09-22-09 WSSeptember 22, 2009
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MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
JOINT SESSION WITH THE HOPKINS SCHOOL BOARD
At the Eisenhower School Board Room
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Mayor Maxwell called the meeting to order at 7:05 pm. Present were Mayor Maxwell and Council
members Halverson, Brausen, Rowan, Youakim and City Manager Rick Getschow; Superintendent John
Schulz, Board Chair Yvonne Selcer, Vice Chair Ellen Dustman, Treasurer Wendy Donovan, Director
Stan Berris, Director Sandy Forster, Director Irma McIntosh Coleman, Director Betsy Scheurer,
Presenter Nathan Eklund, and Director of Community Education Katie Lee.
YOUTH ASSET SURVEY:
Mr. Eklund stated that the Development Assets were assessed in your school community in March 2009, using
the Search Institute survey Profiles of Student Life: Attitudes and Behaviors. Below is a brief summary of
demographic data that describes the young people who participated in the study.
Mr. Eklund stated that the total number of youths that were surveyed was 1249. About half of that number was
male and the other female. The grades were from 6 to 12 grade. The race /ethnicity were American Indian,
Asian, Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino /Latina, Pacific Islander, White, Other.
Mr. Eklund stated that we all know what is wrong with kids but very few know what is right with kids. He
stresses how important it is for everyone to connect with kids everywhere using the example of the kids bagging
groceries at the store. To connect you would ask them how they are doing, what sport they like etc... The
important piece is to connect with them.
Mr. Eklund had everyone break up into groups and talk about the assets and what should we do next. Mr.
Getschow stated that we want to come up with a simple strategy that everyone can work on. The assets that the
group came up with was community values the youth, empowering the youth, encouraging service to others, and
active engagement with adults. On the list of what should we do next were; keep working within the existing
program rather then creating a new one, Citizen's Academy for kids, Blake Rd Corridor, Asset mapping,
provide service, fellowship and leadership with kids, get them involved in social service, and work with One
Voice, which works with youths on chemical addictions.
The Superintendent and City Manager will meet to follow -up on next steps in the process.
REPORT ON ACTIVITIES FROM HOPKINS AREA FAITH COMMUNITIES:
Pastor John Nelson stated that he has been working with City Manager Getschow and Mayor Maxwell on a
"Community Day of Service
Pastor Nelson stated that you can join with others in the Hopkins Minnetonka faith community in Community
Days of Service on Saturday, October 3 and Sunday, October 4. Our purpose is to help our faith communities
build bridges by serving our community together. We are preparing to engage over 500 volunteers in different
projects from painting and park clean -up to letter writing to service members. There will be opportunities for
individuals and groups of all ages and abilities. Our Days of Service will conclude with a Celebration Event and
Community Meal at 5:00 pm on Sunday, October 4 at Central Park in Hopkins (Fire Hall in case of rain.) We'll
tell the stories of what it means to serve together, enjoy live music by a Dixieland band and share in fellowship
September 22, 2009
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with a meal sponsored by the Intercongregation Communities Association (ICA). One can register online at
www.glconline.org to sign up and decide which service project you want to participate in from the list below.
Click the Register button. Choose the family members or list guests who wish to participate, and then choose
the Service Project each person would like to participate in. You will receive a confirmation email. SITE
COORDINATORS NEEDED: If you would like to be a Site Coordinator for a project, please register in the
SITE COORDINATORS sub event. We will contact you about responsibilities and requirements.
HIGHLIGHTS OF CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT COLLABORATION:
Superintendant Schultz and City Manager Getschow have been working together to discuss city /school
collaborative projects. They have only had one discussion on this so far with more to follow.
There are two areas that they have been talking about.
1. Community and Safety: Blake Rd. Corridor and School Safety Grant.
2. Operations: Tree trimming, waste disposal, lawn mowing, snow plowing, technology, building and park
maintenance and central purchasing procedures.
Mr. Schulz stated that an example would be that the school usually contracts out to a private firm for tree
trimming but they maybe that could hire the City in a win -win scenario.
There will be further discussions on this topic as these economic times demand more collaboration for
efficiency and cost savings purposes.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 pm.
Debbie Sperling, Secretary
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