How to Participate in Assembly Meetings
10/4/2024
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.
Assembly Regular Meeting
10/4/2024
Boards, Committees, and Commission Opportunities
10/4/2024
Sustainability Commission Meeting
10/3/2024
The Sustainability Commission will hold its regular meeting on Monday, October 7, 2024 at 6:00 P.M. in Harrigan Centennial Hall, 330 Harbor Drive. Agenda items include a discussion/direction/decision on the Sitka Community Renewable Energy Strategy workshop to develop future energy scenarios and a discussion of EV transit van procurement for the Parks and Recreation Division. The meeting is open to the public; for more information, please contact sustainability@cityofsitka.org or (907) 747-1856.
Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting
10/3/2024
The Parks and Recreation Committee will meet on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. in Harrigan Centennial Hall, 330 Harbor Drive. Agenda items include: Crescent Harbor Restroom Replacement Update, Letter of Support for renovations at Mosquito Cove, and Discussions on Tom Young Cabin. The meeting is open to the public.
Port and Harbors Commission Meeting
10/3/2024
The Port and Harbors Commission will meet on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. in Harrigan Centennial Hall, 330 Harbor Drive. Agenda items include: Passenger Wharfage Fees, Vessel Insurance Types, and Parking Areas. The meeting is open to the public.
Historic Preservation Commission Meeting
10/3/2024
The regularly scheduled Historic Preservation Commission meeting for October 9, 2024 has been cancelled due to lack of quorum. Please contact the Planning Department at planning@cityofsitka.org or 747-1814 with any questions or concerns.
Road Maintenance and Traffic Impact
10/1/2024
In the month of October, the City and Borough of Sitka will begin road patching work. While these are not full resurfacing projects, the necessary repairs may still cause brief disruptions to vehicular access throughout the community, lasting up to 24 hours in some cases.
Sign up for updates via GovDelivery through an email address or text. Visit the website www.cityofsitka.com/roadrepairs for updates.
Please be aware of the following during this time:
• Periods of time the road or your location will be unable to be accessed.
• Temporary changes to traffic patterns: Flagging and alternative routes may be implements for short period.
• Uncertain scheduling: Due to weather conditions and our contractor’s other projects, we do not have a fixed scheduled for specific roads.
We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience as we work to improve the road in your neighborhood. Please contact the City and Borough of Sitka Public Works Department with any questions at 907.747.1804.
Two Day Closure for Gary Paxton Industrial Park Scrap Yard
10/2/2024
The City and Borough of Sitka’s Gary Paxton Industrial Park (GPIP) Scrap Yard located at 4655 Sawmill Creek Road will be closed on Friday, October 4 and Saturday, October 5 for maintenance. Regular business hours will resume on Tuesday, October 8. 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.
Lights On Afterschool Community Event
9/25/2024
The City and Borough of Sitka Parks and Recreation and Youth Advocates of Sitka will hold a tabling and open recreation event as part of Lights On Afterschool, a nationwide rally for afterschool programs. Our Lights On Afterschool event is on Friday, October 11th from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Blatchley Middle School. Enjoy free open gym and open skate, STEM activities, arts and crafts, and raffle prizes as you learn about afterschool opportunities from a variety of organizations in Sitka. All community members are invited. No registration required.
For more information, contact Sitka Parks and Recreation by emailing recreation@cityofsitka.org or by calling 907.747.4031.
Repair to Water Line Valve on Halibut Point Road
9/30/2024
City and Borough of Sitka Public Works crew will repair a water line valve on the shoulder of the road in the 3900 block of Halibut Point Road on Friday, October 4. To perform the necessary work, water service to customers in the area and continuing outbound will need to be temporarily shut off. This is anticipated to be from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. If customers notice pressure and flow fluctuations as well as cloudy water, run the cold water for a few minutes until it clears.
Please avoid the area, use caution especially by slowing down, and follow all signage. We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience. Please contact the City and Borough of Sitka Public Works Department with any questions at 907.747.1804.
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program (DBE) Meeting
9/30/2024
The City and Borough of Sitka’s Rocky Gutierrez Airport and Seaplane Base are partnering with stakeholders to discuss and receive feedback on the three-year goal methodology for the Rocky Gutierrez Airport Concessionaire Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program (ACDBE) in a virtual meeting on October 29 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. In addition, information will be provided about the ACDBE & DBE program opportunities for existing and prospective business. To call in, dial +1 907.302.2852,130315888#.
For more information, please contact the City and Borough of Sitka Airport Terminal Manager at 907.747.1803 or by emailing airport.project@cityofsitka.org.
Storytime Programs for National Native American Heritage Month at Sitka Public Library
9/27/2024
Sitka Public Library will honor Native American Heritage Month with a series of Storytime's focused on Baby Raven Reads picture books based on the cultural themes of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian. The programs include a read a-loud, followed by literacy activities related to the reading. Dates and times for the Storytime series are Thursday, November 7, November 14, and November 21 at 10:30 am. Everyone is welcome.
For more information call 907.747.4020 or email Maite at maite.lorente@cityofsitka.org.
Booook Storytime at Sitka Public Library
9/27/2024
Sitka Public Library will offer a Booook Storytime on Thursday, October 31 at 10:30 am. “This is Halloween” is the theme of a program that includes readings followed by literacy activities related to the books. Everyone is welcome.
For more information call 907.747.4020 or email Maite at maite.lorente@cityofsitka.org.
Stay and Play Program at the Library Fall Calendar
9/24/2024
Sitka Public Library’s Stay and Play fall schedule will be November 12 to December 10. Babies, toddlers, and siblings up to six-years-old are invited to the Stay and Play Program at Sitka Public Library. Self-guided programs run every Tuesday from 3.30 p.m. to 4.30 p.m. at the Sitka Public Library's multipurpose room. Families will have access to a variety of tinkering toys and activities.
For more information call 907.747.4020 or email Maite at maite.lorente@cityofsitka.org.
Trick or Read! A Sitka Babies and Books Program at Sitka Public Library
9/24/2024
Sitka Babies and Books and Sitka Public Library invite families to Trick or Read! an annual program celebrating the autumn festivities. The event will take place on Saturday, October 26 at 10:30 a.m. at the library. Trick or Read! includes reading, playing, crafting and more. Pre-registered babies and toddlers will receive a free book. Books are purchased with a grant from Sitka Legacy Foundation, an affiliate of the Alaska Community Foundation. For more information or to register call the library at 907.747.4020.
Driver Facility Charge Rate Change
9/27/2024
On April 23, 2024, the City Assembly approved an increase in the Diver Facility Charge (DFC) from 4% to 8%. This change, outlined in Sitka General Code Section 4.85, enacted by Ordinance 2024-07S, will take effect on October 1, 2024. Starting on this date, rental vehicles will include an 8% DFC. Please remember that the seasonal sales tax will still apply.
If you have any questions, please contact the Tax Office at 907.747.1840 or tax@cityofsitka.org.
Vacancies on Municipal Boards, Commissions, Committees
9/27/2024
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, Sustainability Commission, and Tourism 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.
Planned Power Outages for Island Electrical Grid Work
9/18/2024
The City and Borough of Sitka’s (CBS) Electric Department has planned intermittent electrical outages from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. from Tuesday, September 24 through Friday, September 27 and again the following week of Monday, September 30 through October 4 as crews work on the island electrical grid. The following islands will be affected: Aleutski, Anderson, Bamdoroshni, Beardslee, Breast, Galankin, Gillmore, Morne, Sheep, Twin, and Whale. During this time, the Electric Department will have electric crews physically present on each island throughout the day.
In addition to working on the electrical grid, the Electric Department will also be contacting property owners regarding an underwater cable sign/labeling project. Property owners on these islands are encouraged to contact the Electric Department at 907.747.4000 to discuss the details of the project.
CBS Electric Department thanks our customers for their patience and understanding during this time. For more information, please contact the Electric Department at 907.747.4000.
Thanks Partners and Staff for Support During the 2024 Internet and Phone Outage
9/17/2024
Sitka, Alaska – The City and Borough of Sitka (CBS) extends heartfelt thanks to all of our partners, staff, and community members who came together during the recent internet outage. This challenging time demonstrated the power of collaboration and preparedness, and we are relieved and proud to have been in a strong position to both offer and receive support when it mattered most.
A special acknowledgement goes to Tidal Network, Sitka Dock Company, and Royal Caribbean Group for their critical assistance in keeping our community connected. Their swift actions made a significant difference in reducing the impact of the outage on residents, businesses, and visitors.
The dedication and tireless efforts of CBS staff, who worked to ensure seamless coordination and response during the outage, were instrumental in minimizing the impact on the community. Our IT, Public Works, emergency response, and administrative teams came together to address immediate needs and manage communication with local leaders, businesses, residents, and visitors. Their commitment to the community exemplifies the resilience and strength of our workforce.
John Leach, Municipal Administrator, expressed his appreciation: “Our city staff played a crucial role in making everything come together. Their hard work behind the scenes ensured that our partners could deploy the necessary resources to keep Sitka connected. I am incredibly proud of their efforts.”
We are particularly grateful to Tidal Network, the Tlingit and Haida Broadband Department for their exceptional support in providing vital equipment solutions. Their systems enabled CBS to establish a local hotspot at the Sitka Public Library and offer internet café hours at the Swan Lake Senior Center, providing essential connectivity for our community during the outage.
Royal Caribbean Group, in collaboration with the Sitka Dock Company, installed terminals across Sitka, providing free satellite-based internet service to residents, businesses, and visitors while repairs were made to the damaged fiber optic cable. These terminals will remain a part of Sitka’s infrastructure, ensuring reliable high-speed internet access continues well into the future. This lasting connectivity will serve as a safeguard and help meet the growing internet demands during peak tourism seasons, benefitting both locals and visitors alike.
“These partnerships, along with the hard work of everyone involved, highlight the strength of the Sitka community in finding solutions during times of need,” Leach said.
Gunalchéesh! Háw’aa!
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
