Utility and Payment Office Counter Closure
12/20/2024
The City and Borough of Sitka Utility and Payment Office on the first floor of City Hall, 100 Lincoln Street, will be closed on December 25 in observance of Christmas Day and January 1 for New Year’s Day. In-person counter service will be closed on Thursday, December 26 and Friday, December 27. During this time, payments can be made over the phone at 907.747.1818 or by email at utilities@cityofsitka.org. Regular business hours will resume on Monday, December 30.
Business Personal Property Declarations
12/19/2024
The City and Borough of Sitka Assessing Department has sent out Business Personal Property Declaration Reminders Mid-December. All Business Personal Property subject to taxation is to be itemized and declared (SGC 4.35.050). An Excel or Adobe declaration form can be downloaded at https://www.cityofsitka.com/directory/Assessing. Declarations can be mailed or returned to Assessor's Office, 100 Lincoln St., Sitka, AK 99835. Declarations can also be returned via emailed to assessing@cityofsitka.org. When emailing please request a delivery confirmation email to confirm the form was received. To avoid a $100 late fee (SGC 4.35.055) and receive a $25,000 assessed value exemption (Alaska State Statute 29.45.050), declarations must be post marked or received by February 18, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. Any questions contact the Assessing Department at 907.747.1822 or email assessing@cityofsitka.org.
SPD and FOSAS Collaborate on Sitka Animal Shelter Operations
12/19/2024
The Sitka Police Department (SPD) and Friends of the Sitka Animal Shelter (FOSAS) are continuing to collaborate on a revised Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that outlines their respective roles and responsibilities for the Sitka Animal Shelter. The team has reached agreement on several items, including the development of intake procedures for animals, exploring software solutions for simplifying volunteer scheduling, and establishing updated standards for volunteer training and conduct.
During their joint meeting on December 17, they focused on more challenging topics regarding animal disposition, including adoption and euthanasia, as well as standards of care. These discussions are ongoing, and the group plans to reconvene in early January with the goal of finalizing the MOU shortly thereafter if consensus can be reached. They aim to proceed into a long-term planning process, which will be facilitated by Assembly Member Thor Christianson
The Sitka Animal Shelter is currently open and able to accept animals in need of temporary shelter. Residents who require these services should contact police dispatch at 907.747.3245. For individuals looking to rehome their pets in non-emergency circumstances, please reach out to FOSAS directly at sitkaanimalfriends@gmail.com or https://www.facebook.com/sitkaanimalfriends for assistance.
SPD would like to express their gratitude to the community for the generous donations of food and other supplies that are currently at the shelter. In November, FOSAS organized a volunteer cleaning day to sort and organize donations, as well as to deep clean the shelter. The shelter is currently well stocked with food, linens, and most other pet supplies. When further donation needs arise, SPD will communicate that information to the public.
December Holiday Closure at GPIP Scrap Yard
12/18/2024
The City and Borough of Sitka’s Gary Paxton Industrial Park (GPIP) Scrap Yard located at 4655 Sawmill Creek Road will be closed on Wednesday, December 25 in observance of Christmas Day. Regular business hours will resume on Thursday, December 26. 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.
Sitka Babies and Book Stuffed Animal Sleepover Program at Sitka Public Library
12/18/2024
Sitka Babies and Books and Sitka Public Library invite babies, toddlers and preschoolers to a Stuffed Animal Sleepover Program at the library. On Friday, January 17 kids are invited to drop off their second favorite stuffed animal by 3:00 p.m. for an overnight stay at the library. On Saturday, January 18 at 10:30 am, they will be reunited with their stuffed animal and enjoy a teddy bear Storytime with Jackie DiGennaro. A slideshow of the stuffies sleepover adventures will be shared. Pre-registered babies and toddlers will also receive a free book.
For more information call 907.747.4020 or e-mail Maite at maite.lorente@cityofsitka.org.
Exchange Student Presentation at Sitka Public Library
12/17/2024
Sitka Public Library will host current and former exchange students on Saturday, January 11th at 10:30 a.m. in the Sitka Public Library Multipurpose Room. Students from Turkey, Germany, and Alaska will share their experiences in Sitka and abroad. For more information, please call Margot at 747-4028 or email margot.oconnell@cityofsitka.org.
Adult Game Nights at Sitka Public Library
12/17/2024
Sitka Public Library and City of Sitka Parks and Recreation host free adult game nights in the Sitka Public Library Multipurpose Room from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on January 7th, January 21st, and February 4th. Games from the Sitka Public Library collection are available, but games from home are also welcome! Individuals and groups of all skill levels are welcome. For more information, please call Margot at 747-4020 or email margot.oconnell@cityofsitka.org.
Parks and Recreation January Aqua Zumba
12/14/2024
The City and Borough of Sitka Parks and Recreation opens registration for Aqua Zumba this January. Aqua Zumba is a fun, full body workout designed for any skill level, taught by certified Zumba instructor Kate DesRosiers. Classes will be held on Sundays from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in January, starting Sunday, January 5. All classes will be held at the Blatchley Pool, 601 Halibut Point Road. Participants may register online for all four classes or pay a drop-in fee in-person at the pool. For more information, contact Parks and Recreation at recreation@cityofsitka.org or call 907.747.4031.
BeTween Art Club at Sitka Public Library
12/14/2024
Sitka Public Library invites youth ages 11 to 13 to join the BeTween Art Club, a hands-on program about art history. The club will run from 10:30 am to 11:45 am the following Saturdays: January 25, February 1, February 15, March 1 and March 22. Participants will learn about different artists through readings, activities and hands-on art projects led by artist Stephen Lawrie. Each program will be focused on two different artists. This program is free, supplies and snacks will be provided, and registration for each program is required.
Senior Exercise Classes Taking a Holiday Break
12/13/2024
The City and Borough of Sitka Parks and Recreation’s Strong and Steady and Senior Strength exercise classes are taking a break for the winter holidays. Thursday, December 12th was the last class day of 2024. Classes will resume Thursday, January 2nd at the Swan Lake Senior Center, 402 Lake Street. Strong and Steady will continue Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Senior Strength will immediately follow at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Classes will be taught by Dorothy Orbison.
For more information, contact Sitka Parks and Recreation by emailing recreation@cityofsitka.org or by calling 907.747.4031.
How to Participate in Assembly Meetings
12/13/2024
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.
Boards, Committees, and Commission Opportunities
12/12/2024
For more information, please call the Deputy Municipal Clerk at 907-747-1826. Apply now at www.cityofsitka.com/boards-commissions
Sitka Parks and Recreation Presents Free All-Ages Zumba
12/4/2024
City and Borough of Sitka Parks and Recreation presents a free, all-ages Zumba class taught by Kate DesRosiers on Sunday, December 22 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Class will be held in the Blatchley Middle School Multipurpose Room, 601 Halibut Point Road.
Zumba Fitness is a full-body workout designed for any skill level. This lower impact class combines balance, breathing, flexibility, light cardio, and stretching while building muscle memory.
For more information, contact Sitka Parks and Recreation at recreation@cityofsitka.org or 907.747.4031.
Sitka Parks and Recreation Announces Winter Gymnastics Clinics
12/4/2024
City and Borough of Sitka Parks and Recreation announces Winter Gymnastics Clinics taught by Trisha Bessert. Clinics for students 4 to 7 years old will be on Sunday, December 22 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Clinics for 2nd graders and Keet Gooshi Heen students will be Saturday, December 14 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Registration for all clinics will open on Monday, December 9 on recreation.cityofsitka.com. Scholarships are available, please apply before registration. For more information, contact Sitka Parks and Recreation at recreation@cityofsitka.org or 907.747.4031.
Sitka Parks and Recreation Announces Winter Learn to Swim Registration
12/4/2024
City and Borough of Sitka Parks and Recreation announces enrollment for Winter Learn to Swim lessons at the Blatchley Pool. Registration for lessons will begin Monday, December 16 at 12:00 p.m. Sessions will begin Monday, December 30 for students aged 3-6, 7-8, as well as 9 and up. Scholarships are available, please apply before registration. For more information contact Parks and Recreation at recreation@cityofsitka.org or call 907.747.4031.
December Assembly Meetings Rescheduled
11/26/2024
The City and Borough of Sitka regular Assembly meetings originally scheduled for December 10 and 24 have been rescheduled due to Assembly/staff travel and the Christmas Eve holiday. The new meeting dates are December 17 and 30. Those with questions may contact the Municipal Clerk’s Office at 907.747.1826 or 907.747.1811.
Kids are Invited to a Winter Wonderland Program by Sitka Babies and Books
11/22/2024
Sitka Babies and Books and Sitka Public Library invite babies, toddlers and preschoolers to A Winter Nutcracker program. The event will take place on Saturday, December 21 at 10:30 am at the library. Pre-registered babies and toddlers will receive a free book. Books for this program are purchased with a grant from Sitka Legacy Foundation, an affiliate of the Alaska Community Foundation.
For more information call 907.747.4020 or e-mail Maite at maite.lorente@cityofsitka.org.
Update on the Volunteer Program at the Sitka Animal Shelter
11/20/2024
The Sitka Police Department (SPD) and Friends of the Sitka Animal Shelter (FOSAS) continue to work on revitalizing and relaunching the volunteer program at the Sitka Animal Shelter. The joint work group has successfully outlined updated volunteer vetting and training processes, a software-based approach to scheduling, and processes for ensuring volunteer and animal safety through the animal intake and observation periods. Further conversation in early December will continue the discussion on animal care and adoption processes, with SPD and FOSAS anticipating a complete agreement by the end of the year.
The SPD would like to thank FOSAS and the volunteers who took part in the cleaning day November 2, for their time, dedication, and hard work. The SPD looks forward to currently approved volunteers scheduling shifts for continued cleaning and organizing. Additional animal care shift information will be provided to FOSAS as need arises.
Sitka Public Library Geo Quiz
11/1/2024
2025 Public Outcry Auction for Vendor/Outfitter Space at Harrigan Centennial Hall
10/21/2024
The City and Borough of Sitka will hold a public outcry auction for obtaining a 2025 Plaza Vendor Space Permit and/or Plaza Outfitter Space Permit in 2025 for commercial operations of tours and excursions at Harrigan Centennial Hall, 330 Harbor Drive. This auction will be held for any vendor with an expiring permit and any other tour or excursion operation seeking a 2025 permit. The auction will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 10 and will be held in Meeting Room 6 of Harrigan Centennial Hall.
The application must be filed by Thursday, January 9 at 4:30 p.m. at the office of the Harrigan Centennial Hall Manager. For application and procedures, visit www.cityofsitka.com/cbsforms or contact Harrigan Centennial Hall Manager at 907.747.4090.
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.
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.
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.
