Flag Salute

The pledge of allegiance to the flag was led by Mayor Campbell.

ROLL CALL

Present-

Council Members Golonski, Gordon, Ramos, Vander Borght and Campbell.

Board Members Applebaum, Kemp, Krekorian, Kutka and Bunch.

Absent - - - -

Council and Board Members None.

Also Present -

Ms. Alvord, City Manager; Mr. Barlow, City Attorney; Mr. Flad, Assistant City Manager; Dr. Bowman, Burbank Unified School District (BUSD) Superintendent; Mr. Shapiro, BUSD Deputy Superintendent; Ms. Britz, BUSD Assistant Superintendent, Instructional Services; Mr. Bradley, BUSD Assistant Superintendent, Business Services; Ms. Soumakian, BUSD Assistant Superintendent, Human Resource Services (arrived at 9:24 p.m.); and, Mrs. Wilson, Deputy City Clerk.

Citizen

Comment

Appearing to comment were:  Louie Binda, Oscar Ramira, Oscar Castro, Lucy Hernandez and David O�Dell, on the need for additional soccer field space and artificial turf to correct safety issues on the playing fields; Michael Hastings, Frank Kallem, Jose Valle, Michael Kodama, Janice Lowers, Kristen Lundy, Linda Walmsley, Les Cohen, Keith Knoop, Pam Strahs, Mel Wolf, Mike McHorney, Ron Morris, Lauren Wygle, Jackie Sagory, Linda Cozakos and Cameron Cripps, on the poor condition of the tracks and fields at Burbank High School and John Burroughs High School, the deterioration of Memorial Field, and the need for repairing the athletic facilities at both high schools. 

Staff

Response

Members of the Council, Board of Education and staff responded to questions raised.

Recycling Partnership

Mr. Hampel, Recycling Coordinator, Public Works Department, reported on the school recycling efforts during the past year, noting that the Burbank Unified School District facilities have reduced chemicals by 50 percent through integrated pest management measures and preventive housekeeping.  He also noted that he had met with principals at the elementary and secondary schools and provided them with information on upcoming workshops.  He provided a graph depicting the progress that the schools have made in their trash to recycling ratios.  In response to a request for clarification regarding the diverse recycling ratios among school sites, Mr. Hampel explained that there are a number of reasons, such as the number of meals served at each site and the level of recycling efforts at the different schools. 

Memorial Stadium and Improvements of Athletic Facilities

Ms. Alvord provided background information on the proposal to improve the athletic facilities.  She reported that a consultant was hired to conduct a study and cost analysis of building a new stadium and restrooms, as well as upgrading the track and fields with artificial surfaces.  She referenced the report which was provided to each Council and Board member, noting the challenge being faced by the City of finding adequate facilities for soccer.  She noted that according to the consultant�s report, there is a preliminary cost of approximately $15 million for the package which would include a new stadium, new artificial surfaces at both high schools and the construction of stand-alone restrooms at Jordan Middle School for the soccer field.  She introduced Bonnie Teaford, Public Works Director, who reviewed the conceptual plans of the project. 

With the aid of an overhead projector, Ms. Teaford elaborated on the proposed improvements at Burbank High School and John Burroughs High School, and noted that the bleacher system at Memorial Stadium would have to be shifted to keep the center of the bleachers at the 50-yard line.  She stated that the shift would reduce the seating capacity to approximately 3500 seats on the home side and 1600 seats on the visitor side.  She also provided an overhead projection of the upper and lower fields at Jordan Middle School, and outlined the fields� configuration.  Ms. Alvord reported that the City has funding that has been set aside for a soccer field.  

Dr. Bowman thanked the City and Ms. Alvord for organizing the joint meeting and for providing the feasibility study.  He reported that the District is completing the last four modernization projects, totaling approximately $20 million, which exhausts all District modernization funds.  He noted that the renovation of the two high school fields was never a part of the modernization project.  He reported that if the project is approved, the District would be responsible for maintaining the facilities and would develop a �sinking fund� to which the District would place funds annually for ongoing repair and maintenance of the fields.  He called attention to a report which provides a schedule of athletic field usage for 2006/2007.  Additionally, he commented on plans for parking needs if the Jordan Middle School soccer field project is approved, pointing out that space would be opened up on the Shelton Street side of the property to reduce traffic on Mariposa Street.

Mr. Golonski requested that the soccer use proposed for the fields at Jordan Middle School be considered first, and separate from the high school athletic field projects.  Board Members, Kemp, Kukta, Krekorian, Applebaum and Bunch voiced their support for the Jordan Middle School project, noting that moving forward with the project will allow the City to meet the current need for additional soccer space when the availability of space in the City is at a minimum.  It was pointed out however, that the project must not interfere with the instructional program.  Mr. Golonski noted that the City has set aside $5 million for soccer facilities and the investment in the Jordan Middle School field would be an effective way of utilizing the funds.  Mrs. Ramos noted that additionally, there is approximately $1.5 million in redevelopment funds that could be designated for soccer.  She asked staff to conduct research to determine the most effective fund for this purpose. 

Dr. Gordon asked for further clarification regarding the $5 million soccer fund and Ms. Alvord reported that the money was set aside four or five years ago and has been carried over year after year for the purchase of additional land or for improvement of existing open recreational areas to accommodate the need for soccer fields.  Dr. Gordon expressed support for the project if funding is secured.  Mr. Vander Borght, Mr. Campbell, Mrs. Ramos and Mr. Golonski also voiced their support with the contingency that sensitivity be given to the surrounding neighborhood with respect to impacts the soccer field may have on the community.

Dr. Gordon questioned the process and inquired as to whether this matter should come back to the Council before a decision is made.  Ms. Alvord explained that the item would be brought back for Council action prior to funding, but stated that the Council can give direction to staff to move forward.  Mr. Barlow, City Attorney, advised that since this is a full meeting of the Council with public input, a decision can be made to proceed and direction can be given to staff.  Dr. Gordon read an excerpt from the City budget concerning future expenditures and expressed concern about proceeding before funding has been secured.  Mr. Golonski reported that the comments in the budget are referring to five-year projections and that the Jordan Middle School project will be funded from money that has already been received and carried over from year to year.  Dr. Gordon stated that he would like the Council to discuss the project further before a final decision is made.

Mr. Campbell directed the Council and Board�s attention to the track and field issue at Burbank and John Burroughs High Schools.  He provided background information on the Council�s commitment to fund a study for this project and the work that has ensued regarding a redevelopment process to initially use General Fund monies for the project.  There were Council concerns expressed regarding how the project would be funded and budget issues that might arise. 

Mrs. Ramos pointed out that if students and the entire community can be served, this would be the most effective and efficient use of taxpayer money.  Mr. Golonski expressed concern about funding the project in its entirety and suggested consideration be given to the concept of matching funds.  Dr. Gordon emphasized the importance of appropriately identifying the funding source before plans are made to move forward, and read excerpts from the City budget regarding possible future increases in expenditures.  Mr. Campbell pointed out that if the fields are not repaired, there are liability issues relating to injuries due to the poor condition of the fields.  Board of Education Members pointed out the various ways in which the facilities are used by the community and the number of residents who utilize the tracks and fields. 

Mr. Krekorian commented on the partnership that has developed between the schools and the City and the urgency to move forward with the project on a fiscal level and on a community and safety level.  Mr. Kemp provided information on how schools are funded and the lack of resources that the District has access to.  He noted that much of the District�s funds are restricted or designated for specific uses without a great deal of flexibility.  Ms. Kukta pointed out that costs will continue to escalate if the decision to proceed is delayed.  Mr. Bunch pointed out that if the tracks and fields were replaced with artificial surfaces, they would not have to be shut down for watering and re-seeding, allowing more time for community use.  Dr. Bowman emphasized that it is the District�s priority to complete the four remaining modernization projects with the remaining modernization funds, but that the District would be able to purchase equipment, maintain the facilities and establish a fund to be used for maintenance and replacement.  However, he stated that the District could not commit to a specific amount of money for the project itself. 

Steve Bradley, BUSD Assistant Superintendent, Business Services, explained the procedure for establishing a �sinking fund� and the District�s commitment to place $500,000 in the fund at the outset.  Mrs. Ramos questioned whether the District has property that might be sold to provide some of the funding and Dr. Bowman explained that the process for the District to sell a parcel is complicated and lengthy.  Dr. Gordon inquired as to whether the School Board is currently involved in a lawsuit with the City and Mr. Barlow clarified that the School Board and the City are being sued by a third party. 

Dr. Gordon also questioned staff about taking an action vote and Mr. Barlow explained that if the agenda is broad enough to cover decisions like this, the decision to move forward could be made and direction given to staff without a formal vote.  Ms. Alvord pointed out that the Council would only be giving staff direction to proceed without a formal allocation of money.  Mr. Golonski suggested that the Council consider providing $6 million to begin the project and later discuss the possibility of phasing or matching funds.  Mr. Kemp emphasized the fact that the District has no resources to commit but that the District would place money into a �sinking fund� and provide the land and maintenance of the facilities.  Mr. Krekorian reiterated that the District has used every resource available to obtain funds to complete the modernization projects and yet there are no guarantees that the funding will be sufficient.  Mr. Campbell, Mr. Golonski, Mrs. Ramos and Mr. Vander Borght were in agreement to direct staff to invest $6 million to move forward with the track and field project.   

School Board

Consent to

Continue

Discussion

Mr. Bunch requested for the consent of the Board to continue discussions past the hour of 10:00 p.m.  Hearing no objections, the Board and Council continued discussions.   

Ms. Alvord clarified that the direction to City staff is that the commitment of $6 million will be in addition to the $5 million that will be utilized for the Jordan Middle School fields.

Joint

Purchasing Update

Mr. Herman, Purchasing Manager, Financial Services Department, reported on projects in which the City and District are coordinating efforts, including: e-waste product disposal; the purchase of janitorial supplies; increasing green products that are environmentally friendly; utilizing contracts from the City of Glendale regarding the use of fluorescent bulbs; and, recognizing revenue and elements of e-waste into components. Additionally, he stated that the schools will be utilizing the City�s vendor for purchasing paper and reported that collaborations will continue in all areas.

Career

Technical Education Colloquium

Sue Boegh, BUSD Director Educational and Support Services, extended an invitation to the community to a breakfast colloquium on October 31, 2006 at 7:30 a.m. in the Burbank High School Library.  She explained that the purpose of this colloquium is to bring local businesses and employers together with counselors and principals to discuss skills that are necessary in the workplace and to create partnerships to help students explore the work arena.  She announced that additional information on the event can be obtained by calling the Superintendent�s Office or the Instructional Services Office of the School District.  Mr. Bunch noted the importance of providing vocational skills for students who graduate but are not college-bound.

Other Cooperative Efforts

Mr. Golonski requested an update on the shared use of the City warehouse space and Mr. Bradley reported that this concept presented union issues for the District and has therefore been placed on hold.  

Dr. Gordon commented on safe zones around schools and inquired as to whether the BUSD has considered creating these zones.  Dr. Bowman reported that the District has never experienced any serious problems around schools and noted that all campuses are secured and have controlled access.  

Dr. Gordon requested that staff consider creating an ordinance restricting individuals from interacting with students after school and around school sites.  Mr. Barlow reported that the City is currently discussing items of this nature. 

Dr. Gordon inquired about the services provided by the Family Service Agency to the District and Mr. Shapiro reported that the District maintains a close working relationship with the agency and meets with them regularly to obtain feedback on the counseling services provided to students.  He reported that students who are referred to the agency are not obliged to seek services and noted that they are referred to the agency through teachers, counselors, parents, or are self-referred.  He reported that the District receives very positive feedback on the services provided.

10:23 P.M.

Adjournment

There being no further business to come before the Council and Board of Education, the meeting was adjourned at 10:23 p.m.

                                                   Josephine Wilson

                                                   Deputy City Clerk