10-22-2001 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, October 22, 2001 7:00 o'clock p.m. ( #2 — Lake Minnetonka Communications Commission, Continued) Sansevere 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. White moved, Nygard seconded, to concur with Orono's portion of the Lake Minnetonka Communications Commission proposed 2002 budget. VOTE: Ayes 4, Nays 0. ( 0) WESTONKA SCHOOL DISTRICT — INFORMATION REGARDING REFERENDUM ELECTION Dr. Pam Meyers, Superintendent of Westonka School District, addressed the Orono City Council regarding the school's upcoming referendum. Meyers 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. Meyers 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 for 2001 and 2002, and 1.5 percent for 2002 -2003, which does not keep up with the rate of inflation. Meyers 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. Meyers stated they are attempting to inform the households without children currently in the school district the importance of this referendum. Meyers 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 2