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Ms. Scribner expressed her concern that people are feeling disenfranchised and not part of the decision-making process. She believed the idea of a committee is good and volunteered to represent the City Council on the task force. Mr. Pico asked if the Board decision to sell the property is irrevocable? He then stated that he wanted to be sure the City had an opportunity to decide if it wants to buy the property, which may take more than sixty days, and expressed his desire to preserve the property for public use. Ms. Haugen indicated the School Board had voted to declare the property surplus for very valid reasons, namely that current and projected student growth in Del Prado could be served by existing schools (Walnut Grove and DonIon). She further stated that state funding for a school of 400-500 students is no longer feasible. Ms. Mohr asked the School Board to have a short summary of the rationale for its decision to sell the property prepared for the benefit of Council. Ms. Dennis thanked the School Board for agreeing to the joint meeting. She supported the idea of a committee and also wanted to review the rationale. Mr. Eddinger was not sure a summary would give a complete view. The land has been vacant 22 years. All information should be reviewed before a decision if any committee should be formed. He pointed out there have been five committees prior to this time and not one of _ them decided the property should be a school site. He also pointed out that the prior committee, which considered the school impact fees, had spent eighteen months talking about school sites and facilities. Ms. Markolf pointed out that as the city development evolves, so do the needs for school sites. The District can no longer afford to build small neighborhood schools. Because of the amount of money the District is paying in maintaining this site and the amount of time spent in determinIng the appropriate school sites, she was not in favor of a committee and felt the Board should go forward with its decision. The District is charged $35,000 per year in proprety tax for the vacant site in Del Prado. Mr. Tarver responded that if there was no need for neighborhood schools, then why not build a school on the large site already owned instead of buying new property at Stoneridge. Mr. Gunson indicated that the School Board must be ~scally responsible and any agreements made long ago must be viewed in light of today's circumstances. He agreed with Ms. Markolf and Mr. Eddinger that the Board should go forward with its decision without a committee. Ms. McGovern expressed her appreciation for Council participation and thought it a good idea to have joint meetings every three or four months. She believed that whenever there are 5/31/94 - 4 -