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05-14-2007 CC MIN - JOINT e e e JOINT MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER CITY COUNCIL AND THE ELK RIVE~AREA SCHOOL BOARD HELD AT THE CITY OF ELK RIVER (UPPER TOWN CONFERENCE ROOM) MONDAY, MAY 14, 2007 Members Present Mayor Klinzing, Councilmembers Farber, Gumphrey, Motin, and Zerwas Members Absent None School Board Present: Sue Farber, J olene Jorgensen, Laurie Kerr, John Kuester, Todd Schaeffer, Paulie Skaja-Bell, Jim Tralle, Director of Education Services Jana Hennen- Burr, Director of Business Services Tom Walerius, and Superintendent Mark Bezek School Board Absent: None Staff Present Oty Administrator Lori Johnson, Finance Director Tim Simon, Police ChiefJeffBeahen, Street Superintendent Phil Hals, Community Development Director Scott Clark, and Recording Secretary Jessica Miller 1. Call MeetiQg To Order Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting of the Elk River Oty Council was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Mayor Klinzing. 2. 2.1. T oint Meetin~ Future School District Buildinr and Bond Referendum Plans Superintendent Dr. Mark Bezek indicated that the district held public meetings to help determine what the scope of the bond should be. Dr. Bezek outlined the district's needs for the bond Mayor Klinzing stated that the way the city's current Comprehensive Plan is written, Elk River's peak population will be approximately 35,000. She indicated that the city is trying to be as responsible as they can with development as they realize that pressure is placed upon the district every time a new development is approved Dr. Bezek explained that the only extra space in the district is in Elk River elementary schools and the middle schools. He stated that the district is growing at a rate of over 500 children a year and it takes at least three years for a new school to be up and running. Chair Kerr indicated that the building nearest capacity is Elk River High School. She questioned how large the Council would like to see the High School. Mayor Kliming indicated that she would like to see the High School large enough to house all of the students within the Elk River city limits. 2.2. Tuveuile Liaison Program Funding Oty Administrator Lori Johnson reviewed the current liaison program and the school's funding of $25,000 per officer. She stated that the Police Department will be requesting an additional liaison officer next year to accommodate the growing need for liaison services. City Council/School Board Minutes May 14, 2007 Page 2 Police Chief Jeffrey Beahen reviewed the statistics he compiled for the current liaison officers. He explained that currently, two officers cover two middle schools and the high school for a total of 6,700 kids. Councilmember Farber indicated that he is currently assigned as a school liaison officer in a middle school for the Anoka-Hennepin district and that his workload is such that he would not be able to cover two schools. He noted that the Anoka-Hennepin district has one school liaison officer assigned to each middle school and high school Director Farber questioned if an additional liaison officer is hired, would there be one officer assigned to each of the middle and high schools in Elk River. She also questioned how the liaison officers are currently funded. Chief Beahen indicated yes, this would allow one liaison officer per middle school and high school in Elk River. He stated that the current liaison officers are paid in part by the school district through a levy and the majority of the cost is paid by the city. It was questioned if funding for an additional liaison officer is available through the district levy. Dr. Bezek indicated he would check. Councilmember Gumphrey questioned if the third liaison officer would be a new hire or a reassignment. ChiefBeahen indicated that there is some flexibility within the department to reas.ign a patrol officer to liaison duty, but then he would look to replace the patrol officer in the future. 2.3. School Administration Building- Dr. Bezek stated that duriug discussions on the district's needs for a larger district office, the issue of the current administration building being located on prime parking land was discussed. Dr. Bezek questioned if the city would have a future interest in the building for parking. It was discussed that when the property that the district office is on was donated by the Babcock family, a condition was included that the property remain for public use. It was questioned if the condition is on the land or the building and whether or not parking would satisfy this condition. Discussion took place original property the district office is located onbeing donated by the Babcock family and the condition that it remains for public use. Clarification is needed on whether this condition was placed on the land or the building and whether or not parking would meet the intent of the condition. 2.4. BoundaJ:y Lines for New Schools Councilmember Molin explained that this item was placed on the agenda prior to the final decision on the boundary lines there is no longer a need for discussion. Director Farber indicated that many lessons were learned from the boundary line decisions. She stated that in the future, boundary lines will be discussed prior to building a new school so students and parents are given advanced notice of proposed boundary changes. Director Jorgensen stated that the School Board is committed to having community schools. e e e e e e City Council/School Board Minutes May 14, 2007 Page 3 Dr. Bezek noted that with the growth Elk River and the surrounding communities are experiencing, boundary line adjustments can be expected approximately every three years. 2.5. Right Turn Lane on Southbound lackson at School Street Ms. Johnson indicated that the city is considering improving Jackson Avenue to add a right turn lane from southbound Jackson onto westbound School Street and signal improvements to provide left turn arrows on all four legs of the intersection. She stated that the anticipated cost for this improvement is $297,000. She stated that no additional land is needed from the school, but a control box needs to be relocated on school property and the city would be requesting an easement from the school. She noted that the timing of this project has not yet been determined because the City Council bas not yet prioritized upcoming street projects. 2.6. Consider Future loint Communications Position Dr. Bezek explained that one thing that the school continues to hear is that residents of the school district desire more communication. He stated that the district has no one specifically in charge of communications so they may need to look at hiring someone. Dr. Bezek questioned if the city would be interested in sharing a position. Ms. Johnson indicated that the city currently handles this with other staff so does not currently have an immediate need but that job-sharing a communication position could be explored in the future. Mayor Klinzing expressed interest in having a meeting with all of the jurisdictions within the school district to discuss development plans and other items of mutual interest. She stated that this has been done before and that she believes this would be helpful and informative for all involved. The Council and the School Board concurred. Mayor Klinzing noted that George Zabee passed away this morning and expressed sympathy for the family. 3. Adjournment There being no further business, Mayor Klinzing adjourned the meeting of the Elk River City Council at 6:55 p.m. Minutes prepared by Jessica Miller. ttf2 Tina Allard City Clerk