4.6. PCSR 05-28-2019
The Elk River Vision
A welcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional
service, and community engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity
Public elementary schools, junior high schools, or similar private schools require two parking spaces for
each classroom. Ten classrooms are shown on the submitted plans. This would equate to 20 parking
stalls for the Montessori school.
The site has 65 parking stalls on site with on-street parking available. While the functions of church
services and the school typically do not overlap, there will be occasions when church events will occur
during school time, such as funerals, requiring 139 parking stalls. On-site parking does not account for
half of this. The church has been in operation for many decades and staff is unaware of any on-going
traffic or parking issues.
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The site plan submitted indicates bus drop-off and pick-up will enter the site from 4 Street and exit onto
Main Street. Staff questions if there is enough room for bus movements in the parking lot. The plan also
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shows the parent drop-off and pick-up will occur on the south side of 4 Street. Staff recommends this
occur in the parking lot.
Staff has concerns with introducing a new use to an existing use that does not currently meet certain
ordinances requirements. These concerns are in the event of overlapping functions, the amount of
traffic, lack of parking, and possible conflict with student drop-off and pick-up on any public street.
Building
Staff continues to work with the applicant and property owner on building code questions to verify the
school use can occur in the basement.
Applicable Regulation
Before the city council may authorize an interim use, it must make the following findings:
1. The period of time for which the interim use permit is to be granted will terminate before any adverse impacts are felt
upon adjacent properties.
The use is intended to be temporary until the applicant can find a permanent location to operate
the school. The church has been in operation for many years and staff does not foresee any
adverse impacts with having school functions operate, on an interim basis, in the existing
structure.
2. There is adequate assurance that the property will be left in suitable condition after the use is terminated.
The use is proposed in a fully developed space/site and will be left in the same condition.
3. The use is similar to uses allowed in the zoning district in which the property is located.
Institutional Uses are an allowed use in the R1-c zoning district.
4. The date or event that will terminate the use can be identified with certainty.
The applicant states the use will last up to 5 years. Staff has also included a condition of approval
that the IUP will terminate after 5 years.
5. Authorizing the use will not impose additional costs on the public if it is necessary for the public to take the
property in the future.
Additional cost will not be imposed.
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Commission\\IU 19-01 sr PC 5-28-19.docx
6. The applicant and user agree to all conditions that the city council deems appropriate for authorization of the
interim use.
The applicant and user agree to all conditions.
7. The applicant provides assurances deemed adequate by the city council that the use will terminate as provided in the
interim use permit. The city council may require the applicant to deposit a cash amount with the city, or provide
some other form of security, to ensure compliance with this criteria.
The termination timeline and establishment of a permanent facility is deemed adequate.
8. Authorization of the interim use will not result in adverse effects on the public health, safety, or welfare.
The church has been in operation for many years and staff is unaware of any issues and does not
foresee any adverse impacts with having school functions operate, for an interim time, in an
existing structure. The proposed use should not result in adverse effects on the public health,
safety, or welfare.
9. The proposed interim use is consistent with the City of Elk River Comprehensive Plan and conforms to the city's
zoning regulations.
The use is consistent and conforms to the Comprehensive Plan and zoning regulations.
Financial Impact
None
Statutory Review Period
Per State Statute §15.99, the required 60-day review period ends on June 30, 2019.
Council Meeting
If acted on, this item will go to the June 17, 2019, City Council meeting.
Attachments
Location Map
Applicant’s Narrative
Site Plans
Building Drawings
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Commission\\IU 19-01 sr PC 5-28-19.docx
The Founding Board Members
Leah Studaker, Lisa Andrican, Angela Guse, Christine Castagneri,
Janell Johnson-Thiele, Sarah Ronchak, Troy Hanson
The Board of Three Rivers Montessori, comprised of educators, businessmen, and parents in the
community, are heavily invested in developing the first and only tuition-free, public Montessori
school serving Elk River and the surrounding communities.
TRM will serve K-6th grade, in its first year of operation.
The Montessori Method is focused on the education of the whole being. We organize our work by building
educational experiences for the head, heart, and hands. At every level we are cultivating curiosity and
offering high-quality academics, fostering healthy social and emotional interactions, and providing work that
is experiential and hands-on.
Number of Emplyees: 3-6 People: 3-4 Volunteers at times during the school day possible
Hours of Operations: 6:30 am Before School
8:30 am- 3:30 pm Regular School Hours
3:30-5:30 After School Program
Parking: Approx. 6-8 extra spots during the day
What is being proposed:
To open our Charter School at the Elk River United Methodist Church
1304 Main Street NW, Elk River, MN 55330
APPLICANT INFORMATION
Legal Name of Charter School: Three Rivers Montessori Charter School
MN Charter School District #4266
501C3 : FEIN # 82-2803489: MN Tax ID # 5569264
DUNS Number: DUNS Number 081170447
IDENTIFIED OFFICIAL WITH AUTHORITY INFORMATION
Name of identified official with authority to sign: Leah Studaker
Title: TRM Board Chair
Address: 19680 Ironton Cir. NW
City, State, ZIP code: Elk River, MN 55330
Phone: 763-350-9100
Email: lstudaker.trmontessori@gmail.com
BUSINESS MANAGER/ACCOUNTING CONTACT INFORMATION
Name: Joe Aliperto
Title: President
Organization: Dieci School Finance, LLC.
Address: 2151 Hamline Ave N., Suite 212
City, State, ZIP code: Roseville, MN 55113
Phone: 651-285-7676
Email: Joe@diecisf.com
School Philosophy:
What is Montessori?
Montessori is a tested educational approach that capitalizes on the individual’s human drive to learn and the
natural curiosity alive in each human being. It also recognizes and works with the fundamental human needs for
autonomy and connection through freedom of choice within a prepared educational environment consisting of
three-year age spans.
Mission
Three Rivers Montessori empowers each student to reach their full potential as engaged citizens within
their communities through caring for our planet and each other, bringing forth their gifts to meet the
world’s great need.
Vision
Through the Montessori method of education and rich outdoor experiential education, Three Rivers
Montessori school educates students to be
curious and reflective, skilled and creative, empathic and
compassionate.
Goals: Optimal Environment + Empowered Student = Engaged Citizen
In the first year we hope to have 80 students, then add approx. 15 more students in the second year max if possible.
Year of
Operation
Pre-
school
(3-yrs)
Pre-
school
(4yrs)
K
(5-6
yrs)
Gr
1
Gr
2
Gr
3
Gr
4
Gr
5
Gr
6
7 8 9 10 11 Total
Year 1 20 15 15 15 10 5 80
Year 2 5 5 5 20 15 15 15 10 5 95
●We hope to utilize the gathering space in the upper portion of the church for lunch or on rainy days for
larger motor area, as well as the kitchen for prepping our catered lunch, which will include a soup & salad
bar and one hot item every day.
●We will seek a partnership with the YMCA to set-up a regular swimming and fitness program for our
students. In addition, we hope to work with Kelley Farm to set-up a farming program for our students. We
are hoping to have a bus donated to our school so that we can meet these goals.
●Our lease aid comes from State Funding; however, we are applying for the federal Charter School Start-up
Grant
Wait line
for parent
pick-up.
Bus Path
Drop off &
Pick-up
Plan for Three Rivers Montessori Bus & Parent Pick Up & Playground Area
at Elk River United Methodist Church Proposed Location
Fenced in
area for
nature
Playground
area.
Elk River United Methodist Church Plans for Three Rivers
Montessori Lower-Level Use
TRM Special Ed
Room/ Sensory
Rm.
TRM Director’s
Office & Secretary
Office
Removing wall and
enlarging room for
Kindergarten classroom
Creating direct doorway for
kindergarteners Emergency
Removing wall to create
bigger classroom for E-2
(4th - 6th grade)
Removing wall to create bigger
classroom for second E-2
classroom (1-3rd grade)
This room will become the
first E-1
classroom (1-3rd grade)
Total: 563 sq. ft
For 20 students
Total: 408 sq. ft.
For 20 students
Total: 401 sq. ft.
For 20 students
Total 407 sq. ft.
For 20 Kindergarteners
Staff Bathroom
Ramp for EXIT
EXIT
EXIT
Unisex Bathroom
Unisex Bathroom
Drinking Fountain
Conf. Rm