HomeMy WebLinkAboutRes2004-052
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Sponsored by: Shealy
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2004-052
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD,
ALASKA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER AND STAFF TO
APPLY FOR A GRANT FROM "SAVE AMERICA'S TREASURES" IN
ORDER TO STABILIZE AND PRESERVE THE JESSE LEE HOME
WHEREAS, the Jesse Lee Home is one of Seward's nine properties listed on the
National Register of Historic Places; and
WHEREAS, the Jesse Lee Home is in dire need of stabilization and preservation; and
WHEREAS, the Seward Historic Preservation Commission recently learned of the "Save
America's Treasures" grant program, which has funds available for restoring historic properties;
and
WHEREAS, the City Manager and staff are requesting Council authorization to apply
for a grant from "Save America's Treasures"; and
WHEREAS, this type of a grant requires a one hundred percent (100%) match which
will be sought from the Rasmuson Foundation and other non-City sources; and
WHEREAS, if matching sources are not obtained, the grant will not be used and the City
will not incur any costs; and
WHEREAS, the State of Alaska appropriated grant funds totaling $65,000 for a historic
structure report for the Jesse Lee Home in 2002; and
WHEREAS, the historic structure report was produced by ECVHyer, Inc. in conjunction
with the Jesse Lee Home Advisory Board and was approved by Council Resolution 2003-57; and
WHEREAS, the historic structure report can be used as a supporting document for
applying for grant money for stabilization and rehabilitation of the structure.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA that:
Section 1. The City Manager and staff are authorized to apply for a grant from "Save
America's Treasures" for the Jesse Lee Home.
Section 2. This resolution shall take affect immediately upon its adoption.
PASSED AND APPROVED by the City Council of the city of Seward, Alaska, this 10th day of
May, 2004.
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2004-052
THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
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AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Branson, Val datta, Clark, Amberg, Shafer
None
Dunham
None
ATTEST:
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Council Agenda Statement
Meeting Date: May 10, 2004
Through: Phil Shealy, City Manager
From: Malcolm G. Brown, Planner
Agenda Item: Council authorization to apply for a grant from
“Save America’s Treasures” for the Jesse Lee Home
BACKGROUND & JUSTIFICATION:
In 2002 the Alaska State Legislature appropriated $65,000 for the City of Seward for a historic
structure report for the Jesse Lee Home, one of the nine properties in Seward which are on the
National Register of Historic Places. The historic structure report was prepared by ECI/Hyer,
Inc., under the guidance provided through Council by the Jesse Lee Home Advisory Board,
which was made up of citizens appointed by Council. The historic structure report was
approved by Council Resolution 2003-53 in May of 2003. The report was then forwarded to the
Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for presentation the Legislature in order to obtain
subsequent funding for structure stabilization and rehabilitation. Due to State revenue
constraints, the State has not been able to provide funding for stabilization during this budget
cycle.
The Seward Historic Preservation Commission has learned that “Save America’s Treasures” is a
grant source for historic structures needing stabilization and preservation. The grants are
administered by the National Park Service (NPS) in partnership with the National Endowment
for the Humanities, the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the President’s Committee
on the Arts and the Humanities. The minimum grant request for historic property projects is
$250,000 for the Federal share, the maximum grant request is $1 million dollars.
The grants require a dollar-for-dollar non-Federal match, which can be cash, donated services or
use of equipment. The intent is to communicate with the Rasmuson Foundation to see if they
will be able to provide a match or locate another entity which can provide matching funds for
this type of an activity. If the grant is received and no matches are found, the grant would not be
used and the City would not incur any costs.
Diane Kaplan is the President and CEO for the Rasmuson Foundation, and has been enthusiastic
about the Jesse Lee Home’s prospects for rehabilitation. Staff has kept her apprised of ongoing
efforts by the Seward Historic Preservation Commission to publicize the need to rehabilitate the
Jesse Lee Home. Staff is thankful both for the guidance she has given on grant procedures and
contacts and that she has also stated that the Rasmuson Foundation has invited a proposal.
The grant application will build on the stabilization recommendations in the historic structure
report and will use the cost estimates in the report. The long range goal after stabilization is to
rehabilitate the structure, and find a long term user who will develop it in such a manner that it
will still be recognized for its historical significance, and have a memorial for the Alaska flag
which would be a public resource available for commemorative and community events and
ceremonies.
CONSISTENCY CHECKLIST:
Yes No
1. Comprehensive Plan (1990) X ____
The Comprehensive Plan supports saving historic buildings.
2. Strategic Plan (1999) X ____
The Strategic Plan encourages the recognition, rehabilitation and preservation of Historic Sites
and Buildings.
FISCAL NOTE:
Applying for this grant will have no costs to the City other than the staff time.
If the grant is received and a donor is not found to provide the match, the grant will not be used
and the City will not incur any costs.
RECOMMENDATION:
Council approve Resolution 2004-052, authorizing the City Manager and staff to request a grant
from “Save America’s Treasures” for the Jesse Lee Home.