Press Releases and Public Service Announcements

November 11 Regular Assembly Meeting Rescheduled

10/22/2025

The November 11 regular Assembly meeting of the City and Borough of Sitka has been rescheduled to November 10. The two regular Assembly meetings in November are scheduled for November 10 and November 25. For more information, please contact the Municipal Clerk’s Office at 907.747.1826 or 907.747.1811.

New Moon Sound Journey at Sitka Public Library

10/16/2025

Sitka Public Library will offer a free new moon sound bath program on Thursday, November 20th at 6:30 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room. Led by Sound Healing Practitioner Laura Humphreys, participants will set intentions, relax, and restore with the healing power of sound. Space is limited, and registration is required. Participants are encouraged to bring yoga mats/blankets/pillows for comfort. To sign up, call Sitka Public Library at 747-4020 and for more information, email margot.oconnell@cityofsitka.org.

Commercial Recreational Land Use Plan Final Comments

10/16/2025

Final comment opportunities for the Draft 2026 Commercial Recreational Land Use Plan will be October 21, 6:00 PM at Sitka High School Library and October 28, Assembly meeting at 6:00 PM, Harrigan Centennial Hall. The 2026 Draft Plan and other documents can be found at https://www.cityofsitka.com/departments/ParksRecreation For more information, contact Parks and Recreation at recreation@cityofsitka.org or 907.747.4031.

Board/Committee/Commission Meeting dates for the week of October 20, 2025

10/16/2025

The Parks and Recreation Committee will hold a special meeting on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at 6:00 pm at Sitka High School library, 1000 Lake Street. Agenda item: Discussion/Direction/Decision on the 2026 Land use Plan.

The Gary Paxton Industrial Park Board will meet on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at 3 p.m., at Harrigan Centennial Hall. Agenda items: GPIP Haul Out Development Discussion, GPIP Zoning Discussion, Pacific Jewel Marine Vessel Transportation Discussion, Highmark Marine Fabrications Lot 9c Lease Request.

Note: The Police and Fire Commission’s regularly scheduled meeting on October 22 has been rescheduled to October 29 at 5:30 PM. 

Parks and Recreation Committee - Special Meeting

10/16/2025

The Parks and Recreation Committee will hold a special meeting on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at Sitka High School Library, 1000 Lake Street. Agenda items include: Discussion / Direction / Decision on the 2026 Land Use Plan. The meeting is open to the public.

Vacancies on Municipal Boards, Commissions, Committees

10/14/2025

Volunteer positions are available on the following Municipal Boards, Commissions, and Committees: Animal Hearing Board, Building Department Appeals Board, Historic Preservation Commission, Investment Committee, Library Commission, Local Emergency Planning Committee, Planning Commission, Police and Fire Commission, Sustainability Commission, and Tree and Landscape Committee. 

Interested individuals may submit a board application and letter of interest or resume to the Municipal Clerk’s Office at 100 Lincoln Street or clerk@cityofsitka.org. Applications are available online HERE or at the Clerk’s Office. Please contact the Clerk's Office with any questions at 907.747.1826.

Commission Meeting Updates: Week of October 13

10/13/2025

• The Parks and Recreation Committee will meet on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at 12:00 pm. Agenda items include: Discussion/Direction/Decision on the Cooperative Resource Management Agreement with  Alaska DNR for lands/trails/dock at Baranof Warm Springs, Discussion and public comment on the 2026 Commercial Recreational Land Use Plan, and Discussion/Direction/Decision on rescheduling the November 11 Parks and Recreation Committee meeting.

• The Health Needs and Human Services Commission will meet on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. Agenda items include: Discussion/Decision on amendments to Sitka General Code Chapter 2.30 “Health Needs and Human Services   Commission”, Updates from working groups, and Discussion/Decision/Direction on a resolution of the City and Borough of Sitka’s petitioning the Alaska State Alcoholic Beverage Control Board to issue up to three additional restaurant or eating place licenses under Alaska Statute 04.11.405.

• The Planning Commission will meet on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. Agenda items include: Public hearing and consideration of a final plat for a minor subdivision at 286 Tongass Drive, Public hearing and consideration of a tideland lease request for municipal tidelands located seaward of 1604 Sawmill Creek Road in the R-1single-family and duplex residential district, Discussion on a request for an administrative interpretation of community garden for Sitka Tribe of Alaska at the end of Andrew Hope Street, and Discussion of zoning code changes for cruise related docks.

• The Port and Harbors Commission will meet on Wednesday, October 15th, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. in Harrigan Centennial Hall, 330 Harbor Drive. Agenda items include: Revenue Comparison of Grid and Work Float Fees, and Fish Box Tax Redistribution and History. 

• *All meetings are open to the public and will be held at Harrigan Centennial Hall.

• Note: The Gary Paxton Industrial Park board meeting originally scheduled for October 16 is pending confirmation and agenda items.

Holiday Closure for GPIP Scrap Yard

10/10/2025

The City and Borough of Sitka’s Gary Paxton Industrial Park (GPIP) Scrap Yard located at 4655 Sawmill Creek Road will be closed on Saturday, October 18 in observance of Alaska Day. Regular business hours will resume on Tuesday, October 21. GPIP Scrap Yard is open Tuesday through Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with the exception of observed holidays.

Please contact the CBS Public Works Department with any questions. 907.747.1804.

Planned Power Outages for Maintenance - Harvest Way and Price Street

10/10/2025

The City and Borough of Sitka will be performing preventative maintenance on three junction boxes located along Harvest Way and Price Street beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 15. Work is expected to take approximately six to eight hours. This maintenance replaces equipment that has exceeded its useful life and will enhance system safety and reliability.

Addresses impacted include all units at 179 Price Street, 181 Price Street, and 113 through 120 Harvest Way. To prepare for this outage, please ensure all systems within homes or facilities are properly powered down prior to maintenance beginning. Motorists are advised to use extra caution when traveling in the area, as additional vehicles, equipment, and workers will be present to complete the work.

The City and Borough of Sitka Electric Department appreciates the community’s patience and understanding as we continue efforts to maintain and strengthen Sitka’s electrical infrastructure.

For more information, please contact the Electric Department at 907.747.4000.

No Bingocize October 17

10/7/2025

Bingocize is cancelled on Friday, October 17, due to office closure. Bingocize will be offered again on Friday, October 24 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Swan Lake Senior Center, 402 Lake Street. This free program is offered in partnership with the City and Borough of Sitka Parks and Recreation, Center for Community, SEARHC, and SAIL. Led by Tamara Walsh, Bingocize is a free health program that combines the game of bingo with fall prevention exercises (seated or standing).

For more information, contact Parks and Recreation at 907.747.4031 or recreation@cityofsitka.org.

Airport Baggage Belt Maintenance

10/6/2025

As part of the Airport Terminal Improvement Project, the Sitka Rocky Gutierrez Airport will perform maintenance on the baggage belt system from Monday, October 6 through Monday, October 13, 2025. During this time, checked-bag screening operations will be temporarily relocated, and staff will be hand-carting luggage between areas. Travelers are encouraged to arrive early and allow additional time for checked luggage screening.

Thank you for your patience while this work is underway to support ongoing improvements at the airport.

For questions, please contact Airport Terminal Manager Joseph Bea at joseph.bea@cityofsitka.org or 907.747.1803.

DBE and ACDBE Public Consultations - Open to Interested Businesses

10/6/2025

The City and Borough of Sitka (CBS), in partnership with Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF), will host two virtual public consultations Tuesday, October 7, for businesses interested in participating in the federal Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) programs.

The DBE Public Consultation for the Sitka Seaplane Base will begin at 1:00 p.m., followed by the ACDBE Public Consultation for the Rocky Gutierrez Airport at 1:45 p.m. These meetings are designed for existing and potential DBE and ACDBE firms, including contractors, subcontractors, concessionaires, vendors, and other stakeholders who wish to learn more about program eligibility and upcoming opportunities.

Both consultations will provide an opportunity to discuss and provide feedback on the Federal Fiscal Year 2026–2028 goal methodologies for each program. Interested businesses are invited to attend. For meeting details and registration information, contact project Manager Megan Zollars at mzollars@dowl.com. Questions may also be directed to the Alaska DOT&PF Civil Rights Office at 907-269-0846 or dbegoalmethodology@alaska.gov. 

Public Invited to Comment on Sitka Seaplane Base Environment Assessment

10/6/2025

The FAA public comment period for the Sitka Seaplane Base (SPB) draft Supplemental Environmental Assessment closes on Monday, October 13, 2025. A public open house will be held on Thursday, October 9, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Harrigan Centennial Hall, 330 Harbor Drive, Sitka. The project proposes to address capacity, safety, operational, and condition deficiencies at the existing SPB by deactivating the current facility and constructing a new SPB. Community members are encouraged to review the draft assessment and share feedback before the deadline. 

For questions, please contact Airport Terminal Manager Joseph Bea at joseph.bea@cityofsitka.org or 907.747.1803.

Torch-Fire Enamel Earrings Make & Take Workshop

10/6/2025

Petersburg-based artist Ashley Lohr will teach two torch-fired enamel earring-making workshops at Sitka Public Library on November 8th. The cost of the workshop is $70 per person and all materials will be provided. Classes are open to students aged 18 and older, and all experience and skill levels are welcome. Space is limited and registration begins on October 11th. To register, please visit Sitka Public Library and pay via cash or check to reserve your spot. For more information, please call Margot at 907.747.4020 or email margot.oconnell@cityofsitka.org.

Strategic Plan Update Survey Open Through November 1

10/3/2025

The City and Borough of Sitka (CBS) is inviting community members to participate in a Strategic Plan Update Survey, open now through Saturday, November 1.

The survey is designed to gather feedback on where CBS should focus its efforts in 2026 and to determine whether adjustments to the current strategic plan are needed.

To learn more and take the survey, visit: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CBS-SP-3B.

For questions, please contact: melissa.lunas@cityofsitka.org. 

Pickup Indoor Ultimate Frisbee

9/30/2025

The City of Sitka Parks and Recreation division announces dates for pickup indoor Ultimate Frisbee. Games will be Saturday, October 11 and Saturday, October 25 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the Blatchley Middle School Main Gym. No experience needed. Standard open gym rates apply, $4 for youth & seniors, $6 for adults. For questions, contact Parks and Recreation at 907.747.4031 or recreation@cityofsitka.org.

Fall 2025 Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event

9/25/2025

The City and Borough of Sitka will hold a Fall 2025 Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 4, and from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 5. 

All households are eligible to participate free of charge, and items can be delivered to the Wastewater Treatment Plant located at 100 Alice Loop off Airport Road. Small businesses and government agencies may participate for a fee with prior arrangements by contacting the Public Works Office at 907.747.1804. 

Acceptable items include solvents, oils, paints, antifreeze, cleaners, poisons, acids, lead acid batteries (excluding lithium ion and nickel-metal hydride), caustics, furniture stripper, herbicides, pesticides, flares, and printing or photographic chemicals.

For more information, visit www.cityofsitka.com or contact Public Works at 907.747.1804 or publicworks@cityofsitka.org.

Hey Riddle Riddle Halloween Scavenger Hunt at the Library

9/19/2025

Sitka Public Library invites youth of all ages to answer riddles by finding a number of Halloween themed pictures hidden at the library to decipher two words. Those who guess it can claim a sweet prize. This self-directed scavenger hunt runs October 1 to October 31.

For more information call 907.747.4020 or email Maite at maite.lorente@cityofsitka.org.

Flight Path Library Program: Bird Scavenger Hunt

9/19/2025

Sitka Public Library invites youth of all ages to join Flight Path, a Spark of Science @ My Library initiative to celebrate the science of birds and bird migration. The first event will be a self-directed Bird Scavenger Hunt that will run October 1-October 31. Participants are challenged to hone their birdwatching skills by completing an outdoors scavenger hunt. Once they find it all, they can return the sheet to enter a random raffle to win a prize. The drawing will be on October 31.

Flight Path is a partnership between the STAR Library Education Network, HHMI Tangled Bank Studios and Sitka Public Library.

For more information call 907.747.4020 or email Maite at maite.lorente@cityofsitka.org. 

Adopt a Ghost Library Program

9/19/2025

Sitka Public Library invites youth 6 to 12 to check out any spooky book in the library collection and adopt a Library Ghost. Participants will receive an adoption certificate, and directions on how to take care of their adopted ghost. The program opens October 4 and runs until all the library stuffed ghosts have found a new home.

For more information call 907.747.4020 or email Maite at maite.lorente@cityofsitka.org. 

Reminder: Check Your Utility Account Online

9/24/2025

The City and Borough of Sitka encourage all customers to log in to the online portal and review their accounts as soon as possible to ensure payments are current and to avoid service interruption.

As a reminder, customers who were enrolled in autopay prior to August 1 must re-enroll through the new portal. After re-enrolling, please confirm your autopay settings so future payments process correctly.

For questions or assistance, please contact the Utility Office at 907.747.1818 or utilities@cityofsitka.org.

Seasonal Sales Tax Rate Change October 1

9/15/2025

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, 2025, through March 31, 2026. 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.

Sitka Cross Trail - Granite Creek Bridge Closure Until Further Notice

9/12/2025

The Granite Creek Bridge on the new section of the Cross Trail near Harbor Mountain Road has sustained significant storm damage and is closed until further notice. The bridge experienced structural damage and pedestrian traffic could cause further damage. 

For your safety, please avoid the area and follow all posted 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.

Adult Game Night at Sitka Public Library

9/11/2025

Sitka Public Library will host free adult game nights from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on October 14th and 28th. Games from the Sitka Public Library collection will be available, and games from home are welcome! Individuals and groups of all skill levels are invited to join. For more information, please call Margot at 747-4020 or email margot.oconnell@cityofsitka.org.

Directors' Forum at Sitka Public Library

9/9/2025

The American Documentary Film and Animation Festival (AmDocs) and Sitka Public Library will host a diectors’ forum moderated by Ellen Frankenstein at 10 a.m. on Saturday, October 11th in the Sitka Public Library Multipurpose Room. Join us to meet some of the featured directors from the AmDocs Festival and learn more about the art and industry of filmmaking. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, please call Margot at 907.747.4020 or email margot.oconnell@cityofsitka.org.

City League Basketball Registration Open

9/3/2025

Registration for the 2025 City League Basketball season is now open! Games begin on Monday, 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.

For more information, contact Sitka Parks and Recreation by emailing recreation@cityofsitka.org or by calling 907.747.4031.

New Airport Terminal Addition Opened September 4

9/3/2025

Please be advised that the new airport terminal addition is open for operation as of Thursday, September 4. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening checkpoint has been relocated to allow passengers access into the new passenger holding area. The existing passenger holding area will no longer be in use. Travelers will head south from the ticketing/check-in area to the TSA checkpoint and into the new addition to board their flight. 

Deplaning travelers will exit through the addition into the existing building and access the baggage claim through the concourse. There are no changes to the baggage claim operations or location at this time.

Traffic Flow Modification at Sitka Rocky Gutierrez Airport Terminal