07-28-2004 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL JULY 14, 2004 Fahey agreed that the zoning use study should be done so that the Council can make an informed decision on whether or not this is the kind of use that we want in the City. Fahey pointed out that he is not sure if other cities allow gun shops, the types of zoning districts in which they are allowed, the types of controls that are required to be in place, etc. Fahey also stated that he feels the City should approach the Kennedy Arms Company request from a conservative standpoint and consider the business to be a gun shop. Fahey felt that gun sales will be a primary part of the business. Fahey felt that the City Planner should proceed with the study. Montour asked about Joe's Sporting Goods. The City Administrator indicated that gun sales are a minor portion of the Joe's Sporting Goods operation, and, as such gun sales are an accessory use. The City Administrator pointed out that several years ago, the Woods & Waters store was located in Little Canada and had gun sales as an accessory use. A burglary occurred at that store, where a car was driven through in the front of the store after -hours and guns were stolen. The Administrator indicated that the Sheriffs Department is concerned about this type of business. The Administrator pointed out that, to date, Little Canada has not had a business where the principal use was gun sales. Fahey recommended that City staff also obtain a report from the Sheriff's Department on this issue. Blesener noted that from the floor plan submitted, it is clear that Kennedy Arms Company must be considered a gun shop. Blesener stated that he felt more comfortable with a business like Joe's Sporting Goods where gun sales is accessory to the principal business. Blesener supported the zoning use study, however, as well as wanted input from the Sheriff's Department. Fahey agreed that the diagram clearly reflects a gun shop. Ray Hendricks appeared before the Council on behalf of Kurt Kennedy and attested to Kennedy's fine character and reputation as well as his abilities to run his business and knowledge of guns. Hendricks reported that before signing the lease for the property, he advised Kennedy to find out about City licensing requirements. Kennedy cane into the City Center and was told that the City did not require the licensing of gun stores. Based on this information, Kennedy signed the lease and now his financial situation is in jeopardy. The City Administrator reported that the issue is not one of licensing, but of zoning. The Administrator acknowledged that the City does not license gun shops, but noted that gun shops are not permitted as principal uses 1