2017.04.18 PC Minutes SIGNED - Laserfiche WebLink

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wanted to maintain some level of flexibility to ensure the playground could be used in the evening hours if the school were to hold parent teacher conferences, etc. Commissioner Danger asked how many feet there were between the proposed playground area and the closest neighboring property. Mr. Beck explained there were 190 feet between the playground and the closest home. Commissioner Murphy inquired if some of the parking could be eliminated to make room for a playground. Mr. Beck indicated the campus was overparked but stated he had not considered this option. Commissioner Danger questioned if all 300 students would be out on the playground at the same time. Mr. Beck did not anticipate this would occur in a typical school day but rather the students would be out on the playground in shifts. Commissioner Murphy asked if the playground would be open to the public. Mr. Beck understood the neighborhood was interested in using this space in the evening and weekend hours. He stated that the seminary has always had an open campus. He explained the only way to avoid this would be to completely fence the playground. Commissioner Frischman understood the neighborhood was offering the most push back on the playground. She inquired how the playground would be designed for the K-8 students and asked if there would be a basketball hoop and ballfields. Mr. Beck discussed the play requirements for students in elementary school versus middle school. He noted there would be no room for ballfields or a basketball hoop. Commissioner Fynewever questioned if there would be continued communication between the seminary and the neighbors to keep them apprised of this matter. Mr. Beck stated he had committed to staying in touch with the neighbors. Commissioner Fynewever asked if the Commission could amend one of the conditions to expand upon the hours of operation and number of exceptions. Planning Director Gundlach commented the Planning Commission could amend these conditions when making a motion for approval. Chairperson Nichol s-Matkaiti opened the discussion to the public. Marilee Larkin, 517 Yankton College Lane, stated she had not attended the Open House. She expressed concern with opening a charter school at this location. She believed that the Mounds View school district was doing a great job. She feared how the local schools would be impacted if a charter school were to open at this location. She preferred to see a private school at the seminary. She then discussed the level of traffic along 5`h Street. She questioned if the public would have a say once a school were to locate on this property. Jim Radomski, 548 Yankton Lane, stated he lived in a great neighborhood and he enjoyed the beauty of the seminary. He commented on how colleges were changing their models and understood the Mounds View schools currently had their highest enrollment in 15 years. He believed it was in the best interest for the seminary to remain in higher education, and if this was not possible, to allow for the K-8 school to collocate. He was interested in learning if Bethel or Northwestern needed additional classroom space. He requested the Planning Commission read all of the letters submitted regarding this matter be read allowed for the record. Planning Director Gundlach reported the letters submitted to the Planning Commission were available within the packet which was uploaded to the City's website. 4