HomeMy Public PortalAbout03/29/77 Special CCMLWThe Council of the City of Medina met in special session on Tuesday, March 29, 1977,
to hold a Public Hearing to consider amending the Zoning Ordinance which would allow a Vo
Tech School in an R-A district, iwth a Special Use Permit.
Members present: Mayor, Wayne Neddermeyer; Councilmembers, Thomas Crosby, Nancy Laurent,
William Reiser, Arthur Theis; Clerk, Donna Roehl; Attorney Richard
Schieffer.
Mayor Wayne Neddermeyer outlined preceding information regarding theapplication received
in February, 1976 until the present time.
Thomas Crosby presented a list of guidelines for public hearings, that he felt should be
adopted before proceeding with the hearing.
Discussion as to time limitations, order of speaking and closing time of hearing.
Motion by Arthur Theis, seconded by Nancy Laurent to adopt Publio Hearing guidelines and
set closing time of hearing for 11:00 P.M.
Motion carried unanimously
George Wyse presented outline of the 10 months of work conducted by the Planning Commission
on the question. (Exhibit 1)
Robert Linkenheil, Planning Commission Chairman, expressed agreement with Mr. Wyse' statement.
John Loben of Vo Tech read letter signed by Richard Emery, Vo.Tech District Superintendent,
regarding their views on Vo Tech Schools located in R-A Districts. (Exhibit 2)
Arthur Theis asked why application had been withdrawn.
Mr. Lobben explained that it had been premature timing because of funding procedures of the
State.
Wayne Neddermeyer asked Council members and Planning Commission members for input.
Tom Anderson reported that the Planning Commission had spent a great deal of time working
on plans that will protect the surrounding properties from such things as noise, lighting,
traffic. Plans indicate only 10/ of the property will be used for Campus the rest will
remain agricultural. Planning Commission has stated that the school cannot be built with-
out sanitary sewer and trails and parks need to be provided. He felt that Vo Tech schools
were not included in the 1960 Zoning Code along with other schools because of the fact that
at that time trade schools were not held in very high esteem.
Emil Jubert stated that in visiting with State legislators they stated that they would look
into the possibility of Vo Tech using public schools that are being vacated.
Worth Bruntjen stated that final Planning Commission vote on the report was approved 5-4.
Their main area of discussion was "should this particular site be used for a Vo Tech School"
He added further that the land had been purchased under threat of eminent domain and that
Vo Tech was now attempting to adopt the site to fit their needs. He questioned whether
Medina should allow Vo Tech to go into an area out of the developing corridor.
George Wyse presented letter he had written to Mayor Neddermeyer outlining his reasons for
opposing the school at the proposed site. Main reason being the feeling that use of the
property for Vo Tech purposes would be an intensive use of land in an area which is devel-
oping an R-A. (Exhibit 3)
Ted Lockwood stated that Vo Tech schools should be viewed the same as high schools and thus
would be allowed at the proposed site.
Thomas Crosby asked if Vo Tech schools consider themselves to be College -type schools.
John Lobben stated that they have the same legal standing as that type of school.
Thomas Crosby thanked Plan ing Commission members for the many hours they had spent on
the question.
Wayne Neddermeyer asked for input from other governing bodies.
115
Brad Van Nest, Orono Mayor, presented letter and Orono resolution outlining their reasons
as to why construction of the Vo Tech school would be inconsistant with their Guide Plan.
Exhibit 4)
He added further that the permit for the design of the Long Lake interceptor has been
issued; Vo Tech property is not included in the plan but Medina Morningside is included.
Robert Linkenheil asked how much time Orono had spent studing the question?
Mr. Van Nest stated that they had spent a considerable amount of time on the plan.
Wayne Neddermeyer asked the general public for input.
Robert Mitchell, property owner in Medina who resides in Wayzata presented letter stating his
reasons for opposing the school at the proposed location and endorsing the comments made by
Mr. Van Nest. (Exhibit 5)
Dale Fischer, Superintendent of Mound Schools presented information as to formation of the
Vo Tech school districts; the purchase of 3 sites and the construction of the 2 present
campus' and the need for the residents in western Hennepin County to now have their own
school as we are paying taxes toward the present schools. He stressed that "these people"
the opposistion is speaking about are all of us and that all must work together to solve
the problems that have been discussed.
Wayne Neddermeyer stated that no one is opposed to Vo Tech education; location is the problem.
Al Gongaware, 2705 Bobolink, suggested that no action be taken until input was received on the
Comprehensive Guide Plan. Allowing the Vo Tech School may be opening up the area to indust-
rial development.
"reg Roehl, 1752 Co Rd. 24, presented petitions favoring the Vo Tech School, signed as follows:
Signatures of 154 residents; petition begun November 1976
174 " March, 1977
263 Orono High School students, begun March, 1977; Total of 591 signatures.
Motion by Arthur Theis seconded by Thomas Crosby to accept the petitions as presented.
Motion carried unanimously
Jackie Anderson, 2502 Bobolink Rd, read letter from Sandra B
osing the Vo Tech School at the proposed site and the nature
signatures on petitions in favor of the school. (Exhibit 7)
Greg Boisclair, 1825 Co. Rd. 24, stated that he was one of the people securing signatures
and did not feel that information that they had given was misleading. He added further that
there are 4000 students on a waiting; list who must wait for from 3 months to over a year
for acceptance.
(Exhibit 6)
rthene listing
of the conduct
reasons for opp-
of securing
Robert Linkenheil replied to Mr. Gongaware's statement regarding opening up to industrial
development; all we are talking about is one Vo Tech School.
Wayne Neddermeyer stated that Orono would reach an industrial development stage as a result
of the school.
Sheldon Copeland, 1591 Hamel Rd., stated that he did not think Vo Tech, nor any college should
be allowed in an R-A district but should be allowed only in a C-2 district.
Julia Porter, 2205 Pinto Dr., stated that Medina residents have a final right as to what they
w'nt in their city and they have said that they do not want intense development.
Lynn Marklund, 1342 Maplewood Dr., stated that she felt there were problems, such as noise,
that could not be solved and there are other sites more suitable.
Pauline Stockdale, 2732 Morningside Rd., stated that there is a petition signed by 80%o of the
Medina Morningside residents against the school in the area.
1 Robert Franklin, 2819 Lakeshore Ave., read letter regarding the positive aspects of the
school being located in Medina; the fact that the law firm that Tom Crosby is a member of,
has represented those opposing the school; Wayne Neddermeyer had sold property to Vo Tech;
the Council must rely on the Planning Commission fact-finding resolution when making a dec-
ision; Tom Crosby Sr. is a member of the board of Dunwoody which may or may not be a com-
petitor of Vo Tech. (Exhibit 8)
Thomas Crosby replied that he has not discussed Vo Tech vs. Dunwoody, with his father
and that in effect Dunwoody has offered to furnish overflow courses to the proposed Minneap-
olis Vo Tech; as to his law firm representing those opposed to Vo Tech, he stated that the
firm had been hired and did serve Medina Morninside objectors and at the time he filed for
the Council posistion he consulted with his firm as to conflict of interest and they could
not see a problem.
Wayne Neddermeyer read letter, dated October 7, 1970, from Vo Tech attorney Paul Buegler,
outlining procedures for purchase of property and the right of eminent domain. (Exhibit 9)
Tom Anderson asked if statement regarding eminent domain was a courtesy in connection with
investment of sale proceeds.
Wayne Neddermeyr stated that he was not informed of such until tie date of the sale.
Tom Anderson asked if question should be put to vote of the people.
Worth Bruntjen stated that the Planning Commission had done extensive studying before reach-
ing a decision and would want the public to study extensively before voting on the issue.
Richard Schieffer stated that a referendum would be adivsory only, and that a 4/5 vote by
Council is necessary to grant permit and that Councils must use additional sources before
reaching such decisions.
Thomas Crosby stated that the Planning Commission is a fact finding body and Council may
need to gather additional facts to reach an educated conclusion.
Joe Raskob, 2562 Holy Name Dr., stated that it is very easy to say "no" to such a question
but that everyone should work together to solve the problems.
Everett Thies, 4522 Willow Dr., stated that many things might be worse that a Vo Tech
School. The land was sold for such a school and people should have voiced opinions long
before now. He cautioned Wayne Neddermeyer about remaining neutral on the subject because
of the posistion he is in. Also anyone moving into Medina, at any time, has changed it to
some degree.
Wayne Neddermeyer stated that he felt that he had been quiet long enough and that he has a
right to express his opinion when it involves "pointing of fingers;
George Wyse stated that all purchases should be handled in a"buyer beware" situation.
Robert Linkenheil stated that according to minutes the Vo Tech representatives had discussed
their plans with the City in 1973 and the only objection at that time was in reference to
earth moving courses.
Thomas Crosby stated that the Vo Tech school has been very cooperative in supplying infor-
mation and have never used threats against the city. He felt that the request should have
been made in 1970 not 1977.
Gerald Dykhoff, 562 Hwy. 55, stated that he would like to go on record in f=Avor of the school.
Greg Roehl questioned whether the right of eminent domain would have applied if the property
was not zoned properly.
John Lobben stated that there were seve-al inaccuracies in some of the testimony and that
he wished to reserve the right to address at the proper time.
Motion by Thomas Crosby, seconded by Arthur Theis to close the public hearing with 117
the record to remain open for 10 days to allow submission of additional information by
the public.
Motion carried unanimously
Meeting adjourned at 11:00 P.M.
Clerk
March 29, 1977
Mayor
Additional informationieceived:
Exhibit 10 Letter from Superintendent Dale Fischer, Mound Schools
11 " " Terry Roehl and Greg Boisclair
ff 12 " "- C.O. Dorweiler
13 Petition, in favor, 15 signatures
14 34
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