02-10-1997 CC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Minutes February 10, 1997 Page ,5 8. Area Learninq Center Dr. Flannery explained a proposal to build o new area learning center (ALC) facility since they have outgrown their present leased site. Dr. Flannery felt the best site is adjacent to the community education center on the existing Oak Knoll Park soccer fields property. Dr. Flannery explained they would like to relocate the community education center at Handke School, but that would not be possible until a new elementary school is built. They have also considered taking down the existing community education structure and rebuilding but the building is structurally sound and it would not make sense to destroy a functional facility. Dr. Flannery felt it would be necessary to take only one of the fields at Oak Knoll for the ALC building. Discussion followed regarding other possible sites for a new area learning center. Councilmember Holmgren suggested a building could be placed between Parker and Lincoln Schools where there currently is an unused athletic field. Board member Mary McDevitt-Kraljic felt the center needs to be located away from the existing schools and indicated they have experienced increased attendance and completion since moving the area learning center out of the traditional school setting. Further discussion followed regarding the school's industrial park site and the Morrell Transfer property, if it were to become available in the future. Dr. Flannery indicated approximately 65% of the area learning center students are residents of the Elk River Area School District and 35% are from surrounding areas. Students range in age from 14 to 40, with the majority of students between the ages of 16 and 19. Dr. Flannery felt the soccer field site makes the most sense since the school district already owns the property. Tom Wingard, President of Three Rivers Soccer Association, expressed his opposition to the elimination of the soccer field. He explained there are 1,100 to 1,200 young people in the soccer programs and the loss of the field would have a dramatic effect. He noted there are approximately 180 children each night using the fields in the spring and summer and felt it is one of the best facilities in the Twin Cities and surrounding metro area. A brief recess was taken at 9:00 p.m. Mayor Duitsman, Councilmembers Holmgren, Farber, and Thompson left at this time. Fire Department and Ambulance Service 1996 Annual Report Fire Chief Bruce Anderson and Ambulance Coordinator Steve Dittbenner answered questions for Councilmember Diefz regarding their 1996 annual report.