Sitka Assembly agenda includes closed session to screen administrator applicants

The Sitka Assembly will screen applicants for Municipal Administrator in a closed executive session Tuesday, June 23, at its regular meeting beginning at 6 p.m. in Assembly Chambers, 330 Harbor Drive.

The agenda lists John Leach as the current Municipal Administrator. The Municipal Administrator serves as the city's chief administrative and executive officer, responsible for day-to-day operations and the municipal budget.

Personnel screening is among the limited exceptions Alaska's Open Meetings Act permits for closed sessions. State policy holds that governmental bodies exist to conduct the people's business openly, but applicant review is one area where confidentiality is allowed.

The executive session is item 26-114 on a broader regular meeting agenda. Other business includes second readings of two ordinances: supplemental appropriations for fiscal year 2026 tied to Secure Rural Schools (ORD 26-14) and amendments to Title 22 zoning code for the Gary Paxton special zone (ORD 26-15). A first reading of a sales tax ordinance (ORD 26-16) is also on the agenda. No public appointment vote related to the Municipal Administrator search appears on the June 23 agenda.

The Assembly consists of the mayor and six Assembly members and governs the City and Borough of Sitka.