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.