CITY OF DUARTE
MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL JOINT MEETING OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DUARTE AND THE
DUARTE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF EDUCATION
TUESDAY, MAY 28, 2024 - 5:00 PM
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Truong called the Special Meeting to order at 5:14 p.m.
Duarte Unified School Board President Finlay called the meeting to order at 5:15 p.m.
2. PLEDGE TO THE FLAG
The flag salute was led by MAD Town Council Member Schmidt.
3. ROLL CALL:
Councilmembers Present: Finlay, Lewis, Martin Del Campo, Garcia (arrived at 5:45 p.m.), ouncilmembers Absen Kang, Schulz
taff Presen Brian Villalobos, City Manager
Cary Breed, Director of Comic Sate Serlipment
Annette Juarez, City Clerk
alina Bautista, Permit Technicia
Board Members Present en Bell, Ceci Carroll, Dr. James Finlay, Rosa Holgiu Board Members Absent Reyna Diaz
Staff Present: Dr. Nadia Amesan, Asian Superintendent of Educational MAD Town Council Members Present: John Griffin, Joan Schmidt, Linda Sells, Michelle Wright
MAD Town Council Members Absent: Dave Hall, Alex Kaminski
4. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
A. City Council
Note of by Council to ador tie a second ed by may memory or and ne Bit ay the flowing AYES: FINLAY, LEWIS, MARTIN DEL CAMPO, GARCIA, TRUONG
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: KANG, SCHULZ
B. School Board
The agenda was unanimously adopted as written by the members of the Duarte Unified School Board.
5. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION -
None.
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6. AGENDA ITEMS
1. DUSD Summer School Enrichment Programs
Superintendent Dr. Amerson expressed appreciation for the partnership between the City of Duarte and the Duarte Unified School District and stated that he will be discussing both items on the agenda in a combined presentation. Dr. Amerson gave an overview of the summer school programs and its success. Dr. Hillman shared information on funding sources and enrollment rates. Further information and data were provided in regard to program logistics.
Project Developments
Dr. Amerson reviewed the recent and upcoming district project developments which include the tennis court upgrades, the Duarte High School gymnasium, the preschool program relocation to Beardslee Dual Language, the MIT High School relocation to Duarte High School, and the Andres Duarte Community Development project. Discussion ensued regarding progress on the scope of work and project completion timelines.
Conversation was had regarding the future plans and development details for the Andres Duarte school site. Dr. Amerson shared the decision-making process behind the expected property use; reviewed data regarding the transition process; and highlighted the project specifications.
Following questions posed by the City Council, Dr. Amerson gave an overview of the athletic programs; received feedback on how to improve student participation; and discussed ideas to increase support of students pursuing athletic careers.
There was discussion in regard to collaborating so as to increase civic engagement within youth; and ideas were exchanged relating to fostering and incentivizing student participation in MAD Town Council meetings and other events.
1. Project Developments
City Manager Villalobos thanked Superintendent Gordon for his time serving as superintendent and wished him luck in his future endeavors.
Community Development Director Hensley shared that he is looking forward to working with the school district and contractor for the Andres Duarte Development project; provided an update n the recently completed housing developments within the City; shared the plans for futur evelopments; and reported on the upcoming developments that are currently in plan chec Discussion occurred regarding affordability within new housing developments.
7. ITEMS FROM CITY COUNCIL/SCHOOL BOARD/TOWN COUNCIL
Town Council Member Schmidt expressed gratitude for being included in the joint meeting; voiced her support of the summer programs; introduced the new members of the Town Council; shared her experience at a recent community event hosted by Supervisor Barger; and invited the Councilmember Finlay shared that Dr. Amerson will be missed and thanked him for his work.
Mayor Pro Tem Garcia thanked everyone for collaboration and attendance; and recognized th distinguished honor roll students that graduated
Per questions posed by the City Council, Dr. Amerson clarified the District policy relating to naming district property posthumously.
Mayor Pro Tem Garcia thanked Dr. Amerson; congratulated him for his achievements; and wished him luck.
Mayor Truong thanked everyone for attending.
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Town Council Member Schmidt commended CArts for their recent performance at Supervisor Barger's community meeting.
Councilmember Martin Del Campo left the meeting at 6:33 p.m.
8. ADJOURNMENT
A. City Council - To Regular Meeting, May 28, 2024.
There being no further business to discuss, the special joint meeting adjourned at 6:39 p.m. in honor of Yvonne Bullock and Terrence Williams.
B. School Board
There being no further business to discuss, the special joint meeting adjourned at 6:39 p.m. in honor of Yvonne Bullock and Terrence Williams.
Vinh Truong, Mayos
Attr
Annette Juarez, City Clerk
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