City Council Agenda and Packet 2019 01 08

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City Council Meeting Minutes December 18, 2018 Page 6 of 14 The pastor noted she understands the emotions around this topic. This location is important to the congregation to show they are not alone in facing death. Jeff Layman, member of the church and the columbarium committee, stated the goal has always been to be a good neighbor for this project. In the initial conversations with the Planning Department they were advised to have a neighborhood meeting and invited those within 500 feet of the property. The meeting did not go well at all and the church members understood why, the location faced neighbors directly, it was a bad first attempt. The committee went back to the drawing board to come up with the plan here tonight, no homes face the structure, everything is screened by a wall that matches elevations, and juniper trees are added to block it, and the only access is from inside the church. A second meeting with the neighborhood presented this new design. There was still some opposition, but it was better. The opposition comes down to three things: affecting property values which is hard to verify; the classification as a cemetery — there will only ever be inert ashes; and traffic, there was a traffic impact letter and the church is willing to do a second study if that is helpful. Mr. Layman felt this design addresses the concerns. Councilmember Leh asked the applicant if they considered any alternative locations other than on the property. Lord stated having it on the property is consistent with their identity and mission. Public Comments Anne -Marie Petrie and John Schneider (748 Orchard Court) pooled their speaking time. Anne -Marie Patrie, 748 Orchard Court, long-time resident and member of church, was very excited for the columbarium. She wanted to address concerns of what would happen if the church closed permanently and left the columbarium. Worst case scenario, the regional synod would work to move ashes to a new site as families determine. She did object to classification as cemetery and felt it was too jarring for what the church wants to do with the columbarium. It will not have the appearance of a cemetery. Any fees charged will only be for construction and maintenance. She understood people's discomfort with death, but felt the church might be the best place to deal with that. She noted many churches in surrounding areas have a columbarium on their property. Maureen Kannischer, 2335 Andrews Drive, Superior, member of CTS stated she wanted to address the emotional side of this conversation. It is important for her to have a columbarium in the same place they worship to be able to recognize those who have passed on. This is part of the religion and how lives are celebrated. It is not going to affect property values or increase traffic or affect the aesthetics of the neighborhood, but it will allow the members to practice their faith in a way that is meaningful. 19