07-17-2024
Planning Commission
July 17, 2024
7:00 PM
Fridley City Hall, 7071 University Avenue NE
Minutes
Call to Order
Chair Hansen called the Planning Commission Meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Present
Pete Borman
Aaron Brom
Paul Nealy
Mark Hansen
Ross Meisner
Absent
Aaron Klemz
Mike Heuchert
Others Present
Nancy Abts, Associate Planner
Hal W. Erks, Harbon Montessori School
Dawn Baker, Harobn Montessori School
Approval of Meeting Minutes
1. Approve April 17, 2024, Planning Commission Minutes
Motion by Commissioner Meisner to approve the minutes. Seconded by Commissioner Borman.
Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Chair Hansen declared the motion carried unanimously.
Public Hearing
2. Public Hearing to Consider Special Use Permit (SUP), SP #24-02 to Allow a Private School at 6180
Highway 65 N.E.
Motion by Commissioner Meisner to open the public hearing. Seconded by Commissioner Borman.
Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Chair Hansen declared the motion carried unanimously and the public
hearing was opened at 7:02 p.m.
Planning Commission 7/17/2024 Minutes Page 2
Nancy Abts, Associate Planner, presented a request to consider a private school, Harbon Montessori
School to be located at 6180 Highway 65 NE. She stated that this would offer a preschool and
elementary school in the same facility as the church. She stated that the school would be moving
from its current location in New Brighton, noting that there have not been any issues reported in
New Brighton. She reviewed the hours of operation, current enrollment and capacity for students,
and explained that this use would not conflict with the church because of the opposite peak days
and hours for each use. She reviewed the history of the site, overview of the site, parking and signage,
and details of the requested Special Use Permit and stipulations of approval. She also recommended
revocation of a previously-authorized adult daycare special use permit, as that is no longer occurring
on the site.
Commissioner Nealy asked if the adult daycare never came to fruition or if it was active for a period
of time.
Ms. Abts replied that it was a use for a period of time but before she became a staff member of
Fridley.
Hal Erks, applicant, provided information about the Harbon Montessori School. He stated that they
are excited to operate in the new location and space.
Commissioner Borman asked if the classrooms would be adequate or whether any modifications
would be needed.
Mr. Erks replied that the location is adequate, and they would not be making modifications to the
space.
Commissioner Nealy asked the reason the school is relocating from its current facility.
Mr. Erks replied that the church in which they are currently located is going to do something else
with the space. He also provided details on the enrollment capacity for students, noting that they
could have up to 79 students.
Commissioner Meisner asked if students are picked up and dropped off as there is no transportation
plan.
Mr. Erks confirmed that parents drop off and pick up students.
Commissioner Meisner asked if there is a partnership with other local schools to offer sports or
extracurricular programs.
Mr. Erks replied that they do not currently do that.
Planning Commission 7/17/2024 Minutes Page 3
Motion by Commissioner Brom to close the public hearing. Seconded by Commissioner Meisner.
Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Chair Hansen declared the motion carried unanimously and the public
hearing was closed at 7:18 p.m.
Commissioner Meisner commented that this is a reasonable request. He asked staff for more details
on the history of the site and specifically the educational building.
Ms. Abts provided some input on the building based on aerial imagery.
Commissioner Borman commented that the facility is up to date and adequate, noting that the Lions
have used the space for things in the past.
Commissioner Nealy commented that this is a busy area and therefore did not anticipate that this
use would cause a noticeable increase to traffic.
Chair Hansen commented that this seems to be a good use.
Motion by Commissioner Meisner to recommend approval of the Special Use Permit #24-02, subject to
stipulations and to revoke the Special Use Permit #94-15 for adult daycare. Seconded by Commissioner
Nealy.
Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Chair Hansen declared the motion carried unanimously.
Chair Hansen noted that this will move forward for consideration by the City Council on August 12,
2024.
Other Business
Adjournment
Motion by Commissioner Meisner to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Commissioner Borman.
Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Chair Hansen declared the motion carried unanimously and the meeting
adjourned at 7:23 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Stacy Stromberg, Staff Liaison