Coffee & Communication - Help Shape Sitka's Communication Plan
11/18/2025
The City and Borough of Sitka invites community members to stop by the Backdoor Café on Friday, November 21, 2025, for a “Coffee & Conversation” drop-in event focused on shaping Sitka’s Communications Plan.
Join us anytime between 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. to share your ideas on how the City can better communicate, connect, and keep residents informed.
For questions, please contact: melissa.lunas@cityofsitka.org.
Temporary Road Closure on Lincoln Street Near Lake Street Intersection
11/18/2025
The City and Borough of Sitka will temporarily close Lincoln Street at the Lake Street intersection beginning at 7:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 20, 2025. Crews will be conducting roadway work in the area.
Please use caution, expect delays, and follow posted signage when traveling near the work zone.
For questions, please contact Public Works at 907.747.1804.
Harbor Users are Reminded to Check on Vessels with High Wind in Forecast
11/18/2025
Harbor users are reminded to take proactive measures to secure vessels and loose objects that could be susceptible to the powerful winds. If you own a vessel or are responsible for one in the harbor, it’s crucial to ensure that your boat is securely moored. Take a moment to inspect the lines that tether your vessel to the dock. High gusts can place immense stress on these lines, potentially leading to damage or, in extreme cases, vessel separation.
The National Weather Service Juneau for the Sitka area has high wind statements of Southeast winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 60 mph expected for Sitka from 3:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Wednesday November 19.
Stay informed by signing up for CBS email notification. Visit GovDelivery at https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/AKSITKA/subscriber/new to receive updates directly to your inbox.
Seawalk Maintenance Work
11/17/2025
City and Borough of Sitka Public Works crew will be performing maintenance on a portion of the Seawalk on Wednesday, November 19. Work will take place in a few small sections along the Lincoln Street portion of the Seawalk between the Crescent Parking Lot and the Crescent Harbor Restrooms.
Crews will also be pressure washing the Seawalk boardwalk portion from Tuesday, November 18 through Friday, November 21.
Please avoid the area or use extra caution while crews complete this work. For questions, please contact Public Works at 907.747.1804.
Celebration of Native American Heritage Month, A Sitka Babies and Books at Sitka Public Library
11/15/2025
Sitka Babies and Books and Sitka Public Library invite families to celebrate Native American Heritage Month with a program hosted by the MEHS/Educators Rising, including native dances and interactive activities by the MEHS Native Youth Olympics Team. This program will be on Saturday, November 22 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.
Board/Committee/Commission Meeting dates for the week of November 17, 2025
11/17/2025
The Health Needs and Human Services Commission will meet on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at noon. 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 update and next steps on the status 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.
The Gary Paxton Industrial Park Board will meet on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. Agenda items include: GPIP Haul Out Development Discussion, GPIP Zoning Discussion, Commercial Vessel Movement Operations Regs, Pacific Jewel Marine Lot 9b Lease Amendment.
Note: The Planning Commission meeting scheduled for November 19 has been cancelled.
Change to City Restroom Hours
11/12/2025
Due to staffing limitations, the City and Borough of Sitka’s restrooms at Crescent Harbor (Seawalk), Lake/Lincoln Street, Moller Field Sports Complex, Sandy Beach, and Whale Park will be open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., until further notice.
We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience during this timeframe. For questions or concerns, please contact the Public Works Department at 907.747.1804.
Holiday Card Printmaking Workshop at Sitka Public Library
11/12/2025
Charlie Bloede will teach a printmaking class for adults on Tuesday, December 9th at 5:30 p.m. in the Sitka Public Library Multipurpose Room. Join us to learn how to design, carve, and print your own block printed holiday card set. All materials are included and space is limited. To sign up, please visit Sitka Public Library and pay the $25 registration fee via cash or check. For more information, please contact Margot at 747-4020 or email margot.oconnell@cityofsitka.org.
Books & Brews at Sitka Public Library
11/5/2025
Sitka Public Library will host Books & Brews at Harbor Mountain Brewing Co. on Thursday, December 11th 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
