HomeMy WebLinkAboutRes2005-066
Sponsored by: Val datta/Lorenz
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CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2005-66
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD,
ALASKA RECOGNIZING THE PRESERVATION OF THE JESSE LEE
HOME AS A CITY PRIORITY AND DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER
OR HIS DESIGNEE TO SUPPORT THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION
COMMISSION AND DIRECTING THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION
COMMISSION TO MAKE THE RESTORATION OF THE JESSE LEE
HOME ITS HIGHEST PRIORTY
WHEREAS, the City of Seward recognizes the Jesse Lee Home as a historical landmark for
the State of Alaska and the City of Seward; and
WHEREAS, the Jesse Lee Home was the home of Benny Benson when he designed the
Alaska State Flag; and
WHEREAS, the Jesse Lee Home is the place where the first State flag was sewn; and
WHEREAS, the Jesse Lee Home is the place where the State flag was first flown; and
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WHEREAS, the Jesse Lee Home is listed on the State Department of Historical and Natural
Resources as one of the top ten (10) sites of historical significance; and
WHEREAS, the Jesse Lee Home building represents a distinctive part of Alaska's history;
and
WHEREAS, flu: Jesse Lee Home is in need of restoration in order to salvage the existing
structure; and ' ,
WHEREAS, the deterioration of the building is lP the point that if restoration does not occur
soon this resource will ~e lost forever; and
,
WHEREAS, thF Jesse Lee Home is located in Seward, Alaska; and
WHEREAS, the City of Seward recognizes thaqpis project is beyond its financial resources
to restore the structure; and
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WHEREAS, the administration needs the Council':; consent to authorize the Seward Historic
Preservation Commission to pursue relationships with private, state and fe"eral organizations for the
preservation and restoration of the Jesse Lee Home.
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CITY OF SEWARD
RESOLUTION 2005-66
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NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF SEWARD, ALASKA, that:
Section 1. The City Council recognizes the Jesse Lee Home as a historical landmark for the
State of Alaska and the City of Seward.
Section 2. The City Council recognizes the restoration of the Jesse Lee Home as a City
priority.
Section 3. The City Council directs the City Manger 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 ofthe 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 25th day
of July, 2005.
THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
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AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Branson, Val datta, Amberg, Lorenz, Shafer
None
Dunham. Clark
None
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COUNCIL AGENDA STATEMENT
Meeting Date: July 25, 2005
From: Kirsten Vesel, Assistant City Manager
Through: Clark Corbridge, City Manager
Agenda Item: Introduction of Resolution 2005- ____,
RECOGNIZES THE RESTORATION OF THE JESSE LEE HOME
AS A CITY PRIORITY
BACKGROUND & JUSTIFICATION:
On May 18, 2005 two members of the Historic Preservation Commission attended a
meeting in Anchorage of people interested in pursuing the preservation of the Jesse Lee
Home. Interested participants include CIRI, Chugach Alaska Corp., JL Properties, Inc.,
ECI/HYER, Inc., the Rasmuson Foundation, Alaska Children’s Services, and several other
individuals with a vested interest in the preservation of the Historic Jesse Lee Home. The
meeting included presentations, discussions and action items. The conclusion was to
research creative funding sources, obtain a top priority for the stabilization of the structure
and plan for a subsequent meeting in July or August 2005.
On July 8, 2005 Dr. James Simpson, a former resident of the Jesse Lee Home and
advocate for the preservation and restoration of this structure, visited Seward and
facilitated a meeting including the Historic Preservation Commission and administration.
Dr. Simpson’s request from the Historic Preservation Commission and administration was
to solicit City Council support to continue developing relationships with potential investors
for the Jesse Lee Home. Mr. McClanahan is currently writing a book about his childhood
experiences growing up in the Jesse Lee Home all of which are positive.
On July 13, 2005 a man by the name of Mr. Pat Reilly visited from Anchorage to assess
the condition of the roof for the Jesse Lee Home. He had volunteered to review the facility
and provide a report back to both the Rasmuson Foundation and ECI-Hyer Architects.
The next meeting is scheduled in July or August 2005 in Anchorage to report ongoing
efforts and solicit additional people interested in the preservation of the Jesse Lee Home.
The Historic Preservation Commission and Administration would like to get the City
Council’s support to attend the next meeting offering Seward’s support to develop and
engage in relationships to solicit financial support for the restoration of the Jesse Lee
Home.
CONSISTENCY CHECKLIST:
Yes No
1. Comprehensive Plan
2. Strategic Plan
3. Other ____
4. Not applicable X
FISCAL NOTE:
This item will not require any significant expenditures from the City's operating or capital
budgets.
Approved by Finance Department ________________________
RECOMMENDATION:
City Council approves Resolution 2005_________ supporting the preservation of the
Jesse Lee Home and authorizing the administration and the Historic Preservation
Commission to take an active role in efforts to restore the Jesse Lee Home.