Minutes - Planning Commission - 05/07/1996 - Public Hearing @ 7:55

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Mr. McLafferty responded "These people are sure not paying taxes on what they're selling their houses for. How can sticking $120,000 in my home worsen property values? Just because I have kids does not lower property value. All we have done is make that neighborhood better. In addition, just because someone has two extra kids, where does that equate with a business? Terry Armstrong has 15 cars, and his wife does daycare for 10 kids. So I'm going to have two exu'a kids, I'm running a business? If I could get my money out of this house, I would get the hell out of Ramsey! To subject these kids to this and make them feel so cheap and so low breaks my heart. What they have been subjected to for the last 1 1/2 years is not right!" Ms. Johnson stated she was very concerned about the emotions expressed here. She stated "Any neighbor has tried to give facts; however, his (the applicant's) are wrong. The issue here is what's going to happen to property value and homes in that area in the years to come. We are not concerned about not taking care of children. We know they have to be taken care of." Cal Henderson, 7310 155th Avenue N.W. - was pleased to see this was not being considered as a rezoning issue. He stated "We are between a rock and a hard place because we pay Mr. McLafferty's salary---S72,000 a year, tax free. The kids get medical aid, dental care, clothing allowances, insurance. I feel strongly the laws were written exactly for what the Court says. This is a public safety concern with a sex offender there. As a taxpayer, we can't win. If he's going to sue the City, let us set the precedent. Once he opens the gate, there will be a flood. Last time I spoke, I was concerned about the incorporation of these homes. Nexus tried to put in a home in Coon Rapids, and Nexus is not there because the neighbors and the city stood up for themselves Let's litigate it now so that other neighborhoods don't have to go through this. You give him two more, and he's getting a $24,000 raise. However, money is not the issue, safety is. I would like a big fence in my backyard. I am not judging those kids, the Juvenile Court already has. Also, as long as he's going to sue the City, let's send notices out to everyone in the city and have a public hearing." Mr. Christian asked "If there is a devaluation in the home, why do we have to prove figures and he doesn't? Maybe I didn't pay as much as his house, but I have been in my house long before Ramsey was a city, and I should get something for that. Now he walked out, so we can't talk to him. I think you (the Planning Commission) should speak up and say something---that you were appointed to represent all of us, not just him. Mr. Henderson informed that the Legislature passed a bill enforcing that whenever a home like this is moving into a city or municipality, all municipalities will be notified---not the "mom and pops" but the corporations. Also, the Omnibus Crime Bill taking effect January 1, 1997 states when sex offenders move into a neighborhood, neighbors will be notified, but the catch is, not juveniles because their records are sealed. Mr. Henderson felt this home should be kept at six, six can be dealt with; eight will lead to 10, 10 will lead to 12. "Check with other cities, it will happen. Once you let this happen, it will happen all over the city." He discussed Boys Town where they had a non-secure facility and they were breaking ground to add a secure facility for 20 boys before the public knew, and by then it was too late. "Let's not wait until it's too late If the law says we have the right to deny the two, then deny the two. Either way, it's going to cost us taxes." COMMISSION BUSINESS Commissioner Jensen wondered about the total square footage of the home, and also asked how many staff there are with this "mom and pop" operation and if it would increase with the additional two youth. Ms. Frolik stated that "mom and pop" means it is just the husband and wife; there is no paid staff. She added she thought there were weekly visits from the sponsoring agency. Commissioner Jensen inquired whether it would remain a "mom and pop" with eight boys. Public Hearing/Planning Commission/May 7, 1996 Page 4 of 11