HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-11-08 BOT MinMINUTES OF THE
TOWN OF WESTLAKE, TEXAS
BOARD OF TRUSTEES / ALDERMEN PRE -BOARD MEETING
February 11, 2008
PRESENT: President / Mayor Scott Bradley and Trustees / Aldermen Larry Corson, Kevin
Maynard, Don Redding, Pete Steger, and Bob Timmerman.
ABSENT: None.
STAFF PRESENT: Interim Town Manager Joe Hennig, Head of School Barbara
Brizuela, Education Counsel Robert Schulman, Town Secretary
Kim Sutter, Financial Services Director Debbie Piper, Facilities
and Recreation Director Troy Meyer, DPS Director Don Wilson,
Planning and Development Director Eddie Edwards, Public
Works Superintendent Jarrod Greenwood, Executive Assistant
Ginger Awtry, and Director of Administrative Services Todd
Wood.
1. CALL TO ORDER.
President / Mayor Bradley called the meeting to order at 4:07 p.m.
2. EXECUTIVE SESSION.
President Bradley recessed the pre -board meeting of the Westlake Academy Board of
Trustees at 4:08 p.m., as he read the following items to be discussed in executive
session:
A. The Board will conduct a closed session under Texas Government Code section
551.074 to discuss personnel matters.
B. The Board will conduct a closed session under Texas Government Code section
551.071 to seek advice of counsel on legal matters involving pending or
contemplated litigation, settlement offers, or other legal matters not related directly
to litigation or settlement.
Town of Westlake
Board of Aldermen/Trustees Pre -Board Meeting
February 11, 2008
page 2 of 4
President Bradley convened the executive session at 4:09 p.m. The executive session
adjourned at 5:12 p.m.
3. RECONVENE MEETING.
President Bradley reconvened the meeting at 5:15 p.m.
4. DISCUSS COMPLAINT AND PROCEDURE POLICY FOR THE WESTLAKE
ACADEMY.
President Bradley introduced Mr. Robert Schulman with Feldman & Rogers, L.L.P. and
asked him to address the item.
Mr. Robert Schulman gave a brief summary of the rules and laws associated with
complaints in Charter schools. Mr. Schulman stated that he has been given direction by
the Board to draft a parent and student complaint and procedure policy for the Board's
consideration and approval.
Mr. Schulman reminded everyone to be cognizant of privacy issues with regard to
discussing parent and student complaints.
Trustee Timmerman added the he feels problems are better addressed at the level at
which they occur, and expressed his desire for open communication, and a better
mechanism to conduct surveys of parents, teachers, and students. Mr. Timmerman
added that he supports a structured, workable policy.
President Bradley suggested that the Board postpone action on this item until Mr.
Schulman has had an opportunity to revise the policy. Mr. Bradley added that the
proposed policy would be made available to the public prior to consideration by the
Board.
Trustee Steger expressed his desire to have a discussion in a pre -board meeting
concerning the policy.
President Bradley suggested the Board hold a special meeting on February 25, 2008, to
discuss and consider the complaint and procedure policy.
5. REVIEW OF REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS.
A. Board of Trustees Meeting
Head of School Brizuela reviewed the Board of Trustees regular meeting agenda with
the Board.
Interim Town Manager Hennig inquired if staff should be preparing information for the
Board related to a survey or exit interviews.
MINUTES OF THE
WESTLAKE ACADEMY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES REGULAR MEETING
February 11, 2008
PRESENT: President Scott Bradley and Board Trustees Larry Corson, Kevin Maynard, Don
Redding, Pete Steger, and Bob Timmerman.
ABSENT: None.
OTHERS PRESENT: Head of School Barbara Brizuela, Education Counsel Robert
Schulman, Secretary Kim Sutter, Finance Director Debbie Piper,
Executive Assistant Ginger Awtry, DPS Director Don Wilson,
Facilities and Recreation Director Troy Meyer, and Public Works
Superintendent Jarrod Greenwood.
1. CALL TO ORDER.
President Bradley called the meeting to order at 6:11 p.m.
2. EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mayor Bradley recessed the regular session of the Town of Westlake Board of
Aldermen and Trustees meeting at 6:13 p.m., as he read the following items to be
discussed in executive session:
A. The Board will conduct a closed session under Texas Government Code section
551.074 to discuss personnel matters.
B. The Board will conduct a closed session under Texas Government Code section
551.071 to seek advice of counsel on legal matters involving pending or
contemplated litigation, settlement offers, or other legal matters not related directly
to litigation or settlement.
Mayor Bradley convened the executive session at 6:17 p.m. The executive session
adjourned at 7:17 p.m.
Westlake Academy
Board of Trustees
February 11, 2008
3. RECONVENE MEETING.
Mayor Bradley reconvened the meeting at 7:19 p.m.
4. EXECUTIVE SESSION ACTION.
There was no action taken.
5. CITIZENS' PRESENTATIONS.
Page 2 of 5
PYP Student Council members, Isabel Stack and Lauren Valentine, addressed the Board
regarding the P.J. Day event hosted at the school on February 6, 2008. The students
donated the proceeds from the event ($204.00) to the Westlake Academy Foundation to
be applied toward the Arts and Sciences Center project.
Mrs. Rebecca Rollins, 13239 Roanoke Road, Westlake, addressed the Board concerning
parental involvement in a child's education and specifically referenced chapters 11 and
12 of the Texas Education Code.
Mr. Robert Schulman responded to Mrs. Rollins' comments and advised that chapter 11
of the Texas Education Code does not apply to charter schools, then proceeded to
explain how chapter 12 of the Code operates relative to open enrollment charter schools.
Mrs. Patty Frey, 5400 Yellow Birch Drive, Keller, addressed the Board regarding her
family's favorable experience as a Westlake Academy family over the past years.
Mr. David Jenkins, 433 Taylor Street, Keller, responded to comments made at the
January 28, 2008, Board of Aldermen meeting during the citizens' presentation portion
of the meeting.
Mr. Rene Rodriquez, 3512 Burts Drive, Fort Worth, addressed the Board regarding his
favorable experiences with the Westlake Academy.
Ms. Christine Smith, 800 Parkdale Court, Southlake, addressed the Board regarding her
family's favorable experience with the Westlake Academy.
Ms. Madison Smith, 800 Parkdale Court, Southlake, registered to speak regarding her
IB Experience, but was not present to address the Board.
Mr. George Ledak, 1220 Mount Gilead Road, Roanoke, addressed the Board regarding
an IB college night event hosted by the H -E -B School district, and expressed his support
for the Westlake Academy. Mr. Ledak expressed appreciation to Head of School
Barbara Brizuela for her efforts associated with the school.
Mr. Rick Rennhack, 1762 Hidden Springs Court, Westlake, addressed the Board
regarding his children's experience at the Westlake Academy, and expressed his support
of the school.
Westlake Academy Page 3 of 5
Board of Trustees
February 11, 2008
6. HEAR REPORT FROM SCIENCE TEACHERS AND STUDENTS REGARDING
THE FIRST WESTLAKE ACADEMY SCIENCE FAIR.
Head of School Brizuela introduced the item and advised the Board that the first
Westlake Academy Science Fair was held on January 18, 2008, and introduced Mr.
Mark LeSurf, MYP Chemistry Teacher.
Mr. LeSurf addressed the Board regarding the science fair and introduced Westlake
Academy students Taylor Bates, Sabrina Freire, and Joelle Jung. Mr. LeSurf announced
that the team won first place in the grade 9-12 division and will compete at the regional
competition on March 4, 2008, at the University of North Texas.
Westlake Academy students Joelle Jung, Taylor Bates, and Sabrina Freire addressed the
Board regarding their science fair project.
7. HEAR REPORT FROM HISTORY TEACHER ABOUT HISTORY DAY.
Ms. Heidi Kloempken, MYP Humanities teacher, addressed the Board regarding the
Westlake Academy History Day event held on February 11, 2008.
8. HEAR REPORT FROM MYP COUNSELOR ON PSAT SCORES.
Ms. Glynda Davis, MYP Counselor, advised that a PSAT test was administered at
Westlake Academy in October 2007, and presented the PSAT test scores of the
Westlake Academy students who participated in the testing. She stated that these were
the best results she had experienced in her many years in public schools.
9. HEAR REPORT FROM MRS. CAROL LANGDON AND STUDENTS ABOUT
STUDENT ART FOR GALLERY NIGHT.
Mrs. Carol Langdon, 1832 Broken Bend Drive, Westlake, addressed the Board
regarding Gallery Night, and showed a few of the student art pieces that will be
auctioned to raise funds the Academy.
10. HEAR REPORT FROM JOELLE JUNG AND LELA GANNON ON POETRY
PUBLICATION.
Westlake Academy student Joelle Jung addressed the Board regarding a poetry contest
in which she participated. Ms. Jung read a poem entitled "Looking for Love in all the
Wrong Places", and advised the Board that her poem was selected to be published.
11. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION ADOPTING A COMPLAINT POLICY AND
PROCEDURE BASED ON RESULTS OF PRE -BOARD MEETING.
President Bradley advised that the Board has studied examples of policies adopted by
various schools in the area, as well as forms promulgated by the Texas Association of
School Boards and others, and has received advice from Robert Schulman, the
Westlake Academy
Board of Trustees
February 11, 2008
Page 4 of 5
Academy's education lawyer. Mr. Schulman is drafting a proposed policy which will
be scheduled for consideration at an upcoming Board meeting.
Westlake Academy Page 5 of 5
Board of Trustees
February 11, 2008
12. DISCUSS PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE ADMISSION POLICY.
President Bradley advised that the admissions policy has been studied by the Board and
Mrs. Brizuela, and Mr. Schulman is drafting a proposed policy that is intended to
comply with U. S. as well as Texas policies, which sometimes do not mesh. This item
will be scheduled for consideration at an upcoming Board meeting.
13. CONSENT AGENDA.
President Bradley introduced the item and asked for a motion.
A. Review and approve minutes of the School Board of Trustees meeting held on
January 14, 2008.
B. Review and approve any outstanding bills.
MOTION: Trustee Steger made a motion to approve the consent agenda as
presented. Trustee Redding seconded the motion. The motion carried by
a vote of 5-0.
14. HEAD OF SCHOOL'S REPORT.
Head of School Brizuela recognized the students of Westlake Academy for taking a role
in the school, being a positive force and an agent for change.
15. PRESIDENT AND TRUSTEES REPORTS AND COMMENTS.
Trustee Maynard commended the teachers and staff at Westlake Academy.
16. ADJOURNMENT.
There being no further business, President Bradley adjourned the meeting at 8:32 p.m.
APPROVED BY THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN ON MARCH 10, 2008.
Scott Bradley, President
ATTEST:
im utter, TRMC, Town Secretary
Town of Westlake
Board of Aldermen/Trustees Pre -Board Meeting
February 11, 2008
page 3 of 4
President Bradley responded that the Head of School has spoke with a research
company and is expecting a proposal to conduct a survey and exit interviews.
B. Board of Aldermen Meeting
Interim Town Manager Joe Hennig reviewed the Board of Aldermen regular meeting
agenda with the Board and responded to questions from the Board.
7. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO THE
JOINT ENGINEERING SERVICES CONTRACT WITH GRAHAM
ASSOCIATES, INC. AND THE CITY OF KELLER, CITY OF
SOUTHLAKE AND TOWN OF WESTLAKE FOR ENGINEERING AND
DESIGN SERVICES REGARDING THE FM 1938 EXPANSION
PROJECT.
Mayor Bradley recommended the Town pay particular attention to the landscaping
along the roadway, and more specifically the Town's ability to supplement the
landscape design.
Interim Town Manager Hennig advised that TxDOT has typically allowed for upgrades
in landscaping designs.
Alderman Corson expressed his concern that the Town has been advised this late in the
process of a fee increase because of the change to a two phase construction process.
9. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION APPROVING A BUDGET AMENDMENT
AND RELATED AGREEMENT WITH RODGERS CONSTRUCTION
COMPANY FOR THE WEST SIDE PUMP STATION IMPROVEMENTS.
Interim Town Manager Hennig advised the Board that the project cost exceeds the
budgeted amount as the scope of the project has been expanded.
Alderman Corson inquired if the improvements represent a complete solution to the
problems associated with the pump station, and inquired as to the current utility fund
balance.
Public Works Superintendent Greenwood responded that the improvements would
provide staff the ability to operate the pump station and verify the Fort Worth meter
readings.
Finance Director Piper responded that the current utility fund balance is $1.3 million.
10. CONSIDER APPROVAL FOR THE RELEASE OF A REQUEST FOR
QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ) AS IT RELATES TO THE WESTLAKE
ARTS AND SCIENCES CENTER PROJECT.
Town of Westlake
Board of Aldermen/Trustees Pre -Board Meeting
February 11, 2008
page 4 of 4
Interim Town Manager Hennig introduced the item and advised the Board that
additional items related to civil engineering and relocation of the utilities will be
presented to the Board at a later date.
Alderman Corson inquired if the relocation of the utilities would be considered under a
separate contract, and if the cost associated with the relocation of the utilities is included
in the project cost estimates provided to the Board.
Facilities and Recreation Director Meyer responded that a separate contract will be
considered for the relocation of the utilities, and the cost is included in the estimates
provided to the Board.
11. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE APPOINTMENT OF A
BUILDING COMMITTEE TO PROVIDE OVERSIGHT TO TOWN STAFF
CONCERNING THE CONSTRUCTION AND REMODELING OF
MUNICIPAL BUILDINGS.
Interim Town Manager Hennig introduced the item.
Alderman Maynard suggested including a member from the school and a member of the
Westlake Academy Foundation to the committee.
Interim Town Manager Hennig requested the Board consider including the Head of
School as a member of the committee.
6. HEAD OF SCHOOL REPORT.
No report was given.
7. TOWN MANAGER REPORT.
No report was given.
8. ADJOURNMENT.
There being no further business, Mayor / President Bradley adjourned the meeting at
5:58 p.m.
APPROVED BY THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN ON FEBRUARY 25, 2008.
AT EST: Scott Brad ey, Mayor / P sident
im utter TRMC, Town Secretary / Secretary