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<br /> ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION - MAY 1, 2002 8 <br /> , Staff stated this case was heard at the Monday City Council meeting and the Council had <br /> retumed it back to the Planning Commission to consider further information and <br /> recommendation. <br /> Mr. Parrish summarized the State law and City Zoning Ordinance lor daycare facilities. <br /> Commissioner Lcmberg inquired about the fully enclosed play area. He asked if there <br /> would be screening along the southem property line. Mr. Panish stated he believed <br /> applicant had agreed to some type of screening, but this could also be made as a <br /> condition of their approval. <br /> Al Lima, stated he was a member of Pilgrim House and was the Chairman of the Board <br /> of Pilgrim House. He spoke in support of the request. He believed the daycare would be <br /> a good community service and a good use of the building. He stated there was the need <br /> for a good, quality daycare in the conununity. He stated the building was available and <br /> not used during the day and therefore this was a good location for a daycare. He stated <br /> they were willing to work with the neighbors and would address issues they had as they <br /> arose. <br /> Julie Carlson, Director of Dayeare, stated the daycare would be for preschool children <br /> from ages of 33 months to the first day of kindergarten. She stated this was a highly <br /> structured, educational program. Shc indicated the daycare that was closing had been in <br /> their location for 19 yems and had a good rcputation. She indicated there were not many <br /> , daycares in the area that were located in a convenient location. Shc stated it would take a <br /> long time to get a daycare facility up to 20 childrcn, She noted daycarc enrollments had <br /> been down in the last couple of years, but they did want the opportunity to grow at some <br /> time in the future. <br /> Commissioner Ricke asked how long Ms, Carlson had been with her current daycare. <br /> Ms. Carlson replied two years. <br /> Commissioner Ricke asked if this was a scheduled progralll. Ms. Carlson replied it was a <br /> very scheduled progralll. However, if the weather was inclement, the children would not <br /> be outside, Sbe stated their program was well supervised and they did not allow the <br /> children to run around wild outside. The children would be kept under control at all <br /> times. <br /> Commissioner Rickc asked how early the children would be outsidc during the day. Ms. <br /> Carlson replied usually around noon, but if it was an exceptionally nice day, they may be <br /> out earlier. <br /> Jean Hoffineister, l201 Karth Lake Drive, stated she was present at the previous meeting <br /> alld was representing the neighbors in her area, She stated she had lived in her house <br /> since 1980. She gave a history of the church and area. She stated the area was much <br /> different now since when they moved in. She stated as the church grew, changes were <br /> I made. She expressed concern about thc play area. She stated none of the neighbors were <br /> opposed to chiIdcare or having childcarc there, but tbe play area was too close to their <br /> home and this was a concem. She stated she realized the Church was willing to put some <br /> type of screening, but it would still be vcry close. She stated if the play area was moved <br /> to anothcr location on the property, this would eliminate a lot of the neighbor's concerns. <br />