04-26-2010 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, April 26, 2010 • 7:00 o'clock p.m. (4. WESTONKA SCHOOLS UPDATE, Continued) credit to the school and the community. Murphy asked what is occurring as it relates to staff development and developing a positive attitude among teachers given the cuts in staff and money. Borg stated there is a two percent set -aside that districts should place towards staff development, but due to the economy, that requirement has been lifted by the MN State Legislature. The school district has attempted to be creative and realizes that they cannot be everything to all students but that the school district tries to offer high quality programs. Westonka knows it has to be definitive in their goals and prioritize what we value. Borg stated one priority is to improve communication with teaching staff and that they attempt to review overachieving classrooms and underachieving classrooms. Administration is trying to be very direct in the vision for the school district and realize that the school district needs to invest more in technology. Borg noted that both the high school and middle school now provide wireless Internet. McMillan encouraged Superintendent Borg to keep the City Council informed on what steps the City can take to assist in improving the school district. 5. RECAP OF FBI NATIONAL ACADEMY — POLICE CHIEF CORREY FARNIOK Police Chief Farniok addressed the City Council regarding his experiences attending the National FBI Academy 10 -week training program held out in Quantico, Virginia. This was an upper level training program for law enforcement and was geared for police chiefs and officials from around the country. There were 27 international students in attendance representing 24 different countries and representatives from all four of the U.S. Armed Forces. The FBI Academy was established more than 40 years ago to give law enforcement officials the opportunity to build networks and provide connections to improve communication among the police departments. The education program was accredited through the University of Virginia and included a media relations class, a legal issues class, and physical training. Farniok indicated he also attended a forensic science course and a management organizational change class to help plan for future changes in the police department. The physical fitness component was very worthwhile and addressed both mental and physical fitness. The class included a 1.8 mile challenge run and a 1.6 mile obstacle course. Farniok noted he received the coveted "yellow brick" for completing the sessions. Farniok showed a slide show depicting the different aspects of the training program. Bremer thanked Chief Farniok for participating in this program. Murphy commented that this is one of those experiences that Chief Farniok will cherish for the rest of his life and that he is glad the police department was able to provide support during his absence to allow him to attend this program. White commented that the ability of the police chiefs around the area to communicate and share information on how different issues are handled is a definite asset to the law enforcement community. • Page 3 of 15