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05-23-2002 CC MIN - SPECIAL-JOINTB-634 MINUTES OF THE JOINT MEETING OF THE SCHOOL BOARD AND THE ELK RIVER CITY COUNCIL Independent School District 728 Elk River, Minnesota May 23,2002 The meeting was called to order by Chair Strater at 7:40 p.m. at the Elk River City Hall. Board Members Present: Jack Hines, Sarah Mitchell, Sandi Peterson, Patricia Scharber, Mark Strater, Mary Jo Swanson, Therese VanBlarcom Council Members Present: John Dietz, Louise Kuester, Paul Motin, Dan Tveite Others Present: Alan Jensen, Superintendent; Pat Klaers, Elk River City Administrator; Stephanie Klinzing, Elk River Mayor; Londa Chambers, Administrative Assistant to Superintendent · Police Liaison Tom Zerwas, Elk River Chief of Police, reported that there are currently two juvenile officers working in the Elk River schools, mainly in the secondary schools. He noted that the Focus day treatment program has been difficult for the officers, noting that they are being called often, spending 8-12 hours per week, to handle issues that could be taken care of by others. ChiefZerwas reported that Project Alert has been implemented this year in place of D.A.R.E. at Meadowvale and Handke. They are in the process of implementing this at Parker. The juvenile officers are pleased at the success of Project Alert. Chief Zerwas also commented that the juvenile officers are pleased with the relationships they have with the principals. Director Scharber questioned whether there are grant monies available for juvenile liaison programs. Chief Zerwas responded that funds could be used for new positions but can't be used to supplant a program. School administration will follow up with the City on issues relating to the liaison program. · Facility Use Dr. Jensen reported that the Council chambers will not be available during the remodeling of the City Hall for School Board or City Council Meetings. He discussed the possibility of using the little theater for these purposes. He also noted that the large theater at the High School is scheduled to be completed in August and will have the videotape, cable and video stream (viewing on the internet) capabilities. Dr. Jensen suggested that this would be a good location for meetings where large turnouts are expected. Mr. Klaers stated that the City is anticipating the remodeling of the City Hall to start May 2003 and will last about a year. Director VanBlarcom suggested that the City work with Charlie Blesener, Administrator of Commtmity Education, on scheduling school space as soon as possible. The fee structure for the use the City Hall for Board meetings was discussed. The School Board will consider whether they will hold all their meetings in the future at the High School. B-635 Charlie Blesener, Administrator of Community Education, discussed a concern regarding fees being assessed for use of Lions Park, i.e., using Woodlands Trails for a nature walk. Mayor Klinzing stated that she believes this type of activity doesn't qualify as an "event" and, therefore, there shouldn't be a fee charged. Mr. Klaers stated that the City will look into this and that they are in the process of defining what constitutes an event and creating consistencies. -' · Youth Associations/Use of School Facilities Mr. Blesener reported that there have been issues relating to two competing organizations in scheduling field time. Director VanBlarcom asked why the district isn't doing all the scheduling. Director Scharber questioned how we entail a partnership where all concerns are being met, noting that there must be communication between the district and the city. Director Swanson stated that we need to review our policy and establish a common understanding on how our limited resources are distributed. Chair Strater responded that it needs to be a joint policy. Mayor Klinzing stated that the City is interested in equity, but they haven't had this discussion yet. Dr. Jensen stated that he will direct Mr. Blesener to work with the City on these issues. · Sa[ety Concerns Dr. Jensen reported that he has talked to Mr. Klaers about some of the District's concerns relating to sidewalks. Mr. Klaers reported that over the last couple years the City is requiring developers to incorporate sidewalks in their developments. Mayor Klinzing stated that the City cannot require sidewalks of past developments. Dr. Jensen stated that, as long as this is enforced, it takes care of district concerns. With regards to Proctor Road, Mayor Klinzing stated that Sherburne County is open to putting up one crosswalk. Mr. Klaers recommended that the district contact the County Engineer, Dave Schwarting, regarding this issue. Director VanBlarcom also suggested that the yield sign at the exit of Salk Junior High at Proctor Avenue be replaced by a stop sign. Dr. Jensen responded that this is something the district can do. · Building/Development Projects Mr. Klaers reported that the City is in the process of updating their comprehensive plan and will be looking at additional urban service plans. He noted that there is a lot of vacant land and some of it is starting to be platted, with a large share of it being in the east. There have been an average of 240 building permits for living units per year, which is higher than in the recent past, and could increase slightly in future years. Dr. Jensen reported that the district is in need of acquiring land (20 acres with sewer/water or 30 acres at a minimum if not) for an elementary school in Elk River. It's anticipated that the school will be needed within three to five years. It was suggested by Council Member Tveite that a representative of the School Board attend the City's comprehensive planning meetings. Chair Strater agreed that it would be helpful for a. district administrator to attend. Dr. Jensen will follow up on this. ,. B-636 · School Dedication Fees Dr. Jensen reported that in some states there is a fee dedicated to schools when a lot is sold. He noted that, since the state has moved away from state funding and is putting more burden on local tax payers, we desperately need something like this. He stated that we need to look at ways to work with the City. He sited examples of other local cities donating property to the school district through park dedication fees or other means. Council Member Kuester suggested that Dr. Jensen contact Senator Oumda to consider carrying impact fee legislation. · Mu(ually Beneficial Partnerships Mr. Blesener reported that the School Board recently passed a resolution to support the concept of having the Arts Alliance use Handke School for their Arts Center. At one point, the City had expressed support to donate land for the Family Arts Center. He acknowledged that, since then, many things have changed, including the closing of Handke as a school. He believes Handke would be great for the Family and Arts Center. The district has a $500,000 state grant for this project. The Arts Council intends to raise $1.5 million for their center. Dr. J'ensen reported that it's necessary for the district to keep the Handke building available for the next year in case they would need to utilize it as a school. He would like to keep the school as a community building. He believes the Arts Association will need school and city support. Director Swanson stated that it should be the Arts Association's Initiative to ask for City support, but she suggested that the City adopt a similar resolution as the Board did in expressing their support. Tony Darkenwald, Elk River Area Arts Alliance, stated that they are prepared to move forward with their fundraising campaign and applying for grants. The need to know the level of commitment fi.om the district, the city and all the players. Mayor Klinzing responded that the City is currently designating a significant amount of resources for building the public safety building and renovating the City Hall. They haven't discussed anything outside of those projects. · YMCA Update Mayor Klinzing reported that the CityofElk River is definitely partnering with the YMCA. There is a very dedicated group of individuals that have joined the Founders Committee. She stated that there is a real need for all-day summer programs for students. They are offering some programming through the Emporium, with arrangements being made for students to get on busses there to attend various camps. Scholarships will be available~to families not able to pay on a limited case-by-case basis. The target date for the completion of the YMCA building is April 1, 2004. The meeting ended at 9:05 p.m. Minutes prepared by Londa Chambers SANDI PETERSON, SCHOOL BOARD CLERK