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March 26, 2013 Page 4 of 6 approving the request subject to three conditions. 5 Ayes, 0 Nays - Motion Carried 2. Consideration of a Special Use Permit for Harold W. F.rks on behalf of Harbon Montessori School to allow operation of a Montessori School out of the existing New Brighton Christian Church located at 1500 29'x' Avenue NW. Report No. 13 -073. Resolution No. 13 -025. City Planner Janice Gundlach reported the applicant is requesting a Special Use Permit to permit operation of a Montessori school out of the existing New Brighton Christian Church located at 1500 29th Avenue NW. The property is zoned R -1, Single Family Residential and schools and day cares are listed as specially permitted uses in all residential districts. She explained the proposed school is Harbon Montessori School, which currently operates out of the United Church of Christ Church at 1000 Long Lake Road and has been at this location since 1972. The proposed school would operate out of the northern portion of the New Brighton Christian Church, occupying existing classroom space on both the first and second levels. The school would also construct a small playground for younger children on the church property, and also plans to utilize the existing Hidden Oaks City Park to the north. The school serves children ages 33 months to 12 years of age, grades pre - school through fifth grade, and also offers latch -key. The request would be for a maximum of 85 children; however, the school does not currently serve that many. Other applicable issues examined include traffic, off - street parking and public safety concerns. Staff explained the proposed use should not have any negative impacts related to these issues due to the fact the site had enough parking (90 stalls) to support the use and the site had two access points. It was noted the United Church of Christ Church wants to use the school's space for their own use and has not renewed their contract, beginning the next school year. The applicant has indicated they would sign a two year lease with New Brighton Christian Church, pending City approval of their use. She commented the Planning Commission considered the request on March 19'h where a public hearing was held and two people spoke in favor of the request. The Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval consistent with the staff recommendation. Staff recommends approval of the Special Use Permit, subject to the following conditions: 1. The school serves a maximum of 85 students. 2. Any substantial changes to bus traffic, as represented in the written Planning Report, shall require an amendment to the Special Use Permit. 3. The Fire Marshal conducts a final safety inspection once the school has fully occupied the space, but prior to the start of the 2013 -2014 school year. Harold Frks, Harbon Montessori School, stated over 5,000 children have gone through the Harbon Montessori School program. He thanked the Council for considering his request this evening. Councilmember Bauman noted her daughter, Cassie, attended Harbon, which was a great school. She was pleased the school would be able to remain in New Brighton. Councilmernber Jacobsen questioned how many students attended Harbon on a yearly basis. Mr. Frks stated there were cur mtly 65 students enrolled. Councilmember Samuelson asked why the current church did not renew the present lease. Mr. Frks indicated the church was interested in using their building for different purposes and was not interested in renewing the lease. Councdmember Burg stated Harbon had a great reputation in the community and she was thankful the school was able to relocate to another church in New Brighton. Motion by Councilmember Bauman seconded by Councilmember Burg to adopt a Resolution 2 Canidaation ofa SpecialUsePemhitfor Hacold W. Ehicsonbehalf of Ha bore Montessori School to allow opaatim ofaMcntessai school out ofdw eking New Brighton Quisbmh Clvmdh located at 1500 29' AvenueNW. Report No. 134n. Resolution No. 13 -025.