2019.11.12 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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October 22, 2019 Page 2 of 7  Planning Commission Minutes from September 17, 2019. Special Order of Business 1. School District 621 Presentation on Special Levy Diane Glesheen, resident of New Brighton and member of Mounds View School Board, introduced herself to the Council. She provided the Council with a presentation on the upcoming Special Levy. It was explained the State has reduced its funding which has left the district with a deficit. The school district was proposing a combined levy of existing funds plus an increase that will cover the districts needs for the next ten years. Social and emotional support were concerns and the district was committed to enhancing programming while also increasing support positions. It was noted the district was also committed to creating career pathways in order to prepare students for high-demand, high-wage careers. The goals of the district were further reviewed with the Council and Ms. Glesheen encouraged the community to support the upcoming levy. John Ward, Assistant Superintendent for the Mounds View School District, introduced himself to the Council. Mayor Johnson indicated she was concerned with the lack of publicity about the upcoming election and questioned how the school district was getting the word out. Ms. Glesheen reported the school district was working to educate parents and staff by attending City Council meetings and visiting with each school. She explained a parent group has also been providing information to parents of students at Back to School nights. Mayor Johnson stated a $28 per month increase was a really big number, especially for a bond that was just approved two years ago. She indicated she was concerned with the backlash the City would receive when residents review their property tax statements. Ms. Glesheen encouraged residents to visit the Done for a Decade webpage and to use the property tax calculator to see more accurately how their property taxes will be impacted by the proposed combined levy. Councilmember Allen requested further information regarding the inflationary portion of the levy. Mr. Ward commented on the time value of money and how an inflationary increase was included in the proposed levy, noting this had not been done in the past. Councilmember Allen reported the State has not been giving school districts inflationary increases for the past 10 years and if a district wants to have the correct resources to educate its children it has to come from somewhere. Councilmember Burg explained she had received and read through the mailer from the school district. She believed the information included in the mailer was extremely clear. She thanked the school district representatives for the thorough presentation. Mayor Johnson requested comment from staff regarding how TIF dollars follow students into school districts. City Manager Lotter described how the TIF dollars from the Midtown Village would impact the school district and its students. It was noted this development would bring $100 million into the City, County and school district. He commented further on how the New Brighton Exchange has positively increased the City’s tax base. Councilmember Allen encouraged residents to speak to the Governor and their congressman to discuss how woefully underfunded schools are when it comes to special education. Mayor Johnson encouraged all New Brighton residents to get out and vote on Tuesday, November 5th. Consent Agenda 1. Consider Approval of Payments of Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) 8819–8821, ACH Payments 8800-8844, & Vouchers 157838-157889 for a total of $1,467,415.40. 2. Consider Resolution to Apply for 2020 Score Grant Funds and Establishment of the 2020 Recycling Service Charge. Special Order of Business Consent Agenda 1. Pay of EFT 8819–8821, ACH Pay 8800-8844, & Vouchers 157838-157889. 2. Res. 2929 Score Grant Funds and Est. 2020 Recyl. Ser. Chg.