Sitka Municipal Administrator Declares a Disaster Emergency

03/15/2020

Good afternoon. This is John Leach, your Municipal Administrator.

Today, I am declaring a local disaster emergency in accordance with AS 26.23.140 to help prevent the transmission of the COVID-19 virus, to open emergency funding, and formally request State and Federal support.

It is important to note, there are still no known cases of the COVID-19 virus in Sitka.

Click here to see the Municipal Administrator's entire statement.

Click here to see the Declaration of Disaster Emergency

Collaboration Ensures Comprehensive Response Plan

03/13/2020

The SouthEast Alaska Regional Health Consortium (SEARHC), the City and Borough of Sitka (CBS) and the Sitka Fire Department continue to closely monitor information being provided by the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services (ADHSS) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to plan and prepare for a local response to the coronavirus threat. Sitka has yet to see any confirmed cases of the 2019 novel coronavirus, now known as COVID-19, however State of Alaska Governor Dunleavy announced the first confirmed case in Anchorage late yesterday, March 12.

 

“We have a comprehensive COVID-19 response plan in place. Collaborating leadership from SEARHC, CBS and EMS communicate regularly with Alaska DHSS and the state emergency operations center,” said CBS Fire Chief and Emergency Manager Dave Miller. 

 

The City and Borough of Sitka is closely monitoring and recommends Alaska Department of Health and Social Services guidance on community mitigation - a set of actions that persons and communities

can take to help slow the spread of respiratory virus infections.  Examples include avoiding large gatherings and crowded places as much as possible; when in public try to maintain at least 6 feet distance from people; and consider adjusting or postponing large meetings or gatherings.

 

SEARHC Vice President and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Elliot Bruhl stated, “We have established a unified command structure for this event working with our local partners. SEARHC has developed careful protocols for screening and caring for patients in our facilities, inline with recommendations from scientists and doctors at the state and national level. The safety of patients and staff are our highest priority.”

 

Symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to those of the flu. Fever, sneezing, coughing, etc. can be attributed to both diseases. Contact your healthcare provider if you are experiencing these conditions and are elderly or have chronic conditions such as COPD, cancer, diabetes or high blood pressure. Testing is available at all SEARHC locations, and will be available to patients displaying symptoms and meeting exposure risk criteria.

 

If you are concerned you might have contracted the coronavirus, don’t panic, as the flu or another respiratory virus is still the most likely cause.  Contact your healthcare provider for advice.  If you choose to visit an emergency department, call ahead to alert staff of your coronavirus concerns and request a mask be brought out to you prior to entering to reduce the risk of exposure. For additional information, visit covid19.searhc.org. For health questions or concerns outside of normal clinic hours, patients can contact the SEARHC 24/7 Nurse Advice Line at 1.800.613.0560 to be triaged by a registered nurse. 

 

Residents are encouraged to prepare for any local emergency by ensuring each family member has a 14- day emergency supply kit, including any necessary medications.

Community Collaborates for Coronavirus Preparedness

03/04/2020

The SouthEast Alaska Regional Health Consortium (SEARHC), the City and Borough of Sitka (CBS) and the Sitka Fire Department are closely monitoring information being provided by the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services (ADHSS), the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to plan and prepare for a local response to the coronavirus threat. Sitka has yet to see any confirmed cases of the 2019 novel coronavirus, now known as COVID-19.

 

“Together, we have strategically planned a response to EMS calls and reviewed emergency procedures,” said CBS Fire Chief and Emergency Manager Dave Miller.  “Emergency response has implemented updated 9-1-1 dispatch protocols to screen for potential coronavirus on all calls.  Hospital teams have set up an Incident Command System to ensure constant communication throughout the event.”

 

Dr. Elliot Bruhl, SEARHC Vice-President and Chief Medical Officer, shared that SEARHC providers received COVID-19 screening protocols in early February and all locations have been given direction to screen all patients meeting symptomatic requirements. COVID-19 symptoms are similar to those of the flu – fever, aching, cough, and shortness of breath.

 

“Sitkans can help prevent the threat by washing hands thoroughly and often; covering coughs and sneezes; cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and objects; and getting a flu shot to eliminate concerns, as COVID-19 symptoms are similar to those of influenza,” said Dr. Bruhl. Bruhl also recommends people stay home when sick.

 

If you are concerned you might have contracted the coronavirus, don’t panic, as the flu or another respiratory virus is still the most likely cause. Contact your healthcare provider for advice.  If you choose to visit an emergency department, call ahead to alert staff of your coronavirus concerns and request a mask be brought out to you prior to entering to reduce the risk of exposure. For health questions or concerns outside of normal clinic hours, patients can contact the SEARHC 24/7 Nurse Advice Line at 1.800.613.0560 to be triaged by a registered nurse. 

 

Residents are encouraged to prepare for any local emergency by ensuring each family member has a 14 - day emergency supply kit, including any necessary medications.

City Seal Contest Open February 14 - March 31 4:00 p.m.

02/14/2020

The City and Borough of Sitka invites individuals to design the new official seal of the City and Borough of Sitka. The contest procedure, entry qualifications, and entry form can be found here or by contacting Municipal Clerk, Sara Peterson, at 747-1811 or sara.peterson@cityofsitka.org.

No Name Mountain and Granite Creek Master Plan – Request for Comment

02/10/2020

The City and Borough of Sitka and its consultant team are in the data collection, analysis, and public comment phase of master plan development for the No Name Mountain / Granite Creek Land Use Master Plan project.

 

The parcel is approximately 830 acres, bounded on the north by No Name Mountain and on the south by the Granite Creek area. This is one of the last large, contiguous parcels of relatively undisturbed city land along the road system. 

 

We would like to hear your comments and suggestions on how to best use this parcel. Click here for a fillable form, and here for more information on the project, including aerial drone footage of the study area.

 

For more information, contact Project Manager Scott Brylinsky at 738-8181.

Sitka's Hydro Generation Capacity

12/24/2019

The management of the excess hydrogeneration capacity is one of Sitka's most important strategic concerns. Click to see a memo from Interim Municipal Administrator's memo re: Availability and Uses of Sitka's Excess Hydro Generation Capacity.

 

Also see: SEARHC Load Estimates and Interruptible Heat Energy Availability by Power & Control Engineering.     

New for Tax Year 2020
Cyclical Billing for Selected Personal Property Accounts

12/12/2019

For the 2020 Tax Year Personal Property accounts totaling less than $20,000 in declared asset value will be placed upon a four-year filing cycle. If your business is selected for this cyclical billing feature requiring filing only every four years, you will NOT be sent a courtesy mailing of your Business Personal Property Assessment Declaration Statement for 2020.

 

All other accounts will still be required to file on an annual basis, subject to the non-filing fee for non-timely filing. A courtesy copy of your assets currently on file will be mailed on December 15^th, 2019. Simply update this declaration with new assets purchase during the year, and remove any assets that are no longer in use by your company. If you have any questions as to the filing status of your account, please contact the Assessing Office at the contact information below.

 

You may file early if you wish by contacting the Assessing Office. Types of property which must be listed, include, but are not limited to: construction equipment, machinery, tools, office equipment, furniture, fixtures, leased goods, aircraft, and rental furnishings.

 

If you would like to receive assessing notices or updates electronically you may submit your e-mail to: assessing@cityofsitka.org. If you have not received a declaration form, you may obtain one by visiting our website at www.cityofsitka.com/government/departments/assessing or by calling the Assessor’s Office at 747-1822.

 

Business property declarations will be due by 4:45 p.m. February 17, 2020.

 

Failure to file is a misdemeanor, per Alaska State Statute 29.45.140.

 

Sitka Seaplane Base

11/21/2019

The City and Borough of Sitka will hold a public meeting to discuss a New Seaplane Base on Japonski Island. For additional project information please visit the Public Works Project page.

FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) Update, 2010/2019 Map Comparison

07/19/2019

The Public Works Department has created an interactive map that exhibits changes from the currently adopted 2010 FIRM when compared to the updated 2019 FIRM, click here to go to the Public Works page to view interactive map.

Citizen Web Request Form Online

02/05/2015

The city is now introducing a web feature which citizens can use online to initiate commonly requested work items from city crews. Please to to the following link:

City of Sitka iWorq Request Webpage

When you submit the request a ‘request number’ displays; you can check the status of that request by clicking on the “check request” button and entering the request number.

Local Vendor Quote Sign Up

04/17/2014

Volunteer with the City and Borough of Sitka

03/03/2020

Volunteer positions are available with various Municipal Boards, Commissions, and Committees. Interested persons are asked to submit a letter of interest and board application to the Municipal Clerk's Office (click here to download an application). To see the current vacancies please click on the following link: Vacancies