HomeMy WebLinkAbout04302008 Historic Preservation PacketSeward Historic Preservation
Commission
Regular Meetin
April 30, 2008
Regular Meeting
City Council Chambers Beginning at 6:30 pm
Seward Historic Preservation Commission
Regular Meeting
April 30, 2008 6.•30 p. m. Ciry Council Chambers
Shannon Kovac
Chair
Term Expires OS/10
Tom Swann
Vice-Chair
Term Expires OS/10
John French
Commissioner
Term Expires OS/08
Greg Carpenter
Commissioner
Term Expires S/09
Jolund Luther
Commissioner
Term Expires OS/08
Linda Lasota
Commissioner
Term Expires 05/09
Doug Capra
Commissioner
Term Expires 5/09
Phillip Oates
City Manager
Bob Hicks
Community Development
Director
Donna Glenz
Planning Assistant
Anne Bailey
Executive Liaison
1. Call to Order
2. Opening Ceremony
A. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Roll Call
4. Special Reports
A. City Administration Report
B. Other Reports, Announcements & Presentations
1. Friends of the Jesse Lee Home update-Swann
2. Website Updates -Luther
3. Hoben Park -Karin Sturdy
4. Doug Capra -Alaska Historical Society
5. Citizens' Comments on Agenda Items Not Scheduled for
Public Hearing and Other Items Not Included on the
Agenda. [Those who have signed in will be given the first
opportunity to speak. Time is limited to 2 minutes per
speaker and 30 minutes total time for this agenda item]
6. Approval of Agenda and Consent Agenda. [Approval of
Consent Agenda passes all routine items indicated by asterisk
(*). Consent Agenda items are not considered separately
unless a Commissioner so requests. In the event of such a
request, the item is returned to the Regular Agenda. J
Historic Preservation Commission Regular Meeting Agenda
April 30, 2008 Page 1
7. Public Hearings [Limit comments to S minutes. Those who have signed in will be given the
first opportunity to speak] -None
8. Unfmished Business -None
9. New Business
A. May Fireside Chat Discussion ....................................................................... Page 3
B. Discuss the 2009 Statehood Celebration .............................................Page 6
C. Resolution 2008-04 of the Seward Historic Preservation Commission Supporting the
Alaska Statehood Experience Grant Application Entitled Seward, Gateway to Alaska:
Journey to Statehood and Beyond ..................................................................................Page 7
D. Approve the 2008 Annual Seward Historic Preservation Award Proclamation for
Lee Poleske ....................................................................................Page 11
* E. March 19, 2008 Regular Historic Preservation Minutes .............................. Page 15
10. Informational Items and Reports (No action required) -
A. A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Seward, Alaska, Authorizing the City
Manager to Execute a Grant Agreement Between the State of Alaska and the City of
Seward for the Purpose of Contracting with a Consultant to Perform the Jesse Lee Home
Rehabilitation Project, Phase II and Appropriating $1 Million from State FundsPage20
B. List of Upcoming Events ............................................................................. Page 26
11. Commission Comments
12. Citizens' Comments [Limit to S minutes per individual -Each individual has one
opportunity to speak]
13. Commissions and Administration Response to Citizens' Comments
14. Adjournment
Historic Preservation Commission
April 30, 2008
Regular Meeting Agenda
Page 2
2
Historic Preservation Memo
Meeting Date: April 30, 2008
Through: Community Development Director Bob Hicks
From: Executive Liaison Anne Bailey
Agenda Item: Discuss the May Fireside Chat
BACKGROUND & JUSTIFICATION:
At the April 9, 2008 Historic Preservation Work Session the Commissioners discussed the May
16, 2008 Fireside Chat. By general consensus, the Board decided Territory to Statehood: A
Personal Perspective would be the title of the chat and they designated Commissioners duties and
responsibilities. Attached are the 4-9-2008 Fireside Chat Work Session notes and a draft of the
advertisement for the Commissions review.
The Commission had sent Senator Steven's a letter inviting him to attend the May Fireside Chat
as the keynote speaker. The City has not received a response from Steven's office at this time.
Commissioner French has booked Legend's for the evening of May 16, 2008, which may change
pending Steven's answer.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the Commission discuss the May Fireside Chat.
3
Fireside Chat Work Session
4-9-2008 at 6:30 p.m.
May Fireside Chat
• Title- Territory to Statehood: A Personal Perspective
• Date- May 16, 2008 7:00-9:00 p.m.
• Venue- Legends or Rae Building (pending if Senator Steven's is able to
attend)
• Moderator- Bob Hicks (French will ask)
• Speaker- Senator Steven's has been invited and Phillip Oates will call
Senator Stevens office to confirm if he is able to attend or not
• Presentation- Invite Lee Poleske to do a short presentation and read the
newspaper that was printed that day (Kovac)
• Refreshments- Swann, Lasota and Capra
• Advertising- City Calendar, Chamber of Commerce, Senior Center, GCI,
The Log, Seward City News
• Panel- encourage/invite people who have lived here during Statehood and
ask them how they were affected; their thoughts; if Eisenhower was their
hero... This will occur if Senator Stevens is unable to attend- A List has been
provided by Mary Daniel from the Pioneers of people who were here at that
time (Luther will contact)
• Videoing- 2 cameras (Luther and Carpenter)
• Logistics- French if it is in Legends and Lasota if it is in the Rae Building
• Questions- Commissioners may want to create a list of questions that may be
used during the chat
4
MEMORANDUM
Historic Preservation Commission
Date: April 30, 2008
To: Historic Preservation Commission
Through: Bob Hicks, Community Development Director
From: Anne Bailey, Executive Liaison
Subject: Discuss 2009 Statehood Celebration
The Rasmuson Foundation in partnership with the Alaska Humanities Forum is seeking
proposals from Alaskan communities to develop projects and programs in celebration of
Alaska's Statehood Experience. The Seward Mural Society, the Resurrection Bay
Historical Society, the Seward Community Library, the City of Seward and members of
the public have met over the past couple of months to develop a plan for the grant
proposal.
The proposal includes a community mural project, development of aself-guided walking
tour, production of a one-act play and a lecture series. These activities will be showcased
and presented at the Sewazd Statehood Symposium in May 2009 should the proposal be
successful.
The Commission should decide if they would like to host a portion of the 2009 Statehood
Celebration and appoint a Commissioner as the Historic Preservation Commission
representative.
6
Sponsored by: Staff
CITY OF 5EWARD, ALASKA
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
RESOLUTION 2008-04
A RESOLUTION OF THE SEWARD HISTORIC PRESERVATION
COMMISSION, SUPPORTING THE ALASKA STATEHOOD EXPERIENCE
GRANT APPLICATION ENTITLED SEWARD, GATEWAY TO ALASKA:
JOURNEY TO STATEHOOD AND BEYOND
WHEREAS, Alaska will celebrate the 50"' Anniversary of Statehood during 2009; and
WHEREAS, Rasmuson Foundation in partnership with the Alaska Humanities Forum is
seeking proposals for projects and programming to reflect Alaska's Statehood Experience; and
WHEREAS, the Seward Mural Society, the Resurrection Bay Historical Society, the Seward
Community Library, the City of Seward and members of the public are working together to create a
statehood celebration that showcases Seward's place in Alaska's journey to statehood through visual
and performing arts entitled Seward, Gateway to Alaska: Tourney to Statehood and Beyond.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Seward Historic Preservation Commission
that:
Section 1. The Seward Historic Preservation Commission supports the Alaska Statehood
Experience Grant application entitled Seward, Gateway to Alaska: Journey to Statehood and Beyond.
Section 2. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption.
PASSED AND APPROVED by the Seward Historic Preservation Commission this 30"' day of
Apri12008.
THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
Shannon Kovac, Chair
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Seward Historic Preservation Commission
Resolution 2008-O1
Page 2 o f 2
ABSTAIN:
ATTEST:
Jean Lewis, CMC
City Clerk,
(City Seal)
Historic Preservation
Agenda Statement
Meeting Date: Apri130, 2008
From: Executive Liaison Anne Bailey
Through: Community Development Director Bob Hicks
Agenda Item: Resolution 2008-04, Supporting the Alaska
Statehood Experience Grant Application Entitled
Seward, Gateway to Alaska: Joumey to Statehood
and Beyond
BACKGROUND & JUSTIFICATION:
The Rasmuson Foundation in partnership with the Alaska Humanities Forum is seeking
proposals from Alaskan communities to develop projects and programs in celebration of Alaska's
Statehood Experience. A community group has met to develop a plan for the grant proposal and
seeks the Historic Preservation Commission's support of the grant application.
The group has created a grant proposal and entitled the proposal Sewazd, Gateway to Alaska:
Journey to Statehood and Beyond. This proposal seeks to tell Sewazd's story as the Gateway to
Alaska through visual and performing arts public presentations and create products that can be
archived for historical purposes. This proposal is a collaborative effort of the Seward Mural Society,
the Resurrection Bay Historical Society, the Seward Community Library, the City of Seward and
members of the public.
The proposal includes a community mural project, development of aself-guided walking tour
and production of a one-act play. These activities will be showcased and presented at the Seward
Statehood Symposium in May 2009 should the proposal by successful.
The Seward Statehood Symposium will also consist of a lecture series, similar to the Fireside
Chats, that the Seward Historic Preservation Commission maybe interested in hosting.
INTENT:
Seek support for submission of a proposal to Alaska Humanities Forum-Alaska's Statehood
Experience Grant Program 2008.
Where applicable, this resolution is consistent with the Seward City Code, Charter,
Comprehensive Plans, Land Use Plans, Strategic Plan and City Council Rules of Procedures.
9
FISCAL NOTE: Not applicable
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve Resolution 2008-04 Supporting the Alaska Statehood Experience Grant Application
Entitled Seward, Gateway to Seward: Journey to Statehood and Beyond.
10
MEMORANDUM
Historic Preservation Commission
Date:
To:
Through:
From:
Subject:
Apri130, 2008
Historic Preservation Commission
Community Development Director Bob Hicks
Executive Liaison Anne Bailey
Approve the 2008 Annual Seward Historic Preservation Award
Proclamation for Lee Poleske
The Historic Preservation Commission annually awards the Seward Historic Preservation
Award. At the March 19, 2008 meeting, the Commission awarded the 2008 Historic
Preservation award to Lee Poleske. Attached is the Proclamation for the Commissions
review and information about Mr. Poleske provided by Coleen Kelly.
If the Commission approves the Proclamation it will be presented to Mr. Poleske during
Historic Preservation Month at the May 12, 2008 City Council Meeting.
11
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, the Seward City Council established the annual Seward Historic Preservation
Award in order to recognize the contributions made by dedicated individuals to preserve the tangible
aspects ofSeward's heritage; and
WHEREAS, the Seward Historic Preservation Commission has chosen Lee Poleske as a 2008
Seward Historic Preservation Award recipient; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Poleske has been an active member of the Resurrection Bay Historical Society
since 1967, and president of the Society for over 35 years; and
WHEREAS, in the early 1970's Mr. Poleske created the Resurrection Bay Historical Society
newsletter and in 1989 accepted the Newsletter Award from the Alaska Historical Society; and
WHEREAS, he has been the Director and President of the Seward Museum as a volunteer since
the1970s; and
WHEREAS, in 1977 he initiated the fast annual Library Photography Contest which includes an
Alaska Past and Present category; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Poleske has been a member ofthelditarod Trail Blazers organization since its
inception in 1981; and
WHEREAS, in 1989 Mr. Poleske orchestrated moving the Seward Museum from the basement of
City Hall to its current location on Third Avenue, and he has applied for and been awarded numerous
grants in order to improve the Seward Museum; and
WHEREAS, he served on the Alaska Gold Rush Centennial Commission; and
WHEREAS, he was awarded the 1998 Seward Historic Preservation Award; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Poleske is a member of the Seward Community Library Museum Steering
Committee; and
12
WHEREAS, in 2007 the Alaska Historical Society and Museums Alaska awarded Mr. Poleske
with the Volunteer of the Year for the Year for the State of Alaska; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Poleske is always willing to share his knowledge ofSeward's history with locals
and visitors and has assisted numerous researchers and writers of articles and books about Seward,•
and
WHEREAS, Mr. Poleske continues to document Seward's history and be known as ' `Mr. Seward
Museum. "
NOW, THEREFORE, 1, Clark Corbridge, Mayor of the City of Seward Alaska, do hereby award
the 2008 Seward Historic Preservation Award to
Lee Poleske
and urge all citizens to show their gratitude for his contributions to preserving this community's
history.
Dated this 12`n day of May, 2008.
THE CITY OF.SEWARD, ALASKA
Clark Corbridge, Mayor
13
Information Provided by Colleen Kelly
Lee Poleske is a prime candidate for the Museums Alaska Volunteer of the Year award. For four
decades, he's been a member of the Resurrection Bay Historical Society, which operates the Seward
Museum. During that time he has come to be known as "Mr. Seward Museum." His dedication to
museum operations is unsurpassed and all of his work is done on a volunteer basis. He's been described
as "loyal and dependable with a dispassionate passion." The community benefits greatly from Lee's
devotion to local history.
Not long after moving to the earthquake-stricken town of Seward in 1964 to accept a teaching
job, Lee joined the nascent Resurrection Bay Historical Society. He was first elected to the board of
directors in 1968 and now serves as the organization's president. In the early 1970s, Lee took on the task
of creating a newsletter and in 1989 accepted the Newsletter Award from the Alaska Historical Society.
He faithfully continues production of the RBHS newsletter that members look forward to receiving
several times a year.
After retiring from teaching in 1990, Lee took a very active role in museum operations. In the
ensuing yeazs, his volunteer work has assumed a critical function. In fact when he fell ill in the summer of
2004, there was a sense of panic. Who knew how to run the museum? Members visited him in the
hospital, seeking his direction on a variety of topics: everything from paying bills to scheduling the
summer staff. The Historical Society dreads that inevitable day when Lee finally steps aside. There won't
be enough money to pay someone to assume his duties. With that in mind, Resurrection Bay Historical
Society is joining forces with the city-operated library to make plans for a combined museum-library
facility. Lee is a member of the steering committee, which has acquired a building site, and is now
finalizing a building design and raising construction funds.
Lee serves not only as curator and director of the Seward Museum, he is the "glue" that holds the
facility together. No job is too big or too small. If the foyer needs painting, he'll do it. If the carpet has a
dirty spot, he's right on it. During the museum's off-season (mid-September through April), he'll stop by
on a daily basis, doing everything from checking the answering machine to changing exhibits and
creating new interpretive signs. Every weekend Lee opens the museum and keeps busy with cataloging
and archiving work while waiting for visitors to stop by. It's almost afull-time job.
When spring rolls around, he leads tours for school groups, and begins preparations for the tourist
season by sending out museum brochures and complimentary tickets to bed-and-breakfast operators.
Although he cuts back on his volunteer hours in the summer when the front desk is staffed with
paid help, Poleske will check in every day and continues to pull weekend duty. Three nights a week he
presents slide shows to museum visitors. Meshing his memberships in the Historical Society and the
Iditarod Trailblazers, Poleske's programs cover the history of Seward and the Iditarod Trail.
Some of his extra-duty projects relate to his role as historian - of both the community and the
historical society. He was interviewed for the 2003 Seward Centennial video and he served on the
Centennial Committee. He's creating a chronology of Seward history keyed around certain events and
construction of various buildings. And you'll always see Lee with a camera around his neck, recording
history as it happens. Some of these photos appear in museum exhibits.
Lee is always clipping from newspapers to add to the Obituary Index, which now contains more
than 2,600 obituaries of people who have lived and/or died in Sewazd. For two years he's led people on a
Summer Solstice Cemetery Tour, during which he points out selected gravesites while reading from that
person's obituary. Participants learn about the lives of the famous and not-so-famous who have called
Seward home.
In the fall of 1998, the Seward Museum participated in the American Association of Museums'
assessment program. The assessment report noted Poleske's important role and also said: "The glowing
comments in the guest register attest to Resurrection Bay Historical Society's success in creating an
engaging and accessible experience of the authentic local history of Seward and the Resurrection Bay
area."
Lee has a hand in all of it and we in Seward think he deserves to be recognized for it.
14
City of Seward, Alaska Historic Preservation Commission Minutes
March 19, 2008 Volume 2, Page 93
Call to Order
The March 19, 2008 regular meeting of the Seward Historic Preservation Commission was
called to order at 6:33p.m. by Chair Shannon Kovac.
Opening Ceremony
Commissioner Luther led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
Roll Call
There were present: Chair Shannon Kovac presiding,
Linda Lasota Jolund Luther
Doug Capra Tom Swann
comprising a quorum of the Commission; and
Donna Glenz, Planning
Anne Bailey, Executive
Absent were: Greg Carpenter-
Special Reports
City Administration Report
John French
Donna Glenz reported on the following items:
• Bob Hicks was ill and Glenz would act as staff.
• Welcomed Kovac back-to the Commission.
• An Alaska Statehood Experience Grant discussion occurred and the chosen topic was Seward
1
Other Reports, Announcements & Presentations-
Friends of the Jesse Lee Home Update-Swann
Gateway to A askak; oumey to Statehood and Beyond. The next discussion would take place
on March 26, ~2;t~0~ at noon in the library.
• The State of~Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities would hold a public
meeting at Legend's on March 26, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. to discuss planned improvements and
potential environmental impacts on the Seward Airport.
• City Offices would be closed on March 31, 2008.
15
City of Seward, Alaska Historic Preservation Commission Minutes
March 19, 2008 Volume 2, Page 94
Swann stated he had nothing new to add.
Website Updates- Capra
Capra stated that Luther would be in charge of this since he knows the website code.
Luther explained he had submitted some more changes to Josh Estes and he needed guidance
from the Commission in regards to the graphics.
Capra suggested changing the basic things and hold a Work Session to discuss the final
vision of the website. He recommended the Commission look at the Alaska Historical Website for
some ideas.
Hoben Park- Karin Sturdy
Glenz stated the RFP for the fountain had been completed, the Council Resolution accepting
Larry Harmon's bid had been provided as a lay down and would go before Council on March 24,
2008 and Sturdy had worked with SHPO on finding Section 106 information. Glenz explained that
Sturdy was in communication with the SeaLife Center regarding a request for money to assist in the
maintenance of the fountain and hoped an agreement would be met.
In response to Kovac, Glenz stated she could consult with Sturdy and help with Section 106.
She explained staff did not have a Section 106 to model after and Doug Gasek approved the fountain
design and gave permission tacmove forward.
In response to Lasota, Glenz stated she did not know if sign placement was included in the
SeaLife contract.
In response to French, Lasota stated the Hoben park interpretive panel would be moved from
outside to inside.
Glenz interjected that discussion in regards to the handicap parking signs had also taken place
and she would research this issue and report back to the Commission.
Alaska Historical Society- Capra
Capra provided the Alaska History News as a lay down and encouraged the Commissioners
to join the Alaska Historical Society. He discussed the upcoming Historical Society Conference.
In response to Glenz, Capra stated the conference would be held from October 16-18, 2008.
Citizens' Comments on Any Subject Except Those Items Scheduled For Public Hearing-None
16
City of Seward, Alaska Historic Preservation Commission Minutes
March 19, 2008 Volume 2, Page 95
Approval of Agenda and Consent Agenda
Motion (Capra/Swann) Approve the Agenda and Consent Agenda
Motion Passed
Unanimous Consent
The following items were approved under the Consent Agenda:
February 20, 2008 Historic Preservation Regular Meeting Mi
Public Hearing -None
Unfmished Business-
Fireside Chat Update
Capra referred to the Fireside Chat Work Session notes in the packet. He confirmed Legend's
as the location, discussed the panel and suggested making arrangements for rides for folks attending.
The Commission discussed the logisla~s, presentations, refreshments, fihning and advertising
in great detail. ;~
Fw
Glenz asked if the Pioneers had been
personal invite.
the American Legion be sent a
The Commission discussed in fiuther detail the logistics for the March Fireside Chat.
Luther volunteered to invite the Council Members to attend at the March 24, 2008 Council
Meeting.
French stated City Manager Oates thought it was a great idea to invite Senator Steven's for
the May Fireside Chat, French' had provided a Historic Preservation update to Counci] and a letter to
invite Steven'shad been drafted and was given to administration for review.
Lasota offered t3,2e Seward Marine Center as the venue for the May Fireside Chat.
~~~.
New Business-
Discuss the April 16, 2008 Regular Meeting
Kovac stated she would be unable to attend the April 16, 2008 meeting and she suggested the
Commission either hold their meeting as usual or change the date.
17
City of Seward, Alaska Historic Preservation Commission Minutes
March 19, 2008 i~olume 2, Page 96
The Commission discussed possible dates for the April Regular Meeting.
By general consensus, the Commission changed the April 16, 2008 to April 30, 2008 at 6:30
p.m. _
2008 Historic Preservation Award Nomination
Glenn stated one nomination had been submitted from two ii
packet. Glenn recommended a Commissioner make a motion for the
stated the Commission did not submit a nomination this year.
Motion (LutherlCapra)
Select Lee Poleske as`
Preservation Annual A
Capra mentioned Lee Poleske had previously received the award but he
deserved it and did not have a problem renaming people if they continued to conl
Luther stated he was in favor of nominating and giving the award to Poleske.
Motion Passed
Unanimous
~~ ,
~_ ,,
May 20, 2008 Joint Work Session with
Historic District
Poleske
Commission to Discuss the
Glenn stated the Historic District Discussion had been discussed at Planning and Zoning and
Historic Preservation meetings several times. She clarified that Seward had two historic districts and
stated she was unclear on the intent of the Commissions. She asked the Commission for clarification
on what they Commissions wanted to accomplish. She stated the Planning and Zoning Commission
had selected May 24 2008 as the Historic District joint work Session with Historic Preservation
work session.
district information be provided to the Commissions before the
The Commission discussed in great detail the historic district and what they would like to
discuss at the work session.
Commissioners had requested an expert on historical districts attend the work session.
By general consensus, the Commission agreed to the May 20, 2008 joint work session with
Planning and Zoning at 6:30 p.m.
Informational Items - (No action required) -
was found in the
'recognized. She
2008 Historic
18
Ciry of Seward, Alaska Historic Preservation Commission Minutes
March 19, 2008 Volume 2, Page 97
Historic Preservation Commissions in Alaska- Alaska Certified Local Governments 2008
Directory
Commission Comments-
Luther gave an overview of what was discussed at the Alaska Statehood Grant Experience
Work Session.
Commissions and Administration Response to Citizens' Comments- None
The meeting was adjourned at 7:31p.m.
Acme Bailey
Executive Liaison
(City Seal)
Shannon Kovac, Chair
19
Sponsored by: Oates
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2008-
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD,
ALASKA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ACCEPT A $1
MILLION STATE GRANT FOR THE IMMEDIATE STABALIZATION
OF THE JESSE LEE HOME AND ADMINISTERING A PHASE II
STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING REPORT FOR THE FRIENDS OF THE
JESSE LEE HOME
WHEREAS, resolution 2005-66 recognized the Jesse Lee Home as a historical landmark
for the State of Alaska and the City of Seward, and recognized the restoration of the Jesse Lee
Home as a City priority, and directed the city manager or his designee to support the Historic
Preservation Commission to develop relationships with private, state and federal organizations to
further pursue the preservation and restoration of the Jesse Lee Home; and
WHEREAS, resolution 2005-83 supported the use of the Jesse Lee Home as an
educational institution and directed the city manager or his designee to support the Historic
Preservation Commission to apply for a grant or grants intended to develop a feasibility study
and continue to pursue relationships with private, state and federal organization's; and
WHEREAS, the City of Seward approved resolution 2006-119 recognizing the Friends
of the Jesse Lee Home (Friends) as a statewide interest group and project partner dedicated to the
restoration of the Jesse Lee Home as a statewide leadership school; and
WHEREAS, Resolution 2006-119 directed the city manager to support the Friends in
seeking private grants and/or the funding for the Jesse Lee Home and support the Friends to
assure the success of this partnership; and
WHEREAS, in 2007, the Friends of the Jesse Lee Home secured a state grant of $1
million for the purpose of immediate stabilization of the Jesse Lee Home; and
WHEREAS, the State of Alaska has appropriated grant funds to the Department of
Natural Resources totaling $1 million; and
WHEREAS, the Friends have requested the City of Seward advertise, award and
administer a contract to secure services from a professional to prepare the phase II engineering
report; and
20
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2008-
WHEREAS, this report will recommend appropriate strategies for the rehabilitation,
development and management of the Home in a manner that recognized the Jesse Lee Home's
historical significance; and
WHEREAS, the report will help outline the most immediate structural needs, prioritize
the highest priorities and provide recommendations for immediate stabilization to the Friends of
the Jesse Lee Home and the City of Seward; and
WHEREAS, the remaining funding will be used to stabilize the Jesse Lee Home until
additional funds are secured.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA, that:
Section 1. The city manager is authorized to accept a grant from the State of Alaska.
Section 2. The city manager is authorized to accept grant funds totaling $1 million to the
Jesse Lee Home Rehabilitation Fund account no. 271-2719-4680-0200.
Section 3. The city manager is authorized to execute an RFP for a Phase II structures
report to help outline the most immediate structural needs, prioritize the highest priorities and
provide recommendations for immediate stabilization for the Friends of the Jesse Lee Home.
Section 4. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption.
PASSED AND APPROVED by the City Council of the City of Seward, Alaska, this
28th day of April, 2008.
THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
Clark Corbridge, Mayor
AYES:
21
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
ATTEST:
Jean Lewis
City Clerk, CMC
(City Seal)
22
Council Agenda Statement
Meeting Date: April 28, 2008
Through: Phillip Oates, City Manager
Agenda Item: Authorizing the city manager to accept a $1 Million grant from the Alaska
Department of Natural Resources and authorizing the city manager to execute
an RFP for a Phase II structures report to help outline the most immediate
structural needs prioritize the highest priorities and provide recommendations
for immediate stabilization for the Friends of the Jesse Lee Home.
BACKGROUND & JUSTIFICATION:
The Friends of the Jesse Lee Home (Friends) are a statewide special interest group dedicated to
the preservation of the Jesse Lee Home for a worthy sustainable end use. The Friends have
embraced a leadership charter school as their preferred alternative use for the facility, and are
actively lobbying for funds and seeking grants to fulfill their plans.
The Jesse Lee Home buildings are national treasures. They are listed individually on the National
Register of Historic Places. The National Trust for Historic Preservation found the buildings,
their history and the proposed use to be compelling enough to award a nationally competitive pre-
development grant. The Friends secured a $1 Million grant from the State of Alaska in 2007 and
are expecting another $1 Million grant from the State of Alaska in 2008. The Friends have an
active capital campaign where they are raising additional private and corporate funds; in addition
to seeking grants and historic preservation tax credits to complete the end goal of fully restoring
the property.
The Friends propose to restore the facilities to their best and highest use, as a residential,
statewide leadership charter school for high-school aged youth. Students from across the state
will come to stay at the Jesse Lee Home to study with local day students in Alaska's only
residential charter school, learning through competency-based educational techniques about
leadership, democracy, sciences, mathematics, politics, technology and the humanities at the same
time as they learn about what makes Alaska work: hands-on skills such as plumbing, welding,
computer repair, home-building and healthcare.
This leadership charter school will be a state of the art, innovative education model customized
for our state's greatest needs. The Jesse Lee Home leadership charter school will provide a
critical component of Alaska's education ensuring a secure future for our state. This charter
school will not only instill leadership skills, it will also instill a sense of experiential learning and
democratic education to specifically foster the future leaders of the State of Alaska.
The goal is that upon graduation from the Jesse Lee program, these students will be
technologically fluent, self-motivated, committed to lifelong learning and have a strong sense of
responsibility. They will then go back home and share their experiences with their communities.
It is hoped that students will foster lifelong relationships with their Jesse Lee Home peers. They
will grow up to be leaders in their communities, able to address complex issues capably and
empathetically across the traditional divides of race, gender and class.
23
Economic Benefits to the Community:
The Jesse Lee Home is physically located in Seward, Alaska. The Friends of the Jesse Lee Home
(Friends) expect that students from the ten rural and urban school districts using the Re-Inventing
Schools Coalition (RISC) approach will be interested in semester-long, cross-district cohorts. The
Friends believe that students from across the state will compete for regional corporation
scholarships to cover their room and board costs for semester or year-long stays. The Friends also
believe that the home-school population of Seward is a potential day school cohort and is
collaborating with the public high school to create a partnership effort in conjunction with the
Kenai Peninsula school district.
Charter schools are affecting community economic development (CED) in three major ways.
First, there is growing evidence that an increasing number of community-based organizations are
starting charter schools to expand their current services. Second, as neighborhood schools
improve, families are less likely to move once they have children. Finally, with respect to real
estate development, charter schools often purchase or lease vacant, dilapidated buildings, long
viewed as eyesores, and renovate them into state-of--the-art new schools and even community
centers.
Charter schools have a direct impact on community development as they help turn rundown,
unused structures into renovated school buildings. Charter schools are generally welcome to
communities and are positive additions to their neighborhoods. The Jesse Lee home is a
cherished landmark and a fully restored facility will allow the community to treasure their historic
landmark. Furthermore, the Jesse Lee Home will become the gem of the state, where Alaskan
leaders teach students to become the future leaders of our great state.
City of Seward Historical Support:
In 2005, Resolution 2005-66 recognized the Jesse Lee Home as a historical landmark for the State of
Alaska and the City of Seward, and recognized the restoration of the Jesse Lee Home as a City
priority, and directed the city manager or his designee to support the Historic Preservation
Commission to develop relationships with private, state and federal organizations to further pursue
the preservation and restoration of the Jesse Lee Home. Again, in 2005, Resolution 2005-83
supported the use of the Jesse Lee Home as an educational institution and directed the city manager or
his designee to support the Historic Preservation Commission to apply for a grant or grants intended
to develop a feasibility study and continue to pursue relationships with private, state and federal
organizations.
In 2006, the City of Seward approved resolution 2006-119 recognizing the Friends of the Jesse Lee
Home (Friends) as a statewide interest group and project partner dedicated to the restoration of the
Jesse Lee Home as a statewide leadership school. Again, in 2006, Resolution 2006-119 directed the
city manager to support the Friends in seeking private grants and/or the funding for the Jesse Lee
Home and support the Friends to assure the success of this partnership.
In 2007, the Friends of the Jesse Lee Home secured a state grant of $IMillion for the purpose of
immediate stabilizing of the Jesse Lee Home. The State of Alaska has appropriated grant funds to the
Department of Natural Resources totaling $1 Million.
The Friends of the Jesse Lee Home have created bylaws and articles of incorporation to create a non-
profit, 501(c)3. This status is still pending state approval. Until they receive this status, the Friends
are not a legal entity and are not able to administer the $1 Million for a structures report or immediate
24
stabilization. Due to the fragile state of the Jesse Lee Home structures, the Friends are concerned that
time is of the essence. The Friends would like to update the structures report that was administered
by the City of Seward in 2003 to obtain a professional recommendation for the immediate
stabilization of the structures and have asked the City of Seward to assist them in this effort. The
Friends are able to provide administrative assistance to help facilitate the request for proposal and the
City will not incur any costs other than some in-kind staff time.
The Friends have requested the City of Seward advertise, award and administer a contract to secure
services from a professional to prepare the phase II engineering report. The $1 Million grant will
cover all costs to the City. Attached is a Friends of the Jesse Lee Home Background summary report
for additional information about the project.
CONSISTENCY CHECKLIST:
Where applicable, this resolution is consistent with the Seward City Code, Charter, Comprehensive
Plans, Land Use Plans, Strategic Plan and City Council Rules of Procedures.
FISCAL NOTE: There is no cost to the City of extending this contract other than some in-kind
staff assistance.
RECOMMENDATION: Seward City Council approve Resolution 2008- _ authorizing the
city manager to accept a $1 Million grant from the Alaska Department of Natural Resources
and authorizing the city manager to execute an RFP for a Phase II structures report to help outline
the most immediate structural needs, prioritize the highest priorities and provide recommendations
for immediate stabilization for the Friends of the Jesse Lee Home.
25
Upcoming .Events
- May 3, 2008
• Alaska SeaLife Center Anniversary
• Super Saturday Clean-up from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- May 5, 2008
• Sales Tax Cap Work Session at 7:00 p.m.
- May 7, 2008
• International Building, Mechanical, Fire, Residential Codes and
National Electric Code Work Session
- May 10, 2008
• Bike Rodeo and Police Open House begins at 10:00 a.m.
• Little League Opening Day
- May 12, 2008
• PACAB/Council Joint Work Session to discuss PACAB Priorities at
6:00 p.m.
- May 13-18, 2008
• PARKS Build
o Community Potluck- May 17, 2008 at 5:00 p.m.
o Ribbon Cutting & BBQ- May 18, 2008
- May 16, 2008
• May Fireside Chat
- May 16-18, 2008
• Harbor Opening Weekend
- May 17, 2008
• Kenai Peninsula United Way- Fox Island Cruise
• Exit Glacier Race, Torch Run & State Troopers/Police Run at 10:00 a.m.
• Kids Fish Day
- May 20, 2008
• P & Z/HP Joint Work Session to Discuss the Historic District
- May 21, 2008
• High School Graduation at 7:00 p.m.
- May 22, 2008
• Military Appreciation Day and Combat Fishing
26
9I`
~m HP Work Session ' i°
City Council
Meeting
7i30pm City Coy
Meeting
1S lfi - ~~~~
P&Z Special 12:OOpm PACAB Work;, 9.OOam Social Security
Meeting I Session Rep
i 6;30pm Nuclear Power
Presention - IMS
Rae Building
Preservation
Meeting
Nanci Richey 1 4/24/2008 8:42 AM
May 2008 May 2008
S M T W T F S ]une 2008
S M T W T F S
1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
4 5 6 7 8 910 8 91011121314
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 15 16 17 18 19 20 21
18192021222324 22232425262728
25 26 27 28 29 30 31 29 30
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday_ Friday
~.~„ ;.. '... F ,a=' " ~~ _
May 1
~ -
_ _- -.
I
I
Meeting
i Code WS
CC&PACAB WS !,
City Council
Meeting
Meeting
Worksession
Meeting
Social Security
Rep
Nanci Richey 1 4/24/2008 8:42 AM