HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES2025-115 Grant Acceptance for State Online with Libraries1
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Sponsored by: Sorensen
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2025-115
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD,
ALASKA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ACCEPT THE
ONLINE WITH LIBRARIES INTERNET COST ASSISTANCE
PROGRAM AWARD FROM THE ALASKA STATE LIBRARY IN THE
AMOUNT OF $1,242
WHEREAS, in August 2025 the Alaska State Library sought applications for the FY26
Online with Libraries (OWL) Internet Cost Assistance Program award; and
WHEREAS, the staff of the Seward Community Library & Museum submitted an
application for $1,242; and
WHEREAS, the purpose of these funds is to help with high-speed internet costs to help
the Seward Community Library & Museum provide the best possible service to our patrons; and
WHEREAS, in October 2025, the Alaska State Library presented the Seward Community
Library & Museum with an agreement for the OWL Internet Cost Assistance Program award in
the amount of $1,242; and
WHEREAS, a total of $1,242 is to be appropriated and expended by June 30, 2026.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF SEWARD, ALASKA, that:
Section 1. The City Council hereby authorizes the Acting City Manager to accept the
Online with Libraries Internet Cost Assistance Program award in the amount of $1,242 from the
Alaska State Library.
Section 2. Funding is hereby appropriated as follows: $1,242 from Alaska State Library
Online with Libraries Internet Cost Assistance Program award revenue account 01000-1500-4252-
0003 to library material account 01000-1500-7001-0003.
Section 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption.
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2025-115
Page 2 of 2
PASSED AND APPROVED by the City Council of the City of Seward, Alaska this 17th
day of November 2025.
THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
Sue McClure, Mayor
AYES: Barnwell, Crites, Osenga, Calhoon, Draper, McClure
NOES: None
ABSENT: Warner
ABSTAIN: None
ATTEST:
Kris Peck
City Clerk oot 5��itt��.,
+`.,,`'�f E q
(City Seal) •`%oRP af�,q' 'QQ
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• SEAL j •
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City Council Agenda Statement
Meeting Date: November 17, 2025
To: City Council
Through: Kat Sorensen, City Manager
From: Jolanta Ryan, Library Director
Subject: Resolution 2025-115: Authorizing the City Manager to Accept the Online
with Libraries Internet Cost Assistance Program Award from the Alaska
State Library in the Amount of $1,242
Background and justification:
The Seward Community Library & Museum has applied for and received the Online with Libraries
(OWL) Internet Cost Assistance Program award.
The purpose of these funds is to help with high-speed interne costs to ensure the Seward
Community Library & Museum can provide the best possible service for our patrons. This
additional funding will help offset increasing technology and connectivity expenses, allowing the
library to maintain reliable access for both staff and public use.
It also supports equitable digital access for all community members, which is essential for
education, research, and communication in today's connected world.
Comprehensive and Strategic Plan Consistency Information
This legislation is consistent with (citation listed):
Comprehensive Plan: 2.1 Community Vision and Values
Strategic Plan:
Other:
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
$ 1,242
$
$
$
Affected Fund (✓):
General
Boat Harbor
Motor Pool
Available Fund Balance
X
Yes
SMIC
Parking
Other
Electric
Water
Attorney Signature:
Not applicable Comments:
Wastewater
Healthcare
Note: amounts are unaudited
Finance Director Signature:
Administration Recommendation
X
Adopt Resolution
Other:
THE STATE
°fALASKA
GOVERNOR MIKE DUNLEAVY
2025-10-09
Department of Education
& Early Development
DIVISION OF LIBRARY, ARCHIVES & MUSEUMS
P.O. Box 1 10571
Juneau, Alaska 99311-0571
Main: 907.465.4337
Fax: 907.465.215
The Online with Libraries (OWL) Internet Cost Assistance Program award for FY2026 for Seward Community Library and
Museum will be $1242 The Alaska State Library is pleased that your library is eligible to receive this grant for high-speed
internet costs to help your library provide the best possible service to your library patrons.
To receive this award, please return a signed copy of the attached grant agreement within forty-five (45) days of this
award letter. Two different people (the librarian and the appropriate legal authority) must sign the grant agreement as it is
a legal document committing your library to certain obligations in return for receiving the OWL Internet Cost Assistance
Program award. Upon return of the signed grant agreement, the division will be able to electronically deposit your grant
award (or mail a paper check in specific instances).
Librarians and officials should carefully review the conditions governing the administration of this OWL award. To remain
eligible for future grants from the Alaska State Library, some of the most important grant requirements are highlighted
below:
I . Maintain internet access for public use at the library.
2. Maintain accurate financial records for auditing purposes.
3. Use funds only for public library internet access (not school or staff -only internet).
4. Return any grant funds unexpended or unencumbered by June 30, 2026.
5. Submit a final report and copies of all internet bills for the fiscal year by July 3 I, 2026.
6. Notify the OWL Program Manager of changes in director or library contact information within 30 days.
7. Maintain eligibility as a public library by meeting the statutory requirements for the Public Library Assistance
Grant (4 AAC 57.064. and 4 AAC 57.067.), including:
a. Establish and maintain a collection of books and other materials for loan;
b. Provide access to interlibrary loans;
c. Provide reference information;
d. Provide programming for children;
e. Maintain the number and timing of open hours;
f. Maintain the existing and ongoing educational requirements for the library director;
g. Have trained paid or volunteer staff on duty in the library during scheduled open hours;
h. Submit an Alaska Public Library Annual Report; and
i. Uphold specific governance requirements for non -profits and school/public libraries.
Any portion of this grant money not spent or encumbered by June 30, 2026, must be returned to the Alaska State Library.
You may request a short extension to spend unused grant funds. The Alaska State Library audits the records of selected
libraries at the end of the grant year. The Alaska State Library will reclaim any unused grant funds and funds not properly
accounted for.
Please return the signed agreement to the OWL Program Manager at eed.owlprogram@alaska.gov within 45 days or
request an extension if you need more time. After receiving your FY26 OWL grant funds, please send an email to confirm
that funds were received to: eed.owlprogram@alaska.gov.
Questions should be directed to the email above or you may call 907.465.2921.
Sincerely,
Stacy R.J. Tomaszewski
Library Technology Consultant & OWL Program Manager
Alaska State Library
Alaska State Library
Online With Libraries (OWL)
Internet Cost Assistance Grant Agreement FY2026
This agreement, made and entered into on September 30, 2025, by and between the Alaska State Library, hereafter referred to
as the Grantor; and Seward Community Library and Museum, hereafter referred to as the Grantee. The FY26 grant period spans
July I, 2025 to June 30, 2026.
Whereas, the State of Alaska has appropriated funds for the Online with Libraries (OWL) Program; and whereas, the application of
the Grantee for a grant for Internet Cost Assistance has been approved. NOW THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the mutual
covenants herein contained the parties hereto agree as follows:
The Grantor will agree to:
1. Furnish funds in the amount of $1242 (dispersed after the signed agreement is received).
2. Provide advisory services in furtherance of the grant project.
3. Acknowledge the Grantee's eligibility for additional OWL grants and services.
The Grantee will agree to:
8. Abide by the conditions set forth in its application, and approved by the Grantor, which includes:
a. Maintain internet access for public use at the library.
9. Maintain accurate financial records for auditing purposes.
a. Expended funds must be clearly attributable to public library internet access (not school or staff -only internet).
b. Return any grant funds unexpended or unencumbered by June 30, 2026, and all funds for which there is no proper
accounting.
10. Respond to communication, provide reports, and maintain contact information, such as:
a. Submit a final report and copies of all internet bills for the fiscal year by July 3 I , 2026.
b. Notify the OWL Program Manager of any changes in director or library contact information within 30 days.
1 I . Maintain eligibility as a public library by meeting the statutory requirements for the Public Library Assistance Grant (4
AAC 57.064. and 4 AAC 57.067.), including:
a. Establish and maintain a collection of books and other materials for loan;
b. Provide access to interlibrary loans;
c. Provide reference information;
d. Provide programming for children;
e. Maintain the number and timing of open hours;
f. Maintain the existing and ongoing educational requirements for the library director;
g. Have trained paid or volunteer staff on duty in the library during scheduled open hours;
h. Submit an Alaska Public Library Annual Report; and
i. Uphold specific governance requirements for non -profits and school/public libraries.
Funding for this grant is dependent on the following source:
EOWLOI004 - OWL
OWL26-SEWAR $1242
By accepting this award or agreement, the grantee may become subject to the audit requirements of the State of Alaska
Administrative Code 2 AAC 45.010. As a result, the grantee may be required to provide for an audit and permit independent
auditors to access their records and financial statements. The grantee should consult with an independent auditor for
assistance in determining audit requirements for each fiscal year.
The undersigned understands and agrees to the conditions of this agreement. Both signatures are required.
For the Library
Signat
e
Library and Museum Director I0/17/2025
Title Date
For the Legal Entity
Signature
Finance Director
10/17/25
Title Date
MAIL TO: OWL Program Manager Alaska State Library, P.O. Box 110571, Juneau, AK 99801
or SCAN TO: eed.owlprogram@alaska.gov
or FAX TO: 907-465-2151