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MINUTES <br />PLANNING COMMISSION <br />NOVEMBER 10, 2005 <br />& CUP FOR the General Business District (B-3) and a Conditional Use Permit allowing <br />TATTOO Beloved Ink to operate a tattoo parlor at 2760 Lakeshore Avenue. <br />PARLOR - <br />2760 LAKESHO RE Brandon Heffron appeared before the commission and reported that he <br />AVENUE - would like to operate a tattoo studio at 2760 Lakeshore Avenue. Heffron <br />BRANDON reported that the tattoo studio would be operated in a Christian atmosphere <br />HEFFRON and that he would be running a ministry from the studio. Heffron reported <br /> that he has been a tattoo artisC for the past 8 years working for other <br /> studios, and would like to open his own business. <br />Rheaume asked Heffron about his experience and education. Heffron <br />again noted that he has worked as a tattoo artist for the past 8 years, He <br />indicated that he is a member of the Alliance of Professional Tattoo Artists <br />and has been educated in disease control. He further indicated that he has <br />never had any problems with his work. <br />Rheaume asked about the ministry that Heffron is planning. Heffron <br />reported that he is a member of the Living Word Christian Center and is a <br />born-again Christian. Heffron reported that in doing his work as a tattoo <br />artist, he will also have the opportunity to outreach to people. Heffron <br />reported that the studio would be a relaxing atmosphere that would enable <br />him to outreach to people that others cannot. Heffron reported that he is a <br />member of the Christian Tattoo Association. <br />Wojcik asked how Heffron attracted his clientele. Heffron reported that <br />80% of his business comes from referrals and repeat customers that are <br />interested in his style of art work. <br />Hall noted that there is some movement on the State level to license tattoo <br />artists. Heffron reported that he supports this movement and felt that <br />additional laws would provide more protection to both customers and <br />tattoo artists. Hall asked if Heffron learned his craft as an apprentice to <br />another tattoo artist. Heffron replied that he learned from others and is <br />also self-taught. Heffron reported that there are tattoo schools being <br />started now. He noted, however, that tattooing is more of an art form. <br />Hall noted that tattooing has somewhat of a bad reputation, but felt this <br />has been changing over the past few years. Hall asked what Heffron's <br />policy would be if someone came into his business asking for gang <br />symbols. Heffron replied that he has the choice in providing service to <br />someone or not, but would not discriminate against people. Heffron <br />reported that his policy is to do no tattooing of hate, satanic, or negative <br />symbols or messages. Heffron reported that there is a lot of demand from <br />people that have obscene or negative tattoos thaC are looking to get rid of <br />them. He works with these people to modify the tattoo to cover up the <br />negative symbol. <br />-2- <br />