02-16-1988CITY OF RICHFIELD, MINNESOTA
CITY COUNCIL/RICHFIELD SCHOOL BOARD. MEETING
February 16, 1988
MEMBERS PRESENT: Steven Quam, Mayor; Edwina Garcia; Ivan
Ludeman; and Martin Kirsch.
STAFF PRESENT: James Prosser, City Manager; Steven Devich,
Administrative Services Director; Thomas P.
Ferber, City Clerk; Donald Fondrick,
Community Services Director; Byron Wallace,
Community Development Director; and John
Erskine, Public Safety Director.
SCHOOL BOARD
MEMBERS: Robert Lindgren, Nancy Rowley, Roger Stern,
Doris Myrvold, David Steenson, Milt Westlund
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m.
Ite• #1 DISCUSSION OF LATCH KEY/DAYCARE
Superintendent of Schools Lowell Larson reviewed the
increased demand for Latch Key and Daycare programs.
Kathy Soucy, Director of the Richfield Fun Club Latch Key
Program, reviewed the need for expansion of the program citing an
enrollment,of 120 with a waiting list of 60. She reviewed the
structure and services of the Richfield Fun Club.
Sue Dunkley, Building Blocks Daycare Center, reviewed the
demand for daycare programs and the services offered by Building
Blocks. She stated they are currently seeking additional
facilities for expansion in Richfield. She stated her concern
regarding the continued availability of space in Richfield school
buildings because of the expanding school population.
Marilyn Hansen, Hope Presbyterian Church reviewed the church
investigation of providing daycare and Latch Key programs
beginning next fall.
Mayor Quam reviewed the economic factors regarding these
programs building their own facility versus using school or
church facilities.
School Board Member Doris Myrvold stated concern that school
buildings may not be able to provide enough space for the
programs in the future and suggested the Community Center as a
potential site for daycare programs..
Council/School Board Meeting Minutes -2-
February 16, 1988
City Manager Prosser stated that this would require
rearranging the priorities of the Community Center. He stated
the city's willingness to work with providers regarding zoning
and building requirements and urged providers to seek additional
space in parochial school facilities.
Discussion followed regarding the detrimental affect of
insurance on home daycare, corporate daycare programs and program
employee qualifications and wages.
Item #2 LRT/35M
Community Services Director Fondrick reviewed the I35W
access and alignment alternatives for the Crosstown Commons
section and the I494/35W interchange.
Community Development Director Wallace reviewed the light
rail transit (LRT) corridor options and the decision making
process which is underway. He stated the city prefers the
placement of LRT within the I35W corridor thru Richfield.
Mayor Quam reviewed the relationship of local, county, and
state agencies regarding the LRT issue. He stated that he did
not favor an additional transportation corridor thru Richfield
which would be created if the Soo Line corridor was chosen.
Mayor Quam•stated that the I35W LRT corridor would move commuters
through the city with less disruption to the city and provide
future expansion capacity.
School Board Member Doris Myrvold stated that the Board had
not taken formal action regarding their opposition to the Soo
Line Corridor.
Mayor Quam stated this would be helpful in presenting a
uniform position.
Discussion followed regarding funding of LRT.
1
Items #3 DEVELOPMENTS
Community Development Director Wallace reviewed the
redevelopment areas of the city. He stated that it was the goal
of the city to increase the tax base, reduce the reliance on the
residential tax base, to provide immediate tax increment benefits
when possible, and to attempt to minimize the term of tax
increment financing. He reviewed the CDP Redevelopment Project
and the impact of the project on taxing 3urisdictions.
Council/School Board Meeting Minutes
February 16, 1988
~.J
en J. Ruam
Item ~4 DISCUSSION OF ADDITIONAL SOCIAL MORKER FOR THE
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL LEVEL.
School Board Member David Steensen stated his concern
regarding the impact of social problems on primary education. He
stated the school district has initiated discussions with
Hennepin County to position a County social worker in the
Richfield Schools. He stated this issue was a community problem
and asked for the city's support and assistance.
Mayor Quam suggested that the South Hennepin Human Services
Commission be involved in the process and that further
information be provided regarding this issue.
John Hamilton, 7220 Harriet Avenue, offered his assistance
in contacting county agencies.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 7:24 p.m.
Date Approved:
3/14/88
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Thomas P. Ferber
City Clerk
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ayor
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Jam s Prosser
Cit anager