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2013-09-30 CC Minutes JointCiv Of t. Michael -AlbcOville - - Ss,-- i) T MN A Sma- Town Living. Big Ok Life. 9 9 M JOINT MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCILS OF ALBERTVILLE AND ST. MICHAEL AND THE STMA SCHOOL BOARD MINUTES September 30, 2013 Albertville City Council Chambers 6:00 p.m. 1. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Mayor Hendrickson called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. STMA School Board Present: Chairperson Douglas Birk, Gayle Weber, Carol Steffens, Jeanne Holland, Jeffrey Lindquist, Drew Scherber, and Superintendent James Behle Albertville City Council Present: Mayor Jillian Hendrickson, Rob Olson, Larry Sorensen, John Vetsch, Dan Wagner, City Administrator -PWD Adam Nafstad, and City Clerk Kimberly Olson St. Michael City Council Present: Mayor Jerry Zachman, Nadine Schoen, Chris Schumm, Kevin Kasel, and City Administrator -PWD Steve Bot Others Present: MN House Representative David Fitzsimmons, Samara Postuma 2. STMA FINANCIAL UPDATE Behle outlined the estimated enrollment projections for the next several years. He stated that enrollment increases are coming to an end. Enrollment is what sustains the budget and with those numbers decreasing they would be heading toward deficit spending. However, he stated the district has been proactive in their planning and outlined what the district has in reserves. Behle reported they are continuing to work with legislators to increase equity in school funding. He stated that the basic school formula has not changed significantly enough to help the district. Kasel inquired what the impact would be on class sizes if cuts were to be made in the school's budget. Behle responded that it would increase classes by three to five students potentially, but it is more difficult to say when it comes to the high school where they may have to alter programs. Birk stated the basic school funding formula is a pressing issue for the district and it is important to continue to work with legislators on the issue. The School Board has spoken about increasing visibility of the issue and potentially writing an editorial for the Star Tribune. He stated the Albertville, St. Michael, and STMA School Board Joint Meeting Page 1 Minutes of September 30, 2013 current formula is unfair to children in the district; one school district may receive more money just because of their location. He felt the kids are the ones losing out and felt a statement from the community should be pursued. He asked both councils to consider signing onto the editorial in the hopes it will prompt more community discussion. Sorensen asked if other school boards would be willing to support the editorial. Birk stated that he was not sure if other boards would sign on; it depends on the funding they have received in the past. 3. ALL DAY KINDERGARTEN Behle reported that all day kindergarten will be offered next year and they are still working on the details. They do have space to hold all day kindergarten, but some programs may have to be moved. He stated they will look at a half day option. He clarified that the additional time in class will be dedicated to more reading, math, science, social studies and specials classes. He stated that all day kindergarten will be more of a challenge to the students and more will be expected of the children leaving kindergarten. He invited the group to attend a community meeting on November 11 and reported final decisions will be made in January. Vetsch inquired if the State will fund the all day kindergarten. He was concerned it would be funded for a short time by the State and then fall on the school district to fund it in later years. Behle replied that all day kindergarten was included in the formula. Schumm felt all day kindergarten significantly improves reading levels. 4. TRAFFIC CONTROL DURING FOOTBALL GAMES Sorensen stated that Albertville City Council has received complaints about the length of time it takes to exit the middle school parking lot after football games. Scherber stated that the lot is not designed for that amount of traffic. Behle stated they have also had issues with cars in the bus lane as well as cars circling in the lot. Lindquist noted that two deputies were present during the homecoming game and that seemed to make a difference; he stated one was located at the Main Avenue NE and 50t` Street NE and they haven't had that before. Steffens suggest announcements be made at the conclusion of games requesting patience while exiting the lot after games. 5. STMA ICE ARENA ROOF IMPROVEMENTS Nafstad reported they have engaged architectural and engineering consultants to investigate the issues with the roof. The consultants believe the moisture issues have been present since the building was built, but have become more apparent when the roof was replaced creating a tighter seal. The recommended solution would be to upgrade the dehumidification system and make insulation improvements that would include removing the existing insulation, installing spray foam insulation and fire barrier and adding a new drop low -e ceiling. The consultants stated the improvements could be done individually or together. Nafstad stated the cost of both improvements is approximately $545,000. The arena has $110,000 available in depreciation reserves, leaving each entity with approximately $145,000 for their share of the improvement. He stated that the consensus of the arena board was to move forward with both improvements. He stated that both St. Michael and Albertville felt they could Albertville, St. Michael, and STMA School Board Joint Meeting Page 2 Minutes of September 30, 2013 fund their portion of the fix internally. Nafstad indicated that Albertville could possibly finance /'1 the school's portion of the fix if the school would like. Nafstad reported that dehumidification improvements would not affect arena operations; however, the insulation improvements would. He stated it was possible the arena would be out of service from April to July. He stated the consultants said the arena would see great improvement once the dehumidification improvements are done, but the moisture will still be in the roof if those insulation issues aren't addressed. Kasel and Schumm both agreed that both improvements should be done sooner rather than later. Lindquist stated funding the fix is an issue the school district will have to address. Schumm stated that he spoke with an expert that works in the ice arena field that has seen similar issues who thought the proposed fixes would work. Zachman had concerns about other issues they may find while making the improvements and how that would affect the overall cost of the project. He suggested that more inspection or investigation be performed prior to bidding the project. Lindquist stated that if the repairs are not done, it could eventually impact the structure of the building. Holland inquired if the Youth Hockey Association was aware of the needed repairs. Lindquist replied they did receive a letter from the Association about safety concerns they have due to the dripping. He indicated they are aware of the necessity of the repairs. Nafstad reported they received a request from the lacrosse team to utilize the ice arena for their practice and team games. They would rent the arena during the summer when the ice is out. /01 Nafstad stated it is something they could look at in 2015, but not 2014 with the repairs that are needed. Bot asked for next steps. Nafstad replied he would request proposals from the engineers and architects and draft a funding agreement for all three entities. Behle stated the School Board will have this item on their agenda for the next Monday. 6. ADJOURNMENT Motioned by Wagner, seconded by Schumm, to adjourn the meeting at 7:06 p.m. With all voting aye, the motion carried. Sincerely submitted, Kimberly O on, Albertvi e rty Cler Albertville, St. Michael, and STMA School Board Joint Meeting Page 3 Minutes of September 30, 2013