Ely council declines to adopt committee recommendation on Hubachek table and chairs; public voices frustration

Council members on January 20 debated whether to allow the Ely Chamber of Commerce to place the Hubachek table and chairs and other historical artifacts in the new Ely Regional Trailhead visitor center, but failed to approve the Park & Recreation Commission’s recommendation to decline the Chamber’s request.

Eva Sebesta, executive director of the Ely Chamber of Commerce, told the council the table and four original chairs were donated with the 1976 Hubachek bunkhouse and have been stewarded by the Chamber for years. Sebesta outlined a proposed display above the Trailhead vestibule, said the building’s windows block 88 percent of UV rays and noted an 8–10-foot overhang would prevent direct sunlight on the artifacts. She also proposed displaying a replica of a Carl Gawboy mural, taxidermy mounts donated or offered by local partners, and antique recreation gear with interpretive signage.

Park & Recreation and the Heritage Preservation Commission reviewed the request and recommended against moving the Hubachek furniture to the Trailhead; Park & Rec’s motion was brought to the council by Councilors Bisbee and Roose. In the roll-call vote the motion failed 3–4 (A. Forsman, Lahtonen and Debeltz voted No; Roose, Campbell and Bisbee voted Yes; Mayor Omerza voted No). That vote left the furniture’s placement unresolved and prompted several speakers during open forum to criticize the council for overriding or disregarding lengthy committee work.

At the council meeting, clerk Langowski said the Hubachek pieces have been in the Chamber’s care for decades and noted the table and chairs would be for display only, not for use. Council members who voted against the Park & Rec recommendation (A. Forsman, Lahtonen and Debeltz) said they were concerned about removing items from the building before a final decision on the property’s future is made and cited stewardship and condition concerns. Councilors who supported the recommendation said committees had vetted the matter and expressed trust in their advice.

Heritage Preservation Commission co‑chair Pam Turnbull, speaking during open forum, said HPC followed proper procedure and presented documentation to the council and Park & Rec; she said the commissions had spent considerable time evaluating the request and urged the council to respect their work. Public commenter Abby Dare said she was disappointed and confused that council did not adopt committee recommendations after substantial committee discussion.

With no final agreement at the meeting, the Trailhead’s role as a repository for Hubachek-era artifacts remains unsettled. Park & Recreation plans to continue discussions about space and display logistics at future meetings; the council did not adopt a new directive during the January 20 session.