2006-05-06 Regular - Laserfiche WebLink

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Regular Session June 5, 2006 Before the opening of the Centennial Commons, all teachers (residents and non-residents) and the school staff were offered a 50% discount off the residential rate. Ms. Claunch said that this “discount- perk” made her feel respected as a teacher by the City government. She also felt that teachers using the pool could be a benefit when students see that their teacher is present, they are not as likely to act-up. She said she is asking for the 50% discount back but was disappointed that she even had to do it. Elsie Glickert, 6712 Etzel Ms. Glickert said that all City employees, including the school district, were given a discount since the early 70’s. She felt it was a good perk for the employees. She found it interesting that the Administration could propose a policy that the City Council has never voted on. The Park Commission has not recommended this policy. Ms. Glickert said usage of the swimming pool or the recreation center, be offered with a discount to all school district employees. Ms. Brungardt expressed surprised to see this in front of the Council in this fashion. As Council liaison to the Park Commission, she said that Park Commission members were given a written statement describing the Public School system as a corporate entity, no different than any other private institution in the City of University City. Previously she told the Park Commission and is saying again tonight that the school district is a public institution not a corporate entity. Ms. Brungardt previously expressed her concern over how policies are removed without Council’s consent. She had reported to the Administration that the Park Commission said that removing the school district discount was a Council issue, not an issue for the Park Commission. She felt this approach of getting the Council’s decision was baffling. This is not policy for Council to consider until after due process of discussion amongst ourselves. This was policy after the fact. Ms. Brungardt moved that the previous policy remain intact giving teachers and staff the same discount as all City employees receive and was seconded by Mr. Glickert. Mr. Price expressed his concern over the lack of coordination between the City and the School hierarchy. He wondered how much collaboration between the City and School District takes place, as in discussing what might be good for the students during summer vacation in connection with the Park & Recreation Department. Ms. Brot agreed with keeping the pool discount rate but also would like to see the half price apply to the Centennial Commons also. Ms. Brot moved to amend the amendment to include the Centennial Commons annual membership at a 50% discount for the School District employees and was seconded by Mr. Sharpe, Jr. Mr. Ollendorff said that the Council approved a corporate rate a year ago and is in effect for the school district employees now. Mr. Wagner said that the school district is not a corporation, it is a governmental agency. He asked for clarification of all the proposals. The amendments were to read that all the University City’s School District employees will be offered a 50% discount to the Centennial Commons annual membership, which includes the recreation center and the pool or if the employees preferred to just join the pool, they will be offered a 50% discount from the pool membership rate. The motion and its amendments were passed unanimously. Mr. Ollendorff asked for clarification if that meant non-residents can now join the pool. Council explained that it meant that school District employees, whether resident or non-resident could join. Page 5