HomeMy WebLinkAboutJune 26, 2002COLUMBIA HEIGHTS RECREATION DEPARTMENT
MILL STReet N.E., COLUMBIA HEightS, MN 55421-3878 (763) 706-3730 TDD (763) 706-3692
The June 26, 2002 meeting has been cancelled due to lack of agenda items.
1. Call to Order and Roll Call
6.
7.
8.
Consent Agenda
Approval of May 22, 2002 Minutes
Approval Payment of Bills
Letters and Requests
Old Business
New Business
Reports
a.
b.
C.
Recreation Director
Public Works Director/City Engineer
Commission Members
Adjournment
The City of Columbia Heights does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the admission or access to, or treatment or
employment in, its services, programs, or activities. Upon request, accommodation will be provided to allow individuals with
disabilities to participate in all City of Columbia Heights' services, programs, and activities. Auxiliary aids for handicapped
persons are available upon request when the request is made at least 96 hours in advance. Please call the City Council
Secretary at 706-3611 to make arrangements. (TDD/706-3692 for deaf only.)
THE CItY Of COLUMBIA HEIGHTS DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE ON THE BASIS OF DISABILITY IN EMPLOYMENT OR The PROVISION OF SERVICES
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Littl
oyageurs' Montessori School Inc.
825 51'" Avenue N. E.
Columbia Heights, MN 55421
763-788-0889
May 30, 2002
Mayor Gary Peterson
Columbia Heights
590 40t~ Avenue N. E.
Columbia Heights, MN 55421
Dear Mayor Peterson,
Little Voyageurs' Montessori School, established in 1968, is a non-profit organization
offering children 3 to 6 years of age a traditional Montessori education through
kindergarten. We want to make you aware that we are looking for a permanent space in
Columbia Heights. A vital and unique element of our school is the intergenerational
curriculum woven into our philosophy and program. It is our goal to form a parmership
with a program offering services to elders in the community.
Our school has benefited from the wonderful diversity, in Columbia Heights and our
student population mirrors this diversity. We believe that our school is a resource f6r this ·
community, and our work with elders and chiIdren contributes to the richness of life here.
Little Voyageur~ would like to be part of. CoIumbia Heights' planning process for any new
land use ventures that might include programs for children and eiders. Joint ventures can
often access grants and funding sources that would otherwise not be available to individual
programs.
In 34 years of educating children in Columbia Heights, we have graduated several hundred
children from kindergarten. We draw families primarily from Columbia Heights and the
immediate surrounding areas but also from communities as far as Ramsey, Albertville,
Minnetonka, Plymouth, North Oaks, Shoreview, Minneapolis and St. Paul.
Currently our temporary location is in St. Timothy's Lutheran Church. For the preceding
ten years we were part of the Crest View Eldercare Community housed in the walk-out
level of Royce Place which was specifically designed for us. Sadly, last summer, Crest
View was not able to renew our lease due to a change in their needs.
The critical component of daily interaction with elders is now missing from our program.
As the intergenerational philosophy is an integral part of our educational program we are
intent on pursuing a partnership with a program offering services to elders.
"Children love to/earn
We have 14 years experience working with elders and young children together and are
committed to continuing this work. The children's lives and the lives of elders were
greatly enriched by the caring interactions and wonderful friendships that developed during
these years.
We plan to follow up this letter with a personal contact. It is our hope that we can work
together toward the establishment of a joint venture that could further enrich this
community, and serve as a model for other cities.
We look forward to telling you more about our school.
Sincerff)y, /~ .
IC/aren Smith. Administrator
And the Strategic Planning Committee
cc City Council members
Robert Williams
Brace Nawrocki
Marlaine Szurek
Julienne Wyckoff
Tim Johnson, City Planner
Bob Streeter, Community Development Director
Walt Fehst, City Manager