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
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1 City Council/Petaluma City Schools Board of Education Minutes
2 Tuesday, June 21, 2005
3 Special Meeting
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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
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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.
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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.
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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