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Environmental Policy Board (EPB) recommended denial because of concerns raised by residents. <br /> He stated that he failed to invite the applicant to that meeting but typically applicants are not invited <br /> because Staff fields questions and it is a public meeting. He stated Staff is requesting direction via <br /> a motion to approve Resolution#22-050 granting a Comprehensive Plan Amendment to re-guide <br /> a portion of the subject property to Public/Institutional, and a motion to introduce Ordinance #22- <br /> 15 to rezone a portion of the subject property to Public/Quasi-Public, both contingent upon <br /> approval of Preliminary Plat or a motion to deny. <br /> Mayor Kuzma stated he is a member of St.Katharine Drexel Church but he has no financial interest <br /> or benefit in this case so he will be allowed to vote. <br /> Councilmember Heineman commented that his children attend PACT Charter School but it is a <br /> publicly funded school and his children are already enrolled so he has no legal reason not to be <br /> allowed to vote. <br /> Councilmember Woestehoff stated that the guidance according to the Minnesota Department of <br /> Education states that a school of this size is suggested to be on approximately 45 acres of land. He <br /> also stated the gross building size was roughly 150,000 square feet for this type of population. He <br /> stated this proposal looks like it is closer to 115,000 square feet. He asked if the plans indicate a <br /> two story building. He also referenced the requirements for a stadium according to the Minnesota <br /> Department of Education (MDE) and asked how the applicant or Staff feels all of that could fit <br /> into an 18 acre parcel. <br /> Senior Planner Anderson replied he would defer to the applicant regarding the size of the project <br /> in relation to the recommended guidelines. He replied the conceptual layout does include two <br /> stories which would account for the 115,000 square feet. He stated the conceptual sketch includes <br /> two areas which would account for potential future expansion but he didn't know the square <br /> footage of those areas. <br /> Councilmember Woestehoff referenced the sketch plan and asked how much of the 18 acres would <br /> be an impervious structure or parking lot and how that would compare to other districts. <br /> Senior Planner Anderson replied part of it will be addressed if it gets to the next step with a detailed <br /> site plan. He stated Zoning restricts building covered surface, not impervious coverage with the <br /> exception of the overlay districts along the Mississippi and Rum Rivers. <br /> Justin Fincher, JB Vang Partners representative, the development managers hired by PACT <br /> Charter School, thanked the Council, Mayor, and residents for comments as it impacts the PACT <br /> development plan. He stated they welcome community input because with other projects they <br /> have done, it allows them to address areas of concern. He responded to Councilmember <br /> Woestehoff s question by explaining the difference in funding from a district school and a public <br /> charter school and the process that has gone through by PACT Charter School. He stated a public <br /> charter school is drastically different from a public school. MDE is provided with all informational <br /> details they require. He stated he has not been a part of a project that has not been approved by <br /> the MDE and feels fully confident that MDE will approve this one as well. <br /> City Council/March 8, 2022 <br /> Page 5 of 38 <br />