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63 Mr. Toscano noted that the conclusion from the citizen group looking at the issue was to recommend one site. Dr. Symons said that more information is available now and variables are different than when the citizen group made its recommendation, and noted that the recommendation was not unanimous by any means. Ms. Linda Bowen, School Board member, asked if the program would compete with private day care if connected with day care, and Was told that it would, but that it does now. Mr. Cox asked about the capacity for universal child care, and said he feels that would influence whether you add classes at elementary schools or build a separate facility. Dr. Symons said that has been talked about, but he is not sure how much is right to do and how much we can afford, and needs to be explored more. In addition, debates are continuing about one versus multiple sites. Ms. Richards asked if the State contributes to the pre-school program, and Mr. Ed Gillespie, School Finance Director, said that the State contributes $300,000 to the pre- school and EvenStart together. Ms. Richards said the City and Schools should get behind increased State support for the pre-school program. Dr. Symons said the State will probably support operational costs, but not capital costs. Ms. Daugherty suggested that Jefferson School be discussed as part of the Comprehensive Plan process and asked the Schools to help coordinate the discussion. Dr. Symons said that the Schools are in the ~ial stages of exploring an offer by Monticello Area Community Action Agency to use their property for a pre-school program. Mr. Cox asked about the timetable for making a decision about the pre-school program, and Dr. Symons said he feels it wilt take six months to explore and try to bring better closure to the issue, including public participation, though it could be extended beyond that. Mr. Cox asked if the Schools have researched communities nationwide who have successful pre-school models, and Dr. Symons said that many programs are modeled on HeadStart, but they will continue to research the issue. The meeting was adjourned. COUNCIL CHAMBER - April 17, 2000 Council met in regular session on this date with the following members present: Mr. Caravati, Mr. Cox, Ms. Daugherty, Ms. Richards, Mr. Toscano. PUBLIC Iris. Shirley Cautey, Montebello Circle, read a letter from the Jefferson Park Avenue Neighborhood Association regarding the retaining wall at the University Stadium. Ms. Cauley said the wall is a visual insult to the neighborhood, it does not relate to the Stadium architecture, and it represents the University's insensitively to the community. Ms. Cauley asked Council to support the neighborhood by requesting enhancement of the wall.