1. Attendance

Minutes: 

School Board members present: Barbara A. Harvey, Chairwoman, Walter E. Miller, Vice-Chairman; Robert C. Gause, and Harry G. Kinnan. Also present:  Dr. Roger Dearing, Superintendent.

 

Not present:  Jane R. Pfeilsticker.

 

Palmetto City Commisson members present:  Larry Bustle, Mayor; Tambra Varnadore, Vice-Mayor; Eric Ball, Tamara Cornwell, Mary Lancaster,  and Brian Williams. 

2. Call to Order

Minutes: 

Chairwoman Harvey called the meeting to order at 6:27 p.m.

4. Consideration of Property for the Replacement Palmetto Elementary School, Located the Northeast Corner of 17th Avenue West and 10th Street West, City of Palmetto

Minutes: 

Chairwoman Harvey asked that the City Commissioners and the School Board Members introduce themselves.

Chairwoman Harvey invited Mayor Bustle and Superintendent Dearing to make opening statements.

Mayor Larry Bustle made an opening statement, noting that this is a difficult situation to resolve.  He asked that during discussions, everyone keep in mind that smart decisions must be made on behalf of the students who will attend Palmetto Elementary School.

Dr. Roger Dearing reviewed the history of the project to date.  He congratulated the Mayor's staff and district staff on their work on this project, and noted they have always kept the focus on the students.

Mr. Mike Pendley, Executive Planner, made a presentation about a site for consideration for the replacement Palmetto Elementary School. 

Mr. Carl Weeks of the Boys and Girls Clubs, said he believes this plan is a great partnership with all of the entities that will be located on this site.

Mr. Clay Johnson, contractor for the Boys and Girls Clubs, said that following discussions about this proposal, they believe it is very advantageous to the school and to the Boys and Girls Club.  He said one concern is being sure the existing facility stays in place while their new building is being constructed.

Mr. Gene Brown, Board member for the Boys and Girls Clubs, thanked the City and School Board staffs for their work on this project.  He noted that this project will allow them to serve a greater number of students in Palmetto.

The Commissioners and School Board members held discussion about the project.  The Commissioners have several questions to be answered.  Chairwoman Harvey requested that the Commissioners submit a written list of questions and/or data they need, and assured the Commissioners that a response would be given in a very timely manner.

Dr. Dearing commented that he is willing to recommend the School Board purchase the approximate nine acres that is indicated on the responsibility matrix; however, he noted the School Board will pay the City for the property that is in question or it will pay the gentleman that may have a claim to ownership to the parcels, but the School Board will not pay for it twice.

Dr. Dearing proposed that a task force be formed, comprised of one member from each of the seven entities involved in this project.  The task force would meet monthly to help keep the project on track.

Mayor Bustle proposed the responsibility matrix that was presented by Mr. Pendley be rewritten as a decision tree.

The Commissioners and the School Board members agreed that this project needs to be moved on quickly.

Chairwoman Harvey restated her request that  the Commissioners provide a written list of questions and data they need in order to move forward.  She stated the School Board will not do anything else until they receive a commitment from the Commissioners.  Chairwoman Harvey requested the City and district staffs address the ownership of a small piece of property that is included in this project.

Dr. Dearing requested that each entity involved in the project appoint a member to the task force.  He said he is available to meet with the task force next week.

The Commissioners and the School Board members held further discussion about the importance of moving ahead as quickly as possible.  The Commissioners made a commitment to discuss and vote on this matter at their next regular meeting, being held on Monday, August 18, 2008.

The School Board members made a commitment that if the Commissioners vote favorably at their August 18, 2008 meeting, the School Board would discuss and hold a vote on this matter at its regular meeting scheduled for Monday, August 25, 2008.

5. Adjournment

Minutes: 

There being no further business to come before the Board, Chairwoman Harvey adjourned the meeting at 7:57 p.m.

 

 

 

_____________________________              _______________________

Roger Dearing,  Ex Officio Secretary             Barbara A. Harvey,

and Superintendent of Schools                     Chairwoman