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Planning Commission Minutes February 24, 1998 Page 6 . detrimental affect on neighboring businesses is addressed in the ordinance and a review of the conditional use permit would be required. Chair Mesich indicated he has spoken with employees of businesses surrounding the Alternative Learning Center who are afraid to complain about the students for fear of retaliation. Jeff Asfahl indicated they will have the support and cooperation of the Police Department which will help to minimize the problem of smoking outside the building. Scott Harlicker asked what would be the target age group for the facility. Jeff Asfahl stated he would expect students in grades 5 through 9 to use the facility, but there may also be students of driving age. Michele Bergh, Community Recreation employee, explained how the smoking issue was successfully addressed during the intramural basketball and volleyball programs by setting the standards, having proper supervision and enforcement. Chair Mesich asked Jeff if any research was done to determine what other cities have opened a similar facility and how successful they were. Jeff indicated there is a successful operation in Anoka and a youth activity program in Maple Grove which is part of a community center. He felt the center would be successful because the students have been directly involved in what types of activities will be available. . Chair Mesich indicated when he was a part-time police officer in Circle Pines, a recreation centers for teens with pool tables and pinball machines was opened next to a McDonalds. He explained there was a gross increase in police calls to the site, it was not long before the employees were selling drugs and closed within a year. Chair Mesich felt there would not be a significant number of 5th through 9th graders using the facility, indicated he was concerned the facility would mainly be used by the ALC students and students of driving age. Chair Mesich indicated he felt the site's highest and best use was commercial development, and that the City would be taking a potential "tax gatherer" and turning it into a "tax expender". He stressed the importance of having plenty volunteers and parents to supervise the site both inside and outside. COMMISSIONER KUESTER MOVED TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE CITY OF ELK RIVER'S REQUEST FOR A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO OPERATE A YOUTH ACTIVITY CENTER, PUBLIC HEARING CASE NO. CU 98-3, WITH THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS: 1. SHRUBS TO THE SOUTH AND NORTH SIDE OF THE BUILDING BE TRIMMED OR REMOVED TO ALLOW FOR NATURAL SURVEILLANCE. 2. KEEP ALL WINDOWS FREE AND CLEAR OF ITEMS, POSTERS, ETC. 3. MAKE THE PAY PHONE UNABLE TO RECEIVE CALLS. 4. MAKE THE FRONT DOOR THE ONLY ENTRANCE AND EXIT; ALL OTHER DOORS FOR EMERGENCY ONLY. .