Winter Driving and Snow Removal Safety
12/22/2025
Winter weather has arrived, and while the snow looks beautiful, it transforms our roads into unpredictable environments. To help keep traffic moving smoothly and reduce winter hazards, please follow these essential winter safety guidelines.
Drive Safely in Snow and Ice
Clear the Streets for Snow Plows
Public Works crews cannot safely clear roads when vehicles are parked on the street.
A Note on Snow Berms
We understand the frustration of clearing a driveway only to have a snow berm left behind by a passing plow. While it can feel discouraging, this is an unavoidable result of pushing snow off the roadway to keep streets safe for travel. Snow berms are not intentional, and crews appreciate the community’s patience and understanding during winter operations.
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.
Winter and Spring Reading Dragons and Friends Program at Sitka Library Program
12/17/2025
Starting Saturday, December 27 at Sitka Public Library, kids aged 6 to 10 years-old can participate in the Winter and Spring Reading Dragons and Friends program. This is a collectable card game that rewards kids for reading. Cards range from dragons to other mythical creatures, like unicorns and griffins. Participants can battle players with their cards or collect them just for fun! Readers can sign up at the library to get the Winter and Spring reading tracker and a special Rotten Egg card. This program runs through April 25.
Registration is free and open to all community members.
For more information call 907.747.4020 or email Maite at maite.lorente@cityofsitka.org.
I Spy Common land Birds of Alaska Library Program
12/17/2025
Sitka Public Library invites youth younger than 17 to try to identify some common land birds of Alaska. Participants need to ask for a bird sheet at the desk and enter their answers to win a prize. Drawing will be on January 10, 1016.
For more information call 907.747.4020 or e-mail Maite at maite.lorente@cityofsitka.org.
Bingocize Winter Break
12/16/2025
Center, 402 Lake Street.
This free program is offered in partnership with the City and Borough of Sitka Parks and Recreation, Center for Community, and SAIL. Led by Tamara Walsh, Bingocize is a free health program that combines the game of bingo with fall prevention exercises (seated or standing).
For more information, contact Parks and Recreation at 907.747.4031 or recreation@cityofsitka.org.
Books & Brews
12/16/2025
Sitka Public Library will host Books & Brews at Harbor Mountain Brewing Co. on Tuesday, January 13th 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.
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.
Extreme Cold Weather Advisory in the Sitka Area
12/19/2025
The City and Borough of Sitka has been alerted by the National Weather Service of an Extreme Cold Weather Advisory for the Sitka Area, in effect from midnight Saturday through noon on Monday. Extremely cold temperatures during this period may increase the risk of frozen pipes, power disruptions, and other cold-weather related impacts.
Residents are encouraged to take the following precautions:
City crews will continue monitoring conditions and responding as needed. Residents are encouraged to stay informed, take preventative measures, and use caution during this period of extreme cold.
For the latest weather updates, please visit the National Weather Service website at weather.gov.
Holiday Closure for GPIP Scrap Yard
12/19/2025
The City and Borough of Sitka’s Gary Paxton Industrial Park (GPIP) Scrap Yard located at 4655 Sawmill Creek Road will be closed on Thursday, December 25 in observance of Christmas Day. Regular business hours will resume on Friday, 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.
Keep Fire Hydrants Clear This Winter
12/17/2025
The City and Borough of Sitka Fire Department reminds residents to help keep fire hydrants clear of snow and ice during winter conditions. Fire hydrants must remain visible and accessible so firefighters can respond quickly in an emergency.
Please avoid burying hydrants with snow from plowing or shoveling. If a fire hydrant is located near your home or property, we ask that you help keep it cleared and accessible. Keeping fire hydrants clear helps protect your home, neighbors, and the entire community.
Utility and Payment Office Counter Closure December 26
12/16/2025
The City and Borough of Sitka Utility and Payment Office, located on the first floor of City Hall, 100 Lincoln Street, will be closed on Friday, December 26. The office will reopen on Monday, December 29 with regular business hours beginning at 9:00 a.m.
During the closure, customers may make utility payments by using the online payment portal accessible under the, “Pay Bills” icon at www.cityofsitka.com or by calling the automated phone payment system at 907.321.2934.
Messages can be left by emailing utilities@cityofsitka.org or by calling 907.747.1818 and leaving a voicemail. Staff will be monitoring email and voicemails for urgent issues during the closure.
Board/Commission/Committee Meetings for the week of: December 15
12/15/2025 - UPDATED 12/17/2025
Board/Committee/Commission Meeting dates for the week of December 15, 2025 (meetings are open to the public and are at Harrigan Centennial Hall)
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.
Winter Tongass Tumblers Gymnastics Clinics
12/4/2025
The City and Borough of Sitka Parks and Recreation offers Tongass Tumblers Clinics during winter break! Learn gymnastics with coach Santanna – options available for parent-tot, preschool, beginner, and intermediate students. Classes will be on Tuesday, December 22 and Wednesday, December 23 or Tuesday, December 29 and Wednesday, December 30.
Registration opens at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 10 at http:/recreation.cityofsitka.com.
Youth scholarships are available, please apply before registration. For more information, contact Sitka Parks and Recreation at recreation@cityofsitka.org or 907.747.4031.
Winter Solstice Celebration at Sitka Public Library
12/3/2025
Sitka Babies and Books and Sitka Public Library invite families to celebrate the arrival of the winter solstice with readings, crafts and activities for kids younger than 5. The program will be on Saturday, December 20 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.
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.
2026 Public Outcry Auction for Vendor/Outfitter Space at Harrigan Centennial Hall
12/01/2025
The City and Borough of Sitka will hold a public outcry auction for obtaining a 2026 Plaza Vendor Space Permit and/or Plaza Outfitter Space Permit in 2026 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 2026 permit. The auction will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 9 and will be held in Meeting Room 6 of Harrigan Centennial Hall.
The application must be filed by Thursday, January 8 at 4:00 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.
Insights from Northern Sweden at Sitka Public Library
11/29/2025
Sitka Public Library will host Fulbright Arctic Initiative Scholar Penny Gage and Anchorage Daily News reporter Zachariah Hughes for a free public talk on Tuesday, December 23rd at 6 p.m. They will share their experience spending two months in Northern Sweden, where Penny conducted research on energy transitions in the region. For more information, please contact Margot at 747-4020 or email margot.oconnell@cityofsitka.org.
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.
December Assembly Meetings Rescheduled
11/25/2025
The City and Borough of Sitka regular Assembly meetings originally scheduled for December 9 and 23 have been rescheduled due to Assembly/staff travel and the holidays. The new meeting dates are December 16 and 30. Those with questions may contact the Municipal Clerk’s Office at 907.747.1826 or 907.747.1811.
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.
