|
Session 1659, Minutes
<br />February 5, 1996
<br />
<br />Page 2
<br />
<br />Erb Equipment $31,130 ($ 6,800) $24,300
<br />Winning Equipment $28,818 ($ 4,500) $24,318
<br />Art's Lawn Mower $30,390 ($ 8,000) $22,390
<br />Brinker Tractor $31,456 ($11,500) $19,956
<br />
<br />Brinker did not me~t the City's minimum fuel capacity, lift capacity, tire size, instrumentation, and
<br />lighting. The tractors bid by Art's match the City's existing fleet and therefore would be easier to ser-
<br />vice, stock parts, and operate. Acceptance of Art's Lawn Mower bid of $22,390 was recommended.
<br />
<br />Request for Solicitation Permit from Life Skills Foundation (#2). Approval was recommended of a
<br />request from Life Skills Foundation to allow volunteers to conduct a Tag Day in University City on
<br />Friday, April 26, and Saturday, April 27, 1996. Solicitations will take place in front of businesses
<br />where prior permission has been obtained. Similar activities are planned throughout St. Louis City
<br />and County.
<br />
<br />Mr. Wagner moved approval of the Consent Calendar. Mr. Schoomer seconded and all voted Aye.
<br />
<br />UNIVERSITY CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT PROPERTY TAX RATES
<br />
<br />The City Manager said the University City School Tax Committee has asked to address the Council
<br />to present their prol~osals for adjusting the tax rate for education purposes.
<br />
<br />Dr. Lynn Beckwith, Jr., 8346 Delcrest, Superintendent of Schools, said the Committee appreciates
<br />the opportunity to present the financial needs of the School District. He introduced the School
<br />Board, Administrative Team, Tax Campaign Committee, and School Board candidates. He said the
<br />campaign consists of two parts which will be voted on April 2, 1996: Proposition One is a rollback
<br />waiver of current state sales taxes mandated by "Proposition C" which is equal to 42 cents of the
<br />property tax rate (requires a simple majority); Proposition Two is a tax levy increase of 42 cents/$100
<br />assessed valuation (raquires a 66-2/3% majority). If both pass, it will mean an additional $2.5 million
<br />for the schools. The l~an's objectives are to explain how the District's actions will affect the average
<br />citizen, to educate the citizenry about the current financial situation, and to explain the District's
<br />concerns and proposed remedies. He said the District, which will be 85 years old February 21st, has
<br />a long tradition of excellence, but continuing that will require community support. He noted the
<br />Schools, the City and community business leaders have long had a strong partnership. He referred
<br />to the pupil-teacher ratio, which averages less than 20 pupils per teacher and surpasses District
<br />standards. Recalling the City's support of the successful $10.5 million bond issue two years ago, he
<br />said the new early childhood education center is about to open, there are new science labs in all
<br />elementary schools, and other renovations to the physical plant. He added that the Schools have
<br />received national and state honors for their innovative curriculums, and School Match rates the
<br />University City School District among the top ten in the nation. There have been numerous merit
<br />scholars in recent years, and four of six elementary schools have achieved Gold Star status.
<br />
<br />Mr. Charles Fards, Business and Finance Director, said District revenue is currently $25 million; of
<br />
<br />
<br />
|