08/13/1997 P&Z Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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• • • Planning & Zoning Board August 13, 1997 Page 3 Ms. Connie Bowman, 1183 4th Avenue, stated that she lives directly behind the arena. She was told that City staff have indicated that this application would automatically be approved. She intends to have the noise pollution patrol do an assessment on the area because they experience noise with every event. A big issue with residents is the safety of 4th Avenue. There are no shoulders, and the speed limit is 45 mph. At times there is a convoy of 50 cars or more, and the situation is dangerous. She requested that the Board limit the arena to one event per week. Some weeks there are events Friday, Saturday and Sunday with hundreds of screaming spectators in her back yard. Ms. Bowman requested the strictest possible monitoring of wetlands and low areas. The area already floods enough for ducks to swim. If any low areas are filled in, her yard will become the low area. She is a daycare provider, and if the water level rises on inch, she will be required to fence the area in order to continue her daycare business. She stated that she is saddened by the fact that money talks louder than caring for the environment and forces people to move. Mr. Wessel clarified the fact that the consulting planner recommendations are based on an investigation. Staff has nothing to say about what is approved. Recommendations are made, and the Board makes the decision. No decision is made until the Board votes. Ms. Rebecca Glewe stated that she lives next door to the Rehbein arena and has no complaints. She hears only a little from the crowds and a little music on the speakers. Her concern is with the young people. This arena is a positive thing that has brought families together and has given young people something to do. The speed issue on 4th Avenue is as much with local residents as spectators. It is a credit to the community, and she would like to see it remain. Mr. Roger Kolstad, stated that he lives directly to the west of the arena and is home on weekends. He has no problems with it and has experienced no environmental problems on his side. He is not opposed to it. Ms. Beverly Rust, 508 Pine Street, stated that when she called City Hall, it was her impression that this application would be approved. It is disruptive at times, but because of the location, few people are affected by the arena, and it seems like a losing battle. She noted that residents were not invited to a neighborhood meeting, and there was no invitation to respond to the sound system test. She purchased seven acres of secluded property on Pine Street. The issue is not only the sound system by traffic and erratic driving but maintenance of the road. Fourth Avenue is like a washboard with its own speed bumps and dips. People are afraid to allow their children to ride bikes in the street. She requested the Board to restrict the times of arena use. Residents were originally told it would be used one evening a week and one day during the weekend. Now they are looking at events occurring 17 days per month. If this application is approved, she plans to appeal the decision to the City Council, but she is tired of fighting and will probably move. Mr. Dennis Kohler stated that he has three children, and he believes it is great for the City to have a facility like this for kids. Mr. Bard Thue stated that he lives diagonally from the arena and has never experienced problems with sound. He lives north of Pine Street and has experienced few problems with traffic.