HomeMy WebLinkAboutDECEMBER 8,1994
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CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS ARE TAPE RECORDED AND ON FILE IN THE OFFICE OF THE CITY
CLERK
MINUTES
cn'y COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA
and the
ARCADIA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT GOVERNING BOARD
JOINT MEETING
DECEMBER S, 1994
The Arcadia City Council and the Arcadia Unified School District
Governing Board met in a joint meeting at 6:00 p. m., Thursday,
December S, 1994, in the Music Room at the Arcadia High School.
The meeting was called to order by School Board President,
Maryann Gibson.
PRESENT: Councilmembers Chang, Kuhn, Lojeski, Margett and
Young
ABSE.NT: None
PRESENT: School Soard Members Bryant,
Steinmeier and Gibson
ABSENT: None
Lamb,
Dougherty,
Others in attendance:
William Kelly, City Manager
Michael Miller, City Attorney
June D. Alford, City Clerk
Neal Johnson, Chief of Police
Jerome Collins, Director of
Recreation
Dr. Terrence Towner, Superintendent
of the Arcadia Unified School
District
C. Earl Davis, Business Services
Rose Ann Premi, School Board Secretary
. At 6:05 p. m. the City Council and School Board ADJOURNED to a
tour of construction improvements at Arcadia High School. The
Joint Meeting RECONVENED at 6:35 p. m.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM STAFF REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS
None
AUDIENCE COMMENTS
None
DISCUSSION ITEMS
A.
JOINT CHILD CARE AND RECREATIONAL PROGRAMMING
School Board President Gibson opened the discussion noting that
the City and School District have worked together for some
twenty-five years on after school recreation programs held at
various School District sites with good results. Councilmember
Lojeski noted that during that time the City developed
recreational programs for all age groups in the community, the
most successful of which has been the after school program.
The City planned its programs utilizing youth huts for the after
school as well as the summer programs. Since the District
implemented a childcare program last summer, the City has
reevaluated City recreation programs. This new District program
seemed to be running at cross purpose to the City's long
established programs. Many parents, whose children regularly
attended the City's recreation programs, in particular. at the
Hugo Reid site, found this program unavailable last summer. The
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question is, in the future will the various youth huts be
unavailable for the City programs?
School Board President Gibson presented the background of the
School District childcare program which began at the request of
the parents. In the 1993-94 school year the District began this
program at the Camino Grove School in the youth hut. The program
was successful beyond the District's expectations. Feedback from
school parents was very positive. At the request of the parents
che program was excended through the summer months at Camino
Grove. The school program serves a different purpose than the
City Parks and Recreation programs in that the District program
begins at 7:00 a. m. and ends at 5:30 or 6:00 p. m., and mainly
serves children of working parents. President Gibson pointed
out that the City Recreation programs service a different group
of children and begins later in the morning and ends at 3: 00 p. m.
Because the District childcare program was so successful, the
1994.95 school year offered four on-going programs at Hugo
Reid, Holly Avenue, Highland Oaks and Camino Grove schools.
These programs may be extended through summer months. The
District programs use the youth huts and a portion of the
playgrounds at these school sites. Approximately 60 children
are in the childcare program at each site.
Councilmember Lojeski poinced out that ic is his understanding
the youth huts were builc by the Arcadia Rotary Club for use of
community groups such as. the Boy and Girl Scouts, Little Leagues
and others. Board Member Steinmeier noted that the school
district realized other groups would not be able to use these
youth huts and a classroom at each of these school sites is
available for such meetings. In the discussion of the future of
City recreational programs which utilize youth huts, Recreation
Director Collins commented that during the school year the Cwo
programs compliment each other. During summer months last year
the City had three programs, one each at Baldwin Stocker, Bonita
Park and Highland Oaks, however. if the School District runs a
childcare program at all the elementary schools ... is there a
need for the City to have a summer program? President Gibson
suggested the Ctty survey the residents and find out if a need
exists, and does the City offer programs that the residents want
.... also noting not all parents need such a childcare program as
offered by the District. Dr. Towne>: suggested that both the
School District and the City are providing needed services,
perhaps a joint committee could be formed to study this issue...
City Recreation Director Collins and Sue Keavney, School
District, Director of Community and Student Services, could be
given the responsibility of defining these programs from a
position of need within the City and District, and prepare a
comprehensive program or plan utilizing facilities within the
City and District to present to the Council and School Board.
Member Dougherty noted there are a number of grants available for
such j oint programs which should be explored. Mayor Pro tem
Chang agreed with the suggestion for such a committee and grants
and felt chis would cut down the overlapping of programs. Member
Dougherty suggested that Library staff be involved with the
propose4 committee since many young people stay extended hours
at that facility because there is supervision. Council felt the
Library Board and Recreation Commission should be involved in the
discussion of a new plan for youth recreation programs also.
Councilmember Lojeski commenced that City successful summer and
athletic programs are experiencing a growing need for additional
soccer and baseball fields. Since the District has reconfigured
the grade levels ... what is the future of keeping full size
baseball diamonds, for example, at Foothills, Dana and First
Avenue Middle Schools? Dr. Towner said the School District
would not be changing field size at the middle schools and stated
reasons for keeping the existing fields as they currently exist.
This matter could also be discussed by the proposed committee.
In the discussion Councilmember HargetC noted the City is
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exploring an "Adopt a Park Program", perhaps the maintenance of
the soccer fields and baseball diamonds could benefit from such
a program ... he explained the program briefly and the City's
approach to businesses for donations of funds and time. .
B.
JOINT CRIME PREVENTION EFFORTS
In the past the Arcadia Police Department has had various levels
of police participation on the Arcadia High School campus and
other school sites on a regular basis. Currently the police
department has an "introduction to Law Enforcement" class at
Acadia High School. Chief Johnson noted also that the police go
into all Arcadia schools during the year for various
presentations on substance abuse, child safety and other matters.
Currently Sgt. Kirby teaches a class at the high school. Chief
Johnson explained the "Adopt A School Program" which was put
together by police department supervisors and involves patrol
officers who keep close watch of each campus. The School Board
mentioned other successful school programs which help students
such as peer counseling, cross-age teaching, conflict resolution
and the QUEST program, which is taught by one of the teachers.
Although these programs are in place,the Council and School Board
expressed concern of the fast changing environment at City
schools and agreed that efforts of the District and City should
focus on crime prevention from an educational perspective as well
as physical protection at this point in time.
School Board President Gibson reported, at a recent California
School Board Conference there were many presentations concerning
joint efforts in curbing violence, gang and crime prevention;
establishing programs to give students activities and new people
to associate with; keeping gangs from forming. The "KUFF'S"
program in Orange County was mentioned as successful because it
was well funded and had a number of agencies working together which
are proactive, with people trained in diverting students to
positive activities. It was stressed that the School Board is
very interested in programs on middle school and high school
campuses that will be crime preventative.
The City Manager focused the discussion on the goals of the
. District and City, such as the protection of all citizens ... also
noting that programs have associated costs. In order to explore
additional crime prevention programs the City Manager proposed
a team be formed of District and City staff to consider
prevention programs and costs before the 1995 budget process
begins. The team could also explore other funding sources. Board
Member Dougherty reiterated that there could be funds available
for cooperative efforts if a number of agencies work together.
The discussion continued of the growing problems in the schools
that the community cannot afford to ignore. School Board members
mentioned student expulsions, hearings, and suspensions because
of serious problems they are encountering. The extortion case
which occurred on a junior high school campus was mentioned; the
Chinese gang situation has grown rapidly; and the need to do
something different to curb the growth of crime among students.
Board members noted that the problem is a community problem ...
not just a school district problem. Also, a meeting with the
City police department verified that, indeed, there is gang
activity at Arcadia High School... the City and District need
to work together to address these problems for the safety of the
young people on and off campus.
Considerable discussion ensued, Chief Johnson reported that gang
members from San Marino, Alhambra and Monterey Park come onto
campus and because the area around the high school is so large
it is impossible to control this influx from other cities. Gang
members at Arcadia High School cannot be recognized by their
clothing, they dress the same as other students. Further they
go to class and do not stand-out at school. The District is
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actively trying to ferret out students who are involved in
nefarious activities, this is not easy school district
employees are not trained in law enforcement. Dr. Towner noted
the ethnic student population at the high school; 48% Asian, 39%
caucasian and 10% Hispanic. Also mentioned was the District
program to displace numbers of students living together without
parental supervision; and parents moving their children out of
Alhambra and. Monterey Park schools into Arcadia to remove them
from gang situations. Chief Johnson noted that these students
bring their environment with them. A comprehensive attack must
be launched against this situation by the City and District. Dr.
Towner also felt that forming a joint committee to explore the
extent of the problem and a plan to address it may be the way to
begin a prevention program in the schools and the City. And if
this requires money... maybe the District and the City are going
to have to make that commitment.
Considerable discussion continued of gangs which have formed at
the high school; weapons; gang recruitment efforts on campus; the
fact that many new students are coming in at an older age...
parents are moving their gang kids out of other cities to Arcadia
... Board President Gibson noted that she believes the School
Board is in agreement and would be willing to go in with the City
to explore the problems and the possibilities for intervention
if the City is willing to spend some staff time to look into this
matter. Councilmember Lojeski felt that the logical people to
do so would be the City Manager, Dr. Towner and the Chief of
Police. Chief Johnson is retiring soon ... however, he noted
that this is a problem that will not be fixed over night
budgets, additional police and so forth will have to be
considered. He felt that it would be a good idea to have the
City Manager, Bill Kelly, and Dr. Towner start the process.
Councilmember Lojeski reminded the Council and the Board that at
one time the concept in the City was, "we do not have any drug
problems in the City", and "don't talk to us about it ... there
are no drugs" ... we can learn from that experience and work
together ... this whole element of gang types and activities has
been escalating in the community.
.In response to Mayor Young's information that she is hearing from
residents about homes that house six to ten young people under
eighteen years of age with or without a person of age to
supervise. Dr. Towner advised that the District has a program
in place for this type of living arrangement, the Mayor should
advise callers to give these addresses to the District, and they
will check it out ... the addresses can be run on the computer
which will give names of those living at that address. Other
programs are in place to curb this type of problem also, and the
District has a good relationship with the INS in case a student
with an 1-20 (student Visa) is living here without a parent ...
Dr. Towner noted that generally the District does not have problems
with 1-20 students... the larger problems are with the "parachute"
kids... those who are dropped off in Arcadia or they have rela-
tives who live in other cities, Long Beach, for example.
C.
DECISION-MAKING PROCESS OF THE CITY COUNCIL AND GOVERNING
BOARD
In describing the decision making process of the School Board,
President Gibson stated, in part, that the School Board process
begins with a day long summer meeting. The Board has a three
year goal. When considering a new three year plan the Board
thinks about ideals, problems. and what should be the direction
of the District. The Board sets priorities for the staff, and
the staff sets these goals and priorities in motion. Each
school implements the policies and goal directions of the Board
at each school site. A great deal of the decision making is
done also at the site level in accordance with Board decisions
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made at the July meeting. Each school has the latitude to'develop
their program, according to President Gibson. The school adminis-
trators have a lot of latitude in how they want ot implement Board
direction on a day to day basis. Each school is given a portion of
funds from the District budget and they determine how these funds
are expended. The only constraints are personnel contracts which
specify staff salaries, and the number of students per teacher,
which is roughly thirty (30), and other similar legal guidelines.
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City Manager Kelly noted the City Council decision making process
may be exactly opposite to that of the School Board. The City has
state restrictions just as the District has, however, the City has
much more control in its decision making process. Many of the
decisions made by the City Council at the end of a public hearing
process, for example, may be governed by noticing requirements;
the environmental clearance process: and controversy on both sides
of the issue. The City is possibly prone to much more litigation
than the District because the decision making process is not,
perhaps, as black or white. The results of Council's decision,
considering the proclivity of public participants... the end
results may not be predictable. In reference to the City's budget
process the City Manager stated in part, the Council may adopt a
budget with goals and objectives which may change throughout the
year based upon community consensus, agreement or disagreement.
The City Attorney described the major difference between the
District and City decision making process as: Council's decisions
involve mostly land use issues and private property rights. The
Council is the adjudicative body within the codes and the public
hearing process. Public property decisions are also a major con-
sideration of the Council where they must weigh the evidence and
make certain findings to support their decision. In conclusion,
the City Attorney commented the School Board has obvious jurisdic-
tion over students and education; and the City Council, basically,
makes decisions on the use of property. Mayor Young commented that
the Council must follow state and federal law in making decisions.
Dr. Towner noted that no other jurisdictions are as regulated as
school districts... and to a certain extent this narrows their
vision of what they can do. School District's are required to
deliver certain curricula and certain assessment... their process'
are not as open to change, however, the District is also bound by
due process as is the City. President Gibson commented that the
individual school administrative decisions must be made within
certain parameters also.
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Considerable discussion ensued centered on various issues encoun-
tered by each agency and court determinations which may determine
the limits within which decisions may be made. The City Attorney
cited, for example, the definition of famil~ which has radically
changed over time; and human rights issues also. The City Manager
noted, in reference to use of property, that under state codes the
City has no jurisdiction over School District property as long as
it is educationally oriented. The City, he noted, does fire inspec-
tions on School District property, however, the City is acting as
an agency of the State Fire Marshall in this case only. Dr. Towner
noted that District property is actually state property.
CONSIDERATION OF FUTURE ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
Councilmember Lojeski stated in part that an item for future dis-
cussion could be "Asset Management" and "Asset Assessment". In
the future the District may want to relocate the District's admin-
istration building to create additional space for use of the high
school. Also, in the future, the Council may do a management
assessment and redesign or restructure City Hall, the Police Station,
etcetera. There could be future discussion between the City Manager
and the School District Superintendent over the possibilities of a
relocation of the District administration offices to City Hall
property. For exampl~ if a master plan was created for the commun-
ity, it might be well to have governmental offices all at one
location.
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Councilmember Lojeski mentioned also that District school bus
maintenance is something that could be a joint effort with the
City. The City Manager and School District Superintendent could
discuss the future possibility of relocating the school busses to
another City parcel of property in South Arcadia where the City
Maintenance Yard is located. This could free up the present School
District bus maintenance property for another use and possibly gener-
ate income to the District. Councilmember Lojeski noted the City
Redevelopment Agency is looking for property in the redevelopment
area on which to construct low and moderate income housing.
Councilmember Lojeski mentioned also the City cable television
service which could be an opportunity for School District use.
Many good events occur in the community which go unnoticed by the
citizens and such events could be filmed for television. Council-
member Lojeski mentioned the West Arcadia Band Review, for example, I
an outstanding performance by young people. The government access
cable channel could be used to televise such events. The City
controls this channel, if someone had filmed the band review it
could have been broadcast over Channel 20. Also, athletic events,
school debates and the music programs produced at the schools
would be of interest to the community. The school programs produce
musicians... music performed by students could be cablecast... this
would encourage the students. Dr. Towner said the District would
be absolutely delighted to work with the City in taping and tele-
vising these programs. The District has been trying for almost
three years to get an educational hookup for the schools. The
District would appreciate the City's help with local cablevision
management in improving this capability for the School District.
Dr. Towner commented the District is more than enthusiastic to work
with the City. City Manager Kelly stated a meeting will take place
January 11 at 2:00 p.m., in his office at City Hall regarding the
government access channel in the City, and Dr. Towner is invited to
attend. The City's consultant on government access will be present.
Councilmember Lojeski commented also that Lou Dodd and his class
could be on-site filming events to be televised. The City has the
capability of running tapes on Channel 20 all day, if desired. Also,
Santa Anita Race Track has a separate full production studio at the
track..they might possibly help prepare the tapes for a first class
presentation.
In reference to another future item for discussion, Dr. Towner,
stated the Board is very interested in "Distance Learning". The
District would like to bring in college programs for the students.
This can be done with a dish antennae and access to ETN and other
networks. The District needs a $10,000 piece of equipment and
cooperation from the local cable company to do this.
ANNOUNCEMENTS, REPORTS, STATEMENTS FROM ELECTED OFFICIALS
Board Member Steinmeier reported the League of California Cities
has a video program for cable access to inform the public of the
role of School Boards and City Councils, and what these boards are
chartered to do in the State of California, and what their respon- I
sibilities are. She would like to see this program on local cable-
V1S1on. This would benefit both boards if constitutents better
understood their functions.
Mayor Pro tem Chang said he agrees with Councilmember Lojeski and
that he believes also the City can help the School Board because
the City has a very good relationship with TCI, however, the School
District should share some of the staffing and the funding also.
The City and School District should work together on these activities
in the School District.
Councilmember Lojeski mentioned at the last City Council meeting
the Council considered placing an amendment to the City Charter
on the School District ballot in the April 1995 School Board
Election. He related that the June 1996 presidential primary election
has been moved to ~arch 1996 which is just two weeks before the City
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General Municipal Election in April. The Council decided not to
proceed With a City Charter Amendment in April. 1995. to change the
date of City elections. Also. the long-term concept of consoli-
dating City and School Board elections at some future time was put
off. Council decided to maintain the status quo for the April 1996
City election.
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Board Member Dougherty clarified that schools are not fighting imple-
mentation of Proposition 187. the illegal immigration measure which
was approved by voters at the November 8. 1994 election. Member
Dougherty said the problem is that the federal constitution has de-
termined by a lawsuit. that all persons are entitled to equal pro-
tection of the laws. And. therefore. a federal issue that says that
"we have a federal ruling that says we must educate all children,
not just citizens. but all persons. Therefore. the District is
required to educate everybody." "Proposition 187 says we can't edu-
cate alleged immigrants.. what do schools do?" A suit has been filed
in the state and federal courts to protest this and hes obtained
temporary restraining orders until the legal issues are ferreted out
and the District knows what to do.
Member Dougherty. referring to the state budget shift. stated in
part. that the state did not shift $2.1 billion in funds from city
and county budgets to the schools. The fact is. the state shifted
those funds to the school districts and then shifted other funds from
school districts.. and school districts did not get one penny more.
Only the state benefited from that shift.
Both the City Council and the School Board expressed approval and
appreciation for this meeting. and determined to make a joint
meeting of the boards an annual event... and other meetings as
needed. An as needed meeting will be scheduled to consider the
reports requested earlier from the City Manager and the District
Superintendent.
Mayor Pro tem Chang felt this meeting would have been perfect for
cablecasting.
ANNOUNCEMENTS. REPORTS. STATEMENTS FROM STAFF
The City Manager expressed his appreciation to Dr. Towner and the
School Board for hosting this meeting and complimented the Board
for the outstanding refreshments which were prepared by the school
food service. Dr. Towner noted that a contract had been awarded by
tha City Council to the District as contractor for a daily luncheon
meals' progras for Seniors to be served at the City Community Center.
Dr. Towner expressed his appreciated in working together with the
City Manager on this program.
Mayor Young thanked the Board for their hospitality and felt this
meeting to be very profitable. Also. she is delighted the District
food service will be providing the Seniors luncheon meals at the
Center.
ADJOURNMENT
At 8:50 p.m. the Joint Meeting of the City Council and the Arcadia
Unified School District Governing Board ADJOURNED. The City Council
to December 20. 1994 at 7:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers
for a regulat meeting of the Council and the Arcadia Redevelopment
Agency and any Closed Session necessary to discuss personnel, litiga-
tion and evaluation of properties.
ATTEST:
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