HomeMy WebLinkAboutRESOLUTION 1998-88 City of Kenai
RESOLUTION NO. 98-88
Suggested by:
Administration
A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF KENAI, ALASKA, SUPPORTING
THE EFFORTS OF THE STATE OF ALASKA, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL
SERVICES TO OBTAIN FUNDING FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A YOUTH
DETENTION FACILITY.
WHEREAS, the State of Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, Division of
Family and Youth Services' Master Plan for Youth Facilities (February 1997)
recommends building a Youth Detention Facility in the Central Peninsula; and,
WHEREAS, no detention facility exists on the Kenai Peninsula and a need exists for a
secure facility that would allow juvenile offenders to remain closer to their families
while waiting for trial and serving sentences; and,
WHEREAS, no juvenile booking facility exists in the area and arresting officers and
juvenile corrections personnel are required to spend inordinate amounts of time
arranging for the care and custody of juvenile arrestees; and,
WHEREAS, the lack of a local facility often results in the immediate release of juvenile
offenders, or an extended wait to serve their sentence, sending a message that there
are no immediate consequences to criminal behavior; and,
WHEREAS, the construction of such a facility, capable of housing no less than ten
youths, and incorporating prevention and intervention components into its operation,
would alleviate these problems for Kenai and other Kenai Peninsula communities and
provide support to the parents and families of troubled youth; and,
WHEREAS, the City of Kenai has identified a parcel of land on Marathon Road suitable
for the construction of such a facility, located in close proximity to the Kenai District
Court, Kenai Municipal Airport, Kenai Youth Corrections, and other allied services,
and is willing to provide that site to the State of Alaska; and,
WHEREAS, the City of Kenai has demonstrated it is committed to addressing these
needs by providing all Central Peninsula law enforcement agencies and the State of
Alaska Youth Corrections with a temporary juvenile holding cell since 1986 and;
WHEREAS, the residents of the City would benefit frOm locating the facility in the City
by providing support to the parents and families of troubled youth residing in the city
and, at the same time, reducing operating costs and liability risks incurred by the
City's Police Department.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF KENAI,
ALASKA, to support the State of Alaska Department of Health and Social Services,
Division of Family and Youth Services efforts to obtain funding for the construction
and operation of a Youth Detention Center to serve the residents of the Kenai
Peninsula.
Resolution No. 98~88
Page 2 of 2
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to Karen
Perdue, Commissioner of Health and Social Services; Senators John Torgerson, Jerry
Ward and Georgianna Lincoln; Representatives Gary Davis and Gail Phillips; and
Representatives-Elect Hal Smalley and Carl Morgan.
PASSED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF KENAI, ALASKA, - this 16th day of
December 199~
d~o~hn ~iliams, Mayor
b§ent
Linda Swarner, Council Member
J~M~.Member
1~'~ e Bannock, Council Member
H.~~/mcthd Measles, Vice Mayor
/z~mes C. Bookey, III, Council~
~'Member
Hal Smalley, Couffcil Member
ATTEST:
Carol L. Freas, City Clerk