Historic Preservation Commission Meeting
9/16/2024
The Sitka Historic Preservation Commission will hold its regular monthly meeting at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at Harrigan Centennial Hall. The Commission will review the Historic Preservation Plan, discuss a memorial and street naming policy, and review an addition at 235 Lakeview Drive. Public comment is welcome. Commission meetings are open to the public; for more information, please contact the Planning Department at planning@cityofsitka.org or call (907) 747-1814.
Port and Harbors Commission Meeting
9/16/2024
The Port and Harbors Commission will meet on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. in Harrigan Centennial Hall, 330 Harbor Drive. Agenda items include: Port Asset Organization Structure and Harbor Rate Study Findings. Meeting is open to the public.
Health Needs and Human Services Commission Meeting
9/16/2024
The Health Needs and Human Services Commission will meet at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at Harrigan Centennial Hall, 330 Harbor Drive. Agenda items include: Working Group Updates. The meeting is open to the public.
Planning Commission Meeting
9/16/2024
Blasting in the Granite Creek Area
9/16/2024
SECON will be conducting exploratory mining and blasting operations at the Granite Creek Lease Lots 2 and 3 Quarry the week of September 16. During this period, blasting activities may occur from the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., as needed.
Please avoid the area and follow all signage. We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience. Please contact SECON with any questions at 907.738.0763 or the City and Borough of Sitka Public Works Department at 907.747.1804.
Airport Hold Room Exit Modification
9/16/2024
Beginning October 1, 2024, and continuing through late Spring of 2025, construction at the Sitka Rocky Gutierrez Airport will alter the exit from the passenger hold room to accommodate the installation of a jetway foundation. Passengers will no longer exit the breezeway. Instead, they will pass through a secure corridor adjacent to baggage claim to access the airfield. Please follow instructions provided by airline staff when boarding and moving onto the airfield.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding during this construction period. For questions, please contact the City and Borough of Sitka Airport Terminal Manager at 907.747.1803 or by emailing airport.project@cityofsitka.org.
1,000 Hours Outside Program at Sitka Public Library
9/14/2024
Sitka Public Library invites youth of all ages to register for the last season of the 1,000 Hours Outside program. Kits with different seasonal items, plus fall outside adventure prompts are ready at the library for those who would like to track their outside hours. Kits are limited and they will be distributed on a first-come first-served basis.
For more information call 907.747.4020 or e-mail Maite at maite.lorente@cityofsitka.org.
Preschool Storytime at Sitka Public Library
9/14/2024
Sitka Public Library will offer a preschool Storytime program on Thursday, September 19, and Thursday, September 26 at 10:30 am. Storytime will take a break most of October, and it will be back on Thursday, October 31st. The program includes rhymes, songs, and a craft project. Everybody is welcome.
For more information call 907.747.4020 or e-mail Maite at maite.lorente@cityofsitka.org.
Little Ghost Scavenger Hunt at Sitka Public Library
9/14/2024
Sitka Public Library invites youth of all ages to participate in a little ghost scavenger hunt to find ten ghosts hidden somewhere in the library’s children room to decode a message. Once they find the correct answer, participants can turn the completed form for a treat and enter their form into a random raffle to win a prize. This program runs Sept. 29 to October 31.
For more information call 907.747.4020 or email Maite at maite.lorente@cityofsitka.org.
Available Wi-Fi at Harrigan Centennial Hall
9/13/2024
Satellite wi-fi is now available at Harrigan Centennial Hall, 330 Harbor Drive in front of the building as a new hotspot. The wireless network is titled, “Royal Caribbean Free Internet” which requires no password to login.
For more information or questions, please contact Public Information Officer, Melissa Wileman at 907.747.1824 or by email at pio@cityofsitka.org.
Seasonal Sales Tax Rate Change
9/13/2024
The City and Borough of Sitka Tax Office would like to remind all citizens that the seasonal sales tax rate will decrease to 5% effective October 1, 2024, through March 31, 2025. Bed Tax for rentals less than 30 days remains at 6% year-round. If you have any questions, please contact the Tax Office at 907.747.1840 or tax@cityofsitka.org.
Banned Together Documentary Screening at Sitka Public Library
9/11/2024
Sitka Public Library will host a private, pre-release screening of the new documentary Banned Together on Thursday, September 26 at 5:00 p.m. The film follows three young women during their senior year of high school as they become activists fighting against book banning in their community. This event is part of Banned Books Week at Sitka Public Library and is most suitable for teens and adults. The event will also feature information about censorship, intellectual freedom, and the right to read, as well as displays of banned and challenged books. For more information, please contact Maite or Margot at 907.747.4020.
Free Public Wi-Fi Available at Swan Lake Senior Center
9/11/2024
The City and Borough of Sitka Parks and Recreation is now offering free public Wi-Fi at Swan Lake Senior Center. The Wi-Fi is available every Sunday, Wednesday, and Friday from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. through the end of September.
For more information, please contact Sitka Parks and Recreation at recreation@cityofsitka.org or call 907.747.4031.
Important Notice Regarding 911 Services
9/9/2024
The City and Borough of Sitka has been informed that there may be interruptions in the 911 emergency service system. If you are unable to reach 911 during an emergency, please contact the Sitka Police Department directly at 907.747.3245 or the Sitka Fire Department at 907.747.3233.
While the 911 system is vital for emergency response, it is important to remember that it is a phone service and, like any other, can experience technical issues. In case of any disruptions, having the direct contact numbers for emergency services is crucial.
We recommend you save these numbers for quick access in case of an emergency:
For more information or questions, please contact Public Information Officer, Melissa Wileman at 907.747.1824 or email pio@cityofsitka.org.
Assembly Recruits Tourism Commission Members
9/6/2024
The City and Borough of Sitka Assembly is currently seeking 7 volunteers to serve on the Tourism Commission. This newly established Commission is tasked with advising the Assembly on strategies to enhance the social, economic, and environmental well-being of Sitka’s residents in relation to tourism. Members will be appointed at the October 22 Assembly meeting.
Applications are available online HERE or at the Municipal Clerk’s Office in City Hall, 100 Lincoln Street. Applications must be submitted to the Municipal Clerk’s Office no later than noon on Tuesday, October 15. Call 907.747.1826 or email clerk@cityofsitka.org or more information.
How to Participate in Assembly Meetings
9/6/2024
Regular Assembly Meetings are held on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. in Harrigan Centennial Hall. The agenda and supporting documentation are available at https://sitka.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx, the Sitka Public Library, or by contacting the Municipal Clerk's Office at City Hall. Public comment on agenda items and “Persons to be heard” is encouraged and welcomed. Citizens may provide comments by email, in person, or by phone. Regular and special Assembly meetings are live-streamed through the City's website and YouTube channel. In addition, regular meetings are aired live on KCAW FM 104.7. To receive Assembly agenda notifications, sign up with GovDelivery on the City’s website.
For more information, visit https://www.cityofsitka.com/CityAssembly or contact the Municipal Clerk's Office at 747-1826 or 747-1811.
Vacancies on Municipal Boards, Commissions, Committees
9/6/2024
Volunteer positions are available on the following Municipal Boards, Commissions, and Committees: Animal Hearing Board (category-specific seats), Health Needs and Human Services Commission, Historic Preservation Commission, Investment Committee, Local Emergency Planning Committee, Police and Fire Commission, and Sustainability Commission. Interested individuals may submit a board application and letter of interest to the Municipal Clerk’s Office at 100 Lincoln Street or clerk@cityofsitka.org. Applications are available online at www.cityofsitka.com or the Municipal Clerk’s Office. For further information, contact the Municipal Clerk’s Office at 907-747-1826 or clerk@cityofsitka.org.
October 2024 Municipal Election
9/4/2024
The Regular Municipal Election is Tuesday, October 1. Eligible voters may choose to vote using one of these options: absentee voting by mail; early voting in-person at Harrigan Centennial Hall weekdays September 16 - 30 (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) and Saturdays (9:00 a.m. to noon); by fax or email; personal representative; and in-person on Election Day at Harrigan Centennial Hall from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Applications to vote absentee by mail must be received by the Municipal Clerk’s Office no later than September 24. For candidate information, a sample ballot, absentee ballot request, and other election resources, click HERE or contact the Municipal Clerk’s Office at 907.747.1826 or 907.747.1811.
Stay and Play Program at the Sitka Public Library
9/3/2024
Babies, toddlers, and siblings up to five-years-old are invited to the Stay and Play Program at Sitka Public Library. The program will run from 3.30 p.m. to 4.30 p.m. at the Sitka Public Library's on Tuesday September 10, 17, and 24. This is a self-guided program. Families will have access to a variety of tinkering toys and activities. Materials will be available to use until 4:25 p.m. to allow for clean-up time.
For more information call 907.747.4020 or email Maite at maite.lorente@cityofsitka.org.
Preschool Storytime at the Sitka Public Library
9/16/2024
Sitka Public Library will offer a preschool Storytime program on Thursday, September 19, and Thursday, September 26 at 10:30 am. Storytime will take a break most of October, and it will be back on Thursday, October 31st. The program includes rhymes, songs, and a craft project. Everybody is welcome.
For more information call 907.747.4020 or e-mail Maite at maite.lorente@cityofsitka.org.
Sitka Babies and Books Welcome Fall Program the Sitka Public Library
9/3/2024
Sitka Babies and Books invite families of children 4-years-old and younger to Welcome Fall. The program will take place on Saturday, September 21 at 10:30 am at the library. Pre-registered babies and toddlers will receive a free book, and secure a craft project. Books are purchased with a grant from Sitka Legacy Foundation, an affiliate of the Alaska Community Foundation.
To register, or for more information call 907.747.4020 or e-mail Maite at maite.lorente@cityofsitka.org.
Municipal Election Presentation at Sitka Public Library
8/29/2024
The City and Borough of Sitka Municipal Clerk’s Office and Sitka Public Library will hold a free community presentation on municipal elections on Tuesday, September 17th at 6:30 pm in the SPL Multipurpose Room. Learn more about the process, meet the folks working hard to conduct our municipal elections, and get all your local election questions answered. For more information, please contact Margot at 747-4028 or email margot.oconnell@cityofsitka.org
.
City League Basketball Registration Open
8/26/2024
Registration for the 2024 City League Basketball season is now open! Games begin Sunday, October 6 in the Blatchley Middle School Gym. There will be four divisions: Women’s, Recreational, Competitive, and Master’s (45+).
Interested players can complete registration and pay the $80 player fee online at recreation.cityofsitka.com. Sponsor forms can also be found online, the cost is $500 per team. All payments and registration must be turned in prior to play. Team captain’s meeting will be Sunday, September 22nd at 4:00 p.m. in the Blatchley Commons.
Open gyms for interested teams will take place at Blatchley Middle School Saturdays from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. beginning Saturday, September 7. Open basketball for players 35+ will be Saturdays from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Standard Parks and Recreation fees apply to all open gym times.
For more information, contact Sitka Parks and Recreation by emailing recreation@cityofsitka.org or by calling 907.747.4031.
Ground Loading and Unloading for Passengers at the Airport
6/19/2024
Starting July 15, the Sitka Rocky Gutierrez Airport will undergo improvements affecting how passengers board and exit planes. For approximately 10 months, until late Spring 2025, passengers will embark and disembark the aircraft from the tarmac using portable stairs or ramps, as the current jet bridge will be out of service.
We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience during this timeframe. Please contact the City and Borough of Sitka Airport Terminal Manager with any questions at 907.747.1803 or by emailing airport.project@cityofsitka.org.
CBS Recycle Center Changes and Simplifications
4/5/2024
The City and Borough of Sitka Public Works Department announces changes and simplifications for recycling, effective immediately. The CBS Recycle Center, located at 802 Sawmill Creek Road, will now accept #5 plastic in addition to #1 and #2 plastics. All plastics can be comingled in the same container, no separation of these plastics is necessary. Corrugated cardboard and newspapers can now be comingled, no separation is necessary. Glass, aluminum and metal cans, scrap aluminum and other metals are still accepted and must be separated into their labeled containers.
Please remove items from garbage bags and take non-recyclable items to the Transfer Station, located at 205 Jarvis Street.
CBS sells recycled items which reduces the cost of solid waste processing. We hope these improvements make it easier for the citizens to recycle and the benefits it provides.
For further information, please visit the solid waste page under the Public Works Department at www.cityofsitka.com or call 907.747.1804.
Leads/Requested/Suspended Operations for Missing Person
12/24/2023
Sitka, Alaska – Jedidah Kowchee, 28 years old, 5’ 4”, 155 pounds was last seen leaving AC shopping center on December 13, 2023, at approximately 4:07 p.m. He was wearing a black hat and black jacket, light colored hoodie under his jacket. Tan khaki pants, black running shoes with black and white soles and clear framed glasses.
Sitka Police Department (SPD), Sitka Fire Department (SFD) Search and Rescue and Sitka Tribe of Alaska (STA) volunteer teams were dispatched and searched during daylight hours on Saturday, December 23 and again on Sunday, December 24 until early afternoon.
Despite their concerted efforts, Jedidah’s whereabouts remain unknown. A joint effort to locate Jedidah Kowchee, the SPD, SFD Search and Rescue, and STA volunteer teams emphasize the critical need for additional leads from the community.
Anyone having contact or information regarding Jedidah, is asked to contact the Sitka Police Department 907.747.3245 or the anonymous tip line 907.747.8980, or Sitka Fire Department Search and Rescue 907.966.5770, or STA by phone 907.738.7622 or text the keyword AKTIPS followed by your crime tip to 847411.
Anyone interested in volunteering, please report to Sitka Tribe of Alaska headquarters at 204 Siginaka Way or contact Mary Ferguson at 907.738.9229.
The City and Borough of Sitka’s mission is to provide public services for Sitka that support a livable community for all. Stay connected to the City and Borough of Sitka! Visit us online at www.cityofsitka.com; like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/cityandboroughofsitka/; follow us on Instagram @cbsitka; and Twitter @cbsitka; or call Administration, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday at 907.747.1812.
###
Katlian Street Closed to Pedestrian Traffic in the 400 Block
09/29/2022
The City and Borough of Sitka opened Katlian Street to two-way vehicle traffic in the 400 block. Pedestrian traffic remains closed. Please use caution and follow all signage. We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience during this timeframe. Please contact the CBS Public Works Department with any questions. 907.747.1804.
