Sitka City Council Meeting Summary - January 13, 2026

The City and Borough of Sitka Assembly convened on January 13, 2026, at 6:00 PM to address departmental reports, approve contracts, appoint board members, and deliberate on key community initiatives including child care and administrative continuity. The meeting featured unanimous approvals on the consent agenda and new business items, alongside significant public testimony regarding demographic shifts and the need for comprehensive child care analysis.

Consent Calendar

• The Assembly unanimously approved the minutes of the December 30 meeting, the renewal of a liquor license for American Legion Post 13, and the adoption of an alternative allocation method for the Fiscal Year 26 shared fisheries business tax program in FMA 18 Central Southeast Alaska. Vote count: 7-0.

Board, Commission, and Committee Appointments

• The Assembly unanimously reappointed Jeff Budd to the Library Commission and appointed James Rogers and Courtney Lacrone to three-year terms on the Animal Hearing Board under the category of animal keeper. Vote count: 7-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Kyle Larson expressed concern regarding demographic destabilization, specifically noting that Sitka's median age is 39 and the population under 15 is 16.1%, which is substantially less than the lower 48 states. He argued that Sitka risks becoming an unsustainable retirement community similar to Wrangell, where a quarter of the population is over 65, and that the city is losing its most valuable resource: its people.
• Leah Mason expressed perplexity and concern regarding the Sustainability Commission's recommendation to reduce the committee size and meeting frequency. She supported maintaining the current structure to address the large project currently underway, suggesting instead a revised meeting schedule similar to the Tourism Commission's nine-regular meeting format.
• Annette Evans expressed full support for Ordinance 2026-01 to fund a child care study, emphasizing the need for current data to solve affordability and availability issues, citing the recent struggle of Betty Olicent Child Care Center to maintain staffing.
• Deidri Jensen, Superintendent of the Sitka School District, spoke in favor of the child care study, highlighting the complex relationship between child care availability, teacher recruitment, and student enrollment counts.
• Lauren Wilde and Margaret Gannon expressed support for the child care study but raised concerns that the scope of community engagement meetings excludes critical partners like the Sitka Tribe of Alaska and the Center for Community Early Learning, suggesting these groups be included to ensure comprehensive data collection.

Discussion Items

• Public Works Quarterly Report (Mark TV): Provided an update stating the department is at 93% staffing with three vacant positions. The speaker noted budget spending is at 48% and projects like the High Low Dock and Net Shed are in construction. Speaker acknowledged a funding gap in the project cover sheet was previously resolved. Staff praised the streets crew's snow removal efforts and noted equipment is being utilized more routinely, leading to increased maintenance needs.
• Centennial Hall Report (Tony Harrigan): Manager Tony reported a successful public outcry auction for vendor squares and detailed recent community events. Regarding the availability of a taxi stand, Tony expressed the position that creating a specific designated spot would require taking away public parking, which has previously failed to function as intended. He stated he loves the idea of placing cabs on the curb of Harbor Drive but noted previous attempts at a designated taxi area were abused as a waiting zone rather than for drop-off/pick-up.
• Visit Sitka Services Contract (Item E): The Assembly deliberated on a professional services contract with Element Agency LLC. JJ expressed concern regarding the four-year compensation increase schedule, noting an almost $100,000 increase over the term. Katie expressed support, citing inflation and the need to recruit high-quality independent visitors. SJ clarified the funding sources are specific pools (Bed Tax and Commercial Passenger Vessel funds), not the general fund. The Assembly expressed confidence in the contractor's ability to improve the visitor mix.
• Child Care Study Ordinance (Item F): The Assembly debated Ordinance 2026-01 to fund a supplemental appropriation for a child care needs analysis conducted by Blue Scheibler. Co-sponsors emphasized that a simple cash injection is insufficient; a comprehensive framework is required due to the complexity of the issue. JJ argued that bringing diverse data (State, Tribal, Federal, and local) together is imperative for Sitka's unique island situation. Tim and Katie discussed the need to include additional partners (like the Sitka Tribe of Alaska) in the study's scope, with John Leach committing to verify if this can be absorbed within the current scope or if minor adjustments are needed. The Assembly expressed strong support for the study as a necessary precursor to any funding solution.
• City Administrator Contract Extension (Item G): The Assembly discussed a sixth amendment to extend John Leach's contract until December 2026 and adjust his salary. The extension was initiated by the Assembly to ensure project continuity during the search for a permanent administrator. JJ expressed support, noting Leach's project-oriented nature and integrity. S. S. noted the salary adjustment reflects a comparative compensation study to ensure market competitiveness. Katie expressed strong support, citing the importance of maintaining morale and service delivery during the transition. Tim clarified that the search for a new administrator will not slow down despite the extension.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously (7-0).
• Appointments: Jeff Budd reappointed; James Rogers and Courtney Lacrone appointed; motion passed unanimously (7-0).
• Contract Approval: Approved the professional services contract between the City of Sitka and Element Agency LLC for Visit Sitka services; motion passed unanimously (7-0).
• Ordinance Adoption: Approved Ordinance 2026-01 on first reading to fund the child care study; motion passed unanimously (7-0). Second reading scheduled for January 27.
• Contract Extension: Approved the sixth amendment to John Leach's employment agreement, extending his term to December 2026 with a salary adjustment; motion passed unanimously (7-0).
• Reports: The Clerk announced that several boards and commissions (including Animal Hearing Board, Building Department Appeals Board, Health Needs and Human Services, Historic Preservation, Investment Committee, Library Commission, Local Emergency Planning Committee, Parks and Rec, Police and Fire, and Sustainability) currently lack quorum or are unable to meet due to insufficient members. The Clerk also announced the Code Rewrite Project will move to a new platform in late February.