Chief, emailed yesterday that the Borough's comment would be welcomed and appropriate.

The third resolution pertains to the newly formed Haines Port Steering Committee (HPSC). The purpose of the resolution is to conform the HPSC to Haines Borough Code 2.60, Committees, Boards, and Commissions. The Manager, Darsie Culbeck, and I are collaborating.

The ordinance to be introduced covers the changes to Assembly procedures I presented at the Nov. 3 work session: an additional agenda category to provide for Assembly motions to designate topics for the next meeting's agenda (2.10.020); removal of the limit on the number of opportunities for a member of the Assembly to speak (2.10.060(D)); removal of the requirement for the Assembly to review invoices before payments are made (3.04.050), and the removal of the requirement for all Resolutions to be read out loud before the Assembly votes (2.12.110).

Materials are due to the Clerk by tomorrow at 8 AM! I better get busy. I am grateful for today's electronic communication. Hopefully I'll be able to press "send" to Julie Cozzi's inbox before I board my flight to Fairbanks at 1 this afternoon.

Day 5: Sorting out FERC

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) made a mistake. As a result, the period to comment on the AP&T and Goat Lake Hydro application for a FERC permit for the Connelly Lake project (P-14229-000) in the Haines Borough has been extended to January 3, 2012.

Our contact at FERC is:

Brooks Carter

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission 

888 First St NE, Rm 1A-1 

Washington, DC 20426
202-502-8145
brooks.carter@ferc.gov

Once notified of the oversight, Mr. Carter moved quickly to correct it. Mr. Carter explained that there were errors in the addresses for four entities including the Municipality of Skagway and the Haines Borough.

Filing comments is relatively straight forward using FERC's elibrary. Click on the "eComment" link on the left side of the page. If you get stuck, there is online support. The key piece of information you need is the docket number: P-14229-000.

I will ask the Haines Borough Assembly if it would like to comment on behalf of the Borough. If so, I expect that a draft of an Assembly comment will be taken up at the December 13 meeting.

Day 4: Work Session

I felt that the evening's work session was productive. We will institute some changes to Assembly procedures immediately at the November 15 meeting; others will require changes to the code.

Here are some changes that you will see implemented on November 15:

• Seating Arrangement: the clerk will sit next to the Mayor, enabling the clerk, especially to provide subtle but needed support regarding parliamentary procedure.
• Public comment will be timed according to circumstance and timing will be monitored by the Mayor instead of the Clerk.
• You no longer need to sign up to testify during a public hearing, but you may if you'd like. Those who sign up will be called on first.
• The mayor will follow the agenda, announcing the items, but will not read the recommended motion, though that text will continue to be printed on the agenda, and any member of the Assembly is free to use it.
• Items that come before the Assembly will be supported with a document called an "Agenda Bill" - a document that provides a guide for detailing rationale and pertinent information related to the item.
• The Manager's report will be on the consent agenda. Manager's recommendations will be incorporated into an Agenda Bill as appropriate.

And most controversial of all - there will be no food on the dias!

Members indicated an interest in altering Haines Borough Code as follows:

• to provide for unlimited turns of Assembly members to speak during a debate (2.10.060(D);
• to eliminate the requirement that the clerk include a synopsis of Assembly debate (2.10.040(D) - a change which will pave the way for "Action Minutes;"
• to provide an opportunity in the Order of Business (i.e. Agenda) for Assembly members to indicate their intention to bring a topic to the next meeting's agenda;
• to eliminate the requirement that all resolutions be read out loud (2.12.100(A); and
• to eliminate the requirement that the Assembly review invoices (3.04.050)

I will draft an ordinance addressing these changes for the Assembly to consider introducing on November 15.

Members indicated their preferences for memberships on at least two of the four Standing Committees: Commerce, Finance, Personnel, and Government Affairs & Services; as well as their preferences for assignments as liaison to one or more boards, commissions, or committees established by the Assembly. I will announce those assignments on the 15th and appoint the chair of each standing committee.

And finally, members responded on a Likert-scale 5-0 rating their interest on a set of projects I had prepared for their consideration. I will compile the results for the Assembly and report back on the 15th.

Stay tuned!

Day 3

Former Mayor Mike Case, ipad in hand, was waiting for me today. He had been reading my blog.

Mayor Case wanted to talk about the long list of questions I posted on Monday. Mike wondered if I was "managing" or "mayoring." He warned me against the former. I have never made a secret of my admiration for Mike. So I take his advice seriously.

Luckily, I had prepared a couple of documents for the Thursday evening work session to underscore the difference between "managing" and "mayoring" or "Assembly-membering." Mayor Case liked these much better than my Monday list. I hope you will too.

Here is the "Bill of Rights for Assembly Members" and its companion "Bill of Rights for Managers" adapted from the Alaska Municipal League's Newly Elected Officials Handbook, pgs. 13-14:

All Assembly members have the right to:

• equal treatment and information
• fair and respectful treatment in all situations
• equal access to the manager for questions or assistance
• teamwork between manager and elected officials
• a minimum of surprises - the assembly must be made aware of all potentially embarrassing situations or problems
• complete, timely, accurate, non-partisan, and non-biased information
• short, concise reports which are easily understandable
• several options offered to solve a problem, if possible

The manager has the right to:

• fair and respectful treatment in all situations
• expect that all direction or offers come from a formal action of the whole assembly
• being criticized only in private and in a constructive manner
• being thanked when appropriate
• expect that materials and reports will be read by assembly members before meetings
• have adequate tools and resources to perform efficiently and effectively
• have duties and responsibilities put in writing so they are clear and understandable
• be give the authority and resources to complete assigned tasks

Day 2

The agenda for the November 3 work session is in circulation. A work session agenda is to be provided 48 hours prior to the session (2.10.030 (B), and so it was, but it was close...

Haines Borough Assembly

Committee-of-the-Whole Work session

November 3, 2011, 6:30 PM, Assembly Chambers

Agenda

A. Review role of mayor in creating the assembly agenda (HBC 2.10.030) and during assembly discussions (may take part 2.16.010 (c); veto (2.16.030); when to relinquish the chair (2.10.010 )

B. Review the relationship between the manager and the assembly (Manager’s Duties HBC 2.20.020; Assembly powers HBC 2.08.050)

C. Review Ex Parte Communication; and targeted procedures from Robert’s Rules (Julie Cozzi, MMC, Borough Clerk)

D. Review and comment on Mayor’s proposals to modify non-codified and codified practices used to conduct Assembly meetings .

E. Review and discuss standing committees of the Assembly, advisory committees and ad hoc work groups and task forces: possible reorganization, assignments, role of liaison, communication between committees and Assembly.

F. Rate interest in and add to specific projects or initiatives to explore on behalf of the community.

"F" on the Agenda is a list of projects and concerns that came up during the campaign. Today I thought to try to align the list with the 2004 Haines Borough Comprehensive Plan. A few items lined up but most did not. Are the concerns out of sync with the 2004 plan, or is the plan out of sync with the present?

To me, the disconnect between the concerns raised during the campaign and the old Comprehensive plan underscore the importance of the present effort to update the Comprehensive Plan.

The Planning Commission has had 8 meetings to review re-writes of chapters of the Comprehensive Plan since March. The 9th meeting is scheduled for November 16, 6 PM, Assembly Chambers. We all need to go. The Comprehensive Plan and the Borough Budget are the two most important policy documents produced and ultimately endorsed by the elected body. It is far easier to evaluate the final product if you have been able to participate in, or at least witness, its development.

I have recommended that all matters coming before the Assembly reference both the budget

and the community's Comprehensive Plan. That will help keep our government relevant, provided that there is ample public participation in the development of both documents: the budget and the Comprehensive Plan. Right now, it is the Comprehensive Plan that is itself in the planning. Come and see on November 16.

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Today was the first day of work for the "Mayor's Assistant."

Nicole Studley will be providing some needed paper shredding between 10-11 AM most days in the Mayor's office. I am delighted! And shredded paper makes wonderful compost. Let me know if you need some for your pile.

Day 1

Many thanks to Haines Borough Clerk Julie Cozzi for conducting the swearing in ceremony today for myself, Debra Schnabel, and Jerry Lapp. Newly elected Assembly member Norm Smith was unable to join us due to a work schedule. Today marks the official start of our terms, but it was also practice. We will be sworn in again in public at our first Assembly meeting, November 15. Please come!

Thank you too for those who did join us today: Representative Bill Thomas, Borough Manager Mark Earnest, Anne Hanssen, Jamie Heinz, Brenda Jones, Bill Kurz, Joe and Sue Poor, and Debra Vogt. It meant a lot to have you there.

And now to work. This is the Day 1 Mayor's Report. The bulk of my day was spent closeted with the Manager:

• I requested a copy of the Soil Contamination Report from Carson & Dorn, due to my concern for the soil in the area of the school garden.
• I requested a copy of the report of mold in the Chilkat Center, also from Carson and Dorn, due to my concern for the people working in that facility.
• I expressed my concern to the manager regarding the Haines Port Steering Committee with respect to the possible conflict with Haines Borough Code stipulations for committee composition (2.60.020), the need for term limits, and decision making mechanism. It's possible that a Resolution addressing these concerns will be presented at the Nov. 15 Assembly meeting.
• We discussed the Boat Harbor Advisory Committee's revisions to Title 16 and its recommendation that the advisory committee's scope be expanded to include port facilities, including the PC and Lutak docks.
  
• I inquired about the Chilkoot Estates Subdivision and learned that the problematical lift station was now operational but that road right-of-way issues are yet to be resolved.
• I wondered what had become of the request for proposals or for qualifications to repair the Chilkat Center roof that was to be prepared by the Boutet Compay as mentioned in the Manager's reports (9/13.9/27/10/11). I learned that the individual at the Boutet Company assigned the task had been injured (an injury unrelated to work for the Borough) so that the Manager is now looking for an alternative.
  
• We reviewed the MOU between the Haines Borough and Lynn Canal Broadcasting Regarding Management of the Chilkat Center. I believe that the Manager plans to talk informally with Lynn Canal Broadcasting in preparation for a more formal review of the agreement.
• I conveyed the interest expressed by a citizen that Main Street should be owned by the Borough instead of by the State of Alaska, as is now the case. I learned that DOT estimates that it costs $200,000 annually to clear snow from Main Street. It is possible that the Downtown Revitalization Committee, advisory to the Manager, may be asked to explore the costs and benefits of Borough ownership of Main Street.
• We talked about managerial evaluations. The Borough has an evaluation form but it might be time to examine alternative tools for evaluation. We talked about assigning that task to the Assembly's Commerce committee. The Manager is a member of that committee. I agreed that it was appropriate for the manager to participate in the selection of an evaluation tool.
• I found Public Law 111-84, Section 2851, which states how and when the Tank Farm will be conveyed to the Chilkoot Indian Association for "the purpose of permitting the Association to develop a Deep Sea Port and for other industrial and commercial development purposes" and requiring the Association to pay an "amount equal to the fair market value of the property... ." I had been confused about the status of the Tank Farm. Now I am less confused. Come in and I will make you a copy of the excerpt from the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010, signed into law October 28, 2009.
• The Clerk provided a document detailing how the contractor for the demolition of the old elementary school planned to dispose of the debris. The question had been raised by a citizen. I transmitted the information to the person who inquired.
  
• And last but not least, I celebrated my first day with coffee and cookies at the home of Joe and Sue Poor in the company of Debra Schnabel and Bill Kurz; I celebrated Tina Olson's and Mark Earnest's birthdays with the borough staff; I recycled a lot of paper, bought a desk lamp (with my own funds) so that I would not have to turn on all the ceiling fixtures, and prepared a spot for the new Mayor's Assistant, Nicole Studley, to expertly shred paper for an hour tomorrow morning.
  

It was a great day. Thank you for the opportunity to be your mayor.

I will be in the office at 3:30 tomorrow, ready to finalize the agenda for the November 3 work session. Please stop by.

Transition

I take office tomorrow, and I am nervous tonight. So I returned to the inspirational, though also sobering, email I received from Brenda Jones, October 7. I am going to put it on the door of my office, along with the names of the more than 71 Haines citizens who volunteer on Borough sponsored committees. Thank you, everyone, for all that you do. Here are excerpts from Brenda's email. Stop by and I'll share it with you in its entirety.

Dear Stephanie,

You won this vote by a very slim margin. You would not have been able to pull this one off without the support of conservatives that believe you will represent the best interest of our community and not just the interest of a vocal minority. They are hopeful, but will be watching carefully and their support will turn to contempt if your actions are inconsistent with what you professed during your campaign. I, and many others, are routing for your success. I believe Haines is at the tipping point. Now is the time that we will be able to turn things around and start to see life breathed back into our community or we turn into a community that 'used to be'.

Start by being the leader you said you would be. Consistently practice the values and ideals you presented during the campaign. Make sure that there is no room for anyone to even suggest your ethics are to be questioned. Many times people do not do anything wrong, but it is the appearance that there might have been personal gain or a personal agenda that causes a loss of confidence from the public. Set clear obtainable goals. You need to keep the long-term in focus, but some short term wins are important so that people do not lose enthusiasm. Break projects down into manageable chunks so that people can enjoy a sense of accomplishment along the way.

We need inspiration in this valley. Inspire a shared vision. So much time is spent on stuff people disagree about. Let's work on some of the things that most of us agree with, like our need to secure clean, reliable, affordable and sufficient energy. There will always be a segment of people that will never be happy with anything, but your goal is to work towards the best interest of the community, not placate unreasonable people. Communicate positive and hopeful outlooks for the future of the valley if we work together to address our future needs in a proactive way. Appeal to the public with respect for the differing individuals' concerns and show how their individual future interest can be served by proactively addressing our future needs. Always respect personal property holder rights. You present a unique opportunity for us to get buy-in from people that think fighting hydro power is somehow better for our environment than the alternatives. ...

You are going to have to challenge the process. This is where the people that say "but, we have always done it this way" will feel like their toes are being stepped on. You are in a good position because we all know the old way of doing things has not been serving the public interest well. There is so much distrust by the public because they believe stuff is done in secret. Bring things forward and look for new ways to approach the same old problems. As humans we are always uncomfortable whenever we are pushed outside of our comfort zone. But that is how we broaden our horizons and learn and grow. Know that you are going to receive pushback. Respectfully address those concerns. Know that sometimes when we experiment with new ways to approach challenges the results are not successful; learn from those setbacks and do not be afraid to let people know that your approach did not work and you need to try a new approach.

You are going to need some help in this process so enable others to act. Work on developing cooperative relationships with groups of different perspectives. Make sure that you generate a a sense of ownership among the committees so that they feel empowered and not disheartened. ... Make sure the committees and task forces under your direction allow for a free exchange of communication in both directions. This is needed in order to allow buy-in on the goals. This means you must thoughtfully consider what the goals should be and research the best approaches with input from those you are empowering.

Encourage those around you. Celebrate the accomplishments you have along the way. Recognize people for their contributions. You are going to be working with a lot of people that are donating their time and expertise; give them the pat on the back when they deserve it. Staff too needs the kudos they deserve, but only in a sincere way. No need to start an employee of the month program and then have to struggle to try to figure out who to name this month. Remember to stop and smell the roses along the way and make this an enjoyable process for all involved.

Best wishes for a future full of success while you are working towards making Haines a better place.

Brenda

Thanks Brenda!

The Old Elementary School: A Possible Reason to Stay the Execution?

Ketchikan had an old school too. White Cliff School. It stood vacant through 4 years and many studies before a solution was found.

In 2008, the Ketchikan Gateway Borough offered the property for sale. Dawson Construction bought it for $500,000 with the agreement that the Borough would rent half of the building for new offices. Part of the purchase agreement was that the Borough would attempt to purchase the building back from Dawson within a two-year period for $9.47 million. It all worked out. Dawson opened the building in January 2009. The Borough and other entities rented space; and ultimately the Borough found the money to re-purchase the building.

There might be something in the White Cliff School solution that would work for Haines. It's not too late to consider the possibility of partnering with the private sector to save an asset, create jobs, and move forward with the concept of a community center. If no private entity steps up, we will lose time, perhaps some money due to inflation, but not necessarily momentum.

However, time is definitely running out for the old Haines Elementary School. Demolition was stayed 10 days due to a glitch in obtaining all the required permits. But the contractor is ready to start work this coming Friday. The last chance to appeal to the Assembly to stay the contract for demolition is this Tuesday's (October 25) Assembly meeting during Public Comments.

Explore the White Cliff School story here.

Economic Development: Another Committee?

I hope so.

I am curious as to why the proposal to establish an economic development task force for the purposes of examining the fit between Haines and an economic development corporation model has not come before the Assembly. In my simple world, all that is required is for the paper work regarding the request for action to be submitted to the clerk according to the published calendar.

But the agenda can always be amended. Maybe that can happen this coming Tuesday night. Under new business add: Economic Development Task Force. The motion could be:

Move to appoint a 5-person economic development task force for the purpose of examining the model of a local economic development corporation and making a recommendation to the assembly regarding the advisability of the creation of an economic development corporation in Haines. If the recommendation is in favor of an economic development corporation, the task force will recommend steps for implementation.

Any takers? These steps need sponsorship from the Assembly but we can all help each other find the words and ways to move forward. We have to work together. I love what Jason Shull said yesterday, "More handshakes, less head shakes!" If the motion is passed, letters of interest can be solicited and a task force appointed in November.

Bear with me for a moment. I am thinking about committees in general right now.

I received a list of all the boards and committees from Julie Cozzi yesterday. The list is long. It includes all the Road Service Area Boards (7, including the Townsite for which the Assembly serves as the board), 2 Fire service area boards, Planning Commission, and commissions, advisory boards, or boards of trustees for public safety, tourism, museum, library, Chilkat Center, and boat harbor. There are 71 appointees on the Clerk's list (and not all seats are filled).

The Clerk's list doesn't include the Downtown Revitalization Committee; the now forming 18-member strong, Haines Borough Port Development Steering Committee; the Alcohol Task Force; or the heliski work group. Nor does it include the 4 standing committees of the Borough Assembly, three of which are stipulated in code: personnel, finance, commerce. The fourth Assembly standing committee, Government Affairs/Services, is not listed in the code. None of the standing nor any of the advisory committees are specified in the Charter.

We are committee rich! We also have a school board - definitely "more" than a committee but another organized group of people with a focused interest that petitions the Assembly to take various actions.

The reason I have catalogued the committees we do have is to try to grasp the many many special and vital interests in the Borough. It also illustrates how active the citizenry is. There are a couple of people that hold seats on more than one committee, but that is rare.

One of the complaints I have heard repeatedly is that the Assembly does not interact effectively with its committees. I would like to change that. But I 'm not sure what is wrong. Sometimes, I suspect, the committees come to the Borough with an administrative issue and directs it to the manager and may or may not get a timely response. But sometimes they want the Assembly to take some action. If so, they need to prepare a request with supporting documentation, send it to the clerk, and it should pop up on an agenda. Is the problem that there is insufficient technical advice available to committees on how to interact with the Assembly? If that is the case, a little memo from or even a visit with the clerk or mayor might help.

I am open to suggestions. I believe work at the committee level is key - however, we have to remember that always always always the Assembly has to make decisions that will benefit everyone in the community. Perhaps this is the nexus where "committees," which are necessarily narrowly focused, become frustrated with the Assembly. If that is the case, the Assembly has the responsibility to constantly and kindly remind everyone that the Assembly's responsibility is to the public in general.

What is the Appropriate Business Model for Government Operations?

Last night the Haines Borough Assembly Government Affairs & Services Committee (chaired by Steve Vick) filled the lobby of the Chilkat Center. Mr. Vick asked "what can government can do to increase the utilization of the building?" Response to that question coalesced around the idea of improved management and marketing. One of the implied goals is to increase revenue associated with the building.

Currently the Chilkat Center is managed by Lynn Canal Broadcasting (KHNS) in lieu of rent. Kay Clemens, KHNS Manager, indicated that the management scheme is not working well these days due to limited KHNS staff, expertise, coupled with a decision to prioritize broadcasting related activity.

If we look at the Chilkat Center as a business, we have to consider revenues (rental income) compared to expenses. Later on in the evening, Chief Financial Officer Jila Stuart emailed actual revenues/expense data from FY09,10,11 and the budgeted revenue/expense for FY12. Expenses have exceeded revenues by $50-60,000 during those periods. The lion's share of the expenses for the Chilkat Center goes to utilities ($40 - 50,000 annually). Annual rentals to a long list of groups (the building seems to be used frequently) range from $24,000 to $34,000. So, in order to run a "break even" operation, the challenge would be to implement strategies that would result in increased revenues and decreased operating expenditures, setting aside, for the moment, the $1.2 million estimate for immediate repair to the roof and its supporting structures provided recently by Jensen, Yorba, Lott.

And here's where the policy decisions come in: What community needs should local government support with infrastructure? What economic model should the Borough adopt for the operation and maintenance of that infrastructure? When, if ever, is a "break even" model appropriate for government operations? When an activity or a facility does not independently generate sufficient revenue to cover expenses the revenue stream is filled by taxes. What services and activities are we, as a community, willing to tax ourselves to support? That's the question.

Can Demolition Include "Recycling" or Is It All Headed Straight to the Land Fill?

At least 30 years ago, my husband (Bob Schwalbach), Norm Blank, Craig McCormick, and Tim June "bought" a DOT barn here in Haines for $11.00.

The Department of Transportation advertised for bids to either demolish or remove an equipment barn in Haines. There were several proposals to demolish the building ranging in the tens of thousands of dollars. And then there was this odd proposal from a group of guys with hammers and crowbars offering to remove the building. The State took them up.

I suppose their financial people weighed the options: spend $10,000 to have the building demolished or earn $11.00 from eager buyers? One idea that I haven't heard considered with respect to the old school is the idea of selling the building as "surplus" to be removed. I wonder if there would be any response to such an option?

The beams holding up my house are from that old DOT barn. Our original windows were from the barn. Some of my out buildings are sided from stock from that barn.

Before we consign the contents of the old school to the landfill, I hope we can see if there are people in the community who could use the items. Those lockers look in pretty good shape to me. Thanks to Joe Poor for the photo.

Connelly Lake: A Reasonable Position

The Haines Borough has a very clear need for additional hydropower. Given our present sources, the utility (APT) must supplement with diesel various times during the year. This situation is exacerbated as more and more people attempt to mitigate the high cost of heating fuel with electric heat or with non-fossil fuel systems that still require substantial electricity to run pumps and fans.

Additionally, the Haines Borough as well as the Borough of Skagway, with whom we are yoked because we share the same utility, are both developing substantial deep-water port operations due to extensive mineral exploration in the Yukon and interior Alaska.

Finally, a substantial increase in hydropower is required to mitigate air pollution from the cruise ships that frequent our communities and provide needed economic activity. Once sufficient power sources are developed, cruise ships can be required to plug in, thus reducing emissions.

The development of additional hydropower is a step that moves us toward self-reliance in that we will be less dependent on foreign resources; but one of the additional benefits of the Connelly Lake project is that it also will remove our reliance on an undersea cable that is now the community of Haines’ link to the bulk of its hydropower. Although undersea cables are not uncommon, our uncommon distance from support ships able to supply and service the cable is a weak link. Connelly Lake, located in the Haines Borough, can transmit power through an easily accessible buried cable to our community. Thus, even if the link to Goat Lake in the Skagway Borough is ever lost, Haines will still have access to hydropower. The development of a hydropower source accessible by land will increase the reliability of the power supply – a critical dimension of any infrastructure improvement.

The case for additional hydropower supplies is easily made. And the potential of Connelly Lake is clear. Connelly Lake has been “on the books” as a hydropower source for decades. The case in favor of a land-based transmission line over an undersea cable in such a remote location is also easily understood. But Connelly Lake is located at the head of a watershed that has many assets: fish, wildlife, recreation, wilderness, cultural. It is important to discover if the development of Connelly Lake as a hydropower site can complement or even enhance these assets. I, for one, look forward to the FERC process for answers to the question of the impact of the development on the watershed. The one concern that I have with the permitting process is that studies be conducted by organizations that are as free as possible from ties to interest groups – either pro or con. The outcome is going to depend, I believe, on the reliability of findings. It is important to avoid contaminating data through association with groups which have signaled fore-gone conclusions. I sincerely support going forward with the FERC process.

Though I do not yet speak on behalf of the Haines Borough, I would like to mention that the Haines Borough Assembly did adopt a resolution (09-01-149) January 27, 2009, resolving that the Haines Borough Assembly “supports the investigation, study, conceptual design, and initial permitting of any potential projects by AP&T or others which can be shown to provide reliable, cost effective, renewable energy in a manner which does not adversely impact local rate payers, the local economy, the watershed ecosystems, or the traditional uses of the area.” I believe that Resolution 09-01-149 articulates a reasonable position and supports proceeding with the FERC permitting process for Connelly Lake as well as Shubee Lake.

How Far Can Energy Efficiency Take Us?

Isn't that the question we ask ourselves when debating energy conservation and efficiency policies? I am going to learn a little more about the question and hopefully a lot more about answers at tonight's webinar sponsored by the Renewable Alaska Energy Project (REAP). Click here to sign up. The program is from 6-8 PM this evening. Join me, and many other Alaskans, on line as we explore the role energy efficiency plays in moving us toward more reliance on renewable sources of power for our state.

The Canvass

The final thirty-one additional votes were counted by the Haines Borough Assembly October 11 in the election canvass. The tally is Hill: 554; Scott: 601.

The election will be certified by the Assembly at its regular meeting October 25. Terms start October 31. And on that day all new officials will be sworn in, one at at time, in the Borough Clerk's office.

There are no formal procedures or policies that guide the transition from one Mayor to another, but I hope to work with Mayor Hill in the interim and beyond to make sure that continuity characterizes this change. The list of "things to do" is long and I am ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work - but officially, work starts October 31.

The Borough Clerk assured us that she would be in costume for the swearing in. The only remaining question is, how should your new officials be costumed?

A public swearing in is planned for the first Assembly meeting, November 15.

Mayoral Election Results

The Haines Borough 2011 mayoral contest may turn out to be one of those elections we can use to illustrate the power of one vote. At this time, it is too close to call. By the evening of October 4, the difference between candidates for mayor was slim: Scott: 577; Hill: 547, with a maximum of 40 additional votes yet to be counted.

The Assembly will "canvass" the election at 5:45 Tuesday, October 11. At that time, uncounted ballots will be examined, and if accepted, counted. These ballots include 15 Questioned Ballots, 1 Personal Representative Ballot, 16 Absentee-by-Fax Ballots, and any Absentee-by-Mail Ballots that come in by October 11. The Clerk can say with certainty that there are a maximum of 40 additional ballots because every single ballot given at the polls or mailed or faxed is carefully tracked. The Borough Election Official is able to verify that the number of ballots used (counted) or destroyed equals the number of ballots in circulation.

Many people voted early this year. Early voting is a kind of "absentee" voting since the voter is not voting in his or her precinct. But "early" votes are counted with the regular votes after the polls close on the evening of the election.

Why might a ballot be questioned? Remember how you signed the voter register when you went in? What if your name isn't on the register? The election judges will still let you vote, but you must vote a questioned ballot. The question is: are you or are you not a properly registered voter? That's the "question" that the Borough Election Official (also our Borough Clerk) will help the Assembly decide on October 11. If you are a properly registered voter (must have registered at least 30 days before the election), then your ballot will be opened and counted. One of the most common reasons for questioned ballots in Haines is voters voting out of their precincts. If you live at Mosquito Lake but it was more convenient for you to vote in town (or visa versa), your ballot would have been "questioned" because your name would not have been on the precinct voting list - but in the end, your ballot will be counted - provided of course, that you are properly registered!

I am always impressed by the precision of the Borough Clerk and her election judges. Procedures are followed to a "t." Every safeguard is practiced. Conducting an election is a weighty responsibility. This year it was once again carried on the able shoulders of the Borough Clerk and the chairs, judges, and clerks at our two Borough precincts. Hats off to Julie Cozzi and her 2011 team: Jeannette Heinrich, Leslee Downer, Barbara Maynard, Donna Catotti, Nancy Wenner, Frankie Perry, Marlys Johnson, John Hunt, and Holly Thomas. Thanks so much.

The Right to Think Together

Friday evening about 40 of us got together in the Chilkat Center to talk about our hopes and our concerns for the future of Haines. The opening atmosphere was deliberately light-hearted with a clever puppet show by Tresham Gregg called "Running for Office," keyboard by Dave Nanney, and drums and the occasional guitar rift by Bear. After we all loosened up, I took the mic and fielded questions for an hour. The evening was classical Haines, in that compassion and inclusion were two recurring themes.

I agree with Thomas Jefferson who said that

"...an association of men who will not quarrel with one another is a thing which never yet existed, from the greatest confederacy of nations down to a town meeting or vestry... ...so there must, from the nature of men, be opposite parties... " (cited in Needleman, Jeremy P. Tarcher/Putnam, 2002, The American Soul, p.140-141).

That being true, one of the most important roles of government is to protect a space for human beings to exercise the freedom to think together; to exchange perceptions and ideas. That is almost impossible to do without providing also for a strong dose of compassion, one for the other.

No government can legislate compassionate but it can embody it and lead by example. I hope to do that.

Party Time!

I would love to see you on Friday afternoon/evening for a brief, but electric, "Get Out the Vote" party at the Chilkat Center Lobby, Sept. 30, 5-7 PM, hosted by my mayoral campaign. You will have ample opportunity to ask questions and I will have more than 1 minute to respond! Please try to come. And please, help me get out the word! But even more important - help me drum up enthusiasm for getting out the vote!

Historically, voter turn out averages 25-30% of the registered voters. Wouldn't it be great if Haines could boast a higher than average turn out for the Oct. 4 election? One single vote - your vote - does make a difference!

Making Policy or Micromanaging?

If the Borough Assembly would adopt a policy of energy conservation and efficiency, citizens could be confident that Borough management would be "on" all the opportunities for help in this direction; but they haven't and we aren't.

That's why I reminded the Assembly last night about Alaska Housing Finance's Alaska Energy Efficiency Revolving Loan Fund Program (labeled "AEERLF," which I can't imagine how to pronounce!). This program has been on the books since 2010. The loan is paid back with the savings reaped through the implementation of the energy efficiency and conservation strategies determined by an Investment Grade Energy Audit. I know that this opportunity came to the attention of the Borough last winter (February 2011), but somehow the ball got dropped. If a policy of energy conservation and efficiency were in place, the ball would be in play.

Right now, the only energy conservation and efficiency project in play is a result of a $50,000.00 allocation literally dumped on the Borough by the Federal government. It is being used to do weatherization work and lighting upgrades at the Public Safety Building. And, by the way, to install a new oil-fired boiler.

That brings me to my second policy position. If the Borough Assembly adopted a policy of using biomass (wood) for heat wherever feasible, management might have explored an alternative to oil for the Public Safety Building. Again, management might choose (or not) to take advantage, right now, of the Request for Statements of Interest for Wood-Fired Heating Projects from the Alaska Wood Energy Development Task Group (under another unpronounceable acronym, "AWEDTG") due November 11.

I sent emails to the Borough Manager and to the School Superintendent about these opportunities last week, but absent policies on either energy conservation/efficiency and utilization of renewable sources of energy for heat, I decided to convey these opportunities to the Assembly at the meeting last night.

I believe that burdening the Assembly with these details is called "micromanaging." Just before I attended the meeting last night, I spoke at length with a resident who perceives that the Assembly "micromanages" the Borough as opposed to establishing policies. I begged for an example of how the Assembly "micromanages." At the time, a good example didn't come to mind, but as I stood last night, I realized that I was, by my presentation of energy conservation/efficiency and wood heat opportunities, encouraging the Borough to "micromanage."

One of the first tasks given to the Energy and Sustainability Commission was to prepare a Borough Conservation Plan. We did. We delivered it in 2008. In the very last paragraph we warned that all these strategies would come to naught in the absence of the Assembly's adoption of energy conservation/efficiency and renewable energy policy. We have seen the dissolution of the dynamic ESC; we have seen opportunity after opportunity slide by; we have seen a 30% increase in our public sector budget (FY12) for energy costs - all for the want of a clear policy statement which sets the course for Borough management. What a shame.

Now, as I have done for the last 3 years, I pledge to craft a policy statement of reduction of the cost of energy for borough facilities and the utilization of renewable energy sources if I am elected Borough Mayor next week. Suddenly the childhood rhyme my mother had us chant over and over again seems like a great campaign slogan:

I meant what I said, and I said what I meant.
An elephant's faithful, one hundred percent.
Dr. Seuss, Horton Hatches the Egg
US author & illustrator (1904 - 1991)

I wish I had thought of it before now!

Please vote October 4.

On The Other Hand....

A reader suggested that the recall should go forward because the Assembly was to appoint AND THEN hold a special election. An appointment could have been made for a 45-60 day period - enough time to set up a special election. (Bear in mind that an appointment for any reason whatsoever is only good until the next regular election, so the maximum time any appointee can serve is a year.)

What's the lesson in this debacle? I think the lesson is that an Assembly must uncover what they are able to do according to law before any action is taken. In this case, the Assembly seemed to get hung up on the "who" instead of the "what."

Hind sight is always more accurate than foresight. Far be it for me to say what I would have done. But I think the community is seriously signaling to its elected officials: stick to the law. If you are not sure what the law is ask and ask again. The recall, regardless of its "success" or "failure" is a clear warning that the public is going to hold its representatives accountable. That, I think, is a good thing.

If I'm Reading this Right, I Can't Support the Recall

Yesterday I took a third look at the judge's May 12 order in Hess v. Haines Borough and Goodman.

On page 14, after the judge declares

(2) "The position of Assembly member for Seat "E" on the Haines Borough Assembly...to be vacant. "

The judge then orders:

(3) "The Assembly to call another election for that office pursuant to HBC 2.68.545."

I don't know about you, but I have been fixedly focused on the concept of a vacancy on the Assembly and what the code and charter say about remedying that. I agree with the recall proponents that both the Charter and the Code call for a vacancy to be filled by appointment within 30 days (Charter Section 2.04; HBC 2.10.250).

And I do not buy the argument that one had to appoint a person more "like" Goodman. Who knows what Goodman would have been "like" over a 3-year term? I myself was often "unlike" what some people expected when I sat on the Assembly. Assembly members, no matter what agenda they may have promoted during a campaign, tend to modify their views when called upon, as they are, to represent the entire valley.

BUT ... the judge ordered an election based not on HBC 2.10.250, but "pursuant to HBC 2.68.545", which says:

"If, following an investigation, the assembly concludes ...(b) the person canvassed as elected is not qualified as required by law...the assembly shall ...order another election."

This turns the recall on its head! In effect, everyone did the right thing (though possibly for the wrong reason) by moving for an election, except Assembly member Vick! What a mess.

Did the judge err in citing HBC 2.68.545? If so, don't you think the Borough Attorney would have immediately filed for reconsideration so as to correct the error and refocus the judge on the Borough's vacancy stipulations? As a matter of fact, the judge scrutinized HBC 2.68.545 so carefully that an error in the original citation of this code provision made in the decision issued May 11 was corrected by issuing the "Corrected Decision on Appeal" the next day, May 12.

If we assume the judge's order is valid, then it looks like the motion to hold an election to fill Seat E was exactly what the judge ordered.

I'm no attorney, but by the third time I read the judge's order, I came to the conclusion that the motion to hold an election was proper. It all depends on whether you invoke HBC 2.68.545, as did the judge, or whether you believe that HBC 2.10.250 rules the day. I'm going with the judge.

Next question: if the judge's order is valid, why then did the Borough Attorney declare the recall petitions lawful? That's a whole other problem and I for one hope that we can set it aside by voting "no" on the recall. If I am reading the Judge's May 12, 2011, Corrected Decision on Appeal correctly, that's what I am going to do: vote "no" on recall.