Transfer Station Closure for Scheduled Maintenance
12/31/2025
The City and Borough of Sitka’s Transfer Station, located at 220 Smith Street will be closed on Saturday, January 10, to allow for scheduled maintenance. Regular operating hours will resume on Monday, January 12.
Please contact the CBS Public Works Department with any questions. 907.747.1804.
Leader Library Teens to Meet
12/24/2025
Sitka Public Library’s Teen Advisory Board will have the first meeting of the new year on Thursday, January 8 at 5:30 pm in the library’s multipurpose room. Conversation about books, planning for upcoming teen library programs, and hang-out time are part of the agenda. Teens 13 and older are invited to join the board. This is a stress-free, fun event and free pizza and snacks are included.
For more information call 907.747.4020 or email Maite at maite.lorente@cityofsitka.org.
Stay and Play Program at the Library
12/24/2025
Babies, toddlers, and siblings up to five-years-old are invited to the Stay and Play Program at Sitka Public Library. Programs during the fall will run the following Tuesdays from 3.30 p.m. to 4.30 p.m. at the Sitka Public Library's multipurpose room: January 13, January 27, February 3, February 24, March 3, March 10, and March 17. This is a self-guided program. Families will have access to a variety of tinkering toys and activities. Materials will be available to use until 4:25 p.m. to allow for clean-up time.
For more information call 907.747.4020 or email Maite at maite.lorente@cityofsitka.org.
Sitka Community Orchestra Begins January 27
12/23/2025
City of Sitka Parks and Recreation welcomes string, wind, brass, and percussion players to the Sitka Community Orchestra, conducted by Drew Larson. Musicians must be able to read music and bring their own instrument. Rehearsals are on Tuesdays from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., beginning Tuesday, January 27 in the Blatchley Middle School Music Room, 601 Halibut Point Road. Concert will be Sunday, April 19 at the Sitka Performing Arts Center in collaboration with the Sitka Community Choir. The fee for this program is $20. Register now at http://recreation.cityofsitka.com.
For more information, contact City of Sitka Parks and Recreation at recreation@cityofsitka.org or 907.747.4031.
Sitka Community Choir Begins January 25
12/23/2025
The City of Sitka Parks and Recreation announces the second session of Sitka Community Choir, beginning Sunday, January 25 at 3:30 p.m. No experience necessary, all are welcome to sing. Lead by Andrew Hames, rehearsals will take place on Sundays from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the Sitka High School Music Room, 1000 Lake Street. Participants should park in the back lot closest to the Sitka Performing Arts Center. Registration is required, sign up now at recreation.cityofsitka.com. The fee for this program is $20.
For questions, contact Parks and Recreation at 907.747.4031 or recreation@cityofsitka.org.
ShadowDark at Sitka Public Library
12/27/2025
Sitka Public Library will host a session of the fantasy role-playing game ShadowDark on Saturday, January 10th from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Experienced players will guide the group through an adventure; no experience is required. This program is open to adults and youth aged 12 and up. To register, please call the Library at 747-4020. For more information, email Margot at margot.oconnell@cityofsitka.org.
Listening in the Dark: A Midwinter Sound Bath at Sitka Public Library
12/23/2025
Sitka Public Library will offer a free sound bath program led by Sound Healing Practitioner Laura Humphreys on Tuesday, January 27th at 6:30 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room. Space is limited, and registration is required. Participants are encouraged to bring yoga mats, blankets, pillows, and eye coverings for comfort. To reserve your spot, call Sitka Public Library at 747-4020. For more information, email margot.oconnell@cityofsitka.org.
Penguin Celebration at the Library
12/24/2025
Sitka Babies and Books and Sitka Public Library invite families to join a penguin celebration on the first program of the new year. Books, crafts and activities for kids younger than 5 are part of the event. The program will be on Saturday, January 31 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
Winter Preschool Storytime Schedule at Sitka Public Library
12/24/2025
During the winter months, Sitka Public Library’s Preschool Storytime will be offered the following Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. at the library’s multipurpose room: January 8, January 15, January 22, January 29, February 5, February 19, February 26, March 5, March 12, and March 19. The program includes readings, rhymes, songs, and a craft project. Everybody is welcome.
For more information call 907.747.4020.
Water Use Reminder as Temperatures Warm
12/29/2025
As temperatures begin to warm, residents are reminded to turn off any water trickles that were used to prevent pipes from freezing. Leaving water running after the cold snap ends can lead to unnecessary water use.
If you hear water running, dripping, or hissing sounds when no fixtures are in use, this may indicate a leak. Residents who notice unusual sounds, visible leaks, or changes in water flow are encouraged to take action promptly.
If you suspect a leak or need assistance, please contact Public Works at 907-747-1804.
Holiday Closure for GPIP Scrap Yard
12/29/2025
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, January 1 in observance of New Year's Day. Regular business hours will resume on Friday, January 2. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
