CITY OF HOMER

HOMER, ALASKA

Mayor

RESOLUTION 06-150

A RESOLUTION OF THE HOMER CITY COUNCIL SUPPORTING EFFORTS TO PRESERVE AND RESTORE THE JESSE LEE HOME.

WHEREAS, The Jesse Lee Home, herein after known as "The Home",served a vital need for the children of the territory of Alaska over a forty year period beginning in the mid 1920s, being a refuge for housing, education and health care at a time when epidemics exacted a devastating toll on Alaska Natives; and

WHEREAS, The Home has many prominent Alaska Native alumni, perhaps the most famous is Benny Benson, a resident of the Home when he won the design competition for the Alaska Flag; and

WHEREAS, The Home suffered extensive damage from the "64 Quake", was abandoned, has suffered further neglect and deterioration, being at the point of being lost forever if restoration is not done expeditiously; and

WHEREAS, In 2001, the State Legislature passed a Bill recognizing the Home as a site of historic significance for all people of Alaska and directed the Department of Natural Resources to determine costs and procedures necessary for its preservation and restoration; and

WHEREAS, In July 2005, Seward City Council unanimous adopted a Resolution of Support for the preservation of the Home as a City priority and in August 2005 adopted a Resolution authorizing City Administration to seek and apply for grants.

WHEREAS, Across the State a group of citizens formed; including Children's Services, Departments of Education and Natural Resources, CIRI, Chugach Alaska Corporation, City of Seward, Rasmuson Foundation, Staff from Lieutenant Governor Leman and Representative Seaton; and met to pursue preservation of the Home, organizing as the "Friends of the Jesse Lee Home" on February 23, 2006.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the City Council of Homer, Alaska supports the ongoing efforts to preserve and restore the Home; including funding request efforts and application for grants from the state, private, corporate entities to facilitate restoration; for the purpose of being an educational facility.

PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Homer City Council this 23rd day of October, 2006.

CITY OF HOMER

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ATTEST: JAMES C. HORNADAY, MAYOR

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MARY L. CALHOUN, CMC, CITY CLERK

Fiscal Note: NA.