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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 06/21/2005June 21, 2005 ALU a City of Petaluma, California JOINT MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL AND PETALUMA CITY SCHOOLS BOARD OF EDUCATION rss$ 1 City Council/Petaluma City Schools Board of Education Minutes 2 Tuesday, June 21, 2005 3 Special Meeting 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 JUNE 21, 2005 EVENING SESSION CALL TO ORDER - 7:00 p.m. A. Roll Call Vol. 41, Page 165 Present: • Petaluma School Board Members: Christina Kauk, Camille Sauv6, Lou Steinberg, Mary Schafer • Petaluma City Schools Superintendent: Greta Viguie • Petaluma City Schools Deputy Superintendent: Steve Bolman • Petaluma City Council Members: Mayor David Glass, Karen Nau, Keith Canevero, Pamela Torliatt • City Manager: Mike Bierman B. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Council Member Canevaro 1. DISCUSSION A. Recognition of successful partnership programs: • Kenilworth new site • Downtown Project • CSZ Entrepreneurs • SROs • Petaluma Junior High ball fields • Joint use agreements for facilities and fields B. Availability of elementary school yards for after school and summer Park and Recreation activities. C. Visual and Performing Arts Centers General discussion as follows: Vol. 41, Page 166 June 21, 2005 Downtown Proiect Board Member Kauk and Mayor Glass opened the meeting with welcome greeting. Mayor Glass spoke of how both the City and School District should celebrate the Downtown Project, a huge return on a small investment. He suggested we find some way to honor the students who were involved with the project. Superintendent Viguie announced that the District has applied for the Golden Bell Award through CSBA, and that the District is very proud of the partnership. Board Member Schafer spoke about how exciting the project is, especially the student's increased positive interaction with the adults and connection with the community. Paul Marangella, Director of Economic Development and Redevelopment, shared how this project can be replicated throughout the state and be a model of how schools and redevelopment agencies can work together to benefit the entire community. He stated that the agency is very proud of the project as well. Council Member Torliatt suggested that we "fill the benches" for a day. Literally have 3 people on each of the 44 benches throughout the city; it would be rewarding to see them all in use. Board Member Kauk added that it would be great to have PCA film this. Council Member Canevero suggested that even a simple letter of appreciation to all the students involved, on letterhead, would be a nice gesture. Board Member Sauv6 reminded everyone of all the other components: the bike bollards, lampposts, trash cans. Mayor Glass requested that the District provide the City with a list of the names of the students involved in the project so that the City can prepare certificates for the students. Kenilworth Junior Hiqh Board Member Kauk opened the subject by sharing how excited the District is over having a beautiful new site, new principal, and the success of this huge project. Board Member Sauv6 provided the background and history of Kenilworth Junior High, the acquisition of both the old and new sites, the relationship with the HUB Project. She stated that none of this would have happened without the cooperation of the City and the District. The new school site will be state of the art, and already has a state-wide reputation for the design. Council Member Torliatt stated that it was a necessity to develop the old KJHS site as a retail site. It is advantageous from the sales tax/redevelopment standpoint. There are environmental issues with large-scale development, but a win-win 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 June 21, 2005 Vol. 41, Page 167 situation for all. It will necessitate the interchange improvements. It is 2-3 years from completion. The new KJHS is a priority for the community. Council Member Canevaro said that collectively, everyone is happy with project. Cross-town mobility needs to be addressed. Superintendent Viguie brought up the idea of building the city's new pool on the Casa Grande High School campus, for joint use by the community and the school. Deputy Superintendent Bolman provided photos of the existing areas that would be used for the actual construction, as well as the proposed parking area. As a joint venture project, it could provide the opportunity for the school to have a pool for P.E. and swim team use, as well as provide the community with summer, evening, weekend, and possibly daytime use. It was also brought up that the pool at Petaluma High School is underused, and could be made available for more community use. It has recently been equipped with better security and alarm systems. There was discussion about the size of the proposed pool, with the city stating that the community would like a 50 -meter pool. Jim Carr, Director, Parks and Recreation, said that anything smaller than 50 meters is not large enough. The community wants a year-round swim center, including daytime use. He was concerned that having a pool at a school site would preclude the community from daytime use; also he had parking concerns. Deputy Superintendent Bolman said that agreements could be made; block scheduling would allow more community use. There are lots of possibilities. Council Member Torliatt asked that the overall vision for the site plan be provided for City Council to see. They are interested in the plans for the performing arts center, pool, etc. It would be helpful to see the plans for both high schools. Deputy Superintendent Bolman said that there are two unfunded growth projects: the swim center and the performing arts centers. He said the District would provide the City Council with the plans for both schools. Council Member Canevaro spoke about his involvement in the North Bay Technology Roundtable, and the importance of exposure to different job arenas to students. Council Member Nau spoke about her priority being safe routes to school. She is concerned about traffic on the eastside, between the new junior high and Casa Grande. She asked if the schedules had been worked out. Deputy Superintendent Bolman responded with the start time at KJHS @ 8:15, and CGHS @ 8:30, and explained the route that would be used to access KJHS. Council Member Torliatt said she enjoyed the Bike to School days. She serves on the Bay Area Air Control Board, and said that they are applying for the Safe Routes to School Grant. She would like to see the program that is in place in Marin County be mirrored here. Vol. 41, Page 168 June 21, 2005 Council Member Canevaro said that one of his main priorities is seeing the pathway on the urban separator completed. Mayor Glass said that all three Council Members present have served on the Bike Committee, trying to meet the needs of children. Board Member Steinberg said that the bike path on the perimeter of town is almost finished, and urged education on the value of walking to school. Council Member Torliatt mentioned the health factor, and how obesity is a problem. Safety issues and crossing guards were discussed. Board Member Steinberg spoke of HC2's work in this area, with Whitney Hall. Superintendent Viguie mentioned that the District must take into account the age -appropriateness of walking/biking to school where there are multi -lane streets to cross in order to ensure student safety. She explained the work of the newly -formed SHAKE Committee (Supporting Healthy Active Kids in Education), and their fund-raising project through Westside Relays. The Chamber of Commerce will be dedicating a fundraiser to SHAKE. She then responded to Council Member Canevaro's previous input on the Northbay Technology Roundtable by explaining the District's new Technology Plan. She is excited about speaking with NBTR. She also explained Project Lead the Way, and her involvement. She also mentioned that AutoDesk donated $10,000 worth of software licensing to the District to support the Downtown Project. Council Member Torliatt brought up the subject of having a District representative for the City's Franchise Agreement. Board Member Kauk responded that the District would discuss who should attend. CS2 Board Member Kauk commended the work of CS2 as a model plan. She mentioned all the amazing community support, and the programs it has implemented and supported, including Senior Projects, Groundhog Job Shadowing, Career Fairs, and the work of the entrepreneurs in general. Ellen Lewis, Community Entrepreneur, introduced Patricia Souza who was in attendance, and mentioned that Barbara Welch and Donnie Frank were also Community Entrepreneurs. She spoke of two major achievements: the new work permit system at the Teen Center, and Opportunities Night. Superintendent Vigule recognized Jim Carr for his work on both the HC2 and CS2 committees, and his spirit of cooperation. Mayor Glass said that it is good to have this forum to recognize these and other programs and partnerships that make a difference in peoples' lives. The City and the District have many goals and common ground. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 June 21, 2005 Vol. 41, Page 169 Superintendent Viguie also recognized Pat Landrum of HC2 for her work to support youth development, integrating services. Ellen Lewis announced that the After School Enrichment Program has been recognized at both the state and national levels. Council Member Nau asked about the Mentor Me Program. Ellen Lewis responded that although it is not under CS2 as a program, they serve in an advisory capacity, as does HC2. Pat Landrum spoke more about the Mentor Me Program, and about HC2's efforts to provide mentors for high school students. SROs Board Member Kauk opened with a "pat on the back" for both the City and District for the very successful School Resource Officer program at the high schools. She stated that it is an invaluable resource. Mayor Glass reiterated the tremendous benefits derived from this program, and mentioned that the City may need the support of the District in selling this program to the community, as it may be viewed as "optional" during these difficult fiscal times. Board Member Steinberg said that the relationship that the officers have with the students extends to after-school and evenings, and even as adults. Mayor Glass agreed, stating that the only obstacle is implementing the program funding. There is strong support from the Police Department, mutual benefit in the consistency of officer contact with students. Police Chief Steve Hood said that the presence of officers on campus interdicts gang violence. Not only are they present to handle any problems, but also hear what's going on. Board Member Kauk said that gangs would be more of a problem if not for this program. It serves a significant role. Joint Use Aqreements Board Member Kauk mentioned the after school enrichment programs, as well as the many programs listed on the handout. Mayor Glass said that the maintenance funding is a problem. Council Member Torliatt said that partnering with the District to maintain fields is positive, and she would like to see a concerted effort towards the consolidation of equipment and fields. Board Member Sauv6 asked about a program from many years ago, presented by Don Phoenix, which had been implemented in southern California regarding Vol. 41, Page 170 June 21, 2005 the use of schools after-hours and on weekends. She mentioned the benefits of collaborating on programs and maximizing resources. Director Carr noted the heavy use of facilities, and urged the creation of an assessment district, stating the need for a consistent source of funding to maintain fields and facilities. Board Member Steinberg mentioned the Lighting and Park District, and urged that the City and District look further into an assessment district. Board Member Sauve thanked the City and Parks Department and Troy Sanderson for their support in moving Carter Field to Petaluma Junior High, stating that it will benefit both the school and the community. Board Member Kauk offered the suggestion that a Visual and Performing Arts Center would benefit the entire community. The planned PA Centers at the high schools provide seating for 350. She proposed that a MOU or Joint Use Agreement be considered to enable the District to increase the size of the PA Center on the Casa Grande High School campus to seat 500. This could be utilized by the entire community, and would require approximately 2 million dollars additional funding. Mayor Glass responded that the City has been approached by the Petaluma Arts Council to build a "dream center" where artists could work, display their art, and perform. He also questioned dividing the community by building two PA Centers. Superintendent Viguie said that the District has also spoken with the Arts Council, and proposed that they could display art in both facilities. She stressed that it is critical to have a facility on each high school campus, with the need for one to be large enough for greater seating capacity. They discussed the possibility of collaborating with SRJC to fund a facility. Board Member Sauve made it clear that the need was definitely for two facilities, as they are classrooms. Superintendent Viguie stated that this would maximize the opportunity for the community, and be cost effective. To partner with the City would save money for both. Council Member Torliatt said the City and District should work together on what could happen on the Casa Grande site, as far as density, etc. is concerned. Deputy Superintendent Bolman shared that the density on the Casa Grande site wasn't developed by the District in isolation; that the District had worked with City representatives on the General Plan Housing and Development before going out to bid. Mayor Glass concluded expressing the desire to continue the spirit of cooperation between these two groups. He said that it was a wonderful meeting, working together, and he hopes to do it again soon. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 June 21, 2005 Vol. 41, Page 171 Council Member Torliatt suggested that a follow up report be made as to the progress following tonight's meeting, in 3-6 months. Board Member Kauk also expressed her appreciation of the positive meeting, and thanked the Council. ADJOURN The meeting adjourned at 9:12 p.m. ATTEST: /s/ Claire Cooper, CMC, City Clerk /s/ David Glass, Mayor