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Messiah Lutheran Church Expansion Staff Report April 20, 2000 Page 3 is included in the resolution of approval. Fire Marshal: The Fire Marshal for the City of Mounds View has reviewed the site plans and finds the drive aisles and circulatory routes to be adequate and conforming to Fire Department standards. A fire Hydrant has been added to the site plan on the south side of County Road H2 to service the building as requested by the Fire Marshal. Demolition: Two residential properties--7225 Knollwood Drive and 2824 County Road H2-- currently improved with single-family dwellings and detached garages adjoin the present Messiah Church site. These two properties are owned by the Church and will be cleared to make room for the expansion. Permits will need to be obtained for their demolition or removal from the properties. Drainage and Utility: The City’s engineer has reviewed the grading and drainage plans and drainage calculations which were found to be acceptable based upon the extent of the pervious and impervious surface on the site. The sizing of the pond and all drainage calculations are based on full build-out of the plans. The applicant has submitted grading and drainage plans to Rice Creek Watershed District. Their approval is required before the City can issue building permits for the project. CUP Discussion: Messiah Lutheran Church has been serving Mounds View and the surrounding communities for nearly 60 years. The first church building was a small wood-framed structure built in 1941, which was replaced by the structure at 2900 County Road H2 in 1951. That building served the congregation until the existing building was constructed in 1961. The requested expansion is evidence of a vibrant and growing congregation, which will continue to serve the needs of Mounds View residents many years into the future. According to Section 1125.01 of the City Code, for the City Council to approve this or any conditional use permit, it shall consider the advise and recommendations of the Planning Commission and the effect of the proposed use on the Comprehensive Plan and upon the health, safety and general welfare of occupants of surrounding lands. The Planning Commission has recommended approval of this request, subject to stipulations. As for the effects and anticipated impacts of the proposed use, it should be noted that the use itself is not proposed, but rather existing. To staff’s knowledge, the Church has been a good neighbor, causing little or no disruption or problems within the neighborhood. The expansion of the church, however, does raise issues with regard to screening and neighborhood impact which the Council will need to consider in its review of this request.