02-25-09 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL FIrBRUARY 25, 2009 The City Attorney indicated that from a procedural standpoint, the Galvin request is actually for the Council to make a reasonable accommodation under the Fair Housing Act to allow one additional person, or a total of four um~elated individuals, to reside at the property in question. The City Attorney noted that the basis for the appeal is the unique circumstances of the request. The City Planner explained that the City's ordinance limits single family occupancy to three or fewer unrelated persons. The Galvin's would like to rent their house to four um•elated individuals as well as have the home staffed by anon-resident of the home. The Planner noted that the purpose of the definition is to ensure that occupancy ofsingle-family homes is in character with asingle-family neighborhood. The Planner indicated that it is his position that the Galvin's proposal would not jeopardize the character of the neighborhood. The Planning Commission agreed with that interpretation. William and Renee Galvin, 882 Westwind Drive, reported that they would like to rent their home to their daughter and three other developmentally disabled young women. The house would be staffed by a personal care professional at all times that the young women are home. The staff person would provide transportation and supervision. The Calvin's reported that they have tried to place their daughter in a group home on two different occasions and were denied. They felt that this was a good solution for their needs as well as those of three other families. Keis noted that there would be little parking and traffic generated by this home. He indicated that he had no problem with the proposal and felt it was a good idea. Montour asked what the differences would be between the Galvin proposal and a typical group home. He asked why a group home was not being proposed. A Ramsey County Social Worker indicated that group homes are only taking placements based on a crisis situation, such as death of parents, no other family members to care for the handicapped individual, or high behaviors. All other individuals are currently looking for creative options. James Cruz, Pathways to the Community, indicated that there is currently a moratorium on new group home licensing given the State and County budget situation. Under the Galvin proposal, the resources of the four young women will be pooled to pay their rent and for their care. Keis asked for additional information on the waiver funding that was discussed at the Planning Commission. The County Social Worker explained waiver dollars that each young women receives, which when coupled with social security benefits would pay for their housing and care 10