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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994 08-11 PCM MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA REGULAR SESSION AUGUST 11, 1994 CALL TO ORDER The Planning Commission met in regular session and was called to order by Chairperson Willson at 7:31 p.m. ROLL CALL Chairperson Tim Willson, Commissioners Debra Hilstrom,Mark Holmes,Robert Mickelson, Also present were the Secretary to the Planning Commission Planning and Zoning Specialist Ronald Warren, and Planning Commission Recording Secretary Ruth McLaurin. Commissioners Donald Booth and Diane Reem had indicated they could not attend this evening's meeting and were excused. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - JULY 28, 1994 There was a motion by Commissioner Hilstrom and seconded by Commissioner Mickelson to approve the minutes of the July 28, 1994, Planning Commission meeting as submitted. The motion passed with Commissioner Holmes abstaining. CHAIRPERSON'S EXPLANATION Chairperson Willson explained the Planning Commission is an advisory body. One of the Commission's functions is to hold public hearings. In the matters concerned in these hearings, the Commission makes recommendations to the City Council. The City Council makes all final decisions in these matters. APPLICATION NO. 94008 (ANOKA-HENNEPIN COMMUNITY EDUCATION Chairperson Willson introduced the first item of business, a request from Anoka-Hennepin Community Education requesting a Special Use Permit to operate a preschool program at the Lutheran Church of the Master, 1200 69th Avenue North. The Secretary presented the staff report, used overhead transparencies to show the location and detail (see Planning Commission Information Sheet for Application No. 94008, attached). Commissioner Holmes inquired if there were any noted problems with the previous Day Care located on this property. The Secretary indicated no noted problems had occurred with the previous Day Care operation. Commissioner Holmes questioned if there were State regulations to be followed. The Secretary noted the Department of Human Services would be licensing this operation. 8-11-94 1 Commissioner Hilstrom inquired if the current Preschool should leave, could a new Day Care with expanded services use the current permit or would a new special use permit be required. The Secretary indicated the incoming Day Care would need an amended special use permit with expanded services such as going beyond the maximum class size of 20. Chairperson Willson inquired about the apartment buildings east of the church. The Secretary indicated the church currently owns all three building and would like to obtain a permit to use the building closest to the church for full church. Discussion with the Lutheran Church of the Master is currently being held since this would require rezoning of the property. The other buildings are currently leased out to residents, the church is proposing eventually occupy all buildings for a church use. Chairperson Wilson inquired about the property tax effect this would have on the city. The Secretary indicated as long as the property is leased for residential occupancy it is not tax exempt. Once it is put to a church use it is tax exempt. PUBLIC HEARING (APPLICATION NO. 94008) Chairperson Willson asked for a motion to open the public hearing on the request from Anoka-Hennepin Community Education for a Special Use Permit to operate a preschool program at the Lutheran Church of the Master, 1200 69th Avenue at 7:47 p.m. There was a motion by Commissioner Hilstrom and seconded by Commissioner Mickelson to open the public hearing. The motion passed unanimously. Chairperson Willson asked if there was anyone present who wished to address the Commission. Marilyn Wolkerstorfer, representing the applicant that came forward. Commissioner Hilstrom questioned if there would be outdoor activities. Ms. Wolkerstorfer indicated there is a nearby park, but the session times are short and the program would be limited to mostly indoor play, she also indicate there is a gymnasium for their use. Commissioner Hilstrom inquired about snacks and the availability of the kitchen. Ms. Wolkerstorfer indicated the kitchen on the premises had been inspected and was approved, however the kitchen would be used mainly to store pre-packaged snacks brought by the parents. Commissioner Holmes inquired as to the number of staff. Ms. Wolkerstorfer indicated there would be one teacher and one assistant. Commissioner Holmes inquired as to busing. Ms. Wolkerstorfer indicated the parents are responsible for transportation. 8-11-94 2 Commissioner Holmes questioned if the program followed the school calendar. Ms. Wolkerstorfer indicated the program is 31 weeks and would start September 12. Commissioner Holmes inquired if the teacher would be a state certified teacher. Ms. Wolkerstorfer indicated the program does not require a state certified teacher,however, the teacher for this program holds a degree in Christian Education and is very qualified for the position. The Secretary inquired if the school board requires preschool for school entrance. Ms. Wolkerstorfer indicated it is not a requirement at this time, although it is a good idea. The Secretary indicated should it be required the program would see expansion. Ms. Wolkerstorfer inquired if the church would allow the use of the property for additional classes if the class size would stay at 20 students, would an additional permit be required. The Secretary indicated if no additional students were added to class there should be no problems. The Secretary added the permit would be subject to review if there would be an extensive expansion to the program. Ms. Wolkerstorfer inquired if the class sized changed to 40 students would a permit be required. The Secretary indicated review would probably be necessary. Chairperson Willson noted if any changes or future upgrades are proposed, Ms. Wolkerstorfer could forward her questions to the Secretary. Chairperson Willson called for any more questions for the applicant or for anyone else to speak at the public hearing. CLOSE PUBLIC HEARING There was a motion by Commissioner Hilstrom and seconded by Commissioner Mickelson to close the public hearing at 7:51 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. ACTION RECOMMENDING APPROVAL OF APPLICATION NO. 94008 There was a motion by Commissioner Hilstrom and seconded by Commissioner Mickelson to recommend approval of Application No. 94008 submitted by Anoka-Hennepin Community Education for a Special Use Permit to operate a preschool program at the Lutheran Church of the Master, 1200 69th Avenue North, subject to the following conditions: 1. The Special Use Permit is issued for a preschool for up to 20 children at a time. Any expansion or alteration*of the preschool operation will require an amendment to this Special Use Permit. 8-11-94 3 2. The preschool operation shall receive the proper licensing from the Minnesota Department of Human Services and a copy of the license shall be kept on file with the City. 3. The premises will be brought into compliance with all applicable state and local regulations relating to fire safety, health and building code standards for the preschool operation. 4. This Special Use Permit is subject to all other applicable codes, ordinances and regulations. Any violation thereof may be grounds for revocation. Voting in favor: Chairperson Willson, Commissioners Hilstrom, Holmes, and Mickelson. The motion passed unanimously. The Secretary noted that the application will be referred to the City Council at the August 22, 1994, meeting. The applicant is required to be present at the City Council meeting. If any changes or modifications are made to the plans prior to City Council consideration, they may have to be brought back before the Planning Commission for review. OTHER BUSINESS Commissioner Hilstrom indicated concern for an apartment building owned by the city that is abandoned. Commissioner Hilstrom drove by and noted people in the building, she notified the city, the following day it was boarded up, then a few days later the property was open again. Commissioner Hilstrom's concern was for injuries sustained by trespassers and liabilities of the city. The Secretary noted the police have been notified and the property is policed as much as possible. The Secretary also indicated the property is to be demolished by the end of August. The Secretary reviewed briefly items of upcoming issues for the commission. ADJOURNMENT There was a motion by Commissioner Mickelson and seconded by Commissioner Hilstrom to adjourn the meeting of the Planning Commission. The motion passed unanimously. The Planning Commission adjourned at 8:10 p.m. r Chairperson Recorded and transcribed by: Ruth McLaurin Timesaver Off Site Secretarial 8-11-94 4