Assembly approves routine finance items, denies liquor protest motions and awards well contract

At its May 7 meeting the Skagway assembly approved several routine but material items: a check run totaling $2,415,421.97, adoption of Ordinance 26‑04 (capital improvements/procurement code alignments), Resolution 26‑16R (community assistance designation), and Resolution 26‑17R allocating $34,402.42 in national forest receipts for school projects.

The assembly considered multiple liquor‑license renewals and a series of protest motions. After discussion, a motion to protest several renewals collectively failed (six no votes). A later motion specifically to protest the Red Onion Saloon beverage‑dispensary license (no. 1521) also failed on roll call. Jamie Price, the Food & Beverage Manager at the Holland America Skagway Inn, had earlier told the assembly he was available to answer questions about his establishment’s renewal.

The assembly awarded the Well Improvements Phase 1 contract to NODAC Electric & Construction Inc. in the amount not to exceed $386,300; members said the project addresses an older well near the school with a need for more extensive electrical and control work than a simple pump replacement. The assembly also approved a Hughes Fire Equipment invoice for $16,136.50 for aerial apparatus cylinder reboil work.

Finance committee members reported community funding awards for KHNS, Little Dipper’s Summer Adventure Camp, the SDC’s Made in Skagway program (and related catalyst support), and previewed a proposed budget amendment to confront a roughly 37.9% increase in municipal health and dental insurance costs for municipal and school employees.

The assembly directed staff to prepare and bring a resolution regarding the Skagway ferry‑float replacement project to the May 21 meeting for consideration.