1997-10-02MINUTES-JOINT CITY COUNCILS' AND WESTONKA SCHOOL BOARD
OCTOBER 2, 199'/
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. at Mound City Hall. Members Present: Mound-
Andrea Ahrens, Mark Hanus, Leah Weycker and Ed Shukle. Minnetrista-Cheryl Fischer. School
Board-Bill Pinegar, Bruce Charon, Jan DeMatteo, Bob Bittle and Dr. Pam Myers. Others-Bil
Hawks, Cathy Bailey and Bert Haglund.
Bill Pinegar introduced City Manager Ed Shukle who reviewed a number of documents with the
group present. First, Shukle reviewed the City of Mound's resolution regarding the acceptance of
the Decision Resources, Inc. survey and support for a referendum on the renovation of the existing
Westonka Community Center. He indicated that the City of Minnetrista would be considering a
similar resolution at its meeting of October 6.
Second, Shukle distributed a checklist from the Minnesota Department of Children, Families and
Learning complying with Minnesota Statutes 121.15. He explained that when school districts
undertake capital projects in excess of $400,000, the state department needs to provide review and
comment on the project. Bert Haglund explained the document that needs to be submitted to the
state department and that he, along with Dr. Pam Myers and Ed Shukle, were putting the necessary
responses to the checklist together for submittal to the state by Monday, October 6.
Third, Shukle distributed a letter from David Kennedy, Attorney for the City of Mound, regarding
bonding concerns and joint powers agreement elements for the project. Shukle highlighted the need
for the School District's attorney and bond counsel to review provisions related to the Recreation
Act which restricts the use of school district monies towards non-school curriculum programs i.e.,
gymnasium, theater and senior center facilities, etc. This could have an impact on the School
District financing and operating such a project.
The group then reviewed a sample ballot question for the referendum which Kennedy had prepared.
The question was modified and it was directed to be reviewed by bond counsel for both the City of
Mound and the Westonka School District.
The group then reviewed the elements of a possible joint powers agreement and suggested that a
subcommittee meet to define this document further.
Fourth, Shukle then distributed information prepared by Springsted on tax impacts of a $7.7 million
bond issue. This information was reviewed and further clarification is needed prior to the
referendum being held.
Finally, the idea of a Steering Committee to educate the public on the renovation project and the
referendum was discussed. There were varying opinions on the purpose of the committee and what
was legally possible to do. It was suggested that there not be a Steering Committee but that the
education on the project be conducted by this group.
Minutes of Joint Councils' and Westonka School Board
October 2, 1997
Page 2
There being no other business, it was suggested that the next meeting of this group be held on
Monday, October 13, 1997, 7:00 a.m., Mound City Hall.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:45 p.m.
"'Ed ~h~hkle
City Manager