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HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinance No. 3248-2021Sponsored by: Administration KENAI CITY OF KENAI ORDINANCE NO. 3248-2021 AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF KENAI, ALASKA, ACCEPTING AND APPROPRIATING A COLLECTION EQUITY AWARD FROM THE NETWORK OF THE NATIONAL LIBRARY OF MEDICINE REGION 5 FOR THE PURCHASE OF HEALTH AND WELLNESS TITLES FOR THE KENAI COMMUNITY LIBRARY COLLECTION. WHEREAS, the City of Kenai received a Collection Equity Award from the Network of the National Library of Medicine Region 5 for the purchase of health and wellness materials for the library collection; and, WHEREAS, the funds will be used to purchase materials in a variety of formats to support the health information needs of the residents of Kenai and surrounding communities; and, WHEREAS, there will be a focus on purchasing materials for underrepresented groups based on census data and informal community conversations; and, WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the City of Kenai to appropriate these grant funds for the purpose intended. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF KENAI, ALASKA, as follows: Section 1. That the City Manager is authorized to accept a grant from the State of Alaska, Department of Education and Early Development in the amount of $1,500 for the purchase of library books and to execute grant agreements and to expend the grant funds to fulfill the purpose and intent of this Ordinance. Section 2. That the estimated revenues and appropriations be increased as follows: General Fund: Increase Estimated Revenues— Other Grants, Library $1.500 Increase Appropriations — Library --Books Section 3. Severability: That if any part or provision of this ordinance or application thereof to any person or circumstances is adjudged invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, such judgment shall be confined in its operation to the part, provision, or application directly involved in all controversy in which this judgment shall have been rendered, and shall not affect or impair the validity of the remainder of this title or application thereof to other persons or circumstances. Ordinance No. 3248-2021 Page 2 of 2 The City Council hereby declares that it would have enacted the remainder of this ordinance even without such part, provision, or application. Section 4. Effective Date: That pursuant to KMC 1.15.070(f), this ordinance shall take effect immediately upon enactment. ENACTED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF KENAI, ALASKA, this 20th day of October, 2021. e� BRIAN GABRIEL SR., MA' ATTEST: Jamie Heinz, MMC, City Clerk Approved by Finance: H Introduced: October 6, 2021 Enacted: October 20, 2021 Effective: October 20. 2021 New Text Underlined: [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] K I N A City of Kenai 1210 Ficlalgo Ave, Kenai, AK 99611-7794 1907.283.7535 1 www,lcenaixity MEMORANDUM TO: Mayor Gabriel and Council Members THROUGH: Paul Ostrander, City Manager FROM: Katja Wolfe, Library Director DATE: October 6, 2021 SUBJECT: Ordinance 3248-2021-- Collection Equity Award from the Network of the National Library of Medicine, Region 5 The Library has been selected to receive a Collection Equity Award from the Network of the National Library of Medicine (NNLM). As per the award, the amount of $1,500 is to be used for the purchase of health and wellness titles in various formats and should be deposited in account 001-440-4666. We aim to serve as a resource for reliable health information and to help reduce health disparities in our community by making health information freely available and accessible. Health literacy is a 21s' century skill that is crucial to understanding health information and making knowledgeable health-related decisions. The award will support our efforts to refresh and replenish our health section with new and updated titles. Your consideration is appreciated From: Dave Perk To: City Coundl Subject: Proposed ordinance ORDINANCE NO. 3248-2021 RE: Library equity grant to purchase health care resources Date: Wednesday, October 6, 202112:29:41 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when opening attachments or clicking links, especially from unknown senders. Dear Kenai City Council members: Reading through tonite's agenda I noticed this proposed ordinance authorizing the library to receive a grant of $1,500 to purchase health care related materials to help under -represented people in the community attain equity in health care information or words to that effect. I believe the source of the money is a government entity as far as I can tell. I believe in libraries. I think they should be open to all & they should be free to stock whatever books or other materials covering a broad range of topics representing as many views as possible, even if they are offensive to some people. In addition libraries are community centers where people should be able to meet to discuss an array of issues including political topics of the day. My problem with this ordinance is the use of the term "equity" to justify it and the reason to authorize it. As we know, words mean something. And equity is a word that has a lot of R meaning these days. It is politically charged, like it or not, for good reason. What is equity? I think the way it is used today describes a state where we are all required to be equal. The ideal starts small with good intentions but can slowly grow into all aspects of our lives. But, in the end, this is an impossible state to attain. History tells us the attempts lead to destruction, violence & death. I live in a small home in town. Someone else may live in a more valuable home on the Kenai River. I have to come to terms with the fact I may never have a waterfront home on the river because I cannot afford it. I may want to, but it is out of my reach financially. This is not anyone's fault. It is the result of an array of complicated personal choices I made along the way as to my priorities & desires. Is this equity? No. Equity says I too deserve a home on the Kenai River. In fact, it might dictate if I can't afford a home on the River, nobody will. Or the state will take that home on the river & my home as well and use those resources to somehow create an environment where everybody has a home provided free by the state like the huge apartment complexes we see in China or the previous Soviet satellite states like Ukraine. My concerns here have gone far beyond a simple $1,500 grant to the library to purchase materials here. Some might say too far. But It's not the grant. It's the term equity. If, for some reason, the City Council must accept the money as a grant to enhance "equity" I urge a no vote on the ordinance. The City should not accept the money. On the other hand, if equity has nothing to do with it, it would be fine. I would attend tonight to say this in person but we have other commitments. Thank you Dave Peck Page 2 of 31 705 Sycamore St Kenai, Ak 99611 907-953-3248 Page 3 of 31