6.7. SR 05-15-2000-'ity of
iver
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
MEMORANDUM
Item # 6.7.
Mayor and City Council
Michele McPherson,~, Director of Planning
April 27, 2000
Case Number: CU 00-14
Request by Marybeth Dunn to Operate a
Montessori School; Public Hearing
Request
The applicant requests approval of a conditional use permit to operate a Montessori
kindergarten, pre-school, and daycare.
Location
1118 4th Street (Union Congregational Church)
Zoninq/Land Use
Rlc (Single Family Residential)/MR (Medium Density Residential)
Attachments
· Location Map
Site Plan
· Floor Plan
· Applicant's Narrative
Overview
In 1999, the City approved CU 99-11 to allow the construction of an expansion for the
Union Congregational Church. The expansion included gathering space, offices,
classrooms and a music room. The proposed Montessori will be located in the
expansion area.
13065 Orono Parkway · P.O. Box 490 · Elk River, MN 55330 · TDD & Phone: (612) 441-7420 · Fax: (612) 441-7425
Memo to the Mayor & City Council/CU 00-14
April 27, 2000
Page 2
Analysis
Operation
The Montessori pre-school through kindergarten program will offer two classes:
morning and afternoon. Each session will be three hours in length and be offered
Monday through Friday. Hours will be 6:15 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. to offer daycare services
to children.
The program will service up to 50 children from ages three to six.
An outdoor play area is required by the State of Minnesota. The applicant is
negotiating with an adjacent neighbor to use a portion of that property to provide space
for the play area. A copy of the agreement should be provided to the City for the file.
Traffic
Children will be dropped off near the vestibule of the new addition near the north
property line. Vehicles may then exit the parking lot onto Norfolk Street after entering
on 4th Street. There are 35 parking spaces on site; 10 spaces are required for the
proposed use.
Planninq Commission Action
The Planning Commission at its April 25, 2000 meeting conducted a public hearing.
one spoke for or against the request. The Planning Commission recommended
approval of the request to the City Council with the following conditions:
No
2.
3.
4.
The applicant shall receive a license from the State of Minnesota prior to
commencement of the school.
All requirements of the Chief Building Official shall be met.
A copy of the agreement with the neighbor shall be provided to the City.
All signage shall comply with the sign ordinance and a permit be obtained
prior to installation of any signs.
City Council Recommendation
Staff recommends that the City Council concur with the Planning Commission action.
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LOCATION
13065 Orono Parkway · P.O. Box 490
Flk River. MN 55330
ZONING
MAP
CASE:
CU 00-14
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
DATE:
ELK RIVER PLANNING COMMISSION
MARYBETH DUNN
MONTESSORI SCHOOL
4/19/00
The following are details to give you a more clear understanding of my business plans:
What is it?
A Montessori School. This is a 3 hour/day, Christian based pre-school through kindergarten
program. There will be 2 classes offered - one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Children
w/Il participate in one class per day, five days per week. Class size will be in accordance with the Fire
Marshal, most likely no more than 20 students per class with 2 or 3 teachers per class.
The class will be teaching academic skills with a hands-on approach. Academics include: reading,
math, geography, science, music and daily living skills.
In addition to the educational program, there will be an "after hours care" for children whose parents
work. This will be open from 6:15 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. and will serve about 10 children, depending
on the DHS license. This will be similar to a daycare idea, but with a great deal more structure. This
program will offer more "play time" activities such as: coloring and art, puzzles, story time, meals &
snacks, pretend center (dress-up and puppets), blocks, outside playtime, walks to the library, Dairy
Queen, Handke sledding pit and skating rink. Television, videos and video games will NOT be part
of either program.
How will it happen?
This program is coming to life through the assistance of St. Catherine's College. St. Catherine's
mains individuals to become Montessori teachers. (Requirements include a Bachelor's Degree, plus
an additional 15 months of training) The Montessori Teacher's program requires a 9-month "hands-
on" internship and because of this requirement, St. Catherine's is extremely supportive and helpful
with developing new sites.
In order to use the Montessori name, appropriately, our program will be affiliated with and pay dues
to the National Montessori foundation in New York.
I am choosing to follow the Montessori philosophy because the quality of its' teaching strategies are
excellent! Both the academics and building of quality character in our children.
Who will participate?
This program will be serving children from potty-trained through kindergarten, approximately ages 3
- 6 years.
When will it begin?
It is my desire to set up my program on August 1, 2000 with the plan of starting classes by
September 5, 2000.
Where is it goinff to be?
I am planning to lease space from the Union Congregational Church located at 1118 - 4th Street in
Elk River and to lease outside space from the Schumacher family at 1127 - 5th Street, Elk River.
Why?
Lastly the why behind it all. My initial interest was prompted by the lack of quality pre-schools and
day cares in the fast growing Elk River community. I believe Maria Montessori was exactly right
when she said, "The greatest gift we can give any child, is a childhood." I embrace that quote as the
fundamental goal of my business.
UPPER LEVEL
FLOOR PL
LOUJER LEVEL
PRELIMINARY DESIGN FOR:
UNION CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
Elk River, Minnesota
PROJECT INFO.
9
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