Press Releases and Public Service Announcements

Salty Spoke Bike Clue Registration Open
11/1/2024

Registration for the Salty Spoke Bike Club is now open at recreation.cityofsitka.com! The City and Borough of Sitka Parks and Recreation and Salty Spoke Bike Co-Op are excited to offer this joint program for 6th to 8th grade students. Learn the basics of biking safely with Laura Tirman, program coordinator at the Salty Spoke Bike Co-Op. Students will learn and practice hand signals, rules of the road, basic mechanic skills, and techniques for biking on Sitka trails. Bike club will meet Mondays from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Blatchley Middle School, 601 Halibut Point Road. This program will run from November 18 to December 9. Fee for this club is $20, preregistration is required. There are scholarships available for youth, please apply before registration. For more information, contact Sitka Parks and Recreation at recreation@cityofsitka.org or 907.747.4031.


Sitka Public Library Geo Quiz
11/1/2024

Sitka Public Library will host a geography trivia quiz for adults on Thursday, December 19th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Teams of 2-4 people will answer world geography questions and compete for the top prize. Registration is required and space is limited, so be sure to secure your spot! To register, call Sitka Public Library at 747-4020. For more information, contact Margot at 747-4028 or email margot.oconnell@cityofsitka.org.


Planning Commission Meeting
10/31/2024

The Planning Commission will hold a meeting at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at Harrigan Centennial Hall. More information on these agenda items can be found at https://sitka.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx or by contacting the Planning Office at 100 Lincoln Street.
Individuals having concerns or comments on any item are encouraged to provide written comments to the Planning Office or make comments at the Planning Commission meeting. Written comments may be dropped off at the Planning Office in City Hall, emailed to planning@cityofsitka.org, or faxed to (907) 747-6138. Those with questions may call (907) 747-1814.


Sustainability Commission Meeting
10/31/2024

The Sustainability Commission will hold its regular meeting on Monday, November 4th at 6:00 P.M. in Room 206 at the University of Alaska Southeast Campus, 1332 Seward Ave. Agenda items include a discussion on the Sustainability Commission’s 2025-2026 goals and review of the Assembly joint work session agenda and materials. The meeting is open to the public; for more information, please contact sustainability@cityofsitka.org or (907) 747-1856. 


Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting
10/30/2024

The Parks and Recreation Committee will meet on Monday, November 4, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. in Sitka Public Library, 320 Harbor Drive. Agenda items include: Review and Recommend for approval, Commercial Recreational Use Permit Ordinance. The meeting is open to the public.


Library Commission Meeting
10/30/2024

The Library Commission meeting will meet on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. in Harrigan Centennial Hall, located at 330 Harbor Drive. Agenda items include: Discussions on Library Staffing Needs, and Review Ordinance No. 2024-xx  amending Title 2 “Administration” of the Sitka General Code by updating Chapter 2.35 “Library Commission”. The meeting is open to the public.


Strategic Plan Update Survey Open Through November 3
10/25/2024

The City and Borough of Sitka (CBS) is conducting a strategic plan update survey through November 3. The purpose is to gather feedback on where CBS should focus its efforts in 2025 and whether any adjustments to the strategic plan are necessary. Visit: https://www.cityofsitka.com for more information and to take the survey.

Please contact info@sitkagrowingthefuturetogether.com with any questions.  


Library Appreciation Event for Youth by Youth at Sitka Public Library
10/29/2024

Sitka Public Library will be hosting a library appreciation celebration event on Saturday, November 9th, 4-6pm led by youth. Teens are invited to join in a community celebration of the library’s staff, extensive collection of books and CDs, and public computers and workspaces. Participants will enjoy pizza, hot chocolate, cookies, and take home a cozy fall book recommended by a library employee. All are welcome.

For more information call 907.747.4020 or e-mail Maite at maite.lorente@cityofsitka.org. 


Community Food Assessment Presentation at Sitka Public Library
10/29/2024

Callie Simmons will share the results of the 2024 Sitka Community Food Assessment on Thursday, November 21st at 6:30 p.m. at Sitka Public Library. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, please contact Margot at 747-4020 or email margot.oconnell@cityofsitka.org.


Wintery Dance Children's Program at Sitka Public Library
10/25/2024

Sitka Public Library invite families of children 6-years-old and younger to join Wintery Dance, a Sitka Studio of Dace program led by Melinda McAdams with performers from the studio. The event will take place on Saturday, November 9 at 10:30 am at the library. A reading and a coloring project will be part of the program.

No registration is needed. For more information call 907.747.4020 or email Maite at maite.lorente@cityofsitka.org. 


Boards, Committees, and Commission Opportunities
10/25/2024

Have you ever wanted to serve and give back to your community but didn’t know how? Consider volunteering for a City and Borough of Sitka board, committee, or commission! If you have the desire to serve our community, please consider applying!
• Animal Hearing Board
• Employee Relations Board
• Health Needs and Human Services Commission
• Historic Preservation Commission
• Investment Committee
• Local Emergency Planning Committee
• Police and Fire Commission
• Sustainability Commission
• Tourism Commission
This is your chance to make a real impact on your city's growth!
Apply now! Time's ticking! 


 




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.


Raven and the Tide Lady Cultural Storytime at Sitka Public Library
10/21/2024

Sitka Public Library will honor Native American Heritage Month with a series of Cultural Storytimes focused on Baby Raven Reads picture books based on the cultural themes of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian. The first program will feature the book Raven and the Tide Lady on Thursday, November 7 at 10:30 am. This program will be led by students from MEHS Education Rising program and includes a read a-loud, followed by literacy activities related to the reading.

Everyone is welcome. For more information call 907.747.4020 or email Maite at maite.lorente@cityofsitka.org. 


Pajama Party at Sitka Public Library with Author Debbie S. Miller
10/21/2024

Babies, toddlers and preschoolers are welcome to put on their pajamas and enjoy the reading of Goodnight Sounds by Alaska author Debbie S. Miller. The event is scheduled at Sitka Public Library on Thursday, November 14 at 5:30 pm. Everybody is welcome, and no registration is needed. The new picture book, illustrated by Michelle Jing Chan, will be available for purchase.

For more information call 907.747.4020 or e-mail Maite a maite.lorente@cityofsitka.org. 


Volunteer Program at Sitka AnimalShelter
10/21/2024

The Sitka Police Department, in collaboration with Friends of the Sitka Animal Shelter, is excited to announce plans to revitalize and relaunch the volunteer program at the Sitka Animal Shelter. As part of this effort, a group of dedicated volunteers will soon return to assist with the care of surrendered animals, with the full program set to resume once all preparations are complete. More information regarding the volunteer program will be shared when available.


Automatic Payment Transactions Not Processed  
10/16/2024

The City and Borough of Sitka is addressing an issue affecting communication between our utility billing system and the system that processes automatic payments. As a result, autopay transactions have not been processed for the past two weeks. Payments made in person or over the phone have not been impacted. 

We want to assure the community that we are actively working with our IT team and billing system engineers to resolve this issue. Our priority is to ensure the system functions reliably and securely before resuming automatic payments. We expect to resolve the issue within the next few days, and autopay transactions will be processed as soon as we confirm the system is fully operational. 

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your patience and understanding. If you have questions, need to update your payment information, or wish to change your autopay settings, please contact the CBS payment office at utilities@cityofsitka.org or 907.747.1818.


Big Breath In Book Event at Sitka Public Library  
10/12/2024

John Straley will discuss his new book Big Breath In at 4 p.m. on Saturday, November 16th at Sitka Public Library. This event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served, and copies of the book will be available for purchase and to be signed by the author. For more information, please call Margot at 747-4028 or email margot.oconnell@cityofsitka.org.


How to Participate in Assembly Meetings
10/4/2024

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.


Senior Walking Hours
10/3/2024

The City and Borough of Sitka Parks and Recreation in collaboration with the Senior Activity Coalition presents Senior Walking Hour at the Alaska Native Brotherhood Hall, 223 Katlian St. Seniors are welcome to come walk indoors every Wednesday in October from 2:00 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. This program is free! For more information, please contact City of Sitka Parks and Recreation by email at recreation@cityofsitka.org or by phone at 907.747.4031.


Road Maintenance and Traffic Impact
10/1/2024

In the month of October, the City and Borough of Sitka will begin road patching work. While these are not full resurfacing projects, the necessary repairs may still cause brief disruptions to vehicular access throughout the community, lasting up to 24 hours in some cases.

Sign up for updates via GovDelivery through an email address or text. Visit the website www.cityofsitka.com/roadrepairs for updates.

Please be aware of the following during this time:

• Periods of time the road or your location will be unable to be accessed.

• Temporary changes to traffic patterns: Flagging and alternative routes may be implements for short period.

• Uncertain scheduling: Due to weather conditions and our contractor’s other projects, we do not have a fixed scheduled for specific roads.

We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience as we work to improve the road in your neighborhood. Please contact the City and Borough of Sitka Public Works Department with any questions at 907.747.1804.


Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program (DBE) Meeting
9/30/2024

The City and Borough of Sitka’s Rocky Gutierrez Airport and Seaplane Base are partnering with stakeholders to discuss and receive feedback on the three-year goal methodology for the Rocky Gutierrez Airport Concessionaire Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program (ACDBE) in a virtual meeting on October 29 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. In addition, information will be provided about the ACDBE & DBE program opportunities for existing and prospective business. To call in, dial +1 907.302.2852,130315888#.

For more information, please contact the City and Borough of Sitka Airport Terminal Manager at 907.747.1803 or by emailing airport.project@cityofsitka.org. 


Storytime Programs for National Native American Heritage Month at Sitka Public Library
9/27/2024

Sitka Public Library will honor Native American Heritage Month with a series of Storytime's focused on Baby Raven Reads picture books based on the cultural themes of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian. The programs include a read a-loud, followed by literacy activities related to the reading. Dates and times for the Storytime series are Thursday, November 7, November 14, and November 21 at 10:30 am. Everyone is welcome.

For more information call 907.747.4020 or email Maite at maite.lorente@cityofsitka.org.


Booook Storytime at Sitka Public Library
9/27/2024

Sitka Public Library will offer a Booook Storytime on Thursday, October 31 at 10:30 am. “This is Halloween” is the theme of a program that includes readings followed by literacy activities related to the books. Everyone is welcome.

For more information call 907.747.4020 or email Maite at maite.lorente@cityofsitka.org. 


Stay and Play Program at the Library Fall Calendar
9/24/2024

Sitka Public Library’s Stay and Play fall schedule will be November 12 to December 10. Babies, toddlers, and siblings up to six-years-old are invited to the Stay and Play Program at Sitka Public Library. Self-guided programs run every Tuesday from 3.30 p.m. to 4.30 p.m. at the Sitka Public Library's multipurpose room. Families will have access to a variety of tinkering toys and activities.

For more information call 907.747.4020 or email Maite at maite.lorente@cityofsitka.org. 


Trick or Read! A Sitka Babies and Books Program at Sitka Public Library
9/24/2024

Sitka Babies and Books and Sitka Public Library invite families to Trick or Read! an annual program celebrating the autumn festivities. The event will take place on Saturday, October 26 at 10:30 a.m. at the library. Trick or Read! includes reading, playing, crafting and more. Pre-registered babies and toddlers will receive a free book. Books are purchased with a grant from Sitka Legacy Foundation, an affiliate of the Alaska Community Foundation. For more information or to register call the library at 907.747.4020.


Driver Facility Charge Rate Change
9/27/2024

On April 23, 2024, the City Assembly approved an increase in the Diver Facility Charge (DFC) from 4% to 8%. This change, outlined in Sitka General Code Section 4.85, enacted by Ordinance 2024-07S, will take effect on October 1, 2024. Starting on this date, rental vehicles will include an 8% DFC. Please remember that the seasonal sales tax will still apply.

If you have any questions, please contact the Tax Office at 907.747.1840 or tax@cityofsitka.org. 


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. 


Little Ghost Scavenger Hunt at Sitka Public Library
9/14/2024

Sitka Public Library invites youth of all ages to participate in a little ghost scavenger hunt to find ten ghosts hidden somewhere in the library’s children room to decode a message. Once they find the correct answer, participants can turn the completed form for a treat and enter their form into a random raffle to win a prize. This program runs Sept. 29 to October 31.

For more information call 907.747.4020 or email Maite at maite.lorente@cityofsitka.org. 


Seasonal Sales Tax Rate Change
9/13/2024

The City and Borough of Sitka Tax Office would like to remind all citizens that the seasonal sales tax rate will decrease to 5% effective October 1, 2024, through March 31, 2025. Bed Tax for rentals less than 30 days remains at 6% year-round. If you have any questions, please contact the Tax Office at 907.747.1840 or tax@cityofsitka.org. 


Free Public Wi-Fi Available at Swan Lake Senior Center
9/11/2024

The City and Borough of Sitka Parks and Recreation is now offering free public Wi-Fi at Swan Lake Senior Center. The Wi-Fi is available every Sunday, Wednesday, and Friday from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. through the end of September.

For more information, please contact Sitka Parks and Recreation at recreation@cityofsitka.org or call 907.747.4031.


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.

###

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.