09/10/1997 P&Z Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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• • Planning & Zoning Board September 10, 1997 Page 3 Ms. Wyland answered, yes. Mr. Rehbein responded to one letter from Ms. Bowman who referred to the bobcat skids. He explained that he was trying to get an outdoor track ready for state races, but it did not get done. Two bobcats were running at one point. Ms. Sharon Kohler, of Sunrise Drive, stated that she has three children who race at the track. It is a great program and good for kids to have an activity to participate in other than school sports, and she would like to see it continue. She has not noticed any problems with noise. Ms. Dahl asked the distance from Ms. Kohler's home to the track. Ms. Kohler answered, approximately three miles. Mr. John Rivard, 8302 4th Avenue, stated that he supports the track and would rather see kids ride at the track than Tom Thumb. He has never noticed noise problems. Cars are respectful and do not speed. Mr. Bill Lawson, 5915 Pine Street, stated that he lives directly across the street from the arena, and there is no significant problem with noise. It is not as noisy as snowmobiles in the winter. He agreed that it is better for kids to be able to ride at the arena than on the street. Mr. Les Peterson, 341 Linda Lane, stated that he has two sons who race at the arena. He stated that the traffic on 4th Avenue is generated by race participants, most of whom are riders under driving age and brought to the arena by their parents. Those who participate invest a lot of time and money in this highly competitive sport. They attend many races every year and spend weekends traveling around the country. Traffic has always been a problem, but Mr. Rehbein regulates the clientele. Mr. Al Hogal agreed that the noise is not as bad as snowmobiles in winter. Track operators abide by state and local codes. He believes Mr. Rehbein has addressed every concern that neighbors have brought to the Board and demonstrated his willingness to make this project work. The schedule is dictated by the BMX governing body. A certain number of events are required to keep the facility sanctioned and insured. He noted that there are 11 tracks in Minnesota, 4 of which are in the metro area. It is the only national sport in Lino Lakes. He recommended that the Council grant the conditional use permit and support this project because the operators are ambassadors for the City. Ms. Annie Kohler stated that she is a racer. This track gives teenagers something to do instead of getting into trouble. School sports require practice every day. Bike racing is once a week and good for those who like to ride bikes. Mr. Robinson made a MOTION to close the public hearing at 6:55 p.m. and was IIsupported by Ms. Dahl. The motion carried, 7 -0.