Haines Borough to seek Moffett & Nickel as owner advisor for Lutak dock project; assembly directs resolution for Dec. 16

The Haines Borough Assembly on Nov. 18 instructed the borough manager to prepare a resolution for the Dec. 16 meeting to hire Moffett & Nickel as owner advisor/owner’s representative for the Lutak dock project.

Manager Anne Fullerton summarized the committee-of-the-whole discussion and said staff had identified Moffett & Nickel and Sean McFarland as a candidate owner advisor with coastal engineering and public-engagement experience. Harbor Master Henry Paul and several assembly members said Moffett & Nickel is widely seen as well qualified for design-build procurement, though some members raised questions about grant-related procurement rules and the advantages of an open RFQ/RFP.

Assembly members discussed prior work by R&M (R and M) and the remaining contract spending (Manager reported ~$140,000 spent on the earlier R&M contract). Concerns included open-procurement requirements tied to grant funding and whether money remained from prior contracts that could reduce new costs.

After discussion the assembly voted unanimously (roll call, 6–0) to direct the manager to bring a resolution hiring Moffett & Nickel as owner advisor to the Dec. 16 meeting. The motion authorizes staff to pursue contract terms and scope; the assembly emphasized transparency in scope-of-work development and potential use of a local on-site representative to assist community engagement.

What’s next: Manager will draft a resolution and scope of work for assembly consideration on Dec. 16; assembly members asked staff to check procurement constraints tied to grant funding and to report any remaining funds from the terminated R&M contract.