1997-09-18MINUTES-JOINT CITY COUNCILS' OF MINNETRISTA AND MOUND AND THE
WESTONKA SCHOOL BOARD-SEPTEMBER 18, 1997
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. at Minnetrista City Hall. Members Present:
Mound: Mayor Bob Polston; Councilmembers: Mark Hanus, Liz Jensen and Leah
Weycker; City Manager Ed Shukle; Minnetrista: Mayor Ed Gale and Councilmember Cheryl
Fischer; Westonka School Board: Chairman Bill Pinegar; Jan DeMatteo, Bob Bittle and Bruce
Charon; Superintendent of Schools Dr. Pam Myers. Others Present: Bil Hawks, Cathy
Bailey, Bert Haglund, Ben Withhart and Sue Weibel.
Review of Survey Results
City Manager Ed Shukle indicated that Dr. Bill Morris, Decision Resources, Inc., was not available
to present the findings of the survey conducted by Decision Resources at tonight's meeting. Shukle
reviewed the Executive Summary that Dr. Morris had furnished and answered questions regarding
the results of the survey. Dr. Morris has reached three conclusions from the survey:
"1.
A financially prudent bond referendum, requiring a property tax increase of no more
than $50.00 per year on the average household, would have an excellent chance of
passage.
The Cities and School District face a major information campaign to dispel
misperceptions. A key component will be a clear and consistent presentation of the
proposal, its costs, its components-and what is Not included.
Even with these very positive atmospherics, the bond referendum campaign will
require a full-scale information and voter mobilization effort to pass. Apathy is the
'enemy' facing this proposal, one the information base is in place."
After some discussion, it was the consensus of those present to return to their respective bodies to
obtain a resolution of support regarding proceeding with a referendum which could be held later this
year. It was further understood that members would all have the opportunity to review the
referendum ballot question with the School Board, which will give the ultimate approval since they
are the entity to actually conduct the election. City of Mound staff would be researching the
deadlines for scheduling the referendum for December 4, 1997 and would be in contact with other
city staffand the School District staff to clarify the various details of the project i.e., election ballot
question, joint powers agreement, bond issuance, etc.
Stratec, v to Promote and Market Referendum
Discussion focused on information needed to promote and market the renovation project. It was the
consensus to bring names of persons who would be interested in serving on a steering committee
regarding the project to the next meeting. Upon appointment to a steering committee, the persons
appointed would be responsible to develop a formal strategy to educate the public on the purpose
M'mute~ ot~ t~e Io~nt ~i~y ~ouneils] anc~ ~e~ool ~oarc~ Meeting
September 18, 1997
Page 2
of the referendum and to be prepared to answer various questions regarding the renovation of thc
existing Westonka Community Center.
Next Meeting
The next meeting of the City Councils' and Westonka School Board will be held Thursday,
October 2, 1997, 7:00 p.m., Mound City Hall.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:45 p.m.
~.spectfully s/ub ~mitted,
Ed Shukle
City Manager