Harbor master flags overdue accounts, outlines impound plan and mobility enforcement

Harbor Master Henry Paul reported to the Haines Borough Ports and Harbors advisory committee that the posted aging report shows most accounts are current but a small number of overdue accounts remain and one vessel will be processed for impound. "We do a good job of keeping up on that," Paul said of the aging list, adding that one specific customer, Roberto Oledo, has a substantial debt and that John Upton’s vessel, currently on the hard at the police station, will enter impound proceedings when staff time allows.

Paul detailed how the committee enforces the harbor mobility ordinance he said the code requires vessels to leave the harbor under their own designed power and to travel beyond the Portage Cove/campground/picture point area. He told the committee two vessels, Faithful and New Horizons, met mobility requirements late and that he planned to "exercise my discretionary flexibility to allow them to continue remaining annual harbor customers," while others on the posted notices who have repeatedly failed to meet the mobility standard will face enforcement, including a higher transient rate and monthly fees for lacking required insurance.

Committee members asked about next steps for nonmoving vessels and Paul said two vessel owners complied after notices while others who have elected not to meet requirements for years will face enforcement steps posted publicly. Paul also said the clerk’s office will assist with processing impound procedures and that auctioning the impounded vessel is a likely eventual outcome if owners do not resolve arrears.

The harbor master’s recommendations were discussed but not altered by the committee at the meeting; Paul said he would follow up with staff and the clerk’s office on pending enforcement tasks.