11-13-2001 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINITTESOFTHE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, October 22,2001 7:00 o'clock p.ni. (02 - Lake Miaaetoaka Comaiaakatioas CoaiaibsioB, Coatiaaed) Sonsevcrc inquired what percentage of Orono is served by cable. Koenecke stated she does not have that data available at tonight’s meeting but would be able to supply that information. Koenecke recommended at the time new development is going in. the City should contact the commission to notify them of the new development going in so cable can be installed at that time. While moved, Nygard seconded, to concur with Oroao's portion of ibe Lake Minaeloaka CommnaicalioBs Commission proposed 2002 budget. VOTE: Ayes 4, Nays 0. (»3) WESTONKA SCHOOL DISTRICT - INFOR5UTION REGARDING REFERENDimi ELECTION Dr. Pam Mc>ers. Superintendent of Westonka School District, addressed the Orono City Council regarding the school’s upcoming referendum. Mey ers stated the referendum is needed in order for the school to continue to keep quality teachers, to continue current programming, and to maintain small class sizes. Mey ers noted this is a referendum for operating expenses, which is different than the referendum they passed last year for routine maintenance and technology. Meyers stated due to recent tax cuts the Westonka School District will only receive a 0.3 percent funding increase lor 2001 and 2002. and 1.5 percent for 2002-2003. which does not keep up with the rate of inflation. Mey ers stated if the referendum is not approved, the Westonka School District would need to cut programs and increase class sizes. Sansevere inquired what the response has been to the proposed referendum to date. Meyers stated the families that currently have children in the school district are very supportive of the referendum, with the rest of the households generally being supportive of the referendum. Meyers noted only 30 percent of the households currently have children in the school district Mey ers stated they are attempting to inform the households without children currently in the school district the importance of this referendum. Mey ers indicated the levy amount Is anticipated to decrease over the years based on anticipated growth in the school district. Nygard inquired why Westonka would only be receiving a 0.3 percent increase. Meyers stated there currently are 350 school districts throughout the State of Minnesota, with each school district being impacted differently. Meyers stated there are 20 elements that are considered when determining state funding, with the Westonka School District only receiving money for certain categories. Flint thanked Meyers and O’Malley for appearing before the City Council. PAGE!