Sitka Assembly Tackles Budget Items, Industrial Park Leases; Planning Commission Sets Land-Use Hearings
The Sitka City and Borough Assembly had a busy late July, with a work session on child care and a regular meeting covering supplemental budgets, industrial park leases, and the search for a new municipal administrator. Minutes for these meetings have not yet been published, so outcomes are not yet confirmed.
Assembly Reviews Child Care System
On July 21, the Assembly held a work session focused on Sitka's child care system. Members were scheduled to review several documents, including 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 centered on the current state of child care in Sitka and associated costs. Minutes from this session are not yet available.
Assembly Considers Budget Appropriations and Industrial Park Leases
The Assembly's July 28 regular meeting included several new business items with financial and economic implications:
- **ORD 26-17**: Supplemental appropriations for FY2027 for additional Sitka Recreation Foundation support tied to the Parks and Recreation Master Plan.
- **ORD 26-18**: Authorizing a lease of Block 4, Lot 1 at Gary Paxton Industrial Park to the Northern Southeast Regional Aquaculture Association.
- **ORD 26-19**: Supplemental appropriations for FY2027 for a fee waiver at Harrigan Centennial Hall.
- **26-127**: Approval of a Request for Proposal for a long-term lease of Lot 16B at Gary Paxton Industrial Park for private sector development.
- **26-128**: Approval of a Request for Proposal for a long-term lease of a portion of Lot 6 at Gary Paxton Industrial Park for marine vessel and marine services.
The Assembly was also set to discuss next steps for recruiting a new municipal administrator. The consent agenda included approval of previous meeting minutes. Because minutes have not been published, vote tallies and final outcomes for these items are not yet confirmed.
Planning Commission Meetings Yield Few Details
The Planning Commission met twice in late July. The July 28 agenda listed a single item, "ZA 26-02 TEST," with no further detail provided. The July 30 meeting was described as routine, with no substantive agenda items beyond agenda approval, minutes, and public comment. No zoning, contract, or ordinance decisions were listed. Minutes for both meetings are not yet published.
Coming Up
The Planning Commission will hold public hearings on August 5 on three land-use matters:
- A zoning variance to reduce the front setback from 14 to 8 feet at 414 Marine Street.
- A lot merger and property line adjustment at 1515, 1533, 1535, 1537, 1545, and 1547 Sawmill Creek Road.
- A preliminary plat for a minor subdivision creating two lots at 1211 Sawmill Creek Road.
These hearings will determine how land is divided and used at the listed addresses. Residents affected by or interested in these properties may want to attend or submit comment.