April 16, 2026, by Seward Folly Staff
At the April 13 meeting, the Seward City Council prioritized two major partnership negotiations: first, directing city administration to begin talks with the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District (KPBSD) to keep the Seward High School pool open, and second, approving negotiations with the Qutekcak Native Tribe regarding the transfer of a section of the city cemetery.
City to Negotiate Pool Operations with School District
The council heard from Kevin Lyon (Director of Planning and Operations), Kari Dendurent (Assistant Superintendent), and Nita Hollingsworth (Seward Pool Manager) on the future of the Seward High School pool, as KPBSD will no longer directly operate pool facilities. The district is seeking a partnership with the city to keep the pool open for community use.
Kevin Lyon told the council, “The current balance in the pool account is made up of one-time funds, not ongoing revenue sources. Maintenance costs over the last four years have averaged $226,519.05 annually. This does not include lifeguards, instructors, administrative oversight, or insurance, which are provided by the district.”
Dendurent added, “Revenue from the pool will be subtracted from the amount charged to the city. Fees are set by the board of education and are the same across the district. The rates can be increased to help revenue. Until now, KPBSD has not looked at pools as a revenue source, but as a service to the community.”
She clarified that even if state funding for schools increases, the district will not fund the pool. Pool revenue will remain dedicated to pool use and major upgrades.
Negotiations Begin on Cemetery Transfer to Qutekcak Native Tribe
The council also unanimously passed Resolution 2026-034, authorizing city staff to negotiate the terms for transferring a portion of the City Cemetery to the Qutekcak Native Tribe. This section, not maintained by the city, contains the graves of Tribal ancestors, including children from the Jesse Lee Home.
In recent years, the Tribe has taken the lead in restoring and researching the cemetery, clearing debris, using LiDAR and metal detectors to identify graves, and planning for ongoing preservation and a memorial.
Dolly Wiles, Tribal Administrator of the Qutekcak Native Tribe, addressed the council: “In 2020, I learned about the cemetery and we took out 27 loads of debris. We don’t know where the children are buried because metal tags have been removed. With a metal detector and LiDAR, we’ve found 41 graves, including six children’s graves, and possibly a mass grave. No one has a complete list of those buried from the Jesse Lee Home. Qutekcak has made a lot of progress. We will never know the exact names and where they were buried, but we like to have a place for people to go to honor those who have passed.”
Krisnan Weston, another tribal member, added, “No graves will be moved. We would like it cleaned, people to know about the Jesse Lee Home and what it meant, and a place to honor those buried so they are not forgotten.”
The council’s approval directs the city manager to continue negotiations with the Tribe and return the matter for a public hearing once the property is subdivided.
Photos at the Jesse Lee Cemetery by the Seward Folly Staff
Other Council Actions and Community Reports
The council recognized the Seward Girls Basketball Team for an undefeated 29-game season and back-to-back state titles. Proclamations were issued for Public Safety Telecommunications Week to the Seward Police Department dispatchers, and Sam Daniel was honored for two decades of volunteer highway cleanup.
Several resolutions passed without opposition, including:
- Resolution 2026-036: Authorizing the purchase of electric utility materials for $297,413.
- Resolution 2026-037: Amending a services agreement with KPFF Consulting Engineers for emissions inventory services, fully funded by an EPA grant.
- Resolution 2026-035: Approving a new lease with Cordova Telecom Cooperative for the installation of a submarine fiber-optic cable along city tideland.
Public comments included a school board update from Mica VanBuskirk, who noted a drop in enrollment but highlighted positive changes. Sarah Tougas of the Tsunami Swim Club supported creative funding solutions for the pool. Amanda Sweeting, Director of the Chamber of Commerce, announced that the Chamber’s Visitor’s Guide would be available April 14, with 50,000 copies printed.
The council also directed city administration to explore the addition of a drive-down dock in the north harbor area.
For the Planning and Zoning Commission, Tyna Siptrott was selected with six votes.
Applications for the Obihiro student exchange program are due April 15, with five received so far. The council approved funding for four students to travel to Japan.
Upcoming city events include Youth Soccer, Flag Football, and the Kite Festival. Parking citations begin May 1, with passes now available. The next Seward City Council meeting is scheduled for April 27, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.
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