06-13-00 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

MINUTES CITY COUNCIL JUNE 13, 2000 Family Academy indicated at the last Council meeting that 916 was concerned about allowing Family Academy in the Capital View site given the violent people that they have in that building. Scalze also pointed out that if 433 Little Canada Road is rezoned to Public or the Zoning Code changed, 916 could purchase the property and put an alternative learning center in that building. Scalze pointed out that School District 916 serves a very large area, some clientele as far as Spring Lake Park. Scalze questioned why an alternative learning center for the large area served by 916 should be located in the Roseville School District. Scalze felt that the first item of concern was the possibility of additional property in Little Canada coming off the tax rolls. A second concern would be the loss of control over what could happen at a building that is located in the heart of Little Canada. She noted the violent clientele at the alternative learning center and the strain in law enforcement costs that has been placed on the City of Little Canada due to the number of police calls at that school to the point where 916 has had to compensate for these costs. Scalze stated that she would not be in favor of any additional property being taken off the tax rolls unless there was a strong overall public purpose such as a library.. Fahey indicated that he has reviewed the information submitted by Family Academy as well as additional information he found on the pros and cons of public charter schools. Fahey stated that he had no doubt that the Family Academy was awell-intentioned organization with a good staff. He agreed, however, that if the charter school is sponsored by School District 916, that school district should find facilities for it within their existing facilities. Fahey stated that he was not in favor of creating additional Public-zoned property for Family Academy. Morelan pointed out that it requires four votes in favor of a rezoning, and Fahey and Scalze have already indicated their opposition. Morelan pointed out that there is a great deal of property in the City which is already zoned Public, including four school sites, church properties, parks, as well as the land taken up by the freeway. To rezone additional property to Public would require a compelling public interest. Morelan agreed that a charter school would give some residents more choices for educating their children, but it would not benefit a great many of the residents of Little Canada. Morelan indicated that if the request were for a public library, he would feel differently. Morelan indicated that he did not support the rezoning of 433 Little Canada Road to Public.