02-22-2010 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, February 8, 2010 7:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 8 of 20 (6. #10-3442 THE EMILY PROGRAM, 2180 NORTH SHORE DRIVE, Continued) Miller indicated they would have a chef on site. Murphy asked what attracted them to this site. Miller stated the building is aesthetically attractive and the area offers a number of amenities, such as the Minnetonka Art Center. Art therapy is incorporated into their program as is acupuncture. The St. Anthony Park facility is also located in a residential area. They would like to have a facility that is located in a safe neighborhood. The Emily Program will be a good neighbor and will be responsive to the neighbors’ concerns. Murphy commented he has read the information provided on the program and that he hopes the City of Orono will fully understand the program and be willing to support such a worthwhile program. Michael LaQuey, P.O. Box 94, Crystal Bay, indicated he has resided in this neighborhood off and on over the years but is not currently residing in the area; although he has personal and business interests still in this neighborhood. LaQuey indicated he has a number of concerns regarding the facility, most of which were not discussed by the Planning Commission and/or the applicant. The first concern deals with the fire safety of the structure. The original structure was constructed in 1892 and the local fire department is not trained or equipped to deal with a fire at this location. In addition, Fairview Hospital is a long distance from this structure, which also goes to patient safety. LaQuey indicated another concern of his deals with biohazard materials and how that will be dealt with. Hospitals inherently have a slightly higher risk for fire than other uses. The application does not go into great detail on their outpatient program and there is nothing in the application about the medical office use, which the outpatient services portion of the program would fall under. LaQuey stated that the Emily Program also admits that they are going to have psychiatric treatment at the facility, which covers a wide variety of diagnoses, including schizophrenia and depression. LaQuey stated there are a number of ways patients could be court ordered to this facility, including minors. The biggest issue is that once the conditional use permit is granted, The Emily Program can start treating anyone with any disorder, and that he has a concern they may admit patients who are a danger to society. If a 10-bed facility is approved by the City, it becomes a very attractive location for other facilities, which is a major concern. LaQuey indicated this facility will also have a cascading negative impact on the valuations of the surrounding properties. LaQuey requested the City Council consider his concerns prior to acting on this application. Murphy stated the Orono/Long Lake Fire Department is one of the finest trained volunteer fire departments in the state of Minnesota and that they are qualified to handle everything that the Minneapolis Fire Department is trained to handle. The building has also been inspected by the City, the fire department, and police department when the building was occupied by The Hill School and that the sprinkler system is up-to-date and to code. Item #02 - CC Agenda - 02/22/2010 Approval of Council Minutes 02/08/2010 [Page 8 of 20]