Effective January 1, 2026, the City and Borough of Sitka (CBS) will require that any contractor performing HDPE fusion/welding work on water or sewer lines within city limits possess a valid High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Butt Fusion and/or Electro Fusion Certification, in accordance with the Sitka General Code15.05.110 and 15.10.250.

This requirement applies to all work involving the installation, fusion, repair, or modification of HDPE water or sewer piping systems. Contractors must ensure that personnel conducting HDPE welding or fusion work are properly certified by approved training agency and follow applicable industry standards.

Proof of valid Certificate must be included in the application for a sewer and water connection permit when fusing HDPE.

Failure to comply with this certification requirement may result in work stoppages, permit denials, or other enforcement actions in accordance with CBS regulations.

For additional information regarding certification standards, verification procedures, or accepted programs, please contact the City and Borough of Sitka Water/Wastewater Department.

Thank you for your cooperation in maintaining compliance with local standards for public health and safety.

Certification of Fitness Requirements

11/11/2025

Effective January 1, 2026, the City and Borough of Sitka (CBS) will align its permit approval process with Alaska State Statute Title 18, Chapter 62 and the Alaska Administrative Code 8 AAC 90. These require that any contractor performing work covered by the Mechanical Inspection Section within the municipality possesses a valid Certificate of Fitness. 

Proof of valid Certificate of Fitness must be included in the application for utility connection permits, and for any permit requiring applicable trade work on municipal property, within the right of way and up to the required distance from a serviced structure on private land.

Failure to comply with this requirement may result in work stoppages, permit denials, or other enforcement actions in accordance with state and municipal regulations. 

For questions regarding certification requirements or verification, please contact the City and Borough of Sitka Water/Wastewater Division or the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Mechanical Inspection Section. 

Thank you for your cooperation in maintaining compliance with state and local standards for public health and safety. 

Board/Committee/Commission Meeting dates for the week of November 10, 2025

11/10/2025

• The Parks and Recreation Committee will meet on Monday, November 10, 2025, at noon. Agenda items include: redesign of the Seawalk interpretive signs, memorial benches, and Tongass Forest Plan Revision. 
• The Port and Harbors Commission will meet on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. Agenda items include: Grid revenue comparison, fish box tax distribution, and fisherman work float revenue comparison. 
• The Tourism Commission will meet on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. Agenda items include: Review of 2025 end-of-season tourism survey results, review of zoning code changes for cruise ship docks, and discussion on food card permitting and regulations.  

Note: The Historic Preservation Commission meeting scheduled for November 12 has been cancelled. The next meeting will be December 10. 

Meetings are open to the public and are at Harrigan Centennial Hall.

Leader Library Teens to Meet at Sitka Public Library

11/6/2025

Sitka Public Library’s Teen Advisory Board will meet on Thursday, November 13 at 5:30 pm in the library’s multipurpose room. Conversation about books, planning for upcoming teen library programs, and hang-out time are part of the agenda. Teens 13 and older are invited to join the board. This is a stress-free, fun event and free pizza and snacks are included.

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

Wild Hope: Building for Birds Documentary Free Screening at Sitka Public Library

11/7/2025

Millions of migrating birds pass through our yards, but glass windows pose a deadly threat. Join Sitka Public Library for a free screening of the documentary Building for Birds belonging to the Wild Hope series on Thursday, December 18, at 4:00 pm. This event is part of the Flight Path library grant, and participants will be able to create a safe the birds craft activity, learn about our local Christmas Bird Countdown and enjoy some refreshments. All ages are welcome.

For more information call 907.747.4020 or e-mail Maite at maite.lorente@cityofsitka.org. 

Reading Wonderland at Sitka Public Library

11/7/2025

Sitka Public Library is hosting the annual Reading Wonderland on Saturday, December 13 from 10:30 am to noon. The public is invited to get free nearly new books for children and young adults to give away as gifts this Holiday season.

For more information call 907.747.4020 or e-mail Maite at maite.lorente@cityofsitka.org.

Lend a Paw Gratitude Program at Sitka Public Library

11/3/2025

November is gratitude month, and Sitka Public Library is partnering with Friends of Sitka Animal Shelter to help our Sitka orphan animals find loving homes. Drop by at the library to donate pet supplies, food or treats, and show some love to our furever friends. Most needed items are litter, garbage bags, paper towels, laundry detergent, small, medium and large martingale collars, and leashes. Every donation makes a difference for cats and dogs waiting for their forever families. This program will run until the end of December. Thanks for your generosity! For more information call 907.747.4020 or email Maite at maite.lorente@cityofsitka.org.

Armchair Travels: Iceland with Mim McConnell and Marg Parsons at Sitka Public Library

10/29/2025

The public is invited to hear Mim McConnell and Marg Parsons speak about their travels in Iceland on Tuesday, November 25th at 6:00 p.m. in the Sitka Public Library Multipurpose Room. This event is part of Sitka Public Library’s Armchair Travel Speaker Series. For more information, please contact Margot at 747.4020 or email margot.oconnell@cityofsitka.org.

Seasonal Electrical Rate Change Effective November 1

10/27/2025

In accordance with Sitka General Code Section 15.20.020, the seasonal electrical rate change will go into effect from November 1, 2025, through April 30, 2026.

Beginning the first billing cycle in November, the residential winter rate of $0.1371 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) will apply. This residential rate remains in effect through the last billing cycle in April. 

You may notice fluctuations in your monthly bill due to this seasonal rate change. Summer rates will resume May 1, 2026.

Preview of the Sitka Nutcracker at Sitka Public Library

10/25/2025

Sitka Studio of Dance presents a preview of Sitka Nutcracker at Sitka Public Library on Saturday, November 15 at 10:30 am. The performers (boys and girls) will dance excerpts from The Sitka Nutcracker, The Land of the Sweets. After the performance, the audience will have the opportunity to learn a short dance and have free dance time.

This event is for all ages. Families with young ones are invited to enjoy watching and dancing to the music in their own way.

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

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.

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.