02-10-1997 CC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Minutes February 10, 1997 Page 4 added there will also be some improvements to the Proctor and Highway 10 intersection to add turning lanes. Councilmember Holmgren expressed his concern regarding the traffic congestion in and out of the schools between 7:30 and 7:45 a.m. He suggested the school board consider adjusting or staggering school starting and ending times. His greatest concern is bus drivers dropping off students and rushing to get back out onto School Street. Councilmember Holmgren expressed his support for locating an elementary school on the east side of Highway 169 since there are, and will be, so many young families in that area. Councilmember Holmgren questioned whether or not the board has given consideration to an internal road within school property to route buses, as discussed at a prior joint meeting. School Board member Jeff Gongoll noted the school board has considered the timing issue and will continue to evaluate it. Dr. Flannery explained the buses need to drop off students as quickly as possible in order to start their elementary school routes. Dr. Flannery stated they have discussed an internal road but have taken no action at this time. Parking problems at the senior high school were discussed. Dr. Flannery indicated there may be a need in the future to limit students driving to school to those in 1 l th and 12th grade only, if parking demands continue to increase. 6. Municipal Utilities - Water Department Issues Discussion followed regarding a proposal to place a sidewalk on the north side of Highland Road, in conjunction with a watermain project. Dr. Flannery stated he would favor a sidewalk on the south side, since Salk Jr. High is located south of Highland. Terry Maurer explained the sidewalk was proposed for the north side since the watermain wilt be placed on the north side and part of the area would be torn up anyway by the construction. It was the consensus the sidewalk would be reviewed when the issue gets to a City Council meeting in March. Dr. Ftannery noted the board is considering a request by the Elk River Municipal Utilities fo purchase a 1 + acre site near the Meadowvale School for location of a well. Dr. Flannery expressed concern for the upcoming water rate increase, noting it would place a substantial hardship on large users such as the school district. He explained the cost of irrigating fields places the largest demand on their water usage. 7. Ice Arena Update Jeff Gongoll indicated the new ice arena is nearing completion, with landscaping, final blacktopping and signage to be done in the spring. Jeff noted the project was done on a "bare bones" level and will be finished according to original plans as funds become available. Sixty parking stalls were added as part of the project which the school will be able to use in exchange for maintenance of the parking lot. A public address system is being rented at this time, and there is a possibility a system my be purchased with some of the funds coming from the superintendent's contingency.