The City and Borough of Sitka’s utility payment system is experiencing a service outage. At this time:
* Only cash and check payments can be accepted at the Utility Counter or the Sitka Public Library.We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available. Thank you for your patience. For further information or questions, please contact 907.747.1818 or by email at utilities@cityofsitka.org.
The City of Sitka Parks and Recreation, in partnership with Americorps ArtistYear, presents Afterschool Creators, an art program for first graders. Students are invited to explore their creative minds through many different artistic mediums. This program meets Wednesdays from 2:20 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. from February 4 to March 4. All classes are held in the Xóots Breakfast Room.
Register now at recreation.cityofsitka.com. The fee for this program is $25. Scholarships are available, apply online prior to registration.
For questions, contact Parks and Recreation at 907.747.4031 or recreation@cityofsitka.org.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day by going on a Blind Date with a Book! Gift-wrapped books for all ages will be on display at Sitka Public Library throughout the month of February. Read the clues, choose a book, check it out, unwrap, and enjoy!
For more information call 907.747.4020 or email Maite at maite.lorente@cityofsitka.org or Margot at Margot.oconnell@cityofsitka.org
The public is invited to hear Ketchikan-based fiber artist Kathy Rousso speak about her journey from Mexico to Colombia, what she learned along the way, and influences on her contemporary work on Thursday, February 19th at 6:30 p.m. in the Sitka Public Library Multipurpose Room. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, please contact Margot at 747-4020 or email margot.oconnell@cityofsitka.org.
Ketchikan-based fiber artist Kathy Rousso will lead a workshop at Sitka Public Library on February 20th, 21st, and 22nd. Participants will learn how to make a Guatemalan-style net bag using the knotless-netting technique, and thigh-spun agave fiber from Guatemala will be provided. Space is limited and registration is required. To reserve your spot, visit the library and pay the $60 registration fee, cash or check only. For more information please call Margot at 747-4020 or email margot.oconnell@cityofsitka.org.
Sitka Public Library will host Books & Brews at Harbor Mountain Brewing Co. on Tuesday, February 10th from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. Bring a book, grab your favorite beverage on tap, and join us for a cozy, quiet evening of reading together. A librarian will be on hand with extra books, and you can even sign up for a library card. For more information, please call Margot at 747-4020 or email margot.oconnell@cityofsitka.org.
City of Sitka Parks and Recreation welcomes beginner guitar students to Guitar Club, taught by Adam Lechowicz and an assortment of special guests. The club will meet on Mondays from 3:45 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., beginning Monday, February 2 at Pacific High School, 509 Lincoln St. Guitars and materials provided. High school students and adult family members are welcome to register! Register now at http://recreation.cityofsitka.com.
For more information, contact City of Sitka Parks and Recreation at recreation@cityofsitka.org or 907.747.4031.
Valentine's Day Printmaking Workshop
1/21/2026
Charlie Bloede will teach a printmaking class for adults on Saturday, February 14th from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the Sitka Public Library Multipurpose Room. Participants will leave with a full set of cards of their own design. All materials are included and space is limited. To register, please visit Sitka Public Library and pay the $25 registration fee (cash or check only). For more information, please contact Margot at 747.4020 or email margot.oconnell@cityofsitka.org.
The Police and Fire Commission will meet on Wednesday, January 28 at 5:30 PM at Harrigan Centennial Hall. Agenda items include: Approval of October Meeting Minutes, Election of Chair and Vice-Chair, Department Liaison Selection, Annual Review of By-Laws and Police Body Camera Support Discussion. This meeting is open to the public.
The Assembly of the City and Borough of Sitka will hold a Regular Meeting on Tuesday, January 27 at 6:00 p.m. at Harrigan Centennial Hall, meeting room 6, located at 330 Harbor Drive. The full meeting packet and supporting documents are available online HERE. Watch the meeting live at www.cityofsitka.com.
The City and Borough of Sitka is developing a new Communications Plan to improve how we share information, stay connected, and engage with the community. We want to hear directly from you about what’s working, what’s not, and how the City can communicate more clearly, consistently, and effectively.
Community members are invited to take a short online survey to share their feedback and help shape the future of City communications. Your input will guide how news, updates, and important information are shared—both inside City offices and out in the community.
To participate, visit: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SitkaComms by February 7.
For questions, please contact: melissa.lunas@cityofsitka.org.
The City and Borough of Sitka invites the community to attend the Annual State of the City Report, part of the Winter Speakers Series hosted by the Greater Sitka Chamber of Commerce. Municipal Administrator John Leach will share highlights from the past year, current initiatives, and priorities for the year ahead.
The presentation will take place on Wednesday, January 28, from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m., at the Southeast Resort Banquet Room (formerly Westmark Sitka), 330 Seward Street or via Zoom. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit bit.ly/sitkastateofthecity2026.
1/16/2026
All meetings are held at Harrigan Centennial Hall and are open to the public.
Public Discussion on Bear Resistant Containers
1/15/2026
Citizens are invited to an informal meeting with Assembly Members Saline and Christianson to discuss options for bear resistant containers. The meeting will take place on Thursday, January 29, at 6:00 p.m. in meeting room 6 of Harrigan Centennial Hall, 330 Harbor Drive.
Those unable to attend may submit written comments to clerk@cityofsitka.org no later than noon on January 29.
For more information, contact the Municipal Clerk’s Office at 907.747.1826 or 907.747.1811.
Public Safety Advisory - Shotgun Alley
1/14/2026
City and Borough of Sitka crews assessed storm impacts the morning of Wednesday, January 14. A large tree was identified leaning from private property and overhanging the City right-of-way on Shotgun Alley following high winds on Tuesday, January 13. Tree removal is pending. Until the hazard is addressed, travelers are urged to use extreme caution when walking or driving through the area, remain alert to changing weather conditions that could further destabilize the tree, and avoid stopping or parking beneath the overhanging section.
If the tree falls while crews are not on site, please report it immediately by contacting the Public Works Office at 907.747.1804 during business hours, or Emergency Services after hours or on weekends.
Holiday Closure for GPIP Scrap Yard
1/13/2026
The City and Borough of Sitka’s Gary Paxton Industrial Park (GPIP) Scrap Yard located at 4655 Sawmill Creek Road will be closed on Tuesday, January 20 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Regular business hours will resume on Wednesday, January 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.
Stay and Play Program at the Library
12/24/2025
Babies, toddlers, and siblings up to five-years-old are invited to the Stay and Play Program at Sitka Public Library. Programs during the fall will run the following Tuesdays from 3.30 p.m. to 4.30 p.m. at the Sitka Public Library's multipurpose room: January 13, January 27, February 3, February 24, March 3, March 10, and March 17. 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.
Sitka Community Orchestra Begins January 27
12/23/2025
City of Sitka Parks and Recreation welcomes string, wind, brass, and percussion players to the Sitka Community Orchestra, conducted by Drew Larson. Musicians must be able to read music and bring their own instrument. Rehearsals are on Tuesdays from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., beginning Tuesday, January 27 in the Blatchley Middle School Music Room, 601 Halibut Point Road. Concert will be Sunday, April 19 at the Sitka Performing Arts Center in collaboration with the Sitka Community Choir. The fee for this program is $20. Register now at http://recreation.cityofsitka.com.
For more information, contact City of Sitka Parks and Recreation at recreation@cityofsitka.org or 907.747.4031.
Sitka Community Choir Begins January 25
12/23/2025
The City of Sitka Parks and Recreation announces the second session of Sitka Community Choir, beginning Sunday, January 25 at 3:30 p.m. No experience necessary, all are welcome to sing. Lead by Andrew Hames, rehearsals will take place on Sundays from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the Sitka High School Music Room, 1000 Lake Street. Participants should park in the back lot closest to the Sitka Performing Arts Center. Registration is required, sign up now at recreation.cityofsitka.com. The fee for this program is $20.
For questions, contact Parks and Recreation at 907.747.4031 or recreation@cityofsitka.org.
Listening in the Dark: A Midwinter Sound Bath at Sitka Public Library
12/23/2025
Sitka Public Library will offer a free sound bath program led by Sound Healing Practitioner Laura Humphreys on Tuesday, January 27th at 6:30 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room. Space is limited, and registration is required. Participants are encouraged to bring yoga mats, blankets, pillows, and eye coverings for comfort. To reserve your spot, call Sitka Public Library at 747-4020. For more information, email margot.oconnell@cityofsitka.org.
Penguin Celebration at the Library
12/24/2025
Sitka Babies and Books and Sitka Public Library invite families to join a penguin celebration on the first program of the new year. Books, crafts and activities for kids younger than 5 are part of the event. The program will be on Saturday, January 31 at 10:30 am at Sitka Public Library. Pre-registration is required to reserve a free themed book. For more information or to register call the library at 907.747.4020
Winter Preschool Storytime Schedule at Sitka Public Library
12/24/2025
During the winter months, Sitka Public Library’s Preschool Storytime will be offered the following Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. at the library’s multipurpose room: January 15, January 22, January 29, February 5, February 19, February 26, March 5, March 12, and March 19. The program includes readings, rhymes, songs, and a craft project. Everybody is welcome.
For more information call 907.747.4020.
Reminder Business Personal Property Declarations Due February 18
12/22/2025
The City and Borough of Sitka Assessing Department will be sending out Business Personal Property Declarations on December 22. All business personal property subject to taxation is to be itemized and declared per SGC 4.12.050. A declaration form can be requested by emailing assessing@cityofsitka.org. Declarations can be returned to the Assessor’s Office, 100 Lincoln Street, Sitka, AK 99835 or emailed to assessing@cityofsitka.org. Declarations must be post marked or received by 4:00 p.m. February 18, 2026, to avoid a $100 late fee per SGC 4.12.055 and to receive the filing on time $25,000 assessed value exemption per Alaska State Statute 29.45.050.
Contact the Assessing Department by email or calling 907.747.1822 for further information.
Armchair Travels: Scotland
12/16/2025
The public is invited to hear Mim McConnell and Marg Parsons speak about their travels in Scotland on Thursday, January 22nd at 6:00 p.m. in the Sitka Public Library Multipurpose Room. This event is part of the Library’s Armchair Travel Speaker Series. For more information, please contact Margot at 747.4028 or email margot.oconnell@cityofsitka.org.
Youth Birding Club at Sitka Public Library
12/3/2025
Sitka Spruce Tips 4-H Club and Sitka Public Library invite all youth, ages 5 to 18, to join its monthly birding club led by local experts, which meets monthly on the third Thursday of the month from 3:30 - 5:00 p.m. The birding club will meet at Sitka Public Library on December 19, January 15, February 19, and March 19. Cost is free but youth must be registered as 4-H members to attend. Contact Jasmine Shaw at 907-747-9440 to register.
For library events information call 907.747.4020 or email Maite at maite.lorente@cityofsitka.org.
Additional Restaurant and Eating Places Licenses Available
12/02/2025
The Assembly of the City and Borough of Sitka, through Resolution No. 2025-11A passed on October 28, 2025, petitioned the State of Alaska Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Board to add three (3) additional restaurant and eating place licenses (REPLs) in Sitka. At its regular meeting on December 2, 2025, the ABC Board approved the petition, and businesses/entities may now submit applications for the three newly available REPLs.
Applications may be submitted through the State of Alaska’s Alcohol & Marijuana Control Office (AMCO). Additional information can be found at https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/web/amco/AlcoholLicenseApplication, and questions regarding application process and deadlines can be directed to AMCO staff at alcohol.licensing@alaska.gov.
For questions about local processes related to REPL applications, please contact the Municipal Clerk at clerk@cityofsitka.org, by calling 907.747.1826, or by visiting City Hall at 100 Lincoln Street from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Work Float Closure for Repairs
11/26/2025
Beginning Tuesday, December 2, the Fisherman’s Work Float at 1494 Seward Avenue on Japonski Island will be closed to the public while crews complete major repairs to extend the service life of the structure and improve safety. Construction is expected to be completed at the end of February 2026. For questions, please contact the Harbormaster’s Office at 907.747.4017.
HDPE Welding Certification Requirements
11/11/2025
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.
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.
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 907.747.1826 or 907.747.1811.
