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Mounds View Planning Commission April 5, 2000 Regular Meeting Page 6 Mr. Rudnik inquired how large the Church intends to grow. He indicated he plans to be a long term resident of the community, and as such, would request that the Church reach out to their neighbors on a more informal basis, so that they can engage in discussions regarding the plans for the future. Commissioner Kaden inquired which neighbor had written the letter pertaining to concerns about screening. Planning Associate Ericson stated Mr. Rudnik had addressed the issue of screening, and that staff received telephone calls from two other neighbors in this regard. He stated he did not receive contact from the resident directly to the south, however, the other resident is very concerned with regard to screening, as his home will be adjacent to the Church once the house on County Road H2 is removed. He explained that this resident had suggested a fence be installed, however, there does not appear to be sufficient room to construct a fence in this area and provide for any type of landscaping. Commissioner Kaden inquired if this was the reason for the larger trees in this area. Planning Associate Ericson stated this was corrct. He explained that the initial plan specified two-gallon Arborvitae, however, the City Forester did not believe these would be large enough to provide any substantial screening for a number of years, and at that size could be easily buried by snow, and possibly not have survived the winter. He advised that these Arborvitae were upgraded to the four to five-foot size, which would provide an immediate screening and should be able to withstand the winter during their first year. Dave Widhalm, representative of Messiah Lutheran Church stated he was a member of both the congregation and the Building Committee. He indicated that in the past, the Church has made houses available to different social organizations in the Metropolitan area, and has relied upon them to provide the tenants and social services. He stated this has not always worked out well. Those houses would be removed, and this would no longer be an issue. He stated he could not completely rule out such programs in the future, however, they were aware of the problems Mr. Rudnik brought forward, which made them uncomfortable as well, and there were no plans to pursue this in the immediate future. Mr. Widhalm stated in terms of property acquisition, his feelings have always been that as a Church, if they have the opportunity to acquire an adjacent property, they should attempt to take advantage of this, as property only becomes available occasionally and they would like to have some expansion options. He pointed out that given the cost involved in the current project, he did not anticipate any further property acquisition for a while. He stated they have spoken with the property owner to the west of the Luther Hall building, and he has given the Church first right of refusal if and when he decides to sell his property, and the Church may or may not consider this.