01-25-1999 CC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Elk River City Council Minutes Januarv 25. 1999 Page 2 e 1. Mayor and School Board Chair Introductory Comments Mayor Klinzing welcomed the School Board and stated she was pleased to meet with them to share and discuss issues of mutual concern which affect the same constituency of both the School Board and City Council. Mary McDevitt-Kraljic thanked the City Council for the invitation and stated that it was her hope to strengthen the relationship between the School Board and the City Council. . II. Overview of School Districts Development Plans Dr. Flannery presented the City Council with a brief overview of the School District's future development plans. Dr. Flannery reviewed the district's financial plan, enrollment distribution issues, history of property taxes applied toward school debt, and the need for another high school and more elementary schools within the next five years. Dr. Flannery noted that the board would like to think about areas in which the district and city can work together so as to lessen the burden on the taxpayers. III. Police Liaison Proaram e Dr. Flannery noted that the district has been happy with the support and service provided by the Elk River Police Department in regard to the police liaison program. He indicated that the dilemma the board faces is that Sherburne County has indicated it will provide liaison officers for secondary schools at no charge to the district. He indicated that the district currently pays the city $70,000 for this service. Dr. Flannery stated that if the district were to go with the county liaison, the program would not begin until January 2000. Council member Farber stated that he spoke with Sheriff Anderson. He indicated that Sheriff Anderson stated that he would prefer to see the district and the city work together to solve funding problems and to have the city continue with the liaison program. Patty Scharber indicated that in her mind it is an equity issue. She stated that all of the tax dollars that the district receives for this purpose are being disbursed to the Elk River Schools to pay for the liaison officers and that there are no dollars being spent for the limmerman School or the Rogers School. e Police Chief lerwas indicated that if the board chooses to discontinue the Elk River School Liaison Program, the decision will have a great impact on the schools, the kids, and the city. He indicated that the city would lose the connection and continuity that has been established with the kids throughout the years. Police Chief lerwas further indicated that Sherburne County would have to spend $225,000 to provide the three police liaison officers which is more than the $70,000 that the district is currently paying. Chief lerwas suggested the possibility of forming a committee consisting of members from the School Board, City Council, and Sherburne County to come up with a solution to this issue.