HomeMy WebLinkAboutgr00090_000035_pg142October 28, 1974
Page 3
Mayor Neisen stated that the inquiry into the Compassion Christian
Center began after he received calls about a school operating at the
Center and asking whether it was authorized.
The administrator noted that as yet no report has been received from
the Mounds View School District on certification of the Center's
educational program and teachers.
Fire Chief Ron Fagerstrom said he notified the Center of various
fire code violations and that he had withheld action on the violations
pending the Council's decision.
Attorney Meyers stated that the zoning code requires a special use permit
for operation of a parochial school in "R" districts.
Rev. W. G. Bauman, pastor of the church, stated that the center contacted
both the fire department and the Mounds View school district superinten-
dent previously and that it was his impression the Center needed to do
nothing further. However he was at this meeting to assure the Council
the Center would comply with all legal requirements.
Mayor Neisen stated that the Center was operating illegally in terms of
both the fire code and the zoning code.
Rev. Bauman stated he did not realize these violations existed and he
is willing to do whatever necessary to comply with city code. In response
to questioning by Councilman Baumgartner, Rev. Bauman stated that the
Center received verbal approval last August of its school program from
the Mounds View District and that live -in janitors were an effective
security measure discouraging vandalism and asked that the Council
permit this practice to continue.
Councilman Baumgartner felt that the safety of school children should
be held utmost and that the Center should institute complete fire safety
measures immediately.
Councilman Johnson stated that the recent incident of three youths
burned by flammable solvents in St. Louis Park emphasized the need for
safety measures especially around the printing operations. He asked
whether the materials being printed at the Center were for sale.
Rev. Bauman responded that all materials were disseminated free of charge.
Councilman Hodges stated that students attending the Center's school
should be assured of proper accreditation in case they transfer to a
public school.
Councilman Pickar felt there must be some temporary solution that would
allow the Center to operate until a hearing on a special use permit.
Chief Fagerstrom stated that the minimum safety measures required would
be to stop the printing operation, initiate a fire alarm and detection
system, and implement a fire drill plan.