HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES2026-028 Funding for Obihiro Student ExchangeSponsored by: Council Member Crites
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2026-028
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA,
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO SUPPORT FUNDING FOR THE OBIHIRO
EXCHANGE PROGRAM FOR A GROUP OF FOUR STUDENTS TO TRAVEL TO JAPAN
BY PROVIDING $3,000 PER STUDENT FOR ROUNDTRIP AIRFARE FOR A TOTAL OF
$12,000 AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS
WHEREAS, Seward, Alaska and Obihiro, Japan have participated in a student exchange program
since 1973 where students travel to Japan to participate in a cultural exchange program; and
WHEREAS, the cost of international travel is high, and roundtrip airfare to Japan is cost -
prohibitive for some families, thus not every student has the same opportunity to participate in the
exchange; and
WHEREAS, currently, families are required to reimburse the City for the entire cost of airfare,
roughly $3,000 per ticket, prior to travel.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SEWARD, ALASKA:
Section 1. The City Council hereby authorizes the City Manager to cover a flat rate of $3,000 per
student, up to four students, for a total of $12,000 for round-trip airfare to Obihiro, Japan.
Section 2. Any amount exceeding $3,000 per airline ticket will be reimbursed to the City prior to
travel.
Section 3. Funding in the amount of $12,000.00 is hereby appropriated from the general Fund
Unassigned Fund Balance account 01000-0000-3400 to the Sister City Program expense account
01000-1110-7801.
Section 4. This resolution shall take effect immediately.
APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA THIS 23rd
DAY OF MONTH 2026.
y.
Sue McClure, Mayor
RESOLUTION 2026-028
Page 2 of 2
AYES: Draper, Osenga, Crites, Calhoon, Barnwell, Warner, McClure
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
ATTEST:
Kris Peck
City Clerk
City Council Agenda Statement
Meeting Date: March 23, 2026
To: City Council
Through: Kris Peck, City Clerk
From: Julie Crites, Council Member
Subject: Resolution 2026-028: Authorizing the City Manager to Support Funding of
the Obihiro Exchange Program for a Group of Four Students to Travel to
Japan by Providing $3,000 per Student for Roundtrip Airfare for a Total of
$12,000 and Appropriating Funds.
Background and justification:
Since 1967 Seward has had a Sister City relationship with Obihiro, Japan. Obihiro is located on
the northernmost island of Japan, called Hokkaido. Seward and Obihiro have participated in a
student exchange program since 1973. Seward students fly to Tokyo and then on to Obihiro where
they meet with their Japanese homestay hosts. The Seward students stay in homes of Japanese
citizens in the community. They share stories, learn their cultural ways, experience the food
culture, and other activities.
The current exchange program has a limit of 4 high school students and travel with an adult
chaperone from Seward. Airline tickets are booked and purchased by the city clerk's office staff
to ensure the entire group travels together. The estimated cost of the airfare is roughly $3,000 per
student. The actual cost will need to be reimbursed to the city prior to travel.
The idea behind this resolution is the clerk's office staff will continue to book the flights in the
same manner as before, but a flat rate of $3,000 would be covered by the city. The student/family
would only reimburse the city for any amount over $3,000. For example, if the flight ended up
being $3,250, the family would pay the $250 balance at the utility counter. This funding provided
by the city would make the exchange far less cost prohibitive and give all high school students a
chance at participating in the program.
While the City purchases travel insurance in accordance with standard policy, if the insurance
does not fully cover the cost of travel, the student and/or their family will be responsible for
reimbursing the City for any portion not recovered.
Comprehensive and Strategic Plan Consistency Information
This legislation is consistent with (citation listed):
Comprehensive Plan:
Strategic Plan:
Other:
Res. 1967-666 Proclaiming Obihiro, Japan, as a Sister City to Seward, Alaska.
Certification of Funds
Total amount of funds listed in this legislation:
This legislation (✓):
Creates revenue in the amount of:
Creates expenditure in the amount of:
Creates a savings in the amount of:
Has no fiscal impact
Funds are (✓):
Budgeted Line item(s): 01000-1110-7801
X
Not budgeted
Not applicable
$ 12,000.00
Fund Balance Information
Affected Fund (✓):
General
Boat Harbor
Motor Pool
X
SMIC
Parking
Other
Electric
Water
Wastewater
Healthcare
Note: amounts are unaudited
Available Unassigned Fund Balance as of 12.31.25 $ 9,578,661
Finance Director Signature:
Yes Attorney Signature:
Not applicable Comments:
Attorney Review
Administration Recommendation
Adopt Resolution
Other: