Commerce Committee/Tourism Advisory Board Joint Meeting, 10:30am

AGENDA

Main Issue:  Permitting/Operational Issues in the Chilkoot Corridor

(1)  Permit Issue: HBC 5.18.020 Number of permits available.

The number of available tour permits, other than the number of permits for a commercial ski tour, may be set by the assembly in September of each year for the following year. Renewal of existing permits by operators who have not had their permit revoked for failure to comply with this chapter shall have priority over new or expanded tour permit applications. The clerk will determine the number of new permits available and allow new applicants to apply based on their position on a waiting list maintained by the clerk. (Ord. 10-10-243 § 8)

Discussion (1)(a):  Setting an allowable number of tour permits; examination of purpose of code.  Is code serving our need:  Can the issue of congestion and degradation of human experience in the Chilkoot corridor be mitigated by limiting the number of tour permits without examining/knowing the structure or nature of the competing tours, i.e., the number and type of vehicles, number of individuals, timing?    State Parks’ position on limited entry. (10 minutes)

Discussion (1)(b)   Apparent code inconsistency:  Code provides that the Assembly set a number of tour permits that may be issued annually. The Clerk is also allowed to set the number of permits.  Clarification needed to proceed. (5 minutes)

Decision:  Recommend code amendment(s) (3 minutes)

(2) Administrative Issue:  Collaborative Authority

Discussion (with State Parks representative): How can/should the Borough interface with State DOT and DNR/Parks to achieve community goals for commerce, a sustainable tourism economy, respect for bears, environmental quality and local control of tour product ?   What content/issues are open for discussion?   What is the process for collaboration/discussion?  (20  minutes)

(3) Operational Issues:  Identifying a course of action to regulate activity

Discussion (3)(a):  Review of member Campbell’s suggested solutions to issues identified.  Review of TAB’s proposed revision to Code of Conduct, permit limitations with zones. (30 minutes)

(4)  Forecast:  Corridor Bear-viewing site Construction

Answers to these questions:  What is the schedule for construction?  How will it impact recreation and commerce along the corridor? What can/should we be doing now?

(7 minutes)