CCWS 09-20-2004 - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION September 20, 2004 5 . Council Member Larson is concerned that the City of Arden Hills may lose Valentine Hills Elementary School through the closing or repurposing process. He feels that this would be a great loss for the community. It is important for neighborhood schools to have a presence in the community. It may be necessary for the school district to pass a referendum or let our state legislators know that funding is needed to educate the children of this area. Mr. Sundberg noted that this is a statewide problem. The available state funding has remained flat for a number of years. The school district feels that it must do what it can to minimize operating costs and hope that the State of Minnesota does not cut funding for K-12 education any further. Council Member Grant noted that Valentines Hills is an asset to the community, and he does not want to see the school closed. He also noted that the State of Minnesota has a funding cap of $855.00 per student. Mounds View School District is currently at the funding cap per pupi1. The State of Minnesota would have to change this law in order for funding to be increased. Also, approximately 45 students that live in Arden Hills attend Irondale High Schoo1. He asked if this option still be available to students in the future? Mr. Sundberg replied that he did not know at this time. The Mounds View School District is aware of the demographic balance at this time. Members of tile school board will consider the concerns of the local communities, but it must do what is in . the best interest of the school district as a whole. Council Member Rem reiterated that Valentine Hills residents do not want to lose their elementary schoo1. Mayor Applikowski was wondering if the school district is considering redistricting. According to Mr. Sundberg the issue is not being discussed at this time. Mayor Aplikowski also noted that this issue may be brought up at the up-coming neighborhood meetings and it would be nice to have a representative from the school district in attendance. City Council requested that staff create a resolution advocating that the Mounds View School District keep Valentine Hills Elementary open. Capital Improvement Prol!ram City Administrator Wolfe provided a brief overview of key issues regarding the five-year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) to the City Council. The CIP as a whole contains estimated budgets for the upcoming capital expenditures for a variety of projects and equipment. As the City Council and staff continue to work though the results and implementation of the utility rate study, additional work will be needed on the CIP plan. City Administrator Wolfe asked the City Council if they had any concerns or reservations . regarding the proposed CIP projects for calendar year 2005. -------