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City Council Minutes November 12, 1997 Page 3 ~~$ Councilmember Jacobs inquired about the impact of developing the proposed play area on the trees on the site. Paul May responded that the school has not yet determined the type of activities and equipment that could be used. Aesthetics would be taken into consideration. Administrator Hoyt said that the property owner can remove the vegetation as he wishes at any time; the conditional use permit gives the city an opportunity to have a review process with a landscape architect to be sensitive to the issues. Councilmember Jacobs added language to the conditional use permit which would require review by the city's landscape architect prior to approval of the play area's development. The city council then discussed the non-developed play area to the west of the property and the maximum number of students to be permitted in the area at a time. Bill Smith, 1786 Maple Court, expressed concerns about the small yard area and the type of play that might take place so near the townhomes. Darr Schreurs, 1759 Maple Court, noted that while the play area might be limited to a small number of students at a given time, there would be 40 or more students inside. Would the area be used non-stop all day long? Diane Sherwood responded that the school's priority is that students be in the classroom. Mr. Schreurs also asked if Maple Court's lawn service would be able to provide service given that children will be playing so close. Administrator Hoyt responded that while she didn't know the specific policies of Maple Court's contractor, the city has had the parks sprayed and the grass maintained for a number of years without problems. Residential properties abutting the parks have not reported problems with obtaining lawn service. Anita Smith, 1786 Maple Court, stated that she fears that there won't be enough play room on the property for children even when the developed play area has equipment in it. What will keep children from coming to the west side of the building for play? Councilmember Jacobs replied that the school wants to be a good neighbor and will be sensitive to the needs of the neighborhood. If a neighboring property owner has concerns about how the school is being operated, they should first contact the school for a resolution. If that does not work, the city council can enforce the terms of the conditional use permit as it enforces all city codes. After further discussion, the city council chose to designate the open space on the west side of the building for passive use (not a play area) and given this change, not to limit the number of children using it.