05-23-00 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL MAY 23, 2000 REZONING Mayor Fahey opened the public hearing to consider the rezoning of FROM RB TOP - 433 Little Canada Road from Residential Business (RB) to Public (P) 433 LITTLE in order to accommodate a charter school at this location. It was noted CANADA ROAD that the Planning Commission has recommended approval. Fahey asked if lease agreements were in place for the charter school; and, if not, whether the applicant was interested in tabling the rezoning request. Scott Jordon, one of the owners of the building, reported that a mutual lease agreement does not exist at this time. However, he would like to pursue the rezoning request and withhold publication of the rezoning until the lease details have been worked out. Fahey noted that a rezoning requires four affirmative votes of the Council. Given that two members are absent this evening, the matter will have to be tabled until the next Council meeting. Fahey indicated that he was not comfortable with the rezoning request. He felt that there was no need demonstrated for another school in Little Canada pointing out that there are currently two elementary schools already in the City. Fahey felt that before land is rezoning to Public with the potential to be removed from the tax rolls, he would have to be convinced that there was a need for the school. He indicated that he would also like more information on the principles involved with the proposed charter school, staffing, financials, etc. Fahey indicated that it was his understanding that the school originally tried to locate in the City of Roseville, but was unable to meet code requirements. Fahey indicated that fundamentally he was not in favor of the school without a demonstrated need. Fahey acknowledged that the building would be privately owned and would be taxed at this point, but indicated that if the property were rezoned to Public, it could be purchased by a school district and taken off the tax rolls without any recourse on the part of the City. Fahey felt that the City already had a great deal of land that is off the tax rolls. Scalze indicated that she did not want to see additional property taken off the tax rolls. Scalze agreed that if the property is rezoned to Public there is no way for the City to ensure it says on the tax rolls. Scalze pointed out that the City had the option of purchasing the property at one time; however, made a concerted effort to keep the property on the tax rolls. Scott Jordan pointed out that he and his partner would retain ownership of the building and that it would remain on the tax rolls. The charter school would not own the building. Fahey pointed out that it takes four affirmative votes of the Council to rezone a property and there are only three Council members present this