06-11-2001 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING MONDAY, JUNE 11, 2001 4. #01 -2676 Baywind Christian Church, Amendment to Municipal Code Section • 10.42 — Continued Sansevere suggested they find parking on the same side of the street. Mr. Welles stated that would be a greater hazard than people crossing the street because there was no sidewalk and people would be walking with their backs to oncoming traffic either coming or going. Gaffron stated that according to City code, a church requires 1 parking space per 4 people in the assembly hall, and Baywind would be held to that standard. He stated Council had to determine if they wanted the church to meet that standard without people crossing the street. Gaffron stated that Council should consider whether they wanted to allow a tax exempt organization in the B -4 zone. Hospitals and schools, which are already allowed, are tax exempt. Pastor Helmer Heckel stated that the Svoboda business would stay in the building, generating some taxes. Dave Garwick of 1535 Rainbow Avenue, Maple Plain, Pastor of Christ Lutheran Church, stated that Pastor Heckel was making a large contribution to the community. His congregation has formed the Police Chaplain's Corps and the Heart for the West Ministry. Sansevere stated that while that was laudable, it was not a consideration in the zoning y • issue because they were discussing whether any church should be allowed in the B -4, not Baywind specifically. Joan Svoboda stated that she has crossed County 19 between her building and the Fresh Water Institute numerous times without any trouble. Mr. Beystrom stated that he had contacted Hennepin County Transportation Planning Department about a crosswalk and signage for in front of the proposed church. Judy Heckel of 5961 Covington Terrace, Minnetonka stated that the congregation could designate 1 car to shuttle people across the street, so ultimately only 1 person would have to walk across County 19. Council unanimously decided they were in favor of allowing churches in the B -4 zone. They agreed that the Planning Commission should discuss specific appropriate performance standards at their next meeting. Pastor Heckel stated they would like to be in the new space by August. Gaffron stated that the absolute quickest the conditional use permit could be finalized would be July 23`d if the Church makes a timely application. Barrett suggested staff send a letter to the applicant requesting an extension of the 60 day time limit. 4