2016.02.01 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

MINUTES FOR THE HUGO CITY COUNCIL MEETING ON MONDAY, JAUNARY 4, 2016 Call to Order Mayor Weidt called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. PRESENT: Haas (via Skype), Klein, Miron, Petryk, Weidt ABSENT: None ALSO PRESENT: City Administrator Bryan Bear, City Engineer Jay Kennedy, Community Development Assistant Rachel Leitz, Administrative Intern Taylor Richter, and City Clerk Michele Lindau Approval of Minutes for the December 21, 2015 City Council Meeting Klein made motion, Miron seconded, to approve the minutes for the December 21, 2105 City Council meeting as presented. All Ayes. Motion carried. Approval of the Agenda Weidt made motion, Petryk seconded, to approve the agenda as amended by adding Carter Johnson from the Citizen and Mary Santi from the League of Women Voters. All Ayes. Motion carried. Discussion on Withrow School - Stillwater School District Superintendent Denise Pontrelli City Administrator Bryan Bear explained that the City had recently learned of the Stillwater School District's decision to close three of the elementary schools in the district: Oak Park Heights, Marine on St. Croix, and Withrow Elementary. School Superintendent Denise Pontrelli was invited to the meeting to share information to the Council. Superintendent Pontrelli explained the B.O.L.D (Building Opportunities for Learning and Discovery) plan, and provided the time line for how they got to where they are. Pontrelli outlined the several studies and components that went into the decision to close the school, concluding that smaller schools were more expensive to run. Bob McDowell, Executive Director of Learning and Innovation, explained the financing budget for the school district and their attempt to find something sustainable into the future. He referred to the Metropolitan Council's study, which showed a decline in school aged children during the next 15 years. Miron stated he had attended the recent meeting at Withrow School and felt it was respectful and positive. He understood the community's interest in keeping the school open and the importance of maintaining a good working relationship with the district.