Sitka, AK

City and Borough Assembly

The City and Borough of Sitka Assembly will discuss a proposed special election to increase the seasonal sales tax from 6% to 6.5%. The body will also review liquor and marijuana license renewals and appoint members to the Tourism Commission.

• ORD 26-27: Proposed February 2, 2027 special election to increase sales tax from 6% to 6.5% (April-September)
• Liquor license renewal for 907 Lounge at 404 Sawmill Creek Road
• Liquor license renewal for Asian Palace at 327 Seward Square #1
• Marijuana Cultivation Facility License renewal for Vern’s Wicked Weed at 3872 Halibut Point Road
• Protest of liquor license renewal for Little Tokyo at 315 Lincoln Street, Ste #112

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold public hearings on two requests filed by the City and Borough of Sitka. These include a text amendment regarding data center usage and a map amendment to rezone several properties.

• ZA 26-05: Proposed zoning text amendment to allow data centers as a conditional use in five districts
• ZA 26-04: Proposed rezoning of 501 Shennett Street, 501 Lake Street, 600 Baranof Street, 215 Marine Street, 207 Princess Way, and 803 and 805 Sawmill Creek Road
• Election of officers

City and Borough Assembly

The City and Borough of Sitka Assembly will discuss zoning amendments to promote Accessory Dwelling Units and review several supplemental appropriations for fiscal year 2027. The meeting also includes the swearing-in of newly elected officials and the appointment of leadership roles.

• ORD 26-23: Amending zoning code to promote Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
• ORD 26-24: Supplemental appropriations for the Lincoln Street Project
• ORD 26-25: Supplemental appropriations for Transfer Station Compactor Repairs
• ORD 26-26: Supplemental appropriations for AlaskaEx Disaster Response Training
• Liquor license renewal for Sitka Lodge No. 1350 Loyal Order of Moose, Inc at 337 Lincoln Street

The Assembly approved an ordinance promoting Accessory Dwelling Units and authorized several supplemental appropriations for fiscal year 2027. New officials were sworn in, including Mayor Kevin Mosher and Assembly Member Darrell Windsor. The body also approved a new employment agreement for Municipal Administrator Gerrie Cotter.

• Approved zoning ordinance to promote Accessory Dwelling Units (6-1)
• Approved supplemental appropriations for Lincoln Street Project (7-0)
• Approved supplemental appropriations for Transfer Station Compactor Repairs (7-0)
• Approved supplemental appropriations for AlaskaEx Disaster Response Training (7-0)
• Approved employment agreement for Municipal Administrator Gerrie Cotter (7-0)
• Appointed Darrell Windsor to a one-year Assembly term (5-1)
• Approved liquor license renewal for Sitka Lodge No. 1350 Loyal Order of Moose, Inc (7-0)
• Approved retail marijuana license renewal for Island Girl Cannabis LLC (7-0)

Planning Commission

The Sitka Planning Commission meets Wednesday, October 7, 2026 at 7:00 PM at Harrigan Centennial Hall. The main business is two public hearings: a preliminary plat for a minor subdivision creating two lots at 1403 Halibut Point Road, and a final plat for a lot merger creating one lot at 3317, 3319, and 3321 Halibut Point Road. The Commission will also consider approving the September 2, 2026 meeting minutes. No decisions are recorded in this agenda; the items are scheduled for hearing and consideration.

• Public hearing on preliminary plat P 26-08 for a minor subdivision to create two lots at 1403 Halibut Point Road (R-1 single-family and duplex district), filed by Theresa Weiser; owners of record Theresa Weiser and Juan Belcher
• Public hearing on final plat P 26-09 for a lot merger to create one lot at 3317, 3319, and 3321 Halibut Point Road (R-2 multifamily and mobile home district), filed by Chuck McGraw; owner of record the Revocable Living Trust of James Stephen Goodfellow
• Vote to approve the September 2, 2026 meeting minutes (PM 26-16)
• Public participation on off-agenda items, limited to 3 minutes per person unless the Chair sets other limits
• Planning Director's Report and other reports listed on the agenda

The commission approved a preliminary plat to divide one lot into two at 1403 Halibut Point Road. It also approved a final plat to merge three lots into one at 3317, 3319, and 3321 Halibut Point Road.

• Approved September 2, 2026 meeting minutes (4-0)
• Approved preliminary plat for minor subdivision at 1403 Halibut Point Road (4-0)
• Adopted staff report findings for 1403 Halibut Point Road subdivision (4-0)
• Approved final plat for lot merger at 3317, 3319, and 3321 Halibut Point Road (4-0)
• Adopted staff report findings for Halibut Point Road lot merger (4-0)

City and Borough Assembly

The Sitka City and Borough Assembly will hold a regular meeting with a consent agenda covering routine approvals, including marijuana and liquor license renewals, and supplemental appropriations. New business includes first readings of ordinances to amend zoning to promote Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and to fund the Lincoln Street Project, plus a discussion on the annual transfer to the Public Infrastructure Sinking Fund. The Assembly will also discuss next steps for a municipal administrator applicant, possibly in executive session.

• First reading of ORD 26-23 to amend Title 22 zoning to promote Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
• First reading of ORD 26-24 making supplemental appropriations for FY2027 for the Lincoln Street Project
• Consent agenda includes supplemental appropriations for Transfer Station Compactor Repairs and AlaskaEx Disaster Response Training
• Approval of five marijuana license renewals for AKO Farms, LLC at 1210 Beardslee Way, 213 Price Street, and 4509 Halibut Point Road
• Approval of liquor license renewals and new applications, including for Halibut Point Crab and Chowder, Highliner Coffee Co, and Campfire Kitchen

The Assembly approved several liquor and marijuana license renewals and advanced ordinances regarding zoning for accessory dwelling units and public utilities. The body also authorized supplemental appropriations for the Lincoln Street Project and disaster response training. Following an executive session, the Assembly directed the Deputy Municipal Administrator to negotiate an employment contract with Gerrie Cotter.

• Directed Deputy Municipal Administrator to negotiate employment contract with Gerrie Cotter (7-0)
• Approved first reading of ordinance to promote Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) (7-0)
• Approved first reading of supplemental appropriations for Lincoln Street Project (7-0)
• Approved second and final reading of Public Utilities code amendments (7-0)
• Approved second and final reading of supplemental appropriations for FY 2026 and 2027 (7-0)
• Approved five marijuana license renewals for AKO Farms, LLC (7-0)
• Approved liquor license applications for Highliner Coffee Co and Harbor Mountain Brewing Company (6-1)
• Approved lease amendment and seasonal liquor license for Shee Atika, Incorporated (6-1)

City and Borough Assembly

The Sitka Assembly is holding a special meeting to interview Gerrie Cotter, the sole applicant for the municipal administrator position, via Zoom. Following the interview, the Assembly will discuss and possibly decide on the appointment, and may enter executive session to discuss the recruitment process. Public comment is also scheduled.

• Interview of municipal administrator applicant Gerrie Cotter (via Zoom)
• Discussion/direction/decision on the interview, possible executive session
• Discussion/direction/decision on municipal administrator recruitment, possible executive session
• Public participation limited to 3 minutes per person

The Sitka Assembly held a special meeting to interview municipal administrator candidate Gerrie Cotter via Zoom. After the interview, the Assembly voted 7-0 to enter executive session to discuss the candidate's reputation and character, and later voted 6-1 to review other applications in executive session. The Assembly decided to invite Cotter to Sitka for a meet-and-greet, but no final hiring decision was made.

• Interviewed municipal administrator candidate Gerrie Cotter via Zoom
• Approved executive session to discuss candidate's reputation and character (7-0)
• Approved executive session to review applications (6-1)
• Decided to invite Cotter to Sitka for a meet-and-greet

City and Borough Assembly

The Sitka Assembly will hold a first reading of two ordinances: one amending solid waste rates for rolloff containers and one making supplemental appropriations for FY2026-27. They will also discuss and decide on a funding source for local childcare and whether to allow sales tax-free days after Thanksgiving. Several board and commission appointments are on the consent agenda.

• ORD 26-21: Amends Title 15, Chapter 15.15 (Solid Waste Treatment and Refuse Collection) - rolloff rate change
• ORD 26-22: Supplemental appropriations for FY2026 and FY2027
• Discussion on funding source for local childcare and implementation model
• Decision on sales tax-free day(s) following Thanksgiving holiday
• Reappointments to Parks and Recreation Committee and Library Commission; appointment to Tourism Commission

The Sitka Assembly approved first readings of two ordinances: one amending solid waste code to add roll-off container rates, and another making supplemental appropriations for FY2026-2027. It also approved board appointments, set sales tax free days for November 27-28, 2026, and discussed but did not decide on a childcare funding source.

• Approved consent agenda including minutes of Aug 21 and 25 meetings (7-0)
• Reappointed Ben Hughey to Parks and Recreation Committee and Callie Simmons to Library Commission; appointed Alysha Guthrie to Tourism Commission (7-0)
• Approved ORD 26-21 on first reading amending solid waste code (7-0)
• Approved ORD 26-22 on first reading for supplemental appropriations FY2026-2027 (7-0)
• Authorized Nov 27-28 as Sales Tax Free days, excluding fuel, alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, and installment sales (6-0, Eisenbeisz recused)
• Held executive session on pending legal matters (7-0)

Planning Commission

The Sitka Planning Commission will approve minutes from its August 19 and August 24 meetings. The primary business item is a public hearing to consider a modification to a conditional use permit for an eating and drinking place at 4951 Halibut Point Road. The commission will also receive an update on the Land Suitability and Feasibility Study regarding Osprey Street and Sitka High School concepts.

• Public hearing on modification to CUP 21-16 for an eating and drinking place at 4951 Halibut Point Road in the R recreation district, filed by Shee Atiká, Inc.
• Approval of August 19, 2026 meeting minutes (PM 26-14)
• Approval of August 24, 2026 special meeting minutes (PM 26-15)
• Update on the Land Suitability and Feasibility Study for Osprey Street and Sitka High School concepts

The commission approved a modification to a conditional use permit to allow alcohol beverage sales and service at 4951 Halibut Point Road. The commission also reviewed a land suitability study and provided feedback on housing density scenarios.

• Approved modification to CUP 21-16 for alcohol sales at 4951 Halibut Point Road (5-0)
• Approved findings for conditional use permits as listed in staff report (5-0)
• Approved August 19, 2026 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Approved August 24, 2026 special meeting minutes (5-0)
• Agreed to cancel the September 16 meeting

City and Borough Assembly

The Sitka City and Borough Assembly will hold its regular meeting on August 25, 2026, with several significant actions on the agenda. Key items include approving a terminal sublease with Alaska Airlines, hiring a new Fire Chief, and hearing an appeal of a public records determination. The consent agenda also includes routine items like license renewals and equipment sale authorization.

• Terminal sublease between City and Borough of Sitka and Alaska Airlines, Inc.
• Hire of Brian McLaughlin as Fire Chief
• Appeal of Municipal Clerk's public records determination for Austin W. Cranford
• Renewal of marijuana cultivation and retail licenses for Northern Lights Indoor Gardens at 1321 Sawmill Creek Road
• Sale of Sierra Shear Baler valued over $25,000

The Sitka Assembly approved a terminal sublease with Alaska Airlines, hired Brian McLaughlin as Fire Chief, and upheld the Municipal Clerk's response to a public records request, denying the appeal. All votes were 6-0 with Mayor Eisenbeisz absent.

• Approved terminal sublease with Alaska Airlines (6-0)
• Approved hire of Brian McLaughlin as Fire Chief (6-0)
• Denied appeal of public records request, upholding Clerk's response (6-0)
• Approved consent agenda including minutes, marijuana license renewals, and equipment sale (6-0)
• Reappointed Rachel Worthey to Library Commission and Mary Ann Hall to Local Emergency Planning Committee (6-0)

Planning Commission

The Sitka Planning Commission is holding a special meeting to discuss and review proposed zoning code changes for accessory dwelling units (ADUs). The item is listed as discussion and review only, not a final decision. Public testimony is allowed on this and other agenda items.

• Discussion of zoning code changes for accessory dwelling units (ADUs)
• Review of draft ordinance 2026-XX ADU Code Amendment

The Sitka Planning Commission recommended approval of zoning text amendments for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in Title 22. The commission decided to allow ADUs as conditional uses on privately maintained rights-of-way, include language prohibiting ADUs from facilitating short-term rentals, and make short-term rental provisions ineligible for waiver. ADUs will not be allowed as conditional uses in the SF and SFLD zoning districts pending further neighborhood input.

• Recommended approval of ADU zoning text amendment (5-0)
• Allowed ADUs as conditional use on privately maintained rights-of-way
• Included language prohibiting ADUs from facilitating short-term rentals
• Made short-term rental provisions ineligible for waiver via CUP
• Excluded SF and SFLD districts from ADU conditional use allowance

City and Borough Assembly

The Sitka City and Borough Assembly is holding a special meeting to interview two finalists for the position of Municipal Administrator: Jeremy Marshall and Gerri Cotter. After the interviews, the Assembly will discuss, direct, and decide on the candidates, possibly in an executive session. Public comment is also scheduled.

• Interview of Jeremy Marshall for Municipal Administrator (via Zoom at 5:00 p.m.)
• Interview of Gerri Cotter for Municipal Administrator (via Zoom at 6:10 p.m.)
• Discussion, direction, and decision on the interviews, with possible executive session
• Public participation on any agenda or off-agenda item (3-minute limit per person)

The Sitka Assembly held a special meeting to interview municipal administrator applicants. One applicant, Jeremy Marshall, withdrew before his interview, while Gerri Cotter was interviewed. The Assembly entered executive session to discuss Cotter's candidacy and, after reconvening, decided by consensus to schedule a second-round interview for her, with details to be announced publicly.

• Noted Jeremy Marshall withdrew his application; no interview held
• Interviewed municipal administrator applicant Gerri Cotter
• Approved executive session to discuss candidate's character (7-0)
• Reconvened in regular session by unanimous voice vote
• Decided by consensus to hold a second-round interview with Gerri Cotter

Planning Commission

The Sitka Planning Commission will hold public hearings on a conditional use permit for a food truck lot at 328 Lincoln Street, two variances and a preliminary plat for a three-lot subdivision at 1306 Halibut Point Road, and discuss zoning code changes for accessory dwelling units (ADUs). The commission will also consider approving the August 5, 2026 meeting minutes.

• Conditional use permit for food truck lot at 328 Lincoln Street (Lot 1, Columbia Bar Subdivision), filed by Drew Wilson
• Major zoning variance to reduce required parking from two spaces to zero at 1306 Halibut Point Road, filed by Randy Hughey for Sitka Community Land Trust
• Platting variance to reduce minimum lot width from 80 to 43 feet and lot size from 6,000 to 4,000 sq ft at 1306 Halibut Point Road
• Preliminary plat for minor subdivision into three lots at 1306 Halibut Point Road
• Discussion of zoning code changes for accessory dwelling units (ADUs)

The Sitka Planning Commission approved a conditional use permit for a food truck lot at 328 Lincoln Street, allowing up to three food trucks on the property. The permit runs with the property, voiding an existing individual truck CUP. The commission also discussed but did not vote on proposed ADU code changes, requesting further development and a special meeting.

• Approved conditional use permit for food truck lot at 328 Lincoln Street (5-0)
• Adopted required findings for the conditional use permit (5-0)
• Postponed VAR 26-06, VAR 26-05, and P 26-01 to Sept. 2, 2026
• Discussed ADU code changes; no motion made

City and Borough Assembly

The Sitka Assembly will hold a first reading of an ordinance that repeals the current taxicab chapter and replaces it with new commercial passenger vehicle regulations, also amending parking rules for buses and taxicabs. The agenda also includes a supplemental appropriation for a fee waiver at Harrigan Centennial Hall, an amendment to a parks and recreation master plan agreement, and several routine items such as minutes approval, marijuana license renewals, and a planning commission reappointment. The meeting will also include a presentation on cruise activity and economic impacts, and an executive session to screen municipal administrator applicants.

• First reading of ORD 26-20 replacing taxicab regulations with commercial passenger vehicle rules
• Supplemental appropriation for FY2027 for Harrigan Centennial Hall fee waiver (ORD 26-19)
• Approve retail marijuana license renewals for The Joint (327 Seward St) and Weed Dudes (1321 Sawmill Creek Rd)
• Reappoint Darrell Windsor to Planning Commission for three-year term
• Approve First Amendment to MOA with Sitka Recreation Foundation for Parks and Recreation Master Plan

The Sitka Assembly postponed a first-reading ordinance that would replace taxicab regulations with commercial passenger vehicle rules, moving it to the November 24, 2026 meeting for more public input. They approved a supplemental appropriation for a fee waiver, reappointed a planning commissioner, and approved a recreation master plan agreement. Consent items included minutes and two marijuana license renewals.

• Postponed ORD 26-20 (commercial passenger vehicles) to Nov. 24, 2026 (7-0)
• Approved ORD 26-19 supplemental appropriations for FY2027 (7-0)
• Reappointed Darrell Windsor to Planning Commission (7-0)
• Approved First Amendment to MOA with Sitka Recreation Foundation (7-0)
• Approved consent agenda: minutes and two marijuana license renewals (7-0)
• Held executive session to screen municipal administrator applicants

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold public hearings to consider a zoning variance and two property subdivision or merger requests. These decisions affect how land is divided and used at specific addresses in the city.

• Public hearing for a zoning variance to reduce front setback from 14 to 8 feet at 414 Marine Street
• Public hearing for a lot merger and property line adjustment at 1515, 1533, 1535, 1537, 1545, and 1547 Sawmill Creek Road
• Public hearing for a preliminary plat for a minor subdivision to create two lots at 1211 Sawmill Creek

Planning Commission

The Sitka Planning Commission will hold public hearings on three land-use requests: a front setback variance at 414 Marine Street, a lot merger and property line adjustment on Sawmill Creek Road, and a preliminary plat for a minor subdivision on Sawmill Creek Road. The commission will also consider approving the July 1, 2026 meeting minutes and hear public comment on non-agenda items.

• VAR 26-04: Request to reduce front setback from 14 to 8 feet at 414 Marine Street (R-2 district), filed by Michael Davidson
• P 26-05: Lot merger and property line adjustment to create four lots at 1515-1547 Sawmill Creek Road (C-1 district), filed by Trevor Harang for Harang AK Properties, LLC
• P 26-06: Preliminary plat for a minor subdivision to create two lots at 1211 Sawmill Creek Road (C-2 district), filed by Werner Macedo for Bell & Associates, owner Carr-Gottstein Foods Co.
• Approval of July 1, 2026 meeting minutes (PM 26-12)

The Sitka Planning Commission approved a minor zoning variance at 414 Marine Street, a lot merger and property line adjustment on Sawmill Creek Road, and a preliminary plat for a minor subdivision at 1211 Sawmill Creek Road. All motions passed 3-0 by voice vote. The commission also approved the July 1, 2026 meeting minutes.

• Approved minor zoning variance reducing front setback from 14 to 8 feet at 414 Marine Street (3-0)
• Adopted findings for the variance at 414 Marine Street (3-0)
• Approved final plat for lot merger and property line adjustments at 1515-1547 Sawmill Creek Road (3-0)
• Adopted findings for the Sawmill Creek Road lot merger (3-0)
• Approved preliminary plat for minor subdivision at 1211 Sawmill Creek Road (3-0)
• Adopted findings for the 1211 Sawmill Creek Road subdivision (3-0)
• Approved July 1, 2026 meeting minutes (3-0)

Planning Commission

The Sitka Planning Commission will convene a routine meeting with no substantive agenda items. The body will consider the agenda, minutes, and public comments, but no decisions or discussions on zoning, contracts, or ordinances are listed.

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will meet to conduct regular business. The agenda contains placeholder text and does not list specific decisions or discussion topics.

• ZA 26-02 TEST

City and Borough Assembly

The Sitka Assembly will hold a regular meeting on July 28, 2026, with several new business items including supplemental appropriations for the Parks and Recreation Master Plan and a fee waiver for Harrigan Centennial Hall, as well as authorizing a lease to Northern Southeast Regional Aquaculture Association at Gary Paxton Industrial Park. The assembly will also discuss requests for proposals for long-term leases of two lots at the industrial park for private sector development, and provide direction on next steps for recruiting a new municipal administrator. Consent agenda includes approval of previous meeting minutes.

• ORD 26-17: Supplemental appropriations for FY2027 (Additional Sitka Recreation Foundation Support – Parks and Recreation Master Plan)
• ORD 26-18: Authorizing lease of Block 4, Lot 1 of Gary Paxton Industrial Park to Northern Southeast Regional Aquaculture Association
• ORD 26-19: Supplemental appropriations for FY2027 (Harrigan Centennial Hall Fee Waiver)
• 26-127: Approve Request for Proposal for long-term lease of Lot 16B at Gary Paxton Industrial Park for private sector development
• 26-128: Approve Request for Proposal for long-term lease of a portion of Lot 6 at Gary Paxton Industrial Park for marine vessel and marine services

The Assembly approved Ordinance 26-17 on second reading, adding supplemental appropriations for FY2027 to support the Sitka Recreation Foundation's Parks and Recreation Master Plan, with an amendment clarifying the city won't assume liability for the foundation's contracts. They also approved leases for two Gary Paxton Industrial Park lots and selected the Lincoln Street project for a FY2027 legislative grant.

• Approved ORD 26-17 supplemental appropriations for recreation master plan (7-0)
• Amended MOA to state city won't assume liability for foundation contracts (7-0)
• Approved ORD 26-18 lease of Block 4, Lot 1 to Northern Southeast Regional Aquaculture Association (6-0, Ystad recused)
• Approved ORD 26-19 first reading for Harrigan Centennial Hall fee waiver (7-0)
• Approved RFP for long-term lease of Lot 16B at Gary Paxton Industrial Park (7-0)
• Approved RFP for long-term lease of portion of Lot 6 at Gary Paxton Industrial Park (7-0)
• Selected Lincoln Street project for FY2027 Designated Legislative Grant
• Approved consent agenda including July 14 meeting minutes (7-0)

City and Borough Assembly

The City and Borough of Sitka Assembly held a work session on child care. Members will review a memo from Assembly members Mosher and Christianson, the 2026 Sitka Child Care Report, an executive brief on the child care system, the ECC survey, and career pathway cost information. The discussion focuses on the current child care system and related costs.

• Memo from Assembly Members Mosher and Christianson
• Sitka Child Care Report 2026
• Sitka Child Care System Executive Brief
• Sitka ECC Survey
• Career Pathway Costs sent to Assembly

City and Borough Assembly

The Assembly will consider several ordinances including a lease for the Gary Paxton Industrial Park and supplemental appropriations for the Parks and Recreation Master Plan. Discussion also includes a resolution regarding a legal services contract for microplastics contamination claims and filling an Assembly vacancy.

• ORD 26-18: Lease of Block 4, Lot 1 of Gary Paxton Industrial Park to Northern Southeast Regional Aquaculture Association, Inc.
• RES 26-06: Legal services contract with David Grossman & Associates PLLC regarding microplastics and PFAS contamination
• ORD 26-17: Supplemental appropriations for Sitka Recreation Foundation support
• ORD 26-16: Amendment to Title 4 Sales Tax regarding security and bonds
• 26-116: Liquor license endorsements for Cold Water Bar & Grill at 330 Seward Street

The Assembly addressed several administrative items including liquor license endorsements and board appointments. New business included a supplemental appropriation for the Parks and Recreation Master Plan and an industrial park lease authorization.

• Approved June 23 meeting minutes (26-115)
• Approved two liquor license endorsement applications for Cold Water Bar & Grill (26-116)
• Appointed Maria Capezio Crookes to the Library Commission (26-117)
• Reappointed Scott Wagner to the Gary Paxton Industrial Park Board (26-117)

Planning Commission

The Sitka Planning Commission will hold a public hearing and consider a minor zoning variance request to reduce two side setbacks from 15 feet to 10 feet for a proposed boundary line adjustment at 2013 and 2015 Sawmill Creek Road. The agenda also includes routine items such as approving the June 17, 2026 meeting minutes, public comments, and the planning director's report.

• Public hearing on VAR 26-03: minor zoning variance to reduce side setbacks from 15 to 10 feet at 2013 and 2015 Sawmill Creek Road (Lot 2A and Lot 2B, U.S. Survey 3302), filed by James Penny
• Approve June 17, 2026 meeting minutes (PM 26-11)

The Sitka Planning Commission approved a minor zoning variance allowing reduced side setbacks from 15 to 10 feet at 2013 and 2015 Sawmill Creek Road, facilitating a boundary line adjustment. The motion passed 4-0, and the required findings were also adopted. The meeting also included approval of the June 17, 2026 minutes and a note that the July 15 meeting was canceled.

• Approved minor zoning variance VAR 26-03 to reduce side setbacks from 15 to 10 feet at 2013/2015 Sawmill Creek Road (4-0)
• Adopted required findings for minor variance VAR 26-03 (4-0)
• Approved June 17, 2026 meeting minutes (4-0)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will consider a minor zoning variance requested by James Penny. The request involves reducing two side setbacks from 15 feet to 10 feet for a boundary line adjustment at 2013 and 2015 Sawmill Creek Road.

• Zoning variance (VAR 26-03) for 2013 and 2015 Sawmill Creek Road
• Reduction of side setbacks from 15 feet to 10 feet

City and Borough Assembly

The Sitka Assembly will review quarterly financial and police reports, approve a supplemental budget for Secure Rural Schools, and consider zoning and tax code amendments. The body will also reappoint a member to the Investment Committee, screen candidates for Municipal Administrator in executive session, and recognize a service award.

• ORD 26-14: Supplemental appropriations for Secure Rural Schools
• ORD 26-15: Zoning amendment for the Gary Paxton special zone
• ORD 26-16: First reading on personal guaranty requirements for tax payments
• Reappointment of Bert Stedman to the Investment Committee
• Executive session to screen Municipal Administrator applicants

The Assembly approved several ordinances, including supplemental appropriations for FY 2026 Secure Rural Schools, a zoning amendment for the Gary Paxton special zone, and a finance code update. It also reappointed Bert Stedman to the Investment Committee and approved the consent agenda items. The body entered executive session to review municipal administrator applications before adjourning.

• Approved consent agenda, including minutes of June 9 meeting (unanimous 7-0)
• Reappointed Bert Stedman to a three‑year term on the Investment Committee (unanimous 7-0)
• Approved Ordinance 26-14: supplemental appropriations for FY 2026 Secure Rural Schools (unanimous 7-0)
• Approved Ordinance 26-15: amendment to Title 22 zoning for the Gary Paxton special zone (unanimous 7-0)
• Approved Ordinance 26-16: amendment to Title 4 revenue and finance code, Chapter 4.25.330 (unanimous 7-0)
• Entered executive session to screen Municipal Administrator applicants (unanimous 7-0)
• Re‑convened from executive session to regular session (unanimous consent)
• Adjourned the meeting (no objection)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold public hearings on two major items: a lot merger at 135/137 Knutson Drive and a zoning map amendment to rezone six properties on Halibut Point Road and Kimsham Street from R-1 residential to C-2 general commercial mobile home district. The commission will also consider approving meeting minutes from previous sessions.

• Public hearing on lot merger of Lots 7 and 8, Block 3, Knutson Subdivision (135/137 Knutson Drive) in R-2 district
• Public hearing on zoning map amendment to rezone 1004, 1006, 1008, 1100, 1104 Halibut Point Road and 205 Kimsham Street from R-1 to C-2
• Approval of minutes from May 6, May 20, and June 3, 2026 meetings

The Planning Commission held a public hearing on a zoning map amendment to rezone six properties from R-1 to C-2. After staff raised concerns about spot zoning and several neighbors opposed, all applicants withdrew their requests before any vote. The commission also approved a lot merger at 135/137 Knutson Drive.

• Approved final plat for lot merger at 135/137 Knutson Drive (5-0)
• Adopted findings for lot merger (5-0)
• Rezoning applications for Halibut Point Road and Kimsham Street withdrawn by applicants

Planning Commission

The Sitka Planning Commission will hold public hearings on two items: a final plat for a lot merger at 135/137 Knutson Drive and a zoning map amendment for properties on Halibut Point Road and Kimsham Street. The commission will also consider approving minutes from three prior meetings and hear public comment on non-agenda items.

• Final plat for lot merger at 135/137 Knutson Drive (Lots 7 and 8, Block 3, Knutson Subdivision) in R-2 multifamily residential district
• Zoning map amendment to rezone 1004, 1006, 1008, 1100, 1104 Halibut Point Road and 205 Kimsham Street from R-1 to C-2 general commercial mobile home district
• Approval of minutes for May 6, May 20, and June 3, 2026 meetings
• Public comment period for non-agenda items

The Sitka Planning Commission approved a final plat for a lot merger at 135/137 Knutson Drive, resolving an encroachment, and adopted the associated findings. A proposed zoning map amendment to rezone properties on Halibut Point Road and Kimsham Street from R-1 to C-2 was withdrawn by all applicants after public hearing and deliberation, with no vote taken. The commission also approved minutes from three prior meetings and discussed livestreaming future meetings and a site visit for a cannabis conditional use permit.

• Approved final plat for lot merger at 135/137 Knutson Drive (5-0)
• Adopted findings for lot merger at 135/137 Knutson Drive (5-0)
• Approved minutes for May 6, May 20, and June 3, 2026 meetings (5-0)
• Rezoning application for Halibut Point Road and Kimsham Street withdrawn by applicants

City and Borough Assembly

The Assembly holds a work session to review the Sitka Child Care Report 2026, a system executive brief, and a community survey on child care needs. No formal votes or decisions are scheduled.

• Discussion of Sitka Child Care Report 2026
• Review of Sitka Child Care System Executive Brief
• Presentation of Sitka ECC Survey results

City and Borough Assembly

The Assembly will hold first readings on two ordinances: supplemental appropriations for Secure Rural Schools and amending Title 22 zoning for the Gary Paxton Industrial Park. They will also consider awarding Fisheries Enhancement Fund grants and approving the 2026-2029 PSEA collective bargaining agreement. Consent items include approving minutes and a liquor license renewal for Cold Water Bar & Grill.

• ORD 26-14: Supplemental appropriations for fiscal year 2026 (Secure Rural Schools)
• ORD 26-15: Amending Title 22 zoning for the Gary Paxton special zone
• Award of Fisheries Enhancement Fund request for proposals
• Approve 2026-2029 Public Safety Employees Association collective bargaining agreement
• Liquor license renewal for JL Sitka dba Cold Water Bar & Grill at 330 Seward Street

The Assembly approved the 2026-2029 Public Safety Employees Association (PSEA) Collective Bargaining Agreement (6-0, Mosher absent). They also approved first readings of ordinances for supplemental appropriations from Secure Rural Schools funding and zoning amendments for the Gary Paxton special zone. Additionally, the Assembly awarded $15,631 each to three organizations from the Fisheries Enhancement Fund.

• Approved PSEA Collective Bargaining Agreement 2026-2029 (6-0)
• Approved first reading of supplemental appropriations for Secure Rural Schools (7-0)
• Approved first reading of Gary Paxton special zone zoning amendment (6-0)
• Awarded $15,631 each to Alaska Longline Fishermen's Assn, Sitka Sound Science Center, Sitka Tribe of Alaska from Fisheries Enhancement Fund (6-0)
• Approved liquor license renewal for Cold Water Bar & Grill (consent agenda)
• Approved meeting minutes of May 26 (consent agenda)

Planning Commission

The Sitka Planning Commission will hold public hearings on two conditional use permit applications: one for an accessory dwelling unit at 2011 Sawmill Creek Road and one for an assembly use at the Smokestack building at 801 Lincoln Street. The commission will decide whether to approve these permits after hearing public testimony.

• CUP 26-13: Conditional use permit for an ADU at 2011 Sawmill Creek Road (Lot 1B, Hansen-Ness Subdivision), applicant Casey Finn, owner Finn's Excavation, LLC.
• CUP 26-14: Conditional use permit for assembly use at 801 Lincoln Street (Lot 1-A, Sitka Fine Arts Campus Subdivision), applicant Roger Schmidt, owner Alaska Arts Southeast, Inc.

The Sitka Planning Commission approved two conditional use permits at its June 3, 2026 meeting. The first permit allows an accessory dwelling unit at 2011 Sawmill Creek Road, with waivers for three ADU requirements. The second permit allows assembly use in the Smokestack building at 801 Lincoln Street, with a waiver of additional parking requirements. Both motions passed 4-0 by voice vote.

• Approved conditional use permit for ADU at 2011 Sawmill Creek Road (4-0)
• Adopted findings for ADU conditional use permit (4-0)
• Waived additional parking requirements for assembly use at 801 Lincoln Street (4-0)
• Approved conditional use permit for assembly use at 801 Lincoln Street (4-0)
• Adopted findings for assembly use conditional use permit (4-0)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold public hearings and vote on two conditional use permits: an accessory dwelling unit at 2011 Sawmill Creek Road and an assembly use at 801 Lincoln Street (Smokestack building) for the Sitka Fine Arts Campus.

• CUP 26-13: ADU at 2011 Sawmill Creek Road (R-1 LDMH zone)
• CUP 26-14: Assembly use at 801 Lincoln Street (R-2 zone)
• Public hearings for both permits

The Planning Commission unanimously approved two conditional use permits. The first allowed an accessory dwelling unit at 2011 Sawmill Creek Road with waivers for being the first structure, not matching the future home, and exceeding the 800 square-foot size limit by 10 square feet. The second permit allowed assembly use in the Smokestack building at 801 Lincoln Street on the Sitka Fine Arts Campus, waiving additional parking requirements. Both permits passed 4-0.

• Approved CUP for ADU with three waivers (4-0)
• Adopted findings for ADU CUP (4-0)
• Approved CUP for assembly use at Smokestack building (4-0)
• Waived additional parking requirements for assembly use (4-0)
• Adopted findings for assembly CUP (4-0)

City and Borough Assembly

The City and Borough Assembly will hold a regular meeting to adopt final budgets for fiscal year 2027, including the General Fund, Enterprise Funds, and capital improvement plans. They will also set property tax millage rates for the upcoming year and vote on a charter amendment regarding initiative and referendum to be placed on the October 2026 ballot. Additionally, the assembly will accept the resignation of Assembly Member Timothy Pike and appoint a new member to the Local Emergency Planning Committee.

• Adopt FY2027 budgets for General Fund, Internal Service Funds, Special Revenue Funds, and Enterprise Funds
• Set millage rates for property taxes for FY2027 via RES 26-05
• Propose charter amendment on initiative and referendum (ORD 26-13) for voter approval in October 2026
• Accept resignation of Assembly Member Timothy Pike and determine procedure for filling the vacant seat
• Appoint William Spivey to a three-year term on the Local Emergency Planning Committee

The Assembly approved the FY2027 budgets for both the General Fund and Enterprise Funds, including rate increases for utilities and harbor fees. It also passed a charter amendment placing initiative and referendum changes on the October ballot by a 4-2 vote. Assembly Member Timothy Pike's resignation was accepted effective June 30, with a process for filling the vacancy set.

• Approved consent agenda (minutes, millage rates, liquor license) (6-0)
• Appointed William Spivey to Local Emergency Planning Committee (6-0)
• Approved FY2027 General Fund budget (ORD 26-11) (6-0)
• Approved FY2027 Enterprise Fund budget with rate and moorage fee increases (ORD 26-12) (6-0)
• Approved charter amendment to modify initiative/referendum section, placed on October ballot (ORD 26-13) (4-2)
• Accepted resignation of Assembly Member Timothy Pike effective June 30 (6-0)
• Set vacancy-filling procedure: advertise for letters May 29–July 8, appoint on July 14 (6-0)