HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES2024-015 Jail Closure Sponsored
OF SEWARD,ALASKA by: Sorensen
RESOLUTION 2024-015
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD,
ALASKA, DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO PERMANENTLY
CLOSE THE SEWARD COMMUNITY JAIL.
WHEREAS,the Seward Community Jail has existed inside City Hall since it was built in
1964; and
WHEREAS, in recent years the Seward Community Jail has been unable to attract proper
staffing levels; and
WHEREAS, Seward finds itself competing for applicants against Spring Creek
Correctional Center which can offer much high wages,better benefits, double overtime rates, and
signing bonuses; and
WHEREAS,the jail currently has one remaining employee; and
WHEREAS, the remaining employee will be offered a severance in accordance with the
current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and the remaining positions will be dealt with
similarly as required by Public Employee Retirement System (PERS)rules; and
WHEREAS, since 2013 the jail has operated at a deficit due to insufficient contract
funding by the State of Alaska; and
WHEREAS, certain services provided by the jail will remain in existence such as
Datamaster access for local law enforcement and fingerprinting for citizens for jobs and other
needs; and
WHEREAS, currently male detainees are being housed at Spring Creek Correctional
Center and female detainees are being transported to Wildwood Correctional Facility in Kenai;
and
NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF SEWARD,ALASKA,that:
Section 1.The City Council hereby authorizes the City Manager to permanently close the
Seward Community Jail.
Section 2.This resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption.
PASSED AND APPROVED by the City Council of the City of Seward, Alaska this 26
day of February 2024.
CITY OF SEWARD,ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2023-015
Page2of2
THE CITY OF SEWARD,ALASKA
Sue McClure, Mayor
AYES: Osenga, Finch, Barnwell, Crites, Calhoon, Wells, McClure
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
ATTEST:
Kris Peck
City Clerk
*(City Seal) OfS11114
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City Council Agenda Statement
Meeting Date: February 26, 2024
To: City Council
From: Kat Sorensen, City Manager
Subject: Resolution 2024-015: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Seward,
Alaska, Directing the City Manager to Permanently Close the City Jail.
Background and justification
The Seward Community Jail has existed inside City Hall since it was built in 1964. In recent years, the
Seward Community Jail has been unable to attract proper staffing levels. Additionally, Seward
finds itself competing for applicants against Spring Creek Correctional Center, a state facility,
which can offer much higher wages, better benefits, double overtime rates, and signing bonuses.
The jail currently has one remaining employee. The remaining employee will be offered a
severance in accordance with the current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and the
remaining positions will be dealt with similarly as required by Public Employee Retirement
System (PERS) rules.
Since 2013, the jail has operated at a deficit due to insufficient contract funding by the State of
Alaska. Attempts to get the state to fully fund the annual contracts have been unsuccessful.
Certain services provided by the jail will remain in existence such as Datamaster access for local
law enforcement and fingerprinting for citizens who require fingerprinting for jobs and other
needs.
Currently, male detainees who are arrested by local law enforcement are being housed at Spring
Creek Correctional Center and female detainees are being transported to Wildwood Correctional
Facility in Kenai.
Comprehensive and Strategic Plan Consistency Information
This legislation is consistent with (citation listed):
Comprehensive Plan: 3.7.1.3 Continue to Improve the quality and efficiency of city governmental
services
Strategic Plan:
Other:
Certification of Funds
Total amount of funds listed in this legislation: $
This legislation ():
Creates revenue in the amount of: $
Creates expenditure in amount of: $
Creates a savings in the amount of: $
Has no fiscal impact
Funds are ():
Budgeted Line item(s):
Not budgeted
Not applicable
Fund Balance Information
Affected Fund ():
General SMIC Electric Wastewater
Boat Harbor Parking Water Healthcare
Motor Pool Other
Note: amounts are unaudited
Available Fund Balance $
Finance Director Signature:
Attorney Review
Yes Attorney Signature:
Not applicable Comments:
Administration Recommendation
Adopt Resolution
Other: