ITEM NO. 7:              USE PERMITTED UPON REVIEW FOR SUMMER CAMP; 4931 W. 6TH STREET (PGP)

 

UPR-05-02-04:  Use Permitted Upon Review for a proposed summer camp at Googols of Fun. The property is generally described as being located at 4931 W. 6th Street .  Submitted by Amy Gottschamer, owner of Googols of Fun.  The Bristol Groupe is the property owner of record.

 

STAFF PRESENTATION

Mr. Patterson explained the applicant’s request to run a Child Care Center program, which might expand to include year-round morning and afternoon child care for grades K-6 on days when school was not in session (school holidays, in-service days, etc.). 

 

Staff noted that the subject area was not able to provide the outdoor play area that was a Health Department requirement for day care facilities.  However, the State was considering revisions to this requirement that might allow the proposed use as described in this application.

 

Staff recommended approval of the application, subject to the conditions listed in the Staff Report, including the addition of two conditions related to review and expiration dates.  If the State Health Department rules (about the outdoor play area) were not modified, the applicant would be required to come back before the City for a revised development plan detailing an outdoor play area.

 

It was verified that Staff had no objection to the proposed use running throughout the year, but the application and Staff Report specifically addressed days when school was not in service.

 

It was established that the property owners within 200’ of the lot boundary had been notified of the proposal and that no negative feedback was received.

 

APPLICANT PRSENTATION

Amy Gottschamer spoke on behalf of the applicant, explaining the intent to run a morning and afternoon session of child care as a way of “balancing out” the slow summer business months.  The use was also proposed during winter break and other school holidays.

 

The Commission asked if the proposed use would be offered year-round, even on days school was in session.  Ms. Gottschamer replied it was unlikely the operation would have many customers on those days, since the service involved school-age children.

 

PUBLIC HEARING

No member of the public spoke on this Item.

 

CLOSING COMMENTS

There were no closing comments from the applicant or Staff.

 

COMMISSION DISCUSSION

The Commission had no further comments or questions.

 

ACTION TAKEN

Motioned by Comm. Angino, seconded by Comm. Jennings to approve the Use Permitted upon Review for a summer camp at Googles of Fun and forward it to the City Commission with a recommendation for approval, based on the findings of fact presented in the body of the Staff Report and subject to the following conditions:

 

  1. Provision of a copy of an approved license from the Douglas County Health Department prior to operation of the child care facility. (Submit the copy to the Lawrence Planning Department and reference file UPR-05-02-04.);
  2. The use permit is for a morning and afternoon Child Care Center Program for a maximum of 24 children (enrolled in kindergarten through 6th grade) under Googols of Fun’s direct supervised care in the facility at any one time.;
  3. Provision of a revision to the approved Final Development Plan, for any outdoor play area, if such is required by the Douglas County Health Department;
  4. The building will require a supervised fire alarm system, which must be zoned to show an activation at Googols of Fun;
  5. The permit will be reviewed by the City in 5 years (Calendar Year 2009); and
  6. The permit will expire at the end of ten years, unless an application for renewal is approved by the local governing body.

 

Motion carried unanimously, 9-0, with Student Commissioner Brown also voting in favor.