Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the LUTAC Dock topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Manager outlines public-engagement-first path for LUTAC dock work; mediation with contractors set
Summary
The borough manager proposed a 'bridging document' and a phased path — public engagement, concept development, 35% design and RFP — to guide LUTAC dock work while seeking to limit costs and preserve the existing footprint; mediation with terminated contractors is scheduled next week and an executive session was announced.
The Haines Borough manager told the Assembly Oct. 28 that the borough will pursue a staged path forward for the LUTAC dock technical work that begins with public engagement and aims to avoid an open-ended engineering contract.
Manager Alekka said the borough does not want to spend $25,000,000 on the study and would pursue a contract for less than that figure so contingencies can be provided for. The proposed path is to: (1) run a public-engagement process with the borough’s engineers present to answer technical questions, (2) develop concepts informed by that engagement, and (3) produce a 35% design that would support a later RFP.
A key goal is to remain within the existing dock footprint where feasible so the borough can leverage prior environmental analysis and avoid repeating a full EA timeline, the manager said. The manager listed minimum operational needs to be captured in the bridging document, including continued fuel delivery with Delta Western and barge access and plans for each cell in the facility.
The manager also reported that the borough had terminated convenience contracts with two contractors and that mediation is scheduled for next Wednesday in Anchorage; the Assembly will hold an executive session later in the meeting to discuss mediation strategy with the borough attorney.
Assembly members urged broad public engagement, including outreach to tribes and the Historic Preservation community, and asked that technical alternatives be presented clearly to build public trust before design-selection decisions are made.
What happens next: The manager said the borough will meet with consultants Moffett and Nickel on Nov. 6 to refine the approach and will bring information back to the Assembly for review.
