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Robin Veach Fitzgerald and Scott Fitzgerald, 7202 181 Avenue NW, the applicants, presented a <br />drawing of the property. They stated it is a day program. They would like to start with an a.m. <br />and p.m. program and possibly one full day session to see what works best for the kids. They <br />stated they are not certified as professional chemical dependency counselors and that is not part <br />of the program. The children will be emotionally distressed; however they will be able body <br />children. It will be a peaceful, beautiful place for them to come to find peace and healing. <br />Chairperson Levine asked if they had any type of licensing for the program. <br />Ms. Veach Fitzgerald answered some of the volunteers have their counseling license, which will <br />be a benefit to the program. Basically, it is people who want to help kids and have a passion for <br />connecting with kids. <br />Mr. Fitzgerald stated it is a faith based organization and the basis of the program is a place for <br />young people to come and learn to bond with animals. They learn how to take care of a horse, <br />build some self - esteem and allow us to be their mentor. <br />Ms. Veach Fitzgerald explained the program and a typical session. The age group will be five <br />and on up. <br />Commissioner Bauer asked how they will get kids involved. <br />Ms. Veach Fitzgerald stated that by word of mouth interest has increased, they have been going <br />to horse expos and had a booth at Ramsey Happy Days. She works for the Osseo School District <br />and the staff has given referrals, and through council groups. They will be open to the <br />community, so it won't necessarily be only kids that have problems. They don't want to turn <br />anyone away. <br />Commissioner Bauer asked how the program is financed. <br />Mr. Fitzgerald stated it is funded through donations. This is not a fee based organization. <br />Commissioner Field questioned if the applicants have had coaching as to how to manage what <br />they are going to be doing particularly with the kids. His concern was pertaining to the <br />neighbors; one of the findings states that the proposed use will not be disturbing to the existing or <br />future neighboring uses. <br />Mr. Fitzgerald stated that every youth will have a coached volunteer from the time they walk on <br />the premise to the time they walk off; they will have one on one mentoring. <br />Discussion ensued regarding parking. <br />Mr. Hunt stated he has hunters on his property and asked if during the hunting season that was <br />going to be a problem. <br />Senior Planner Gladhill stated that any hunting activities need to be coordinated with the Police <br />Department. <br />Planning Commission /December 1, 2011 <br />Page 3 of 7 <br />