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City Council Minutes <br />February 10, 1997 <br />Page 2 <br /> <br /> could escalate to what it was in the '70's. Dr. Flannery indicated that the schools <br /> are doing what they can to reduce drug usage through prevention programs, <br /> enforcement of rules and providing options for activities for students. He <br /> explained their greafest struggle is providing activities for the junior high <br /> population. He noted the 3 - 5 p.m. activity programs held at the schools have <br /> not been successful. He is looking to the community and to the churches to offer <br /> programs "off sire", since students have indicated they wanf to leave the schools <br /> at the end of the day. <br /> <br />Mayor Duitsman indicated Mark and Annette Watz are looking for a 6,000 square <br />foot building to provide a facility for young people. The concept is to provide a <br />cafe/club to serve the social and entertainment needs of the young. The Mayor <br />also noted that the Youth Initiatives budget, which is under the management of <br />Community Recreation Director Jeff Asfahl, increased to $17,000 for 1997. <br /> <br />Police Chief Tom Zerwas indicated that the 3 to 5 p.m. after school time is the <br />prime time for problems with youth, such as shoplifting. Investigator Bryan Vita <br />noted there was a great reduction in complaints about skateboarders after the <br />temporary skate boarding site was opened up. Chief Zerwas added that the <br />number of complaint calls went from 10 -15 a week to zero. Investigator Vita <br />stated the young people have expressed a strong desire for a place to play <br />billiards. Chief Zerwas explained that the problems with the former billiards site <br />were related to management. He felt if a site could be found, kids had input in <br />setting it up, and was properly supervised, a billiards site could be successful. <br />Chief Zerwas also mentioned there will be a speaker at the upcoming Youth <br />Initiative Task Force meeting to discuss starting a mentoring program. <br /> <br />The need for a community center/recreation site was discussed. City <br />Administrator Pat Klaers noted there will be questions on the upcoming Park & <br />Recreation Commission Community survey regarding interest to support a <br />community center. <br /> <br />Discussion followed regarding youth activities. Councilmember Farber expressed <br />concern that some kids lose interest in sports such as basketball if they don't <br />make traveling teams. School Board member Patti Scharber felt if some <br />enthusiasm could be generated to promote intramural sports, participation would <br />increase. School Board member Swanson felt there is a significant interest in <br />community theater by the area's youth which should be supported and <br />encouraged. Dr. Flannery agreed that the arts are an area for youth involvement <br />with the greatest payback to the community. <br /> <br />Funding for the D.A.R.E. program was discussed. Chief Zerwas encouraged all <br />those present to contact state legislators to support a bill which would increase <br />the level of participation for schools from $1 to $3 per household. <br /> <br />3. Morrell Transfer Operation <br /> <br />Dr. Flannery described complaints by staff and students of exhaust from Morrell's <br />trucks coming into the schools through the air ventilation system. Chief <br />complaints are headaches, nausea and eye irritations. Dr. Flannery explained <br />the air quality problem is disturbing to the classes and interferes with the learning <br />process. Mayor Duitsman explained the city has made every attempt to aid <br /> <br /> <br />