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9 MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF APPEALS MEETING <br />HELD JUNE 25,1997 <br />Grace suggested rather than tabling their decision that the Board take some time for consultation. <br />Kohnen stated that he based his decision on Mr. Olson's classification. <br />Roelofs stated he was unsure about supporting the B -2 classification but feels the occupancy should <br />be reclassified as there have been definite changes in the character of use. By the change in use, it <br />gets reclassified. If it can't be reclassified that way, he would agree with B -2 and the need to <br />reclassify. <br />Bellows noted it is a fact that the use has changed over the years. There was a phase of elementary <br />education and adult education but was not continuous. There have been shifts in use. She would <br />also look at the intent. <br />Roelofs reiterated that he felt it should be reclassified and hoped there would be a way to work out <br />the sprinkler system issue. Oman informed the Board that the City has reduced the amount of water <br />supply necessary because of the response time of the Fire Department. Another option would be to <br />look for a repeal of the code that requires the sprinkler from Council. <br />• Bellows asked if Oman could grant any period of time to pursue options. Oman stated there was no <br />option to allow E occupancy without a sprinkler system. Once the code is adopted, it must be <br />enforced. Council does not have the authority to grant exceptions to the code. Kohnen asked how <br />Oman felt about the code. Oman responded it should remain in place. There are volunteer fire <br />departments with large public areas to cover for response time. <br />Bellows asked if they could occupy the building if they didn't use or closed off the second floor. <br />Oman responded they could if Schneider reduced the building to one story. <br />Schneider felt all three Board members were arriving at the same conclusion for different reasons. <br />He has studied the issue thoroughly and there are no alternatives. The City Council can't grant <br />exemptions and the building official must enforce the code if there is a change in use. <br />Erickson asked if they could get a temporary certificate of occupancy until they can work out a <br />solution for the school. If the vote is for a change in occupancy classification, the Kid's Art Studio <br />has no place else to go and the Environmental School has no other options. <br />Schneider asked if students were allowed to be in the high school even though it is not sprinkled. <br />Oman responded they had not asked for a change in occupancy use. Schneider noted that there are <br />three triggers for upgrading including new construction, remodeling or a change in occupancy. The <br />school has done remodeling so he questioned why they had not been required to add a sprinkler <br />system. Oman responded that the new Link caused two other buildings to be sprinkled. <br />13 <br />