City Council

Joint School Board No. 623/City Council Meeting Notes

District Center, 1251 County Road B-2 West

June 26, 2012

Roll Call

School Board Chair Kitty Gogins and Superintendent John Thein welcomed Roseville City Councilmembers to this meeting of the School Board to discuss collaboration and partnerships between the City and School District.

School Board Members present: Chair Kitty Gogins; Kaying Thao; Lisa Edstrom; Erin Azer; William Majerus; and Mona Langston

Roseville City Councilmembers present: Mayor Roe; Councilmembers Pust and Willmus.  Mayor Roe announced that Councilmember McGehee was unable to attend due to a prior conflict; and that earlier today, Councilmember Johnson had advised that he would be unable to attend due to illness. 

City Manager Malinen was also present; along with many City Department Heads and school staff members.

Agenda / Key Topics for Discussssion Agenda

Chair Gogins welcomed everyone and introductions were made of the respective bodies.  Chair Gogins noted that City Manager Malinen, Dr. Thein, Mayor Roe and she had met earlier to develop tonight’s discussion points and potential areas of new collaborative efforts and partnerships.  

Dr. Thein referenced information provided by the City and School District 623 outlining current collaborative efforts among the City and School District 623, including activities, events, pathways, and facilities.  Dr. Thein encouraged an open dialogue on potential new ideas to collaborate; and reviewed some of the areas of support by City departments and staff.

In her review of documents in preparation for tonight’s meeting, Chair Gogins noted how favorably impressed she was with the list of collaborative efforts to-date.  Chair Gogins opined that this was a great encouragement to her of the collaborative efforts of the School and City Administration Departments; and expressed her interest in expanding other areas of partnership.  Chair Gogins specifically noted the strong comparisons between the School Board’s and City’s strategic plans; and how they both advanced the Imagine Roseville 2025 community visioning process.

One repeated area of comment addressed by Dr. Thein was the public’s concern in why the City didn’t plow the various school facility parking lots.  Dr. Thein noted that, while this had been considered in the past, with the other City snowplowing priorities for emergency and overall community access, it just wasn’t feasible.  However, Dr. Thein noted that the City and School District staff did share partnerships with other ground work (e.g. mowing); as well as partnering in youth activity programs (e.g. facilities, fields, and programming needs). Dr. Thein noted that the City provided great assistance and modeling through the City’s Public Works Department with asphalt improvement projects, as well as in liaison programs with the City’s Fire and Police Departments for support and security needs of the School District.

Community Engagement

Chair Gogins introduced this area, noting her interest specifically in under-represented portions of the community.

Options identified to move forward

1. Adopt locations/areas for meetings to develop relationships

School Board Member Langston expressed her interest in getting a more diverse group engaged in the community; perhaps during the summer months, rather than during the school year.  Some ideas of Member Langston included “Back to School Nights’ involving City personnel to provide opportunities for more exposure to local government; however, she noted this also created an issue in needing transportation options for many families wishing to attend but not having access. Ms. Langston noted that not all families attend these evenings; but it would provide one opportunity to address immigrant or non-immigrant families still having a fear of law enforcement personnel.

School Board Member Langston suggested another example she’d observed in another suburb to “adopt-a-multi-family building or area of the city” and to focus meetings at those locations in a specific building to build relationships.  Ms. Langston stated that they had found to be successful elsewhere in engaging new immigrants, and building stronger relationships; as well as getting others in the community involved in building those relationships.

Chair Gogins suggested that the City and School Board could jointly host such meetings.

Mayor Roe noted that both the School District and City could collaboratively identify which buildings made the most sense to hold such gatherings for outreach (e.g. those having more frequent code enforcement and/or police department calls).  Even if the events were not joint activities, Mayor Roe opined that the message of the City and School Board were similar, in getting more community residents engaged and familiar with local leaders.

Councilmember Willmus noted that this would engage those emergency service personnel with those groups with whom they may not typically associate on a daily basis outside of emergency situations.

Chair Gogins noted the appreciation expressed by parents to the Fire Department for their presentation at School Readiness events; and opined that similar events could be held formally and/or informally.

At the request of Councilmember Pust, Dr. Thein noted the continued presence of the City’s Fire and Police Departments at Kindergarten Orientation Nights; usually with an emergency vehicle present and/or CPR demonstrations.

Mayor Roe noted the significant number of activities held annually in Central Park, and suggested this would serve as a great opportunity for these community gatherings to connect residents with resources, either or both School and City) and provide educational and/or resource materials in an orderly fashion.  Mayor Roe noted the numerous activities held during the Fourth of July at Central park, and potential for sharing resources between events or concerts, given the number attending those events. Mayor Roe noted the need to establish some organizational structure to tie into various events.

Dr. Thein noted that the School District could also use a float or other presence in the annual Rosefest Parade.  Dr. Thein noted that there were various staff and community leaders involved already, but not through any organized effort.

School Board Member Edstrom opined that the Shuttle Bug was a great idea for the parade.  Ms. Edstrom stated that of the list of collaborative efforts already in place, there were many that she had not been aware of; and appreciated some of the more pro-active activities.  Ms. Edstrom specifically mentioned and expressed appreciation to the Police Department for their efforts to have lunch with students at various schools.

Councilmember Pust suggested that City and School staff, at a minimum, share and compare their event and activity calendars to identify areas of potential partnership.

School Board Member Thao concurred, suggesting that they could make themselves available accordingly; and encouraged making themselves available to the community and meeting them where they are.

Dr. Thein noted that the City’s parks were jewels of Roseville, and a great asset.  However, Dr. Thein noted that a lot of families didn’t have access to them or a way to get to them.  Dr. Thein suggested that the School District could work through its transportation vendor to get people to the park for City-planned activities (e.g. picnic or meals); and then share programming with families.

Chair Gogins concurred, noting that any obvious barriers for students and families be removed.

Mayor Roe recognized the work being done by the City’s Human Rights Commission, on which School Board Member Thao serves, through their Civic Engagement Task Force efforts to connect people with their government.  Mayor Roe noted that this could be expanded to include the City and School District, with liaisons already under discussion; and the need to make those connections not just for the City but as a community effort.

Councilmember Pust noted the NextDoor.com program to electronically connect neighborhoods in developing their own communications devices, currently modeled after park constellations, but eventually intended to be developed into smaller subgroups.  Councilmember Pust suggested that this be applied to school lists as well as for their own neighborhood purposes, creating more bonds between neighbors, thus building stronger neighborhoods and stronger communities.

Chair Gogins suggested reinforcing schools and other facilities being available as hosting sites for physical meetings.

Councilmember Willmus suggested pursuing opportunities for the City’s emergency service providers to meet with immigrants or in situations where those cultures may not be comfortable with those in positions of authority, whether in a classroom setting or through other options.

Dr. Thein noted the need to not spread City or School staff too thin; while balancing invitations for participating in various events or activities.

Chair Gogins noted the suggestion to have calendars shared to provide opportunities for the respective bodies to be alert to potential partnership opportunities and better connect to some of those events.

2. Joint ELL/Human Rights events

Councilmember Willmus suggested tying ELL picnics to the City’s Human Rights Commission efforts. 

School Board Member Edstrom noted, along those lines, new areas of collaboration, such as Movie Nights at the OVAL, an area of collaboration as the first step with the ELL community; as well as the Summer Read program; and partnering with the Ramsey County Library.  Ms. Edstrom suggested that, as these efforts are attempted, her hope was that at some point the entire community could be engaged in the same book; and hold different guiding discussion or reading groups throughout the community.

Chair Gogins suggested that the ELL picnics be broadened to involve the City and the Human Rights Commission to engage more people.  Chair Gogins expressed her interest in connecting with the ELL and park events; and those opportunities detailed in the previous discussion for developing relationships.

Dr. Thein reiterated the need to add transportation to that equation.

3. Roseville Reads

As previously noted, the “Roseville Reads” concept was discussed, with two (2) books this year; and Chair Gogins expressing her hope to make it a broader community-wide effort next year.

Councilmember Pust spoke in support of making it happen.

4. Emergency personnel meeting with new members of the community at school events

Dr. Thein suggested the need for first aid training for school staff (e.g. training for CPR and other emergencies); and any opportunities to take advantage of joint training.

5. Communication, staff members sharing information and calendars

As previously noted, School and City Communication staff were encouraged to share calendars for joint events and activities that could flow out of various relationships and opportunities.

Lake Owasso School Site

Chair Gogins noted a DRAFT document prepared by her and Dr. Thein, identified as “Attachment 1” and entitled, “Lake Owasso School Property Future Use Guiding Change Document.”  Chair Gogins noted that this was simply intended as a starting point for discussions to build on some things to consider in “Current context and reality,” Unacceptable Means,” and Results.”

Chair Gogins cautioned that the School District’s recognition that there are seven (7) communities in the district, not just the City of Roseville, with only half of the students from Roseville; and if there is any joint City/School District effort, representation from those other communities needed to be built into that discussion.

On a related note, Mayor Roe clarified that the ball fields were currently zoned Open Space/Parks; and the building site area was zoned High Density Residential (HDR).

Discussion included the building site itself and ball fields, with the School District intending to remove the shell of the building this fall/winter.

School Board Member Langston expressed concern that a potential school use had been effectively zoned out by the City; however, Councilmember Pust clarified that schools were typically allowed uses in most zoning districts, and if not, a simple rezoning process could be implemented if indicated.

Mayor Roe concurred, recognizing that there may be a future school need for the property.

Councilmember Pust asked what the School Board had discussed to-date, and whether there was a school-based need for the property in the future.

Dr. Thein advised that reconstructing any new buildings was not something the School District would be interested in; rather it would consider recreating current space in existing buildings, such as adding on to a space.  Dr. Thein advised that, under the current economic and funding restrictions, this was the most economical way to go.  Dr. Thein noted that it was the intent of the School District to demolish the existing Lake Owasso building and look to other existing sites for any additional space needs.

Chair Gogins concurred, noting that Board consensus was that the district would only build on what they had, not building anything new.

School Board Member Edstrom advised that, in the recent past, there had been some preliminary discussions with the City’s Community Development staff on space at the Owasso site for intergenerational housing; with that housing component including shared service space on the first floor for the School District to provide outreach for students.  However, Ms. Edstrom noted that those were only brainstorming ideas shared in the past and within that context.  Ms. Edstrom stated that she would be interested in once again reviewing the results of that evaluation.

Councilmember Pust stated that she would be remiss if she didn’t mention the interest of the North Suburban Senior Council and some seniors in the community and area in that as a potential site for a senior center.

Chair Gogins noted that there were lots of ideas; however, viable options were needed to be developed by a group to determine the best 2-3 uses of the property.  Since this is a taxpayer asset, not just a School District asset, Chair Gogins noted the need to make sure the community receives the best value possible from the site.

Councilmember Willmus noted that the City’s Housing and Redevelopment Authority efforts went beyond the “H” for “housing” to the “R” for redevelopment, and therefore, other avenues could and should be considered.

Mayor Roe opined that it made sense to get the various stakeholders involved.

Councilmember Pust opined that it was important to populate the discussion with fiscal accountability to educate the public and all stakeholders on what was actually possible beyond a wish list.  Otherwise, Councilmember Pust noted the disappointment of the community when their ideas were sought, and then benched due to unavailable funding.

School Board Member Langston opined that those making up any potential task force or group of decision-makers represent a broad perspective of the community and provide some balance in that representation.

City Manager Malinen opined that it would be a priority of the City to try to preserve the ball fields along with any future use.

Mayor Roe, as well as others at the table from the School Board and City Council concurred that ball fields be preserved, not necessarily in their same location, but at the same site if at all possible to ensure there was no net loss of ball fields.

Councilmember Willmus noted that the Parks and Recreation Department served the same broader community as School District 623.

Further discussion included the scope of a potential task force; realistic nature of the proposed timeframe, with consensus to expand that timeframe by another three (3) months to September of 2013, for completion before November of 2013.

Mayor Roe noted that this would be more realistic and allow time to get a joint task force formed.  Mayor Roe reiterated Councilmember Pust’s suggestion to add “Financial Viability” to the chart to consider what the public wanted, but how to pay for that as well.

Dr. Thein noted that the property was not currently on the tax rolls for the School District or the City; and suggested that options could be flexible for any future purchase, not necessarily as a cash purchase.  Dr. Thein opined that time was of an advantage, allowing the City and School District to work over time for the benefit of the City and any future revenue generated.

Specific to formation of a task force, School Board Member Thao questioned if it was the intent to contract with a third party for a professional Needs Assessment and/or facilitation or to depend on community members.

Dr. Thein stated that it was his intent that it be done internally by City and School District staff to provide a strong component of competent professionalism from those respective resources and already in place in both organizations.  Dr. Thein opined that otherwise it would be cost-prohibitive.

Discussion on actual formation of the group included various scenarios, including: staff liaisons for the School District and each of the seven (7) communities in the District; recognition of all cities as part owners in this piece of property, whether living within the boundaries of Roseville or not, and making sure they’re involved if they so desire; how to keep the membership representative while also keeping it manageable; Dr. Thein’s suggestion for a task force not to exceed 10-12 members; and opening the involvement for each City to their discretion, whether to have that representative be an elected official, a citizen at large, or someone else to represent them. 

Based on past experience, Chair Gogins anticipated that not all communities would choose to participate in that representation.

Mayor Roe questioned if it was the intent to have a certain number of representatives at the table from each city or to have some of those cities band together with one representative.

Councilmember Pust sought clarification on the specific charge of the task force, or the authority they were to be given.

Chair Gogins, referencing the guiding change document, suggested that the task force provide two options, with that document serving as their guidance, along with those revisions and additions from tonight’s discussion.  Chair Gogins noted the intent was for them to define 2-4 recommended options to the decision-making body.

Councilmember Pust cautioned the need for a clear charge for the task force so they don’t put in six (6) months of work and anticipate having the blessing of the School District and City Council without further deliberation by those bodies.

School Board Member Langston opined that the School Board and City Council have final selection authority of an option; with final decision-making authority.

School Board Member Edstrom questioned whether it should be only the School Board as that authority, since by including the City of Roseville, it could be perceived to exclude the other communities that are part of the District. Ms. Edstrom noted that, when originally assessed in 2005, specific groups looked at each area and held public discussions throughout the community before bringing their recommendations forward.

Dr. Thein noted that the City of Roseville retained the final zoning authority as well.  Dr. Thein further noted that it was not the intent to have this task force in a room by themselves during this process; but to have them out in the community doing outreach and seeking community consensus on the best use for the property; and his intent to depend on the City’s Housing and Redevelopment Authority to provide guidance and expertise throughout that process, and to be actively involved.

Councilmember Pust noted that the intent of a scoping document should always engage the community’s input.

Chair Gogins clarified that this was the intent.

School Board Member and City Housing and Redevelopment Authority Member Majerus suggested that the Imagine Roseville 2025 community visioning be used as a template to build upon and involve the community.  Mr. Majerus suggested that the process be provided by the City and revisited to review how that entire process came together.

Chair Gogins concurred, and suggested adding a review of that process to the DRAFT document.

Mayor Roe recommended that the Parks and Recreation Master Plan be used, as it essentially built upon the Imagine Roseville 2025 process; and opined that it was the best effort he had ever encountered.

School Board Member Langston suggested using all of those resources, and making it broader than just using the Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA).

Further discussion ensued on the potential make up of the twelve (12) member task force: such as one City Councilmember from each community in the District; one School Board member; one Parks and Recreation Commissioner; one HRA member, etc..

Mayor Roe questioned how many citizens were intended on the task force, opining that the more the better.

Councilmember Pust suggested asking people of their interest before making a decision, especially if that contact was started during the summer months.

Chair Gogins clarified that she was simply attempting to seek member interest, whether citizens or elected officials, or those already serving on various commissions.

School Board Member Langston noted the need to consider community perceptions; with many preferring that City Council and/or School Board members should serve in an ex-officio capacity.

Chair Gogins suggested that the parameters not be defined at this time, but asked that Dr. Thein and City Manager Malinen work to determine how to best get good representation, including how to engage those under-represented groups.

Dr. Thein clarified that the direction to him and City Manager Malinen was to develop a specific charge for the task force, develop a timeline, and bring that recommendation back to both bodies; with anticipated kick-off later this summer or early fall.

Mayor Roe suggested that, between now and then, as community representatives, City Councilmembers and School Board Members communicate throughout the community this future formation of the task force.

School Board Member Azer encouraged everyone to get others involved, not the typical group of participants.

Senior Programming

Discussion included any duplication of services evidenced, with none readily identified.

School Board Member Edstrom advised that she had personally done a comprehensive study of services of the City and School District last year and found nothing duplicated for services or events.

Councilmember Pust opined that, more pertinent to a community discussion, is that the senior populations was encouraging more emphasis from the City than in the past for senior programming.  Councilmember Pust noted that this led into a review of how to respond to those in the community not being served by resources and/or programs already in place; and presentations to the City’s elected officials and District in getting involved, and how that may develop in the future.  Councilmember Pust noted other agencies and members in the community considering that survey information; and the work of the Senior Council under its new co-presidents in the very near future (Roger Toogood and Jan Parker); and the extensive work to-date by Sarah Bursell and a potential grant applications and funding sources.

Councilmember Pust advised that she was unsure how much discussions had evolved from that point and until a retreat planned in August and fall meetings of the North Suburban Senior Council, this discussion could be put aside until fall depending on the results of discussions at that level.

School Board Member Edstrom concurred with Councilmember Pust; noting a comprehensive needs assessment completed several years ago as part of a grant application in conjunction with other agencies to the state for community funds to develop a senior program.  While the grant was unsuccessful, Ms. Edstrom noted that it provided really concise demographic data and identified needs and current opportunities.  Ms. Edstrom advised that it resurrected the idea of a community for a lifetime concept, striving toward a goal of sustainability, walkability, and livability from the cradle to the grave.

Councilmember Pust noted that the City of Roseville was the only City providing support to the North Suburban Senior Council’s shuttle bug transportation service at this time.

Mayor Roe concurred, noting that the North Suburban Senior Council (NSSC) survey may identify gaps; however, he suggested that since that survey is in process, with results pending, this discussion may be premature.

Chair Gogins concurred, noting that the next step would be to have the NSSC make a presentation to the City and School Board on gaps and opportunities.  Chair Gogins expressed the District’s interest in working as a partner with the NSSC in determining community needs and resources.

Dr. Thein expressed concern from the District’s perspective of the need for senior programming, with only Roseville, Saint Paul, and Falcon Heights currently have strong advocates for the senior population.  Dr. Thein opined that he was interested in getting everyone involved and to broaden that senior advocacy and involvement among other communities and draw in additional members (e.g. including the communities of Little Canada, Maplewood, Shoreview and other cities in the District).  Dr. Thein noted the extensive changes over the last twenty (20) years in the needs of seniors and the entirely different world now and into the future, with a more active senior population.  Dr. Thein noted that one of the areas this was most evidenced was in congregate dining, with that having almost disappeared; and home delivered meals only being sought from those ages 85 or older.  Dr. Thein expressed his personal interest in receiving feedback on the gaps and opportunities available.

Councilmember Pust opined that the NSSC was going out to those other cities, and would help educate them.  On behalf of the NSSC, Councilmember Pust expressed interest in partnering with the District and Cities; and offered to relay that message.  Councilmember Pust also recognized the considerable programming for seniors done through the Parks and Recreation Department.

Mayor Roe noted that there were definitely things needed in planning for seniors, especially as the City’s demographics continue to change; with younger families as well as more of a senior population.

Councilmember Pust concurred, noting the need not only to provide walking trails for an active senior population, and families; but also to provide access for those needing to go to and from the grocery stores.

Strategic Plans

Chair Gogins recognized the respective strategic plans of the City and District; and sought additional areas to help both bodies achieve their plans.

City Manager Malinen noted that the City had provided the City Council’s strategic directions, the document from which City Departments would work from and driving its strategic planning and budgeting for the next biennial budget (2014/2015), with specific actions to further them and identify resources during 2013 for that upcoming biennial budget period.

Mayor Roe noted that documents provided also a foundation on which the directive had been built, with the Mission Statement of the organization and trying to capture community aspirations driving attempted accomplishments and derived from the Imagine Roseville 2025 community visioning process, the Parks and Recreation Master Plan process; the Comprehensive Plan update, with those statements and goals from those efforts synthesized.  Mayor Roe noted those community aspirations certainly did not exclude the schools, since there were many areas of overlap intended to provide a framework for work on specific objectives over the next 2-3 years.

Chair Gogins stated that, in her review of the City’s website, she was impressed with and previously unaware of the depth of ways the City fostered youth leadership and development; opining that she had never considered that linkage before.

School Board Member Edstrom addressed the School District’s technology needs; and sought clarification about access throughout and across the community for students and families when they were at home after school.  Ms. Edstrom noted her interest was related to equity, since the District expected a lot from its students and families related to internet access.

Dr. Thein shared aspects of the District’s and City’s current partnerships, as well as those anticipated for the future, with and through the City and making a great difference in the reliability of the internet system for staff and students. 

Dr. Thein further addressed the Board’s work on its Mission Statement and values that was permeating the District from administrators to staff and students, with each holding the other accountable, and impacting how they treated each other and how they worked together.  Dr. Thein advised that each was working hard to be models for the younger generation.  While recognizing the great work done by the City in their visioning and planning documents, Dr. Thein clarified that the School District also had a different, student-based focus to provide education for all ages.

City Manager Malinen advised that it was the City’s policy to connect all of its facilities, as well as those of the School District, then its business partners.  Mr. Malinen reviewed various Wi-Fi and fiber network opportunities; with city-wide opportunities not yet available, since that was a very challenging, and often unsuccessful aspect.   Mr. Malinen reviewed the current renegotiation between the City and Comcast through the North Suburban Cable Commission to continue providing public, educational and government access without charge through that renegotiated agreement. 

Dr, Thein sought assurances that the School District also has a voice in those negotiations to ensure their needs were well-represented.  Dr. Thein noted that any changes created a concern on their part, since it could have a major impact on their operations and services.

City Manager Malinen advised that the Access Corporation did a fairly good job of seeking input through their focus groups and development of the Needs Assessment; and noted that Mayor Roe served on their Board of Directors.

Dr. Thein addressed his major areas of concern, including future facility needs balanced with changing demographics and deteriorating and/or aging buildings and long-term impacts for the City and School District based on changing demographics, requiring awareness and collaboration.

Chair Gogins addressed an area of concern for her related to unintentional institutionalized racism; and her desire to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment, and taking opportunities to address this often challenging and often overlooked issue.

Dr. Thein concurred, noting that the School Board, and probably the City Council as well, saw most of the speakers before it to be 95-99% Caucasian.  However, Dr. Thein noted that the diversity was in the community.  Therefore, Dr. Thein concurred that it was necessary to find informal ways to get the community together and interact; and opined that it would make a really big difference for the School District and the City to make those groups feel more comfortable dealing with the School District and/or City administration.

Mayor Roe opined that it was not always just those from different cultures who were uncomfortable working with local government; and sometimes just those new to the community or not used to understanding the workings of that government structure.  Mayor Roe noted that there were types of efforts that everyone could do; and opined that it made sense for both bodies to focus on those areas, and build on the connections made over the last few years by finding even more opportunities.

Dr. Thein opined that it was a blessing to have the current diversity of membership on the School Board; noting that it made the body look at things from different perspectives.

Councilmember Pust suggested that communication efforts continue between the bodies, whether through staff or elected officials sitting in on discussions or participating in workshops.

At the suggestion of Dr. Thein, City Councilmembers and staff were invited to participate in the School District’s diversity training.

School Board Member Azer referenced the City’s strategic plan and community engagement efforts, and suggested taking advantage of those cultural liaisons already identified as good leaders for those areas with problem multi-family housing and neighborhood issues.

Councilmember Willmus suggested that Ms. Azer’s suggestion was definitely something to build on, especially as the City discussed and considered rental licensing and beyond; using those liaisons as a tool for those discussions.

Mayor Roe concurred, noting that connections into those communities through both the School Board and City Council and respective staffs by comparing notes and community contacts could provide an informal flow of information on things that needed work, prior to it moving up to the policy makers.

School Board Member Edstrom asked that the current high school youth leadership program not be lost in the shuffle; since it provided a huge opportunity for that leadership to bubble up in high school students, and created various alliances initiated by students to better understand their respective cultures and build broader understanding (e.g. restorative justice program at the high school level).  Ms. Edstrom suggested that there were ways for expansion beyond the high school and also get young people engaged in the community; and add to their grass roots support and focus on leadership at staff and board levels, as well as youth.

School Board Member Langston concurred with the way the discussion and direction was moving; noting the significant partnerships and learning among groups; opining that she would like to see that as a priority, since the more diversity was understood, the better the community and school district could be represented.

School Board Member Majerus suggested that the District and City Communications Department staff develop and community those partnership opportunities to the Board and City Council; and provide leads for resources for the community.

Councilmember Pust asked that the City’s HRA staff be included as well.

Dr. Thein noted that the last facility study for the District had been performed in 1992, and as things continue to age, the District would be force to make decision and keep the lines of community open, including any potential changes in facilities or outdoor space to ensure safe, efficient facilities are available to the District as well as the City.  Dr. Thein noted that those discussions would be coming forward in the near future.

Mayor Roe advised that the City had already gone through that process over the last year through their review of Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) needs over the next twenty (20) years; and noted that it was currently considering an Asset Management Software program to manage those facilities.  Mayor Roe offered to share the City’s expertise in those areas with the School District.

Dr. Thein noted that this spring the Board had indicated that they wanted a review of facilities and future needs; and opined that the availability of the City’s expertise would be welcomed.

Mayor Roe noted the value of the District’s vision cards with their strategic plan; and suggested the City use such a method to keep its Performance Management and Strategic Planning in the forefront.  Mayor Roe noted that this was a way the City could learn from the District’s example; and encouraged City staff to keep in touch with District staff.

Fairview Community Center

Chair Gogins addressed the materials detailing the uses from early childhood to seniors based on square footages at the Fairview Community Center.

Dr. Thein noted that the School District used to lease out more space than it operated as its population shrunk; with significant lease revenue received annually.  Through those revenues, Dr. Thein noted that the Fairview facility had paid for itself; and over the years while other buildings had been sold off, the Fairview facility had seen more use as a District building, and used for intergenerational programming versus leasing.  Dr. Thein invited tours of the facility to become aware of those multiple and varied uses.  In private discussion among the Board to-date on potential community center use, Dr. Thein opined that the Fairview facility was located in an area of the City abutting Falcon Heights, Lauderdale, and had great access off major highways.  Dr. Thein noted that the facility was basically being used as a community center without being identified as such.

City Manager Malinen reviewed the recently completed Parks and Recreation Master Plan and the next phase to consider a community center, initiating community discussions about the needs of Roseville and surrounding communities.  At the request of Chair Gogins, Mr. Malinen advised that the location for a community center would be part of that community engagement process.

Councilmember Willmus noted that, over the years, many different locations had been considered.

Dr. Thein asked that the School District not be forgotten in the process.

At the request of Mayor Roe, Dr. Thein addressed the District’s plans for the Fairview site, intended to continue to be operated as a community services and intergenerational facility.  Dr. Thein opined that he didn’t see a huge change in the way the building currently operated.  However, Dr. Thein noted that facility needs would need to be addressed, based on the District’s resources; but over the long haul (e.g. 25 years) he couldn’t imagine the same building in the same spot being used the same; opining that it just couldn’t be part of that long-term vision.

School Board Member Thao noted the perception among some students and community members that the Fairview facility was not as well kept as the High School; and the “worst” kids were sent to it.  Ms. Thao noted that it was an issue with equity perspectives.

Dr. Thein concurred, noting that future discussions at the School District level would need to include how to upgrade facilities for the District as well as the community.

Mayor Roe and Dr. Thein observed that this timing seemed to mesh with current discussions and planning.

Councilmember Willmus opined that a community center was a definite partnership opportunity between the School District and City.

School Board Member Langston opined that, while it was good to agree that the Fairview facility as seen as a community building, it was prudent to also see it as a school facility.  Ms. Langston opined that she wanted assurances that the discussions stay grounded in what the purpose is and how that challenges classroom achievement groups, specifically that those partnerships include classroom sizes and needs.

Community Pathways B-2 and Other Routes to Schools

School Board Members and Councilmembers concurred on the need to improve safety and increase pathways and sidewalks throughout the community, as well as partnering in how to prioritize those needs city-wide.

School Board Member Langston expressed her concern, beyond County Road B-2 to areas along Lexington experiencing excessive speeds while pedestrian are attempting to cross.  Ms. Langston addressed sidewalks along only one side of main school routes; better lighting needs on major and side streets; and partnering on resources to accomplish them.

School Board Member Azer addressed seniors wanting a walkable community; in addition to addressing childhood obesity; opining that the community had changed from the original “car town” built in the 1950’s.

Councilmember Pust briefly reviewed the history of the County Road B-2 pathway development; and noted that the City was willing, and at one time federal dollars had been received to help fund it; however, the community, or neighborhood was not interested due to infringing in their yards and/or assessment costs.  Councilmember Pust assured everyone that the City Council was and had been definitely interested in addressing this serious safety issue.

Councilmember Willmus noted that, while the lighting part had not necessarily been addressed, it wasn’t that long ago that the City had attempted to pursue this, but neighbors not interested due to assessments or front yard issues.  Councilmember Willmus noted that this was a huge part of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan process.

Councilmember Pust noted that, due to federal funding requirements, the pathway was considered too wide.

Mayor Roe noted that pathways were consistently highly rated and financially supported in community surveys; and suggested that the City shouldn’t have to rely on grants to install them, if the City identified priorities, which had been done through the Master Plan process, if the community was willing to financially support those pathways independent of any grant process.  Mayor Roe opined that this was an area of partnership between the bodies to help citizens understand the importance of pathways.  From his personal perspective, Mayor Roe noted the many missing connections between bus stops and multi-family housing throughout the community for those dependent on public transit, but unable to walk safely form their homes to those bus stops.

City Manager Malinen noted that the City’s next phase of its CIP would be for pathways and maintenance of those pathways to program those dollars into the operating budget. In a few months, Mr. Malinen advised that the City would be in a much better position to have that discussion, once it rose from the staff level to City Council level.

Dr. Thein recognized the work of the City’s Public Works, Environment and Transportation Commission and thanked the City for having Jan Vanderwall involved in that community; and what they had accomplished and put in place to-date.  Dr. Thein offered the District’s willingness to work with the City in making more pathways and walkways a reality and to make the community safer.

School Board Member Edstrom expressed her appreciation of area park amenities, noting her recent discovery of Villa Park, and its beautiful and private setting in an urban community.

Dr. Thein concurred, noting that Roseville was a great place to live, and thanked the City Council for making it so; opining that there was no other place to live but Roseville, and no other place to get an education than in District 623.

City Manager Malinen concurred that Roseville was a great place to live and a great place to learn.  Mr. Malinen recognized the City’s most recent Human Rights student essay winner; noting that the City of Roseville essays had won nine (9) out of twelve (12) contest years.

School Board Member and City Human Rights Commission (HRC) Member Thao noted that the City of Roseville had been asked to host next year’s statewide essay event.

Chair Gogins reviewed the discussion points from tonight and next steps.

Mayor Roe suggested that a working group or subcommittee of the City Council and School Board be developed as a very constructive way to delve into more detailed areas rather than in a large group; and suggested that such a subcommittee be set up over the next few months for that purpose.

Chair Gogins opined that this was a great opportunity to work in partnership, and such discussions should occur more often.

Councilmember Willmus suggested getting together as a work group more frequently.

Dr. Thein advised that a record of the notes would be typed and forwarded to all; and asked that he be alerted of any revisions or additions.

Dr. Thein and Chair Gogins thanked the City Council for their attendance, as well as City and School District staff for sitting in for the discussions.

The City Council left the School Board meeting after approximately 2 hours and fifteen minutes of discussion, as the School Board moved on to other items on their agenda.