Agenda - Planning Commission - 02/02/2012

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7.02: Request for a Home Occupation Permit to Operate a Youth Horse Ranch at 7202 181 Avenue NW; Case of Robin Veach Fitzgerald (Second Chance Youth Ranch) Environmental Coordinator Anderson reviewed the staff report and advised that Finding 29 should read in the positive indicating the property will be served adequately. Motion by Councilmember Elvig, seconded by Councilmember Backous, to adopt Resolution #11-12-249 Adopting Findings of Fact #0897 Related to the Request from Robin Veach Fitzgerald for a Home Occupation Permit to Operate a Youth Horse Ranch for Second Chance Youth Ranch on the Property Located at 7202 181 Avenue NW, as revised, and adopt Resolution #11-12-250 Approving Issuance of a Home Occupation Permit to Operate a Youth Horse Ranch for Second Chance Youth Ranch on the Property Located at 7202 181 Avenue NW Based on Findings of Fact #0897 and Declaring Terms of Permit. Further discussion: Robin Veach Fitzgerald, applicant, responded to the Council's inquiries by explaining how they will recruit volunteers who will be screened and backgrounds checked. The Council expressed its support for the approach taken by the Youth Horse Ranch to gear children toward outdoor activities, and the 1 -to -1 ratio between volunteer and attendee. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Ramsey, Councilmembers Elvig, Backous, McGlone, Strommen, Tossey, and Wise. Voting No: None. 7.03: Consider Resolution #11- 12 -XXX Supporting the Mississippi River Trail Parks Supervisor Riverblood reviewed the staff report. The Council discussed the location of the proposed pedestrian walkway over Highway 10, noting it would connect with existing trails and allow a transit customer to be dropped off, walk over the bridge, and use the train. In addition, separating the pedestrian walkway from the Armstrong Boulevard overpass would provide additional pedestrian safety, bring attention towards the River, and create synergy. However, the Armstrong Boulevard interchange is currently a higher priority. Motion by Mayor Ramsey, seconded by Councilmember Backous, to adopt Resolution #11-12- 251 supporting the goals of the Mississippi River Trail and Bikeway in Minnesota. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Ramsey, Councilmembers Backous, Elvig, McGlone, Strommen, Tossey, and Wise. Voting No: None. Parks Supervisor Riverblood reported the City has secured an engagement partner from the Anoka Ramsey Community College to work 30 hours a week and assist with this project. This is the result of staff working with community partners on the City's behalf and the student would be paid by the college. The Council thanked Parks Supervisor Riverblood for securing a donated tree and lights. Parks Supervisor Riverblood acknowledged Kinghorn Construction had identified a tree that would have been impacted by future grading and thanked Connexus for its assistance. City Council / December 13, 2011 Page 10 of 15