07-22-2002 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, July 22, 2002 6:30 o'clock p.m. • PARK COMMISSION COMMENTS - Debora Halvorson, Representative Nothing new to report. PLANNING COMMISSION COMMENTS - Sandra Smith, Representative Nothing new to report; however, would like to see the City Council appoint a new Vice Chair when ready. PUBLIC COMMENTS Michael Kuruvilla, 290 Ridgeview Drive, Wayzata, Director and owner of Orono Montessori School, he stated that as owner of Orono Montessori School, which lost its home when St. Andrews Church burned down this spring and had been temporarily located in Wayzata Community Church, they are hoping to relocate to Highway 12 and County Road 6 August 1, 2002. Their current temporary location runs out on July 31, 2002. The building they propose to occupy was previously run as a Little Acorns preschool, however, since vacant for more than six months, he found out new paperwork needed to be filed when he stopped by City Hall. Mr. Kuruvilla stated that this past year has been very difficult for him and his students. They have a school, and children to think of. He urged the City Council to waive the lengthy paperwork in order for them to move in on August 1. Gaffron confirmed Mr. Kuruvilla's statement, indicating that the building had been vacant for eight months. Built as a preschool run by Open Arms and then Little Acorns, the Montessori school proposed to occupy this space until the Church could rebuild. Since the previous CUP lapsed at six months, the new school will be required to file for a new CUP, however, the City Council would not be able to grant formal approval for that CUP until its August 28th meeting, well after the Montessori school has lost its current lease. Gaffron indicated that the City Council could allow the Montessori school to move in while they go through the CUP process. Gaffron added that Lyle Oman had visited the building and saw no obvious problems with the CUP. He continued that this short-term use would be good for the community, the children, and, since the Church will be rebuilding over the next 1-2 years, this space offers a good location for the school. In fact, Gaffron noted the Otten building will be taken as part of the Highway 12 expansion in 1 -2 years anyway. Murphy questioned whether Gaffron foresaw any imminent reason to reject the CUP request. Gaffron stated that this proposal provides a good potential short-term use for this facility, which unfortunately was caught up in the paperwork. Attorney Barrett reminded the Council that the ordinance states that the applicant must still go • through the CUP process. Sansevere asked if they could allow the school to occupy the space while they were in process. PAGE 6 of 35