FAIRMONT - Stepping Stones Learning Center may be the talk of the town, but Fairmont City Council didn't have much to say on the subject Monday.
Action was taken, however. Two public hearings were set for 5:30 p.m. April 27 at City Hall. The first is to listen to Stepping Stones - or rather Gerard - appeal a denial from Fairmont Planning Commission.
Gerard owns a building that formerly housed a juvenile detention center. Situated off State Street in Fairmont - near Cloverleaf Cold Storage and Hawkeye Food Service Distribution - the building could be the new home of Stepping Stones, but that depends on the City Council's decision in two weeks.
"The request is from Gerard to have City Council hold a public hearing to discuss if you want to uphold or overturn the planning commission's recommendation," said City Administrator Jim Zarling.
Stepping Stones and Gerard asked the planning commission to change city zoning code so day cares can operate in light industrial zones, with a conditional use permit. The commission refused the request, citing precedent as a main reason.
City Council members gave no indication Monday of their opinions on the issue. Councilwoman Sue Anderson previously stated she will support the zoning change despite city staff's recommendations to deny it.
Should the City Council override the planning commission's decision, the second hearing on April 27 will come into play. It is to listen to Gerard's request to actually amend City Code to allow day cares in light industrial zones.
A decision must be made quickly, since Stepping Stones will have to vacate Lincoln School soon. Remodeling at the school begins next month, leaving Stepping Stones no choice but to temporarily or permanently relocate during the summer-long project. The day care has said it cannot afford to move twice in three months.
In other business, the council:
o Applied for a grant for a school resource officer.
Fairmont Area Schools is cutting its funding for the officer. The city has split the cost with the district, but cannot afford to take on the full cost of the officer's wages.
The U.S. Department of Justice has funds to pay for the position, with a grant to cover three years of employment. The city would have to fully fund the fourth year.
o Approved a bid from Patton Roofing for $26,419 to replace the roof on the upper area of City Hall. City staff has struggled for some time with the deteriorating roof leaking.
o Signed a resolution of need indicating the city needs to offer post-secondary education through Southern Minnesota Educational Campus. The paper work is a formality to finalize ownership transfer of the Central School building, where SMEC is located, to the city.