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<br />Mr. Heideman stated that he was not here advocating a position, but to inform the voters. He <br />stated that there was criticism in 2001 that information was not communicated correctly. <br />Question 3 came about as a result of recent public hearings and covers issues such as <br />transportation, even within the 2 mile radius, reinstating swimming for the middle school <br />students, activity fees, technology and classroom size. Question 4 is a bond related question <br />about purchasing technology and computer equipment to replace the 9 year old computers that <br />are currently in place. <br /> <br />Mayor Gamec stated that residents are free to vote for or against any of these issues and asked <br />Mr. Heideman to clarify the correct polling places. <br /> <br />Mr. Heideman stated that new mailings will be sent out but the correct polling places are Fire <br />Station 1 and the old municipal center. <br /> <br />Councilmember Dehen stated that the handouts distributed by Mr. Heideman stated that they <br />were prepared and paid for by AHL YC and asked who AHL YC is. <br /> <br />Mr. Heideman stated that it is a parent group that supports the levy and stands for Anoka <br />Hennepin Levy Yes Committee. He stated that by law, the school district cannot advocate for a <br />levy. <br /> <br />CouncilmemberDehen asked if Mr. Heideman could honestly state that he was not here tonight <br />to advocate for the levy. He stated that he is trying to figure out what type of access the City <br />Council will give to other political participants. He stated that he does not believe that he is not <br />trying to advocate a position and is bothered by the process. He stated that he feels this is a guise <br />for the AHL YC to push their agenda. <br /> <br />Councilmember Look stated that he thinks an issue the residents may be interested in is whether <br />this vote will be tied to the creation of the Ramsey Middle School. <br /> <br />Mr. Heideman stated that this levy does not lead directly to a middle school, but noted that if the <br />district cannot maintain its existing facilities, the need for a middle school diminishes. He stated <br />that there would need to be another bond for a middle school. <br /> <br />Councilmember Look asked how the State would be stepping up in terms of our funding. <br /> <br />Mr. Heideman stated that most school districts, including District 11, were losers, with the <br />exception of the Minneapolis/St. Paul Schools and Duluth and possibly St. Cloud. <br /> <br />Councilmember Look stated that he is frustrated that the distribution of funds is not relative to <br />the size of the district. He stated that he feels there is "politicking" that is happening. He stated <br />that if the local citizens step up financially, he is not sure what incentive that gives the State to <br />step up and include our district in their funding plans. He encouraged residents to contact their <br />State legislators with their opinions on how money is distributed to school districts. <br /> <br />Mayor Gamec announced that there were some students from Elk River High School present and <br />asked them to introduce themselves. <br /> <br />City Council /October 23, 2007 <br />Page 4 of 21 <br />