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<br /> <br /> <br />Planning Commission Minutes <br />January 27, 2026 <br />--------- <br />Page 4 of 8 <br /> 5.4 Ordinance Amendment and Conditional Use Permit: Educational Use, Good Shepherd High <br />School - 630 Freeport Ave NW <br /> Mr. Leeseberg presented the staff report. <br /> <br />Commissioner Johnson asked about the layout of the proposed school. Commissioner Rydberg asked <br />about classifying the school as an educational designation or a religious designation. <br /> <br />Commissioner Johnson commented that Spectrum schools had been built in an industrial area. <br />Commissioner Zahler asked about other schools in a mixed-use zone. Mr. Leeseberg responded that <br />most schools are located within a residential district. <br /> <br />Commissioner Bland commented that having a school located in the building may prevent other <br />businesses from benefiting from each other. <br /> <br />Commissioner Johnson asked if other uses in that area may not be allowed so close to a school, such as <br />tobacco or liquor sales. This may limit some businesses from coming to the area. <br /> <br />Commissioner Rydberg questioned if this site would be an interim location or if they would want to <br />expand down the road. <br /> <br />Chair Beise opened the public hearing. <br /> <br />Melissa Lamkin, 16797 County Rd 83, Director at Good Shepherd High School, stated she <br />believes the school will have a positive impact on the community. <br /> <br />Commissioner Johnson asked about her thoughts on enrollment. Ms. Lamkin stated the school <br />currently has 32 students and the new site could potentially hold 120 students comfortably. Ms. Lamkin <br />added that the school has a goal to eventually own their own building and land. <br /> <br />Commissioner Bland asked if Ms. Lamkin had concerns with co-mingling a commercial space with <br />students. Ms. Lamkin looked at the location as an opportunity to impact businesses around them and <br />learn from business owners. <br /> <br />Jennifer Kowsary, 22968 142nd St NW, stated she believes that the school would make Elk River <br />more attractive to families looking to move. <br /> <br />Elijah Wilson,19663 Elgin Cir, stated the school was a safe place for students who didn't fit into a <br />traditional learning environment. <br /> <br />Dan Frette, 28227 104th St NW, Zimmerman, stated, as a builder, he is familiar with buyers who <br />are looking for a private Christian school. <br /> <br />Ken Beaudry, 12696 223rd Ct NW, wanted to see the High School come to Elk River. <br /> <br />Laura Vollkommer, 9165 185th Ave SE, Becker, stated she has young children she would like to <br />send to Good Shepherd High School in the future. <br /> <br />Page 5 of 71