School Board President Lauren Reece called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. and welcomed those present.

Director Reece stated that the district is in need of additional space. The reasons for the needed additional space are:

1. A shift in enrollment from the east side to the west side.

2. Added programs have utilized space in the district, such as all-day kindergarten.

3. The special needs program population is growing which is requiring additional space.

Director Reece stated the Board is presently working on putting together a proposed plan that they intend to approve on January 29th. Director Reece stated that although the plan is still a "work in progress" the following items are being considered for inclusion in the plan:

A. Construction of a new elementary building in North Liberty.

B. Additions and improvements to elementary schools.

C. A new boundary system that would be more flexible, (i.e. a cluster school concept)

D. Expanding the alternative school

E. Renovating and expanding City and West High Schools

F. Move majority of the Hills secondary students from Northwest/West to South East/City

Iowa City Council member Wilburn thanked the Board for the attention given to the alternative school.

Supervisor Neuzil asked if the Board had developed a timeline.

Director Reece stated the Board is looking at perhaps a bond issue this fall.

Iowa City Council member Champion stated she thinks it is very positive that the Board is looking at something that will affect both Coralville and North Liberty.

Director Reece stated that this was placed on the agenda prior to a time that a decision had been made by the City of Coralville to expand their Tax Increment Financing district.

Each governmental entity shared their concerns regarding the recent decision made by the City of Coralville to expand the Tax Increment Financing district.

Coralville Mayor Jim Fausett stated that Coralville, City of Iowa City and North Liberty are all using Tax Increment Financing. Mayor Fausett stated that Coralville is using TIF exactly as prescribed by law. Mayor Fausett stated the merging of the two TIF’s does not extend the 2017 date. Mayor Fausett stated the Council would look at the PPEL funding each year to determine if the money is needed. If the funds are not needed to pay off the debt, they will not ask Iowa City Community School District for reimbursement.

Iowa City Mayor Lehman stated the root of the concern is a perception issue. It was perceived that the TIF was for the mall and was to finance that particular project, expansion was not anticipated.

Kelly Hayworth, Coralville City Manager, stated the Council would review where they are at beginning in 2006. If there are excess revenues, the City of Coralville can make one of three decisions:

1. Retire the bonds earlier

2. Give back to taxing entities

3. Do additional TIF projects

Tom Slockett, Johnson County Auditor, stated he feels there has been a misrepresentation and does not believe it is appropriate to take funds intended for one purpose and apply them to another project. Mr. Slockett stated he feels is it necessary to keep talking about this because this should not happen in the future. Creating tax exempt property creates real losses to the County.

Director Franker stated because the decision has already been made by Coralville, it is time to move on. Coralville has been a good partner and looks forward to ways we can continue to cooperate.

Iowa City Council member Kanner stated the Iowa City Council would like to put into place a collaborative process for talking about the jail, perhaps develop study groups.

Iowa City Mayor Lehman stated the jail project is clearly a County project but wanted the County to know that the City of Iowa City is willing to participate and help in any way that they can.

Supervisor Thompson stated she is waiting for a list of issues from the City of Iowa City’s manager Steve Atkins.

City Manager Steve Atkins stated he had compiled a list of issues and sent them to the supervisors. Mr. Atkins stated he would send another copy to Ms. Thompson.

Director Goodlaxson stated he supports study groups to look at this issue.

Supervisor Sally Stutsman introduced Mike Sullivan, the newly appointed executive assistant for the Johnson County Board of Supervisors.

Iowa City Council member Kanner stated that Council member Champion wanted the group to note that Iowa City is in the midst of a franchise agreement with Mid America and would like to invite others to join in on their discussions.

The City of Iowa City will host the next Joint meeting, April 10th at 4:00 p.m.

Meeting adjourned 6:00 p.m.