10A - MINUTES 06-19-18 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Planning Commission motion to approve Conditional Use Permit (CUP) No. 2018-01 on March 12, 2018 failed by a vote of 2-4 (Bacerra, McLoughlin, Mendoza and Verino dissented, Alderete absent). Legal Notice published in the Orange County Reporter May 25, 2018 and notices mailed on said date. Continued at the request of the applicant at the June 5, 2018 City Council Meeting. Mayor Pulido opened the Hearing. The following spoke on the matter: • Stefanie Phillips, Santa Ana Unified School District Superintendent, expressed interest in City Council denying appeal. Opined English learners with disabilities and struggling students would be better served in local public schools; Charter school will be unable to meet the needs of students with disabilities, and addition of days would impact traffic and quality of life of Santa Ana residents. • Dr. Alfonso Jimenez, Deputy Superintendent of Educational Services, expressed interest in City Council denying conditional use permit. Expressed concern over the viability of the program in the city. • John Palacio, addressed City Council to request the city to honor the Planning Commission's decision. Opined Sierra Intermediate School will be impacted, difficulty for special needs students, English learners, or struggling students to only meet two days a week. • Barbara Pearson, President of Santa Ana Educators Association, urged City Council to deny appeal. Opined Charter school lacks knowledge of the most basic elements of education and educational process. • Mike Tardif, opined staff is still supportive of applicant's request, Planning Commission has made no changes to recommendations outlined in the original staff report, and commission only briefly discussed finding. Expressed support for granting conditional use permit. • Monica Lopez, Principle of Citrus Charter School Santa Ana Student Center, noted school has been located at site since the 1960's, Charter is authorized by Orange County Office of Education, and is fully accredited by Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Opined charter offers families a variety of learning options including opportunity to work with California credentialed teachers and to choose the right combination of personalized learning programs. Requested City Council to approve conditional use permit. • Amy Podratz, Assistance Superintendent for Springs Charter Schools, presented City Council with 200 letters from parents and students in support of appeal. • George Urch, opined this is not an argument over charter schools versus public schools, decision should be based upon merits of application, and charter has met the requirements. • Cecilia Iglesias, expressed support for school choice, parents, and staff decision that conditional use permit is valid. Echoed statements made by George Urch. Opined need to look at facts and issues. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 20 JUNE 19, 2018 1 OA -20