7.1. SR 05-21-2012REQUEST FOR ACTION
TO ITEM NUMBER
Ma or and Ci Council 7.1
AGENDA SECTION MEETING DATE PREPARED BY
Public Hearin Ma 21, 2012 erem Barnhart, Plannin Mana er
ITEM DESCRIPTION REVIEWED By
Request by Riverplace Counseling Center for Conditional Use Cal Portner, Ci Administrator
Permit for Hotel Use (Clients in Program) and an Institutional REVIEWED BY
Use (C-vernight Counseling), 9824 Highway 10, Case No. CU
12-07
ACTION REQUESTED
Staff and the Planning Commission recommend approval of the Conditional Use Permit, subject to the
conditions listed below:
1. A certificate of compliance shall be provided to ensure the septic system is appropriately
working for the proposed use.
2. As a Conditional Use Permit is not a Building Permit, the applicant shall apply for all
required permits.
3. The development shall meet all applicable fire codes and building codes.
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
Riverplace Counseling Center approached the city to validate their boarding license with the state, a
process that includes zoning verification. It was noted that a Conditional Use Permit was never issued
for Riverplace, a use staff most closely identified with an institutional use. The business has been
operating at its location since 1993.
Riverplace Counseling Center provides services to persons through both in-patient and out-patient
settings, group meetings, and other avenues. The attached brochure provides further background.
Planning Commission Comment
The Planning Commissioners noted the length of time at the location and the lack of report of problems.
Public Comment
No one spoke in opposition or support of the application.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
None
ATTACHMENTS
^ Planning Commission packet date May 8, 2012
Action Motion by Second by Vote
P611'ERk~ 8~
N:\Public Bodies\Ciry Council\Council RCA\Agenda Packet\05-21-2012\CU 12-07 Riverplace SR to CC 5-21-12.docx ~~
QOp~7
REQUEST FOR ACTION
per
TO ITEM NUMBER
Plannin Commission 4.1
AGENDA SECTION MEETING DATE PREPARED BY
Plannin Ma 8, 2012 Jerem Barnhart, Plannin Mana er
ITEM DESCRIPTION REVIEWED By
Request by Riverplace Counseling Center for Conditional use erem Barnhart, Plannin Mana er
Permit for hotel use (clients in program) and an Institutional use REVIEWED BY
(overnight counseling), 9824 Highway 10, Case No. CU 12-07 -
Public Hearin
ACTION REQUESTED
Staff recommends approval of the Conditional Use Permit, as described in this memo, with the following
conditions:
1. A certificate of compliance .shall be provided to ensure the septic system is appropriately
working for the proposed use.
2. As a Conditional Use Permit is not a Building Permit, the applicant shall apply for-all
require permits.
3. The development shall meet all applicable fire codes- and building codes.
Applicant Pete Medved, Riverplace Counseling
Location/ Address 9824 Hwy 10
60 Day Rule The City must take action by May 28, 2012
OVERVIEW
Riverplace Counseling Center has been operating at 9824 Hwy 10 since 1993. It does not appear that a
conditional use was ever issued for the use, which most closely represents an institutional use. Staff is
processing a Conditional Use permit to correct this issue. There may have been some discussions with
previous staff about allowing it as an unpermitted use, although no documentation to that effect has been
identified.
Additionally, Riverplace has requested a license from the state that would allow them to charge for the
rooms; to obtain a license from the state, the state requires zoning verification. The Conditional use
would allow this zoning verification.
BACKGROUND/PRECEDENT
Riverplace Counseling Center is a 4-bedroom structure that offers counseling services to people in a
variety of packages. The attached information describes the business in more detail. Riverplace does not
plan an expansion at this time; an expansion in the future would require an amendment to the
Conditional Use Permit.
Case File: CU 12-07
Page 2
GENERAL INFORMATION
ltivexplace Counseling
Location Existing Use Comprehensive Plan Current Zoning
Designation
Subject Riverplace Highway Business C-3, Highway
Property Counseling center Business
North Furniture and Highway Business C-3, Highway
Things Business
South Granite sales Highway Business C-3, Highway
Business
East Vacant Highway Business C-3, Highway
Business
West Greenhouse retail Highway Business I-3, General
industrial
APPLICABLE REGULATIONS -
Conditional Use Permit
'The issuance of a Conditional Use Permit can be ordered only if the use at the proposed location:
1. Will not endanger, injure or detrimentally affect the use and enjoyment of other property in the.
immediate vicinity or the public health, safety, morals, comfort, convenience or general welfare
of the neighborhood or the city.
2. Will be consistent with the comprehensive plan.
3. Will not impede the normal and orderly development and improvement of surrounding vacant
property.
4. Will be served adequately by and will not adversely affect essential public facilities and services
including streets, police and fire protection, drainage, refuse disposal, water and sewer systems,
parks and schools; and will not, in particular, create traffic congestion or interference with
traffic on adjacent and neighboring public thoroughfares.
S. Will not involve uses, activities, processes, materials, equipment and conditions of operation
that will be detrimental to any persons or property because of excessive traffic, noise, smoke,
fumes, glare, odors, dust or vibrations.
6. Will not result in the destruction, loss or damage of a natural, scenic or historic feature of major
importance.
7. Will fully comply with all other requirements of this Code, including any applicable
requirements and standards for the issuance of a license or permit to establish and operate the
proposed use in the city.
N:\Departtments\Community Development\Planning\Case Files\CUP\CU 12-07 Riverplace Counseling Ctr\CU 12-07 Riverplace counseling SR to
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Case File: CU 12-07 Riverplace Counseling
Page 3
If denial of such a permit should occur, it shall accompany recommendations or determinations by
findings or a report stating how the proposed use does not comply with the standards set forth in Section
30-654.
In the review of the standards for CUP as outlined, it appears that the request is consistent with all of
these standards.
ANALYSIS
Riverplace has been operating in this location for a number of years, based on apparent approval from
staff at the time. Institutional and hotel uses are an appropriate highway business use. The applicant
should understand that the intensity of the uses in the area are likely to increase, bringing noise, traffic,
and other impacts, as frontage on Highway 10 becomes more a premium.
CONDITIONS
Staff recommends two conditions. One, being that the building meets all applicable building and fire
codes. A standard condition, the Fire Department has conducted a number of inspections to the site
over the years, and staff anticipates no issues.. Secondly, with the Conditional Use Permit, staff feels it is
appropriate to ensure that the septic system continues to function to service the use of the property.
ATTACHMENTS
^ .Location Map
^ Applicant's Narrative-
^ Applicants supporting documents.
ACt1011 Motion by Second by Vote
Follow Up
N:\Departments\Community Development\Planning\Case Files\CUP\CU 12-07 Riverplace Counseling Ctr\CU 12-07 Riverplace counseling SR to
PC 5-8-12.docs
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Fellowship Lodge
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TO: Mr. Jeremy Barnhart, City of Elk River Planning. Manager
RE: Recall of Request to City of Elk River for Permitted Use of 9824 NW Highway 10
The purpose of this letter to you is for me to recall my meetings with the City of Elk River
regarding our request for the above property to be classified for "permitted use".
First, I admit to misplacing all of my notes, approval from the city and other correspondence
regarding this transaction, therefore, any validity of what my recollections are can only be
assessed by you and hopefully interested others. In about 1994, after we had been in operation
for about two years as a state licensed chemical dependency care facility in Elk River, we made
inquiry to purchase the adjacent property located at 9824 NW Hwy 10. This inquiry was
consistent with and at least partially influenced by the Riverplace Centers now nearly three
- decade track record of providing chemical dependency care in the "least costly, least restrictive
manner possible". The result being Riverplace of Anoka and Elk River has now documented
savings to the state and others of between forty and sixty million dollars due to lodging and
many other services provided at no cost to any source of funding. This highly successful model
of care was expanded to Elk River using this property only because we made a decision to
purchase this .property based on the contingency understanding we could use it to provide
lodging at no cost for our clients. This involved my visits to the city in order to determine if we
could obtain a "permitted use". Here are my recollections:
1 researched the city code definitions that could be most appropriate for our intended use and
settled on the definition that referenced "motels". 1 visited with someone at the city (sorry, forgot
name, but 1 assume in a similar capacity as yours, Mr. Barnhart) and submitted a written request
for "permitted use" based on the city definition 1 thought was most descriptive. I later received a
call (don't remember how long after) and when 1 went back to city hall and remember l was
assured that we could go ahead and operate as planned. 1 clearly recall the individual 1 discussed
this with stated that the city definitions were "weak and needed to be re-written, but that was not
my fault". 1 think, but am not sure, that he indicated this determination was passed by either the
zoning & planning board or committee and or perhaps the city council - I don't exactly remember
this part of the discussion.
At any rate, Mr. Barnhart, based. on this assurance from the city as well as other considerations,
we purchased the property and in a few months began operating it as intended. Our son, Pete,
now owns the property as well as the Riverplace organizations, operated by Pete, his daughter,
Heather and son Pete Jr. (into the 3~d generation). We all request you favorably consider the
current Riverplace request for the now suggested "Conditional Use Request" based on our 20
year history of Riverplace successfully offering a vital service for our Sherburne County
residents, Riverplace has been compliant with all requirements relating to fire and safety as well
as sanitation and in the spirit of my recollection of what happened nearly twenty years ago.
Dennis Medved
Founder, Riverplace Counseling Centers & Lakeplace Retreat Center
3/29/12
25704 County Road 338
Bovey, Minnesota 55709
218 245-1395
DESCRIPTION OF
CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY CARE
Riverplace Counseling Centers History
At Riverplace the twenty-seven year long standing mission has been "to provide highly structured
chemical dependency care in the least costly, least restrictive, non-instifutiona/ manner possible,
consistent with the individualized needs of persons we have an opportunity to serve". These family
owned businesses are now proudly operated by three generations and a dedicated staff, all sharing
their strength, hope and experiences. Innovative decisions regarding the development of Riverplace
have been guided by observing how individuals and their families, influenced by a strong sense of
fellowship, have responded when presented the freedom, trust and dignity to make responsible
choices in these beautiful Men's and Women's Riverplace Counseling Centers non-institutional "real
-world" settings. In 1989, Lakeplace Retreat Center was dedicated to provide a place for the now over
eighteen thousand Riverplace clients to visit and complete their fourth and fifth step retreat. In 1993
Riverplace expanded to add the Elk River facilities to provide regular outpatient chemical depend-
ency care and to offer the women's comprehensive outpatient program. More specifically innova-
tion, change and now renewed optimism in response to the perceived intent of DHS/ADAD provides
Riverplace with the momentum to continue these many years of innovation and the necessity of be-
coming extremely cost efficient.
Comprehensive Outpatient Chemical Dependency Care
Consistent with the above .Riverplace mission, Riverplace is perhaps most noted for innovating and
developing the highly cost efficient, "Comprehensive Outpatient" model. Having evolved over the
past twenty five years this method is now widely accepted as a viable choice for those able to func-
tion responsibly in a "usual community environment".
The most common treatment regimen is over 30 hours each week of assignments, group and individ-
ual counseling totaling over 130 hours in a 28-day period. Riverplace is especially privileged to have
participation from several excellent speakers who, along with Riverplace staff all share their own
strength, hope and experiences adding an additional dimension to the already high quality of pri-
mart' CD care. An extensive video library dealing with chemical dependency and related topics is
also available. Recommendations to help assure the likelihood of continued recovering, based on six
significant dimensions, are carefully communicated in a timely manner to Rule 25 assessors, other
concerned agencies, the courts, managed care organizations, case managers and interested others.
Continuum of Chemical Dependency Care
In the interest of appropriate needs based client care and cost effectiveness, with assistance from.
other CD Care providers and professionals, Riverplace is constantly working toward a continuum of
care. Basically, Riverplace, in conjunction with Lakeplace is now offering a flexible continuum "Step
Down" primary chemical dependency care from Lakeplace "Residential". However, showing great
promise and most notable is the developing Riverplace "Extended Care" and "Extended Care Plus"
offerings for both men and women with a wide variety of practical housing options.
Riverplace Additional Components & Related Services
These additional services are vital. for the success of any variety or combination of Riverplace flexi-
ble chemical dependency care offerings. Included are: separate lodging campuses for men and
'' women, however, equally important are all of the Riverplace services provided at no additional cost.
These are: transportation, recreation & activities, living needs and the Lakeplace Retreats.
Please see pages - "Additional Services & Related Components" and "Lakeplace Retreat Center"
~~ST~ DOWN"
COPITINI[7UM OF CI~IiCAL
CAD C
DEPENDETICY CARE,,,
o£
Riverplace (Domprehenslve CD Gare
Flhrerplace Gxtended GD Care
Ftlverplace bttenebd Gare Plus end/or
Oornmuntty used .Aftercare or sober Housing
EXTENDED CARE
With apre-requisite problem identification of unmanigibilities re-
lated to use of alcohol and or other drugs, individuals .are prepared - - -
to focus on specific key topics related to longer term emotional so- ~~
briety. Clients complete specific assignments related to living
needs which include: developing 100 goals for sobriety, expressing - - - - - -
positive emotions, and dealing with anger.
EXTENDED CARE PLUS
Motivated clients are required to actually put into practice their specific goals for continued sobriety and
growth. Involvement at Riverplace becomes less as all men or women are continually "stepped down" in
hours of counseling. This involvement usually includes some hours of Riverplace regular outpatient where
men or women already have familiarity with the counselors and the settings.
Independent housing is made available nearby in Anoka or Elk River Minnesota. As individuals become in-
creasingly self-sufficient, they are expected to be more responsible for their own living expenses.
Extended Care Plus includes several developing Riverplace additional service innovations such as peer re-
view systems, the new Riverplace Mentorship Program and specific assisted actions toward education and
job seeking with transportation provided by Riverplace.
- Jeea~se xeque~t crdditioruce "£xteruled C'.a~te" and "£ixteraded t°cvice JP.us" de.~cxiptiue mate~ua~
Men's Extended Care Residence
Comprehensive Outpatient chemical dependency
care at Riverplace includes room and board (lodging
& meals). Additional treatment Components such as
transportation, recreational activities, attention to
special needs and retreats are all imperative for suc-
cess of the total CD Care experience. All additional
services are available for men and women admitted to Riv-
erplace "Extended Care" and "Extended Care Plus".
Lodging
Provided for primary or extended CD care for men in home or apartment style residences and for
women in the beautiful Riverhouse residence or "step down" extended care women's residences.
2Uomene /2eoiderue
Meals
At any living facilities, individuals have the freedom to plan a variety of menus of their own
preference and with others, prepare their own meals. Consistent with Riverplace non-
- institutional philosophy, we believe that responsibility and recovering do go hand-in-hand.
Therefore, being responsible for living needs, including meal planning and preparation is con-
- sistent with this philosophy.
Transportation
Easy access to Riverplace is provided through same or next day ground transportation from
any Minnesota location. Transportation is provided for personal purposes such as visits to
schools, county offices, for psych. appointments, for all recreational, other activities and to
Lakeplace Retreat Center as well.
Recreation & Activities -Sober fun (any season)
Having sober fun is a healthy offset to the intensity of chemical dependency care and is an-
otherfactor at Riverplace in developing a sense of fellowship and balance. These opportunities
take place on-site at Riverplace facilities, in the immediate area or individuals may prefer more
organized recreation or activities such as various off site activities. Clients mostly enjoy the
fellowship that comes from more informal visiting and sharing thoughts or feelings. Weekly
AA, NA or CMA meetings are mandatory.
Living Needs
At least one Riverplace staff person is available 24/7 to provide assistance. Riverplace staff
treat all persons with a great deal of dignity, respect and support. A computer lab is available
at both the Men's and Women's facilities for job search. Every effort is made to minimize the
effects of preoccupation with the comfort and convenience of day-to-day living.
Lakeplace Retreats
Retreats at Lakeplace Retreat Center are designed to enhance various chemical dependency
care offerings. Additional Services and Related Components (above) are also available for
Individuals, including family members participating in the Lakeplace Retreats. For an explana-
tion of these retreats, please review: "Description of Lakeplace Chemical Dependency Care" or re-
`" quest additional information.
£xtencled @axe Clpwctnunt
Chemical Dependency Care In Elk River MN
Women admitted to this program share they almost immediately feel welcome, comfortable,
secure and a definite sense of belonging. This truly non-institutional atmosphere is ideal for
meaningful, in-depth discussion of the specific effects of their use of alcohol or other drugs.
Women's issues related to the use of chemicals and plans for recovering are carefully ad-
dressed by womens counselors. There is abundant space for intimate group discussion, the
privacy of counselors offices, educational presentations and for visiting with families and con-
cerned persons.
Riverhouse Renewal Center Women's Residence
This beautiful building is a home like recovering community for women who have the opportu-
nity to live here. Even though a "house mother" is on duty, women share in all duties of cooking
and housekeeping. Just living in this setting is conducive to feelings of dignity, fellowship and
a sense of belonging transferring to what happens in group and individual counseling.
Note: Not pictured here are the women's extended care residences. Please request information
Admission & Cast
We want you to know that you are always welcome to give us a call for more information.
ASSessmen#S ~ Please call 800-591-1811 to schedule a chemical dependency assessment. Riverplace can
answer your questions, such as if this chemical dependency treatment program may be appropriate for your
needs, admission criteria, third party orself-payment options and any other questions.
Admission ~ A Riverplace intake counselor can meet with you or someone whom you may refer at a time that
is convenient for you. The admission process includes an in depth review of "Guidelines, Rules and Expectations",
discussion of individual personal needs, and an opportunity to meet others in the program.
Transports#ifln ~ Same day or next day ground transportation is provided from any Minnesota location,
and many surrounding locations. Transportation will be provided to and from related Riverplace activities,
at no additional cost
Payment , You may be referred by someone who has already pre-arranged payment for you. Otherwise,
we are a State of Minnesota Licensed Rule 25 facility and funding can be arranged through most insurance
companies. Payment is for chemical dependency therapy only.
The cost of our Chemical Dependency programs includes ALL of our additional services.
Related Program Options
The following options are offered in addition to
the primary program:
• Family /concerned persons groups
(Thursday Evenings)
• Vocational /career counseling
• Financial assistance
• 12 Step orientated facility
•Alternative living selection
• Special needs
A Plc~ee To Belang...
If you decide to enter the Riverplace Women's Program, you will
have the opportunity to consider how your use of alcohol or drugs
has affected your life, and the lives of others. Our goal is to con-
sider your dignity as a woman of utmost importance. Even though
the Women's Program is highly structured, you will be provided
with the maximum amount of freedom to make responsible
choices about your own living and recovery.
GC®Up CQUtlSelir>!g
Individual counseling is scheduled and available to you whenever
you like. However, your greatest benefit from the Women's
Program will likely come from insights you are able to gain by
your participation in group sessions. Your feelings of belonging
and dignity may be closely related to your increasing ability to
share your experiences, thoughts and feelings with others in this
open, non-restrictive-and caring atmosphere. You may have
additional awareness of how the group process really can work
when you realize how much help that you can be for others in
your group.
meals
Individuals have the freedom to plan
with others and prepare their own meals.
Food budgets are more than adequate
for individual needs.
Recreation & Acfivities (saber fun)
Participating in a wide variety of avail-
able sober activities is a healthy offset to
the intensity of the chemical dependen-
cy care program and is another factor
in developing a sense of fellowship and
balance.
Riverplace Counseling Centers Men's and Women's
chemical dependency treatment programs are recognized
in Minnesota and elsewhere as a much needed innovation
in providing highly structured, non-institutional, cost effective
care. As a result, Riverplace is a leading provider of adult
CD treatment. Savings to counties, HMO's, managed care
providers, companies, insurance and many.other organiza-
tions has mounted to millions of dollars. Individuals who may
be required to pay for their own CD treatment, deductibles,
or co-pays may also benefit significantly.
Cost effectiveness has been only one consideration.
The real outcome, however, is how individuals respond
when presented the freedom and dignity to make
responsible choices and recovery in the more
"real world" Riverplace settings.
The Men's and Women's Riverplace programs are
offered complete with many related components such
as transportation, provisions for aftercare back in any
community, goals, relapse prevention plans, and several
other key components for each person who has an
opportunity to join us at Riverplace.
Thank You for considering Riverplace as a viable option.
Warmest Regards,
Pete Medved, President