Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council - 10/14/2024 - Workshop APPROVED WORKSHOP MINUTES CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP & OPEN PODIUM MONDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2024 VALLEY VIEW CAMPUS 5:30 – 6:30 PM CITY COUNCIL: Mayor Ron Case, Council Members Kathy Nelson, Mark Freiberg, PG Narayanan, and Lisa Toomey CITY STAFF: City Manager Rick Getschow, Police Chief Matt Sackett, Fire Chief Scott Gerber, Public Works Director Robert Ellis, Community Development Director Julie Klima, Parks and Recreation Director Amy Markle, Administrative Services/HR Director Alecia Rose, Communications Manager Joyce Lorenz, City Attorney Maggie Neuville, Economic Development Manager Dave Lindahl, and Recorder Sara Aschenbeck EDEN PRAIRIE SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS: Steve Bartz, Aaron Casper, Debjyoti "DD" Dwivedy, Abby Libsack, Kim Ross, Charles "CJ" Strehl, Dennis Stubbs EDEN PRAIRIE SCHOOL STAFF: Josh Swanson, Robb Virgin, Felicia Thames, Thomas May, Shawn Hoffman-Bram, Dirk Tedmon, Andrew Adams I. CONVENE II. TOUR OF VALLEY VIEW CAMPUS School Board President Aaron Casper explained the newest school district building was acquired thanks to a collaborative relationship between the City Council and the School District. Eden Prairie School Staff provided a tour of the new campus to school board members, City Council members, and City staff. III. FLIGHT PLAN 2035 Swanson explained the School District surveyed community members in June. The Eden Prairie School District (EPSD) is the only surveyed school with results back to pre- pandemic levels. The community generally rates the school district as excellent or good. 99 percent of recent Eden Prairie High School (EPHS) graduates said they were prepared for life after graduation. Oak Point Elementary was recognized as a national blue ribbon school in 2024. The district was recognized as one of ten green ribbon schools in the country. EPHS is second best high school in the state. City Council and School District Joint Workshop Minutes October 14, 2024 Page 2 Swanson explained the School District recently held a 100 year campaign in partnership with the City and the Eden Prairie Historical Society. The EPSD reputation increased 37 percent based on that campaign. Swanson stated the EPSD outlines priorities to accomplish in a ten year plan. Next year is the final year of the most recent plan. After ten years the EPSD has implemented almost all outlined priorities. Flight Plan 2035 represents the roadmap of the EPSD’s next ten years. There are many opportunities for community members to offer input including speaker series, partnership luncheons, and meetings between students, staff, and families. The EPSD surveys individuals in several job industries to determine what students will need now and in the future to be successful. IV. INNOVATION SANDBOX AND PARTNERSHIP BRAINSTORM Swanson explained the Innovation Sandbox is now open in the high school. Case noted the Innovation Sandbox is a concept years in the making. It is a collaborative effort between the City, the School District, and the business community to foster entrepreneurship in students. Case noted the City and community is interested in participating in the Innovation Sandbox. Swanson explained the Innovation Sandbox has flexible furniture for demonstrations, presentations, and conversations. Getschow stated a meeting is planned with partners and entrepreneurs in November. Lindahl noted he will organize a meeting with ten to 15 entrepreneurs to evaluate the space and how they would use it if available. Case stated partners should converse with new entrepreneurs to learn common barriers and how the City, School District, and community partners could help. The Innovation Sandbox could be used to gather financial institutions, business owners, and students to watch the entrepreneurial process. Ross asked if there has been discussion on entrepreneurship in community service. Case stated that thought process should be encouraged. Virgin noted the November meeting will be helpful to determine entrepreneur needs in the future as they will change vastly. Strehl stated the high school has incredible talent. Students are hungry for opportunity. Case said one of the powers of City partners is to convene. City Council and School District Joint Workshop Minutes October 14, 2024 Page 3 Casper gave his appreciation for City staff to attend the joint workshop meeting. The EPSD takes lots of pride in its high survey responses, and credit is due to school district staff. It helps to have stable staff and a stable City with a solid working relationship. The school district can always strive to improve and openly ask for feedback on how to improve.