02-22-2010 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, February 22, 2010 7:00 o'clock p.m. • (4. #10 -3442 THE EMILYPROGRAM, 2180 NORTH SHORE DRIVE, Continued) 10. The applicant shall make an application for withdrawal of the conditional use permit granted by this resolution when and if the property is ever sold or transferred to another owner. 11. Visiting hours shall be limited to weekday evenings between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. and weekend visiting hours shall be limited to the hours between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. 12. Multi- family Saturday group sessions, which will exceed the existing parking, shall not be held at this location. 13. The user shall hold an active Minnesota State Department of Human Services License for an eating disorder structured living program. Annual verification of licensure may be required. On January 19th, the Planning Commission recommended approval of the setback variance and conditional use permit limiting the use to 10 beds /inpatient clients. At the February 16'h meeting, the Planning Commission recommended denial of the variances to allow the detached garage as currently proposed. The Commission suggested reorienting the garage on the property, parallel to the lot lines and the existing building, orientation of the overhead doors to the street or inward facing the existing building, and utilization of the existing parking area to access the proposed garage. Staff recommends approval of the setback variance and the conditional use permit with the appropriate conditions. The applicant has requested there be a vote on the use so they may plan appropriately. Should the 10 1 Council approve the use on Monday night, the applicant is willing to work with Staff to develop additional conditions for the resolution for adoption at the March 8th Council meeting. Acting Mayor Murphy stated the official public hearing is held at the Planning Commission level but that he would allow new comments pertaining to this application if any of the residents are interested in providing comment. Dr. Miller stated he would like the City Council to know that he understands the concerns and fears of the neighborhood residents and that he would encourage the residents to keep track of the larger issue. The Emily Program is a world -class eating disorder program and employs some of the best mental health people in the state. The Emily Program has been in this business longer than anybody and the program has been very well thought out. Dr. Miller commented that as a state, how we deal with our elderly, the sick, and the mentally ill, is a measure of who we are as a society. The eating disorder population is a well- behaved, conscientious, and concerned population that follows the rules. At the last council meeting, a discussion was had about the St. Anthony Park location and the Chaska location. The Emily Program would like to be a good neighbor to the residents. The patients participate in the community, are conscientious, and are willing to work with the neighborhood. Dr. Miller stated in his opinion this combination of the Emily Program and the City of Orono will allow the residents to be a part of something good. Dr. Miller pointed out that there are currently people in Orono who suffer from eating disorders, depression, and alcoholism, and the patients who are receiving treatment are not to be feared. Dr. Miller stated in his view some of the concerns that have been expressed are irrational fears and that he • attempted to address those at the neighborhood meeting. The Emily Program brought people to the Page 4 of 19