The Skagway Assembly met for regular business on Thursday night, but two pieces of irregular business dominated the room. First, there was tension between the mayor and the current port leaseholder White Pass. Second, there was a threat of legal action against the municipality from a long-time resident and business owner.
In the latest Mayor’s Report, Skagway Mayor Andrew Cremata admonished the company that leases Skagway’s docks for not delivering its COVID-19-related port operations to the municipality. The mayor says he’s been in talks with White Pass for months regarding the one-page document which he sees as critical to achieving port agreements and meeting CDC guidelines prior to the arrival of cruise ships.
White Pass representative Tyler Rose took exception to the criticism.
“It was disheartening to see the mayor’s report in which he expresses his disappointment with White Pass claiming that, ‘White Pass has not provided me with any information regarding COVID related port operations readiness,'” said Rose.
Rose went on to say that the company has been working closely with the municipality in many meetings regarding an ever-changing COVID landscape.
“I believe that most here would agree that oversimplification or attempting to publicly admonish, anyone does not help solve problems. White Pass understands the importance of this issue and will continue to work hard with all stakeholders in hopes of having a safe return for Skagway 2021 cruises,” said Rose.
White Pass spokesperson Jaime Bricker also added that she had emailed the mayor and manager with related information on April 30.
Bricker then clarified why the company hasn’t met the May 1s deadline requested by the municipality.
“If White Pass hands in a one-pager with arbitrary standards that might not meet the standards of the municipality then it’s gonna create some confusion for our visitors and for all of us within the town,” said Bricker.
In closing remarks, the mayor seemed skeptical but said he was glad that White Pass was addressing the issue.
“It’s good to hear that White Pass is receptive to getting this, what I hope is just going to be a one-page document, done. I also remember that meeting that we were at where we discussed it and there was going to be a one-page document that was going to be prepared, simple, and to the point. It’s an ever-changing thing, that’s for sure. That’s why we can get on the old computer and edit it if need be. So, eager to see that,” said Cremata.
According to the mayor, he may be forced to move on without input from White Pass, as the clock is ticking on getting these port agreements finalized.
Also heavily present on Thursday night was the tension created by Chilkoot Trail Outpost owner Kathy Hosford’s letter to the Assembly threatening legal action over a cabin in a nearby municipal campground. Hosford is adamant that the cabin was built illegally and without proper permitting. She claims the Dyea Flats Land Management Plan explicitly states that no rentals whatsoever are permitted in the area, including camping spots and the cabin in question.
That cabin, originally built as a benefit for a campground host, sleeps up to 10 people, and last fall was made available for rentals at $50 per night by the municipality. Though that listing has been removed and rentals have stopped, Hosford continues to assert that it’s in direct competition with her lodging business, and will prevent any potential buyers from purchasing that business in the future.
Hosford wrote a letter to the assembly threatening legal action, so the assembly cleared the room for an executive session with their legal team. After the hour-long session, the mayor made this statement.
“The assembly has given direction to the municipal attorney, the attorney and staff can proceed as directed. We will be adding a discussion item at the next meeting to clarify our position on the cabin’s intended use.”
So it seems the public will have to wait until the June 3 meeting to find out whether an agreement will be reached or legal action will proceed.
