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Hugo City Council Meeting Minutes for January 4, 2016 <br />Page 2 of 9 <br />Petryk asked about the future of the building, and Pontrelli explained that the fate of Withrow <br />Elementary has not been determined, but the District will likely not need it. Petryk said she felt <br />there would be more growth in the area than what was being projected. Bear added that they <br />were likely correct in their demographic analysis since that area of Hugo was outside the MUSA. <br />Petryk asked about the transition of sixth graders into middle school and ninth graders into high <br />school. Pontrelli and McDowell explained that the community wanted students to have access to <br />higher programing. <br />Haas stated that the vitality of the schools is essential to communities, and he talked about how <br />the City had supported Oneka Elementary School and Hugo Elementary School. Haas said the <br />decision to close schools isn't clearly understood, and mores ` lic i t was necessary. <br />Weidt said he understood the tough spot the district was in to make the schools viable and <br />financially feasible. His concern was that it has all had been done quickly, and the process <br />should be slowed down to ensure the right decision is made. <br />Pontrelli talked about the learning session that was held and how they have made communities <br />aware of the process. They are happy to listen to alternatives in looking at the capacity district - <br />wide. There will be a presentation on January 7 to share more information with the community <br />and public forums on January 26, 27, 28 at 5 p.m. <br />Weidt talked about how the decision affects the communities, and all options needed to be <br />considered. He thanked them for attending and encouraged them to slow down the process. <br />Bear recommended to Council that staff draft a resolution, not providing a formal <br />recommendation, but on the process, value and impact on the community. Council agreed and <br />asked it be available for them at the next meeting. <br />Carter Johnson <br />Carter Johnson, Publisher of Press Publications and The Citizen, provided a brief update of their <br />last year and their mission to be the best source of information. He reminded everyone that the <br />paper is available for anyone who wants to read it. He talked about the new layout and the great <br />response they have had. He thanked the City, readers, advertisers, and supporters and stated that <br />their distribution was up 3.5 percent, reaching over 8,000 people. <br />League of Women Voters — Mary Santi <br />Mary Santi explained that the White Bear League of Women Voters covers 30 cities from Arden <br />Hills to the St. Croix River. She said most know them by their community forums, but they also <br />work between elections to study issues and come to positions they lobby on. They are in their <br />second year studying the open meetings laws and are visiting cities doing informal audits. The <br />League will have their report ready at the end of this spring. <br />