HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-22-1997 Cities & Schools CITIES AND SCHOOLS FORUM
MINUTES
Wednesday, October 22, 1997, 6:00p. m.
Auburn Riverside High School Library
I. INTRODUCTIONS
The Cities and School Forum was convened in the Riverside High School Library at 6:30
p.m. Those in attendance included Mayor Charles A. Booth and Councilmembers Richard
Wagner, Trish Borden, Fred Poe and Stacey Brothers from the City of Auburn; Mayor
Glenn Wilson and Councilmembers Phillip Legg, Paul Mallory and Dan Johnson from the
City of Algona; Councilmember Kathi Barrett from the City of Pacific; and Superintendent
Linda Cowan and School Board Members Janice Nelson, Ted Leonard and Ray Bradley
from the Auburn School District; as well as a number of guests from the community and
Brian Whitson, reporter, South County Journal. Following introductions, dinner was
served by the Riverside High School Culinary Arts Class.
II. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
The Forum reconvened following dinner to receive subcommittee reports dealing with
several subjects that could offer possible savings and increased efficiency to participants
through closer collaboration and information sharing.
A. Printine
Tim Cummings reviewed progress made toward sharing printing services among
interested cities. The Auburn School District, which operates a comprehensive
printing operation, has printed stationary and envelopes as well as completed a number
of print jobs for both Algona and Pacific in addition to assisting the City of Auburn
with a complex project when the City's system was down. Closer cooperation with
resultant savings may well be possible in this area. The subcommittee will continue to
pursue such possibilities for the future.
B. Legislative Undate
Trish Borden reported that the Legislative Subcommittee would like to schedule a
candidate's night with local legislators prior to the beginning of the upcoming session
this January. The committee envisions something less than last spring's dinner
meeting--perhaps a dessert or something similar. Ray Bradley suggested a simpler
agenda that could emphasize a limited number of important concerns and
recommendations rather than overloading the participants with too much information
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October 22, 1997
Page 2
at one time. The committee will meet during the coming week to work out a meeting
time and necessary details.
C. Vehicle Maintenance
Chuck Booth outlined the recommendations of the Vehicle Maintenance
Subcommittee. The committee met to explore several possibilities. Both the City and
the School District operate comprehensive maintenance programs. The possibility of
having the City concentrate on gas operated vehicles and the schools on diesel was
discussed. This arrangement is not viewed as particularly beneficial to the parties at
this time due to time schedules, trip demands, etc. Algona and Pacific remain
somewhat interested in looking into using either the School District or City service to
provide a regular maintenance service for city vehicles. Some time was also spent in
discussion of subjects such as shared parks and grounds maintenance, small engine
repair and specialized equipment.
D. Technology
Sue Singer introduced the Technology Subcommittee Home Page project. Kathi
Barrett described the newly installed information systems program in place at Pacific.
City offices have a complete networking system, including e-mail capabilities for work
stations. The City also has a home page which is accessible via home computer. City
offices enjoy links to Municipal Research and various AWC programs and services.
Bill Ar~goni and students from his class at Riverside High School presented a
demonstration of home page technology, showing examples of a number of home
pages including those used by Kent, Seattle, Federal Way, New York City and Sidney,
Australia. Mr. Arrigoni explained the structure and organization of the District system
and capabilities of the District's foundation program. It would appear that a great deal
of collaboration and cooperation is possible. Mike Newman outlined the structure of
the District's overall information services program and responded to questions
regarding the District's planned transition from the present WebNet to the K-20
Network, which is a much more powerful support alternative. The subcommittee will
continue to monitor progress in each entity and encourage information sharing and
close cooperation wherein possible.
E. Children and Families
Phil Legg summarized the activities of the Children and Families Subcommittee. Kathi
Barrett outlined a number her city's efforts to provide interesting activities for Pacific
area young people. Among those discussed were open gym, the Super Saturday and
Late Night programs, which are also available to Algona young people. These
programs are sponsored by community clubs and organizations such as Kiwanis and
church organizations for the most part. Programs and activity schedules are listed on
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October 22, 1997
Page 3
local TV channel 28. The City continues to look for efforts to provide worthwhile
leisure time activities for young people within the constraints of available budget.
Dena Gustafson described her function as a Children and Family Specialist employed
by the City of Algona. Dena is a police service employee who works with many of the
community's at-risk youth and their families. She finds individual contacts with
children and parent meetings most effective for her community and jurisdiction. She is
somewhat frustrated by the lack of transportation necessary to enable many Algona
teens to participate in programs offered by Pacific, Auburn and the school system.
She will investigate possible support of Metro, a church group or parent car pool to
address this concern.
Jim Westhusing described a number of initiatives promoted through the Auburn City
program and encouraged expansion and development of the youth leadership
programs. He outlined the activities of the Peers Educating Peers program, the Youth
Council Leadership Weekend activities and several other initiatives that could be
considered by the cities and District.
III. NEXT MEETING
A Youth Cities & Schools Forum will be scheduled in February 1998 to provide youth and
adult leaders an opportunity to discuss and plan youth activity and training efforts and to
facilitate open discussion and exchange regarding a number of subjects. Youth
representatives from the various participating groups will meet to consider ways to achieve
increased cooperation and participation. Linda Cowan, Chuck Booth, Jim Westhusing,
Dena Gustarson and Kathi Barrett will work together to plan this meeting.
IV. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Forum, the meeting was adjourned at
9:47 p.m.