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<br />Planning Commission Minutes <br />February 24. 1998 <br />Page 5 <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />Jeff Asfahl, Area Recreation Director, provided background information leading <br />up to their efforts to establish a recreation center at the subject site. <br /> <br />Commissioner Kuester questioned how the proposed hours were determined. Mr. <br />Asfahl stated the proposed hours are based on their experience and common <br />sense. He felt there is a need for the after school time period (Monday through <br />Thursday 3 - 8 p.m.) and that it would be appropriate to be open later on the <br />weekends. Steve Ach noted that if the project moves forward, there may be <br />other activities that could occur during the day and the hours would be subject <br />to change. Commissioner Kuester questioned the language "management <br />should encourage a smoke-free environment". Mr. Asfahl indicated the facility <br />will be smoke-free. <br /> <br />Chair Mesich opened the public hearing. <br /> <br />Gary Santwire, representing commercial business owners surrounding the former <br />Prairie House Restaurant site, requested the following conditions be included if <br />the request is approved: <br /> <br />1. <br />2. <br />3. <br />4. <br /> <br />The entire site be designated "smoke free"; not just the building <br />Outside supervision be provided as necessary <br />Lighting requirements as per the police department recommendations <br />A t no time shall the facility or its operation have a detrimental affect on <br />surrounding properties. <br />Litter be picked up on the entire site on a daily or at least twice weekly <br />basis. <br /> <br />5. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />Earl Hohlen, 39 Main Street, indicated his experience in law enforcement proved <br />teen centers to be unsuccessful. <br /> <br />Janine Holmberg, 87 5th Street. felt it was important for the youth to have a place <br />to go. <br /> <br />Jenny Mulvany, Maple Grove resident, felt it was important the City give the <br />youth an opportunity to have a place of their own. <br /> <br />Daryl Norlund, 381 Line Avenue, expressed his support for the recreation center, <br />and agreed the youth need a place to go. <br /> <br />There being no further public comment, Chair Mesich closed the public hearing. <br /> <br />Chair Mesich asked Paul Steinman, Executive Director of Economic Development. <br />his opinion on use of the subject property as a recreation center. Paul stated the <br />site has been vacant for some time and marketing efforts have not been <br />successful thus far. He stated that if the proposed use is a viable option, it would <br />be a good place to start. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />Commissioner Kuester questioned the feasibility of Mr. Santwire's <br />recommendations for additional conditions (Le., picking up litter on a daily basis, <br />the use shall not have a detrimental affect on surrounding businesses). Steve <br />Ach, City Planner. suggested general language could be included stating the site <br />should be kept clean and litter picked up on a regular basis. He added that a <br />