PC 070809 - Laserfiche WebLink

if the Commission chooses Option A and requires State licensing, the State also has in its regulations provisions for sign-in/sign-out policies, which means that the City would not have to require this on top of the State requirement. She noted that the State’s requirement is not age-specific. Commissioner Olson requested a definition of a heritage school. Ms. Stern stated that a heritage school is generally a school where a different language other than English is taught. She elaborated that the school teaches language classes as well as the culture of that particular heritage. She indicated that she did not know that any particular heritage would be necessarily included or excluded, and legislation would require some sort of association which would develop standards for background checks and other requirements. Chair Pearce said there was a concern raised about managing complaints if the Commission chose Option B. She asked how complaints are managed now for exempt child care. Mr. Dolan said he believes complaints are generally limited to traffic and noise and not child safety issues. Chair Pearce stated that she was aware there were concerns raised about increased City liability and asked Ms. Harryman if she sees this as a concern. Ms. Harryman replied that if a child is injured in a program and thinks that the City was responsible in certifying the operation, the injured would look to blame parties and the City will undoubtedly be named. She agreed there is exposure but believed the City also has governmental immunities and would prevail. Chair Pearce stated that she did not believe this was much different from the exempt child care that the City now authorizes. Ms. Harryman agreed. Chair Pearce inquired if a child care facility would be considered in situations where some children are there over 10 hours during the school year and 15 hours in the summer. She provided an example of a gymnastics facility where the majority of children attend for an hour or so, but a minority of children who are on a competitive team are there for 10-12 hours a week. She inquired if this would then be categorized as a child care facility. Ms. Stern said yes. She added that she was not sure there was a way around not categorizing it as a child care facility. THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED. Jack Balch stated that as a result of his having gone through a long process as a landlord, he is very familiar with the State licensing process. He indicated that he was PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, July 8, 2009 Page 6 of 15