05-23-00 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL MAY 23, 2000 evening. Fahey indicated that he has discussed the charter school concept with the school districts and learned that each charter school has their own special niche that they serve. He pointed out that the charter school has been approved by School Districts 623 and 916; however, is not being promoted by these districts. Fahey asked if more schools were needed in Little Canada, and indicated that he did not think so. Fahey felt there should be a public need before a property is rezoned to Public. He also pointed out the limited amount of room on the site to address things such as parking and bus circulation. Scalze suggested that a better alternative may be to change the Code to provide for a public school use by conditional use permit in the RB Zoning District. Scalze pointed out that this would ensure that the property remain on the tax rolls. Scalze stated that she was not interested in rezoning the property to Public given it would open the doors to the property becoming anon-tax paying entity. Scalze felt that in order to rezone the property to Public there would have to be a clear broadbased community support. Fahey asked why 916 does not make room for this school at Capitol View noting that there is vacant space in that building. Fahey pointed out the Waldorf School that is locating on County Road B as well as the fact that Little Canada consists of only four square miles and it has four schools located within its boundaries at this time. Caroi Koski, Family Academy, reported that they have discussed the possibility of locating in Capitol View with Don Lefto, Superintendent of 916 School District. Mr. Lefto has indicated that this would not be his first choice for Family Academy given the violent clientele that is located in that school. Also, there is limited space available at Capitol View that would not meet the needs of the enrollment projected for Family Academy. Koski reported that at this time Family Academy has no children enrolled from Little Canada. Their enrollment thus far is from Anoka, White Bear, Circle Pines, and Roseville. Fahey asked what the public need is and what benefit Family Academy would have for Little Canada. Fahey questioned rezoning a piece of property to Public that would be serving the rest of the metro area. Koski pointed out that Family Academy will be there to serve the needs of residents of Little Canada. Enrollment at the school is not complete. Koski pointed out that each charter school serves a special niche, and this school can accommodate all children with a focus on special needs families. The school will be a public school, therefore will have to accept any children who want to attend.