01-24-05 PC Agenda
AGENDA
GOLDEN VALLEY PLANNING COMMISSION
Regular Meeting
Golden Valley City Hall, 7800 Golden Valley Road
Council Chambers
Monday, January 24,2005
7pm
I. Approval of Minutes
January 10, 2005 Planning Commission Meeting
II. Informal Public Hearing - Conditional Use Permit CU-11 0
Applicant: PRISM
Address: 730 Florida Avenue S.
Purpose: To allow auto & vehicle repair at the proposed PRISM facility. PRISM
is a non-profit agency that provides primary emergency and support
services for families in Golden Valley, Crystal, New Hope,
Robbinsdale, Plymouth and Brooklyn Center. PRISM services
include a food shelf, PRISM Express transportation service, a
clothing thrift shop, car donation and auto repair for PRISM clients.
III. Reports on Meetings of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority, City
Council, Board of Zoning Appeals and other Meetings
IV. Other Business
V. Adjournment
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Regular Meeting of the
Golden Valley Planning Commission
January 10, 2005
A regular meeting of the Planning Commission was held at the Golden Valley City Hall,
Council Chambers, 7800 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley, Minnesota, on Monday,
January 10, 2005. Chair Keysser called the meeting to order at 7 pm.
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Those present were Commissioners Eck, Hackett, Keysser, McAleese
Waldhauser. Also present were Director of Planning and Develop t,
Administrative Assistant, Lisa Wittman. Commissioner Rasmuss as
I. Approval of Minutes
November 22, 2004 Planning Commission Meeting
MOVED by Eck, seconded by Waldhauser and m
the November 22,2004 minutes as submitted.
II.
Discussion of Proposed New C'
Businesses"
"Sexually Oriented
Grimes reminded the Commission h
moratorium on sexually oriente
ordinance regarding licensin,
regarding the zoning of them.
Planning Commission.
placed a one year
the City will be adopting one
businesses and one ordinance
nce will not be reviewed by the
at cities can not deny locating sexually
to a ma showing the places they could be located in
osed zoning code amendment. He explained that they
of any residential or church property or within 500 feet
, such as the skate park located on Florida Ave. He
ope s in the commercial zoning district that fit the criteria of
rch, school or residential area and that is why staff looked at the
r this type of use. He stated that the City Attorney has reviewed
and is in favor of this approach.
if there are other types of businesses that are regulated similarly, such
s. Grimes said there are no other types of business that have these kinds of
d that each city is allowed only so many liquor licenses. However, no off or
or establishment may be located within 300 feet of a school and 100 feet of a
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WaJdhauser referred to the 500~foot buffer from residential areas and asked why that
requirement doesn't apply to adjoining cities as well. Grimes stated that he thinks all
Industrial properties in Golden Valley are located 500 feet from residential areas in
adjoining cities, but that he would check to make sure.
Minutes of the Golden Valley Planning Commission
January 10, 2005
Page 2
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Keysser asked about massage parlors. Grimes explained that massage therapy is
covered in a different ordinance and has a different licensing process.
McAleese said he has a bit of a problem using a tool like zoning to address a moral
problem. He said that there are really development related reasons that the City would
want to keep these types of businesses in certain areas and restrict them in certain ways.
He said when this ordinance comes back to the Planning Commission for the public
hearing he would like more reference to the findings and purpose section of the ordinance
and he would like the presentation to be more about the data from the fi' and to
have reasons for the things they are proposing.
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Grimes said he needs to the Planning Commission to decide if
the right direction and then he will bring it back to them with t
discussed for a public hearing.
ded in
Eck questioned the 500-foot distance. Keysser said t
accepted distance.
Waldhauser said that the traffic pattern in and 0
be by a school or daycare.
Grimes said that when this ordinance
include the ordinance regarding the .
anning Commission he'll
sexually oriented businesses.
Keysser asked if the City Attorn
the public hearing.
nt when this ordinance comes back for
III.
Reports on Meeti
Council, 80
e Ho ing and Redevelopment Authority, City
Appeals and other Meetings
IV.
Gri
missioners that the City Council is in the process of hiring a
rt working on the 1-394 Corridor Study. He added that the Planning
playa large part in this study within the next couple of months.
Eck asked if there were any specific ideas regarding the 1-394 corridor that came from
Envision. Grimes said yes, and explained that each consultant was given a Vision Guide.
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Keysser asked which consulting firms are giving proposals to the City. Grimes said the
three firms are Hoisington Koegler, URS and DSU.
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Minutes of the Golden Valley Planning Commission
January 10, 2005
Page 3
Waldhauser said that the BZA has mentioned that one of the most frequent issues they
have is the amount of storage allowed on a residential lot (1,000 sq. ft.). She said they've
been getting a lot of pressure to allow additional storage facilities and larger garages,
particularly in parts of the City where there are very large lots and large homes and that if
people are willing to purchase a similar property, not in Golden Valley, they can have
more storage for boats and other belongings. She asked Grimes if he has seen other
ordinances that are more variable based on other characteristics of the property rather
than just a set amount. Grimes said he has seen ordinances based on total square feet.
He said he doesn't have any objections to looking at changing the curre irements.
He said staff could take a look at the current ordinance, do some res ing it to
the Planning Commission for their review.
V. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 7:35 pm.
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Hey
Planning
763-593-8095 I 763-593-8109 (fax)
Date:
January 19, 2005
To:
Golden Valley Planning Commission
From:
Mark W. Grimes, Director of Planning and Development
Subject:
Informal Public Hearing for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to Allow Auto and
Vehicle Repair at 730 Florida Ave. S.-PRISM, Applicant
PRISM (People Responding in Social Ministry) has requested a CUP to allow a portion of the
site and building at 730 Florida Ave. S. to be used for the repair and storage of vehicles. Within
the Industrial zoning district, the repair and inside or outside storage of vehicles is permitted
only with a CUP. PRISM is currently located in Golden Valley at St. Margaret Mary's Catholic
Church (2323 Zenith Ave. N.). They have been located in Golden Valley for the past decade.
The plan is for the entire PRISM operation to move to the Florida Ave. site. The proposed site
allows for more office and client space along with the opportunity to do vehicle repair and
storage. No vehicle repair is done at their current site on the church campus. However, PRISM
does store their four buses at the Zenith Ave. site along with the storage of several cars that
are going through the donation process. The other uses that are done by PRISM are
considered permitted uses in the Industrial zoning district including the warehouse, food shelf,
clothing distribution and office.
SUMMARY OF PROPOSED USE OF SITE
1. Description of PRISM-As part of the application procedure, PRISM has provided an
extensive summary of their operation, including a history. This summary is attached and
staff will not repeat it in this report. The part of the PRISM program that requires the CUP is
related to vehicles. They would like to have the opportunity to fix vehicles in a 6,000 sq. ft.
space as shown on the attached site plan. The vehicles that would be repaired include the
four buses and minivan used for PRISM Express and cars that are donated. If the cars are
accepted by PRISM for donation, they are repaired and then sold to clients in need of
transportation. PRISM is also proposing an auto repair program to help repair cars for low
income families. This program is described in the summary. PRISM has stated in the
summary that no more than 10 cars would be parked outside in designated parking spaces
that have been recently donated. Six cars could be stored outside waiting for repair. They
have also said that the repairs will not include major engine overhaul or transmission work.
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2. Building site-PRISM has submitted two plans. The first plan is a plan of the site that
shows the location of the PRISM space and other overall parking for the PRISM space and
the future tenant space west of the PRISM space. This site plan is not to scale. The plan
also indicates the amount of parking they believe they need for their use. The second plan
is a detailed plan of the PRISM space indicating the location of the auto shop and other
uses in the proposed space. Again, this plan is not to scale. However, the overall space is
approximately 80 ft. by 200 ft. or 16,000 sq. ft. PRISM has hired an architect to design the
space and the architect has met with the City Building Official. PRISM is aware of the
changes that will be required in the building to meet certain building and safety code
issues. This is of particular concern because vehicles will be stored inside the building. A
code analysis will be completed priorto review of the CUP by the City Council.
Also attached is a copy of a survey of the property that is to scale and indicates that the
proposed PRISM space is part of a larger structure that has frontage on Laurel Ave. and
Florida Ave. S. The total size of the building is 51,700 sq. ft. Starch Tech has the largest
space with 27,700 sq. ft. PRISM would account for 16,000 sq. ft. and the vacant
warehouse/industrial space takes up 8,000 sq. ft. The Laurel Ave. side is the home of
Starch Tech (manufacturer of packing "peanuts"). They have a completely separate parking
lot from the south part of the building that will house PRISM and the future tenant space.
There are no changes planned for the building other than the necessary improvements to
accommodate PRISM.
3. Parking-PRISM has submitted a parking plan that is shown on the site plan. This parking
plan is only for the businesses served by the south parking area. The Zoning Code does
not have specific parking requirements for this type of use proposed by PRISM that
includes a food shelf, clothing thrift shop, auto repair, offices, counseling services, auto
donation program and bus program. Staff decided that the best thing to do was to make a
full inventory of the parking needs of PRISM and the other uses in the building to determine
if those needs will be met by the 100 parking spaces located in the two parking lots on
Laurel Ave. and Florida Ave. S. The parking spaces are shown on the attached survey
dated 1/23/03. (In other words, is there adequate parking on the site to handle the parking
demand for PRISM, Starch Tech and the future tenant space west of PRISM?)
PRISM has included information about their parking needs. Their analysis indicates a need
for 42 parking spaces at the peak time. They state that they have 57 spaces available to
them. In the parking area adjacent to PRISM, there are more than enough parking spaces
for the vacant tenant space based on one space for each 500 ft. of floor space (16 spaces).
The parking lot to the north that provides spaces for Starch Tech has 18 spaces. Starch
Tech has a maximum need for 15 parking spaces. Overall, the building that includes Starch
Tech, PRISM and the vacant tenant space west of PRISM will have a total of 100 parking
spaces. Staff believes that this is adequate due to the type of businesses that are located
or proposed to be located in the building.
The plan is to park up to 10 donated cars and 6 repair shop cars on the site in addition to
the parking needed for the employees and clients during the day. These spaces are
included in the overall parking demand for PRISM of 42.
At night, the parking lot would have 21 vehicles parked including 4 PRISM buses, 1
minivan, 10 donated cars and 6 repair shop cars. Up to 7 cars could also be parked inside
at night.
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6. Environmental and Public Works Issues-According to the City Engineer, a storm water
retention pond is not required for this site because no disturbance of the site is proposed.
The City is requiring a code analysis to determine the specific changes that will be required
to allow the building to be used as proposed by PRISM.
Attached is a memo to me from City Engineer Jeff Oliver, PE, dated January 20, 2005
indicating that as a part of the CUP, the City will be asking the owner of the PRISM building
to dedicate a temporary easement to allow access to Borton Volvo through the PRISM
parking lot during the reconstruction of Hampshire Ave. S. in 2005. The easement will also
go into 2006 but only for site restoration and maintenance. It is anticipated that the
construction will take two months during the summer of 2005. This is the only alternative for
access to Borton Volvo during this reconstruction period.
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FACTORS FOR CONSIDERATION
In approving or denying a CUP, the City Code requires that findings be made on ten specified
factors. Staff evaluations of those factors as they relate to the current proposal are as follows:
1. Demonstrated need for the use: The City's standard basis for determining need is that an
applicant has identified a market for the proposed good or service. In this case, PRISM has
operated since the 1970's and determined that there is a need for each of the services they
provide.
2. Consistency with the Comprehensive Plan: The plan identifies the site for industrial uses.
Auto repair and storage is considered a conditional use in the Industrial zoning district.
Office uses and warehouse uses are also considered to be consistent with industrial uses.
3. Effect on property values in the area: The auto uses proposed by PRISM are consistent
with other auto uses in the area including Borton Volvo, Kennedy Transmission and the
body shop to the south. Segregating auto uses in the Industrial zoning district seems to
make sense because it will have little negative effect on other uses in the area.
4. Effect of any anticipated traffic generation upon current traffic flow and congestion in the
area: PRISM has indicated the traffic that is anticipated from their proposed site. Staff
estimates that it will probably generate up to 150 trips on a typical weekday. The existing
street system in the area will handle this traffic including the PRISM Express buses.
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5. Effect on any increase in population: Staff does not believe that the number of employees
or clients that will be on the site will cause a negative impact to the area.
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6. Effect on noise levels: There may be some noise level increase from the existing level due
to increased traffic and vehicle repair. Due to the location in the 1-394 corridor, this should
not be an issue.
7. Any odor, dust,smoke"gas or vibration caused by the use: Due to the location along the 1-
394 corridor and considering the adjacent uses, these issues will not be a problem at this
location.
8. Any increase in flies, rats, or other animals or vermin in the area caused by the use: With
proper waste disposal, these pests should not be a problem.
9. Visual appearance of the proposed structure or use: PRISM has hired an architect to
design the changes necessary to the south side of the building. All signage will have to
meet the requirements of the Industrial zoning district.
The staff is recommending the following conditions to the CUP approval:
1. No parking shall be allowed within any existing landscaped area.
2. All signage shall meet the requirements of the City sign code for the Industrial zoning
district.
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3. The recommendation of the Deputy Fire Marshall Ed Anderson, as found in his memo
to Mark Grimes dated January 5, 2005 shall become a part of this approval.
4. The outside dumpster must be screened from view and made of material compatible
with the building.
5. No outside music, loudspeakers or public address system will be allowed.
6. The parking lots shall be striped so as to provide approximately 100 parking spaces as
illustrated on the survey dated 1/23/03.
7. A maximum of ten passenger vehicles shall be stored outside thathave been donated
to PRISM and going through the process of being repaired for purchase by one of
PRISM's clients. There shall be no sales of vehicles to the general public- only to
PRISM's clients that meet their income guidelines. All cars shall be currently licensed
and be in operating condition.
8. Repair of vehicles shall be limited to PRISM vehicles (buses and minivans use to
transport clients), donated cars being repaired to be sold to income qualified clients,
and repair of other vehicles for low income persons as defined by PRISM.
9. No more than six passenger vehicles waiting for repair shall be stored outside. All
passenger vehicles waiting for repair shall be currently licensed and be in operating
condition.
10. Vehicles may be stored inside the building.
11. A fence may be constructed along Florida Ave. S. as long as it meets the
requirements of the City's fence code.
12. An easement for access to Borton Volvo for 2005 and 2006 shall be granted by the
owner of the PRISM property as outlined in the memo to Mark Grimes from City
Engineer Jeff Oliver, PE, and dated January 20, 2005.
13. All other applicable state, local and federal requirements shall be met.
14. Failure to comply with one of more of the above conditions shall be grounds for
revocation of the CUP.
Attachments:
Location Map (1 page)
Memo to Mark Grimes from Jeff Oliver, City Engineer, dated January 20,2005 (1 page)
Memo to Mark Grimes from Ed Anderson, Deputy Fire Marshal, dated January 5,2005 (1 page)
Applicant's Narrative (9 pages)
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tolden Valley
Memorandum
Public Works
763.593.8030 /763.593.3988 (fax)
Date:
January 20,2005
From:
Mark Grimes, Director of Planning and Development
Jeff Oliver, PE, City Enginee~
Review of Conditional Use Permit#110, PRISM,
Located at 730 Florida Avenue South
To:
Subject:
Public Works staff has reviewed the proposed Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for PRISM, to
be located at 730 Florida Avenue South. Based upon this review, staff has identified the
following issue that needs to be resolved as part of the CUP approval.
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Florida Avenue South and Hampshire Avenue South, located to the west of the CUP site,
are included in the 2005 Pavement Management Program for street rehabilitation. Florida
Avenue South will receive an edge mill and overlay of the existing street, as well as
construction of a concrete sidewalk on the west side of the street. Hampshire Avenue South
will be reconstructed as part of the project.
The reconstruction of Hampshire Avenue will require that the street be closed for an
extended period of time to expedite.subcut operations and replacement of the railroad
crossing. This required closure will result in difficult access for Borton Volvo, which is
immediately adjacent to the CUP site on the west. Based upon staff discussions with Borton
Volvo, it is our understanding that the property owner at 730 Florida Avenue South currently
allows Borton Volvo to access its site through the parking lot located on the south side of
the CUP site.
Therefore, staff is recommending that as part of the CUP approval, the property owner at
730 Florida Avenue South grant a temporary access easement to the City of Golden Valley
and Borton Volvo across the southern parking lot and onto the Borton Volvo site. The City
will pave a driveway connection to allow all deliveries and customer access to Borton, and
will remove the driveway and restore the landscaping as part of the public improvement
project. The length of this easement will be for a period of two years, but will only be used
for access during the summer of 2005. The second year of the easement will insure the City
access to perform any maintenance of the site restoration. Staff will prepare the temporary
easement for signatures, which must be received prior to forwarding the CUP to the City
Council for its consideration.
. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions regarding this matter.
C: Jeannine Clancy, Director of Public Works
Ron Nims, Public Works Project Coordinator
G:\Developments-Pfivate\Prism 730 Florida\CUP Review.doc
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Public J!~y
Memorandum
Fire Department
763-593-8055/763-512-2497 (fax)
To:
Mark Grimes, Director of Planning & Zoning
Subject: CUP #110 Prism-730 Florida Avenue South, Westpark Center
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From:
Ed Anderson, Deputy Fire Marshal
Date: January 5, 2005
cc: Mark Kuhnly, Chief of Fire & Inspection
The Golden Valley Fire Department has reviewed the application for the Conditional Use Permit for
the re-Iocation of the Prism, Inc. facility located at 730 Florida Avenue South. The new location shall
meet all fire code regulations as set forth in the 2003 Minnesota State Fire Code. The Fire Code
regulations shall include but not be limited to the following:
. Motor Vehicle Storage
. Motor Vehicle Repairs
. Logging and Hot Works
. Storage of High Pile Combustible Storage
. General Precautions Against Fires
. Fire Service Features
. Fire Protection
. Building Services and Systems
If you have any questions feel free to contact me at 763-593-8065.
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PRISM HISTORY
People Responding in Social Ministry, (PRISM) was started by St. Joseph's
Parish Community in New Hope in the early 1970's as Social Action Center and was
incorporated in 1983 as a non, profit 501 (C) (3). Since its small beginnings, PRISM's
work has expanded to six suburbs and it is currently the primary emergency and support
service agency for families living in Golden Valley, portions of Crystal, New Hope, and
Robbinsdale, the eastern half of Plymouth (east of #494), and Brooklyn Center (PRISM
Express transportation only). In addition to these cities, PRISM currently provides
programs for families living throughout the Hennepin County area. In order to meet the
increasing demand for assistance, and especially for transportation issues, PRISM has
been searching for a new location for several years. The Westpark Center site will allow
PRISM to expand office space to 6,800 square feet, the warehouse to 3,200 square feet,
and add an auto repair shop of approximately 6,000 square feet.
PRISM Staff
Prism employs 7 ftIlI,time staff, 9 part,time staff, and is supported by over 350
volunteers that donated over 13,000 hours in 2003. A full, time mechanic and
receptionist will be added once an auto repair program is added.
Executive Director
Volunteer Manager
Project Family Car Manager
Transportation Manager
Financial Caseworker
Food Shelf Caseworker
Office Manager
Receptionist (Part,time)
Drivers (8 part,time)
Elizabeth Johnson
Rebekah Moir
Linda Wells
Patrick Rowan
Erica Eberle
Diane Smith
Patrice Franklin
Latoya Thompson
Dick Badois
Jerry Black
John Janzen
Steve Paris
Gaylene Rancour
Palmer Peterson
Leon T azel
Patrice Welsh
TBD
Mechanic
PRISM PROGRAMS
The following is a brief summary of each of me PRISM programs.
The Mission of PRISM is to walk alongside families by providing support'
based programs that encourage self, sufficiency. Each program attempts to help families
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achieve long,term self,sufficiency and financial stability - creating solutions that make a
lasting difference.
Emergency Assistance Programs
Emer2encv Food SheH:
Open weekdays from 9am to 5pm (7pm on Thursdays) PRISM's emergency food
shelf provides a 10,15 day supply of food for a family. This food supply consists of bread,
fresh fruits and vegetables, milk, frozen meats and juices, and non,perishable foods.
PRISM's food shelf is one of the first in Minnesota to have restructured to provide
a grocery store atmosphere in which families choose their own food products. This
dignified manner of providing food to families has proven to better utilize our limited
resources, while providing higher quality and quantity food to families in need.
2003 Results:
9,153 Individual serves
3,03 7 Family serves
29 Average pounds per individual
281,652 pounds distributed to families
Homelessness Prevention Proe:ram:
This program provides 0% loans to families at risk of losing their housing. The
funds are paid directly to landlords, mortgage companies, and utility companies to secure
the continuation of stable housing for families through their financial crisis.
2003 Results:
247 Individuals
95 Families (249 requests)
$687 = Average loan amt.
Support Programs and Services
PRISM Express:
This program provides transportation to medical and dental appointments; spousal
visits to hospitals/nursing homes, volunteer opportunities, and a variety of other personal
errands. PRISM does not charge for this service, but suggests a $5 donation to cover some of
the costs of the ride. No one is denied a ride if they are unable to make a donation.
PRISM Express volume has increased steadily since 1997 when we provided an
average of 650 rides a month. Statistics continue to show that 75% of these riders' incomes
are well below the poverty line, and 70% of the riders are age 80 and older. This service
supports older, poorer seniors in their efforts to live with a sense of independence. A staff of
eight part' time drivers, 5,7 volunteer drivers, and a PRISM Express Manager supports
PRISM Express Transportation. PRISM Express maintains a fleet of 4 mini,busses, equipped
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with wheelchair lifts and able to transport 1O~ 17 passengers that we plan to store on an
outdoor, fenced parking lot. Hours of operation are Monday to Friday 7am to 6pm and
drivers only on Sundays, 7 am to 1 pm.
2003 Results:
8,861 Medical
1,385 Personal errands
591.Visits for spouses in nursing/hospital
8,946 Social Service
2004 Projections
21,706 Total Rides
30,200 Total Rides
Clothine:
The Thrift Shop is coordinated and maintained by volunteers who ensure the shop
is stocked with quality clothing for the entire family. PRISM IS Thrift Shop provides gently
used clothing for a nominal fee, giving the guest an opportunity to provide quality clothing
for their family while maintaining a sense of dignity. 100% of the revenue generated
through sales is used to provide grants for families in need of financial help. "Free"
clothing continues to be available to families on a case~by~case basis. Shoes, winter coats,
gloves, and household items are provided free of charge.
2003 Results:
1,452 Family serves
Career Shop:
In 2002, PRISM expanded its focus to provide business clothing to employed or
soon~t(}-be employed individuals. The Career Shop is stocked with donations of new
products such as nylons, purses, accessories, dress shoes, makeup, and other necessary items
for working individuals. The shop also has a large supply of new and gently used business
clothing for men & women. These items are available at no cost to the individuals working
for low wages and/or those attempting to enter the job market.
2003 Results:
4 2 Working individuals served
Proiect Familv Car Proeram:
PRISM provides reliable vehicles to qualifying working families enabling them to
maintain a job, transport their children to and from daycare, attend their children's school
activities, and meet other necessary transportation needs. The family purchases a vehicle,
which has been donated to PRISM, through monthly payments at 0% interest. PRISM
offers families practical car maintenance skills to troubleshoot potential repairs. PRISM
also educates and nurtures positive financial money management for families to support
further development of self~sufficiency skills.
Car Donation Process
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Car donations for the Project Family Car program are solicited through requests to
local church congregations and through inserts in our regular mailing to past donors and
clients. In the two most recent years, we have accepted 56 and 40 donated vehicles,
respectively. The goal. of Project Family Car is to provide affordable, safe, and reliable
opportunities for car purchase to low, income working families. Therefore, we scrutinize
each donation inquiry to make sure there each donated vehicle has a high potential for
going to a client. According to our guidelines, we do not accept vehicles olderthan 1991
model year or have in excess of 150,000 miles. Each donor is encouraged to drive their
vehicle to PRISM in order to make a donation, but occasionally we will arrange to tow a
vehicle that may not start because it has been sitting idle for an extended period of time.
Transfer of title takes place on,site, as PRISM holds a wholesale dealership license.
Donated vehicles are currently inspected and repaired by a third party and returned
to PRISM to await distribution to a family. Adding an automotive repair shop to the site
at 730 Florida will allow us to skip this step to save time and money. We expect to be able
to take a car from donor to family in 7,10 working days, therefore minimizing the time a
vehicle would spend at our facility. In instances that the mechanic determines a vehicle is
not suitable for a family; the car would be picked,up in 2,3 days to be sent to auction.
Car Loan Process
Project Family Car conducts a fairly extensive loan application and screening
process. Potential clients must first pass an initial phone screen which requires applicants
to: reside in Hennepin County, have custody of minor children, work 30+ hours a week
and been employed the past 1,6 months.
Clients come into the office to begin the application paperwork. They are also
required to provide financial documentation, obtain their merged credit report, attend a
class on budgeting/financial literacy and complete a three hour "car care class" taught by
a master mechanic. Upon completion of all requirements, including a background
drivers license check by PRISM staff, applications are brought to the loan committee for
approval or deniaL Approved clients will most likely be then placed on a waiting list.
When a car becomes available, clients come in to the office to complete the loan
and tax/title transfer paperwork process. At this time, clients are responsible for paying
the first month's loan payment of $140.00 and tax/title fees which generally run $38.50.
A copy of the car insurance binder listing PRISM as the lien holder is also provided to
staff. After receiving the vehicle, clients are expected to keep in contact with staff on a
regular basis, make car payments on time and notify us with any problems or issues that
may come up affecting their ability to make payments.
2003 Results:
23 Current loans
7 Loans paid in full
56 Vehicles donated
85 % Payback Rate
22 New loans
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HUFE Scholarship Pro2t'am:
This program is designed for low, income families desiring a self,supporting life
through post,secondary education and career training. PRISM awards 4 to 8 scholarships
annually, dependent on available funds. Scholarships provide grants to individuals for
school related expenses such as day care, books, transportation costs to and from college,
etc.
2003 Results:
1 College student
$800 awarded
Special Event/Holidav Proerams:
SM provides support to families to ensure they have the opportunity to enjoy family
celebrations during special times of the year:
2003 Results:
> Toys For Tots Program
> K,Mart Holiday Shopping for Kids
> School Supply Program
> Birthday Club
777 Children served
45 Children
205 Children served
241 Children's parties supplied
Auto Repair Proeram
PRISM has developed a business plan and has funding for an auto repair shop to
help low income families. This low cost repair shop will help address the most serious
work, limiting barrier to employment; transportation. As a result of PRISM's
Automotive Repair program, 1,251 vehicles will be repaired each year (when operating
at full capacity) supporting low wage earners in transportation to work, child care,
school, and other daily concerns.
Because transportation is such a critical issue surrounding employment
opportunities, PAR will.provide a vital unmet need in the Minneapolis area resulting in
fewer obstacles to employment. At this time, there are no other local nonprofit
organizations that provide comprehensive vehicle repairs for low, income families.
Another component of PAR will be the car maintenance education classes.
PRISM currently provides car care classes through its Project Family Car Program and
this training will have the opportunity to expand in the space available at the 730
Florida Avenue building. Single mothers, who tend to be targets of unscrupulous
mechanics, will be given free hands on trouble shooting tips on keeping their vehicle
well, maintained as well as the knowledge of how to be wise in working with mechanics
in other repair shops.
As a result of this auto repair program, community, helping agencies will likely be
able to more than DOUBLE the number of clients they assist with car repairs because
the cost of using PAR will be LESS THAN HALF the standard repair costs.
The purpose of this auto repair program is to make affordable car repair available
to low, income families. To this effect the PRISM garage will not get involved in major
repairs such as engine or transmission overhauls that easily cost over $1000. There are
also a number of other repair or routine maintenance issues, such as oil changes, tire
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rotations, etc., that can be performed at home or at other retail outlets for fees that
would be competitive with what we could offer. Our goal is not to open a retail service
garage; rather, we hope to address a very serious issue for families that PRISM and other
similar agencies are already working with.
, Eligibility for this program would be determined by PRISM and referring
agencies. All clients for the PRISM Automotive Repair Program would come as referrals
through PRISM or other social service agencies. There are three different types of
referrals that one could send to the Automotive Repair Program. The first would be
through our existing car loan program, Project Family Car. These clients already have a
relationship with PRISM, and their financial need is well understood. If a PFC client's
car breaks,down and needs a professional repair, they would be eligible to use PRISM's
discount garage. The second source of referrals for the garage would be through PRISM's
foodshelf and emergency financial assistance programs. A number of requests are
honored each year for financial assistance for automotive repairs to vehicles owned by
low, income families in our service area. In years past, PRISM has paid a third party to
perform these repairs that we will be able to do in our own garage. The third source of
referrals would be from similar car loan and financial assistance programs run by other
agencies in HennePin County. Weekend non, profit garages already exist in Anoka
County and Washington County, but other agencies such as CEAP, ICA, and STEP
have expressed interest in using a local, full, time, non, profit garage to stretch their car
repair budgets.
Equipment
Air hoses Cherry picker Bench vice - Qty. 4
Jack Stands Air compressor Welding torch
Exhaust hoses Tire changer Oil drain receiver
Wire feed welder Transmission jack-2 Bench
Hub bearing press Battery charger Brake lathe
Ball joint press Post jack Bench grinder
Battery pack Parts washer Hoist, 2
Gear lube pump Floor jack Shop vacuum
Strut press Air hoses Exhaust hoses
Lab scope/amp probe Jack Stands 4Gas analyzer
The auto repair shop is a logical extension of the transportation programs that
PRISM has operated for a number of years. The existing programs are well received in
the community and current vehicle traffic has been accepted, but any expansion at our
current location would fit with the zoning requirements. PRISM is currently located in a
residential neighborhood, and has received concerns regarding the amount and type of
vehicle traffic present. Our current location does not offer the expansion options needed
to fully help families in the manner the Westpark facility would. The location of the
Westpark Center, with the existing businesses, zoning, and physical adaptations
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proposed (such as fencing around the entire parking lot) are all acceptable for the type
and volume of work expected.
Sources of Revenue
Distribution of Resources
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PRISM Traffic Plan
Overview
The parking p,lan for. 730 Florida A venue is adequate for the proposed use of the
site b,oth through code requirements and for the expected peak level of traffic at the
facility. Current parking for the tenant in the north building is adequate and therefore
not specifically addressed in this proposal. Based on office, warehouse, and shop space,
current code requires 52 parking stalls needed for the proposed use, with sixteen required
for future tenants in the west building. Peak traffic at PRISM requires 42 parking stalls,
and our plan provides 57.
Resources
. 57 outdoor parking stalls
. 3 handicap parking stalls
. 4 outdoor parking stalls with electrical hook,ups
. Fenced,in lot
. 7 indoor, after,hours, parking spaces
. "No Parking on Street" signs
Dailv- Dailv-Peak Parked
~ Parkina Overniaht
Office Staff 10 10
. Drivers 4 4
Clients-Food Shelf 18 4
Clients-Qther 3
Volunteers-Foodshelf 8 4
Volunteers-Other 3 2
Deliveries-donors 6 2
Deliveries..food & auto 2
Donated vehicles 1 10 10
Repair Shop 5 5 6
PRISM Express
(Busses) 4 1 4
PRISM Express (Van) 1 1
Totals 65 42 21
Off.hours Traffic
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Definitions
. Office Staff: 10 part to full, time employees whose main responsibilities and
duties are performed on, site during regular office hours (8:30am,5pm Monday,
Wednesday, until 7pm on Thursdays, and 3pm on Fridays).
. Drivers: Qualified personal working part,time for PRISM Express. Drivers
arrive between 7am and Warn Monday through Friday to pick,up their schedules
and a PRISM bus or van, returning from their routes between 3pm and 5pm.
Three drivers are scheduled most days and some days four drivers are scheduled.
. Clients.. Foodshelf: Individuals and Families from Golden Valley, Crystal,
Robbinsdale, New Hope, and Plymouth east of 494 are eligible to receive
assistance from our foodshelf. On a typical day 15 families are scheduled to visit
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the foodshelf for a one,halfhour counseling appointment and one..halfhour of
shopping. Walk,in appointments and 'no,shows' or cancels combine to keep the
number fairly consistent, but we can see as many as 20 families in any single day.
Families commute to the foodshelf in individual vehicles or on the PRISM
Express bus (1 per day on average). During the Holiday months of November
and December, we see a 50% increase in visits to the foodshelf; therefore, we
would expect 23,27 families appointments on any given day.
. Clients...Other: Clients visit PRISM for Emergency Financial Assistance and Car
Loan Assistance and to make loan payments. It is rare that more than three of
these types of appointments are scheduled for any given day.
. Volunteers...Foodshelf: The PRISM foodshelf is 100% staffed by volunteers. A
typical4,personshift goes from 8:45am,Noonor 12:45pm to 5ptn. Most
Volunteers commute individually.
. V olunteers...Other: Volunteers assist as receptionists; clothes closet organizers,
office assistants, for mailings, and technical support. Volunteers often commute
individually, but youth groups, girl scouts, church groups, and other such
organizations tend to carpool. Some of these duties, especially computer support,
are provided during non, business hours.
. Deliveries...Donors: The PRISM foodshelf and clothes closet receives much of
its product through donations from individuals and organizations. Like the
volunteer traffic, individual donors tend to travel in one vehicle per person, and
larger donations come in larger vehicles. This traffic is at its highest during the
months of November and December. On an average day we will receive a total
of 6 donations of food or clothing.
. Deliveries...Food & Auto: As a member of the Emergency FoodshelfNetwork,
we receive large quantities of food on a weekly basis as well as supplemental
deliveries from bakeries and other food retailers. The Auto Shop will also expect
to receive parts deliveries on a daily basis.
. Donated Vehicles: In 2003 we received 53 donated vehicles, and expect 40 in
2004. As the tax law changes and with the addition of the Auto Shop, we expect
this volume to increase and we are forecasting traffic of one donated vehicle per
day.
. Repair Shop: At peak capacity (three,year plan), we expect to repair five
vehicles per day, and would expect traffic to reflect this pace. We also anticipate
overnight, mostly indoor, storage averaging 6 vehicles per day to accommodate
individuals' transportation schedules.
. PRISM Express (Busses): PRISM Express owns and operates 4 busses that need
to be stored on, site after normal business hours. Maximum length is 25ft. and we
have dedicated two parking stalls per bus in our parking plan. Two of these
busses are in operation for split shifts 7 days,a,week (6am,8am and 5pm,7pm),
and account for the off,hours traffic.
. PRISM Express (Van): PRISM Express bus service is supplemented by the use
of 1 minivan. This vehicle is in operation M,F from 8am to 4pm and will be
stored on,site when not in use.
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