HomeMy WebLinkAbout05.23.2002 (2)COUNCIL WORK SESSION
May 23, 2002
8:45 a.m.
Council Chambers
Members present: Berry, Welper, Greenwood, Clark, Jordan,
Hurley.
Members absent: Getty.
Moved by Jordan, seconded by Hurley that the Agenda, as proposed,
be approved. Ayes: Six. Absent: Getty. Motion carried.
Don Temeyer, City Planner, reviewed for the council the new
definitions for Group Home -Voluntary Supervised, Group Home -
Voluntarily Unsupervised, Group Home -Involuntarily Supervised and
Halfway (Rehabilitation) Houses. Mr. Temeyer explained that some
homes such as Disability Group Homes are regulated by the state
and excluded from the city ordinance. Mr. Temeyer further
explained the necessity for such specific definitions within the
term of Group Homes and how each type would only be allowed in
certain zones in the city. Mr. Temeyer reviewed in detail how
Halfway (Rehabilitation) Houses are the most strict, since they
house serious offenders.
Wade Wagoner, Senior Planner stated that the ordinance will
require Halfway (Rehabilitation) Houses to have a special permit
prior to locating in an area while special permits for Group
Homes will only be necessary if they are to located in
residential zones. The special permit will be considered at a
public hearing of the Board of Adjustment.
There was discussion regarding if the council would have any say
as to whether the Group Homes or Halfway house would be approved.
Mr. Temeyer stated that the council is the legislative part of
the process, which defines the process and where the homes may be
placed. The Board of Adjustment acts as the judicial part,
approving the requests if they meet the council guidelines. Mr.
Temeyer further stated that the council has the power to change
the ordinance if they believe that it is not working correctly.
Councilperson Jordan asked if this ordinance was mirrored after
other cities. Noel Anderson, Assistant City Planner, stated that
the planning department had reviewed other cities such as Cedar
Rapids, Des Moines and the International Zoning Code taking the
best parts of each to create this new ordinance. Councilperson
Berry asked if the distances that is required in the ordinance
starts at the building or the property line. Mr. Temeyer stated
that it starts from the property line.
Councilperson Berry asked if neighbors are contacted prior to
approval of such homes. Mr. Anderson stated that a courtesy
letter is sent to any defined neighborhood associations, a sign
is placed on the lot in question and a public hearing will be
held. Mr. Anderson further stated that many of the group homes
talk with neighbors before the process begins. This is what
occurred with the Salvation Army's request, which has great
support from the neighborhood.
With no further business before the council, it was moved by
Clark, seconded by Jordan that the meeting adjourn at 9:03 a.m.
Ayes: Six. Absent: Getty. Motion carried.
Marge Hirdler
Deputy City Clerk