Laserfiche WebLink
MINUTES <br />CITY COUNCIL <br />OCTOBER 9, 1996 <br />group home in a neighborhood. The Administrator <br />suggested once neighborhoods are notified and <br />information is available, this may address concerns <br />residents may have. <br />With regard to the issue of saleability of property, <br />the Administrator pointed out the U of M study <br />submitted by McGraw which indicates that group homes <br />have no impact on property values. The Administrator <br />requested that Council Member Pedersen, who is a <br />realtor, address the disclosure issue. <br />Pedersen reported that he has contacted the Association <br />of Realtors in St. Paul, and was informed there is no <br />requirement to disclose the sale of property to the <br />handicapped. The handicapped are a protected class, <br />and disclosure may open the property owner up to <br />litigation. Individuals cannot be discriminated <br />against in the sale of property based on sexual <br />preference, race, physical disability, etc. <br />The City Attorney reported that he is unaware of any <br />requirement under Minnesota Law to disclose group home <br />information to the buyer in the sale of property. <br />With regard to supervision of residents, McGraw <br />reported that there are at least two people on duty <br />when residents are present in the group home. There is <br />a sleeping staff on duty at night. The group home will <br />have an alarm on the doors which will be activitated at <br />night in the event any try to wander out of the house. <br />This alarm system is for the protection of the group <br />home residents. McGraw reported that the families are <br />placing their children in this group home because it is <br />a stable atmosphere. Staff inembers are well trained, <br />knows the clients, and are committed to their care. <br />Fahey asked the kind of training the staff has. <br />McGraw reported that in addition to most having college <br />degrees, staff has specialized training in the care of <br />those with Willi-Prader Syndrome. Some of the parents <br />of these children also help staff the group home. <br />Scalze asked which government agency supervises the <br />home. <br />McGraw reported that the Department of Auman Services <br />licenses the group home. The home will also have a <br />foster care license from Ramsey County Auman Services. <br />County case workers visit the home on at least a <br />4 <br />