02-13-12 Draft Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS JOINT COUNCIL WORK SESSION—FEBRUARY 13, 2012 5 Mr. Frazier explained that the Salvation Army has vehicles available to transport the men; most of the men have their own vehicles and those who do not have a vehicle typically have family members to transport them once they leave the program. Councilmember Werner questioned how important the railroad access on this property is to the program. Mr. Anderson responded that it was a consideration in selecting this site to provide easy access to shipping to other Salvation Army locations. Mayor Grant asked how many people will be living at the proposed facility. Mr. Anderson stated the maximum number of people residing at this location would be 130. Administrator Klaers asked if the residential portion of the property will be tax exempt. Ms. Bauer responded that all of the site would be tax exempt since the Salvation Army is a non- profit organization. Councilmember Holmes asked if the residents will, after their initial 30 day period, be in the neighborhood and local businesses on their own or if they will be accompanied. Mr. Frazier responded that after the 30 day period, the residents are allowed to leave the facility on weekends, but during the week they work an eight hour day and then participate in programming from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. and then have homework. He added that there is a curfew for the residents as well, 11:00 p.m. during the week and midnight on the weekends. City Planner Beekman reviewed the process for this proposal if the Salvation Army decides to move forward. She stated the property is zoned I-Flex and the distribution and processing are permitted uses, but the residential component would require a zoning code amendment. That could be accomplished by going through a PUD process or by doing a long-term interim-use permit tied to the ownership of the property so that as long as the Salvation Army owned the site, the residential facility could continue. Councilmember Holden stated that when she first read this proposal, she was excited. But after the information this evening, she is concerned because there will be no property tax paid by the Salvation Army; the 130 residents will not be using local businesses; and she was hoping to get rid of the railroad spur on the site. Councilmember Werner asked the petitioners what they think the public reaction will be to this proposal. Mr. Frazier stated that there have not been issues at their other locations. They screen their residents to a greater degree than most apartment buildings. Also, he stated that a lot of Arden Hills residents are Christians and the Salvation Army has a good reputation.