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Mounds View City Council September 10, 2007 <br />Regular Meeting Page 3 <br /> <br />Administrator Ulrich indicated that Bethlehem Baptist Church has requested that a portion of 1 <br />their payment in lieu of taxes be used to assist with funding for the STAND and SAIL programs. 2 <br />Representatives are present to provide information on the programs. 3 <br /> 4 <br />Mayor Marty indicated that he has nothing against these programs as outlined in the Staff report. 5 <br />His concern would be that this is part of the Mounds View School District, and the School 6 <br />District is budgeted and paid for out of School District funds, and the Bethlehem Baptist Church 7 <br />was a contribution toward funding City needs. His concern is that once this starts getting applied 8 <br />to the School District, it may continue indefinitely, making it difficult to divert the funds away 9 <br />from the programs for any City needs that may arise. 10 <br /> 11 <br />Robin Howard, Dean of Edgewood Middle School, provided information on the STAND 12 <br />program which is Students Taking a New Direction to assist students with an academic focus to 13 <br />provide incentive for finishing work and to provide life skills training. 14 <br /> 15 <br />Administrator Ulrich explained that one time expenditures are easier for the City rather than 16 <br />funding that an organization would come to rely on. 17 <br /> 18 <br />Ms. Howard indicated that they are always looking for additional funding, but this would not be 19 <br />considered an operational funds source. The School District funds this program, but they would 20 <br />love to have the opportunity for the additional funds this time, or any other time that the funds 21 <br />would be available. 22 <br /> 23 <br />Debbie Wall, SAIL teacher, addressed Council and explained that SAIL stands for Social 24 <br />Academic and Interpersonal Learning. Ms. Wall indicated that they service any student for any 25 <br />time that they need extra support, and provide materials needed to assist with organization and 26 <br />preparation to be able to do their work. 27 <br /> 28 <br />Ms. Wall indicated that there are field trips and community service projects, and they do 29 <br />fundraising to assist with the School District funding. Ms. Wall indicated that they work around 30 <br />the funding they do receive, but would not rely upon the funding to continue regularly. 31 <br /> 32 <br />Council Member Mueller thanked Staff for putting together the Staff report and information. 33 <br /> 34 <br />Council Member Stigney said that a Committee is planned to determine the use of the funds and 35 <br />he would like to know if that has already occurred. Council Member Stigney said that he would 36 <br />like information on the Committee, and what the recommendation was. 37 <br /> 38 <br />Administrator Ulrich explained that there is not a formal committee, but more of an informal 39 <br />discussion with the YMCA, Park and Recreation Staff and the Church to develop a consensus of 40 <br />needs. 41 <br /> 42 <br />Council Member Stigney indicated that he would like to see the payment in lieu of taxes be used 43 <br />more City wide. He then said he has no issue with these programs, but would prefer to use the 44 <br />funds for something like Festival in the Park, as that is more City-wide. 45