CC_Minutes_2008_0625Special Session

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Special Joint Meeting Roseville City Council and the Roseville Area School Board, District No. 623 Wednesday, June 25, 2008 Page 7 activities and gathering outside of school; and recognition of the only viable youth space now available was that of R-2 at the Hamline Shopping Center operated cooperatively by a coalition of local churches. Councilmember Roe noted recent discussion with the redevelopment of the Rain- bow Foods site, loss of the theater, and need for inexpensive activities for young people. Superintendent Thein noted that the School District walked a fine line in not competing with for-profit organizations and businesses; with the School not going into the business of showing movies for profit, other than on a periodic or limited program basis. Superintendent Thein opined that the City/School partnership needed to address and adjust to the next generation of youth needs. Councilmember Pust opined that other organizations in the community (i.e., civic and faith or non-profits) needed to be actively involved in a broader discussion about their potential in providing underused facilities for overall community pro- gramming needs. Superintendent Thein opined the need to also consider kids in need, whose par- ents couldn't afford many opportunities, and that needed to be worked into the programming equation. Mayor Klausing noted that discussion was needed on programmed uses as well as non-programmed or safe places where kids could congregate, other than the Rosedale Mall, and opined that City parks met some of those outdoor needs. Superintendent Thein noted the wear and tear on some of the athletic fields (i.e., football field) and the need to "rest" them in preparation for the upcoming com- petitive season. Considerable discussion involved potential use of artificial use, and cooperative considerations by the District, City and various athletic associations within the community and area, noting that while initially costly, long-term benefits were savings in irrigation, lawnmower fuel, and transportation of mowers, in addition to the cost of supplies in their maintenance. Further discussion included various programs (i.e., gymnastics, swimming) and the positive experiences and improved self-esteem for students through their par- ticipation; and infrastructure costs and maintenance of facilities; open and pro- grammed swim times at the Fairview facility. Councilmember Roe suggested, with enthusiastic Board and City Council consen- sus, that both bodies needed to determine a better inventory of existing facilities