1997-10-13MINUTES-JOINT CITY COUNCILS' AND WESTONKA SCHOOL
OCTOBER 13, 1997
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 a.m., Mound City Hall. Members Present: City of
Mound: Mayor Bob Polston; Councilmembers: Andrea Ahrens, Mark Hanus and Liz
Jensen; City Manager Ed Shukle. Minnetrista: Mayor Ed Gale; Councilmembers Cheryl
Fischer and Delores Jeanetta. Westonka School Board: Chair Bill Pinegar; Board Members:
Bruce Charon and Bob Bittle; Superintendent Dr. Pam Myers. Others Present: Bert Haglund,
TSP/EOS and Bil Hawks.
City_ of Mound Resolution Regarding Acceptance of Survey Results and Support for
Referendum on Renovation Project
Ed Shukle, City Manager, reviewed previous Mound City Council action regarding approval of the
survey results and unanimous support of a resolution regarding the referendum.
City of Minnetrista Resolution Regarding Acceptance of Survey Results and Support for
Referendum on Renovation Project
Mayor Ed Gale described the discussion at the Minnetrista City Council meeting regarding this
matter. He indicated that a similar resolution to Mound's was adopted but that the Council struck
the "promoting and marketing" provision of one of the Whereas' and struck the reference to $50.00
per year increase in property taxes. The vote on the resolution was 4-1 in favor.
Results of Review and Comment from Department of Children, Families and LearninE
Bert Haglund, TSP/EOS, informed the committee that a document had been prepared pursuant to
the requirements of Minnesota Statutes and the Department of Children, Families and Learning. A
visitation has been made by a representative of the State Department and that representative has
stated that a positive review and comment will be issued. Haglund stated that a positive review and
comment will result in a simple majority to pass the referendum. If an unfavorable review and
comment were received, 60% passage would be required. If a negative review and comment were
received, the referendum would not be allowed. It appears that we have met the requirements as
outlined by the State Department of Children, Families and Learning.
Review by Bond Counsels Regarding Minnesota Statutes Sections 471.15-471.191 and its
Impact on the Renovation Project
Ed Shukle indicated that the bond counsel for the Westonka School District and the bond counsel
of the City of Mound have reviewed the project and its relationship to Minnesota Statutes Sec~ s
471.15-471.191. This section of state law refers to school districts financing projects on a cz
and operational basis. The law indicates that projects are permissible to finance community ~.
projects when the focus is on school district curriculum and the community aspect is secondary.
Based upon the proposed makeup of the facility, it would appear that the facility will consist of a
Joint City Councils' and Westonka School Board Minutes
October 13, 1997
Page 2
majority of community oriented functions rather than school district functions. It is based upon this
review, that bond counsels have stated that financing cannot take place. Bond counsels have
indicated that special legislation allowing a waiver of this law is necessary in order for the school
district to go forward with financing this project with the community focus that has been discussed.
Dr. Pam Myers, Superintendent of Schools, Westonka, indicated that the school district could
finance the project alone but with a joint powers agreement as proposed, it is illegal to do.
The group reemphasized that this is a joint project with 3 entities involved and that the legislature
should look favorably upon waiving the requirement under Section 471.15-471.191. Both Shukle
and Myers are pursuing having Senator Gen Olson and Representative Steve Smith introduce special
legislation to remove this latest roadblock in the project.
In the meantime, direction was given by the committee to proceed with the referendum. The School
Board will be meeting this evening to approve a resolution of support and approving the actual ballot
question to be put before the voters. Informational meetings were scheduled for Tuesday,
November 4,1997, 7:30 p.m., Minnetrista City Hall and Wednesday, November 19, 1997, 7:30
p.m., Mound City Hall.
Discussion was held on the type of educational information that will be published on the proposed
renovation project. Consensus was to have Bert Haglund, TSP/EOS and the communications
director for the Westonka School District, Kristin Dodge Narjes, work on developing a brochure that
can be reviewed by the committee at its next meeting. The information will be brief but will address
some of the common questions that will be asked by voters.
Joint Powers Agreement Elements
Ed Shukle reviewed elements that should be included in a joint powers agreement. The consensus
was to have the joint powers agreement subcommittee meet this week to further develop these key
elements and report back at the next committee meeting.
The next meeting of this committee was scheduled for Monday, October 20, 1997, 7:00 a.m., Mound
City Hall.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 a.m.
~~hu~~.~tted'
City Manager