2003.04.24 PC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Planning Commission Meeting April 24, 2003 - page 2 the meeting to represent BESA. He explained that hunting is permitted in Hugo and many hunters use muzzleloaders and need a place to practice. Muzzleloaders can legally be discharged in Hugo except on BESA property. Schreifels said he felt that it would not be an increase in activities. Steve Fluger, 6570 125th Street North, said he has lived across the street from BESA for four years and has no problem with the present use but feels permitting muzzleloaders would increase the usage and bring traffic beyond an acceptable level. McRoberts asked Fluger how it would increase the use and Fluger said he felt people would visit BESA more frequently. Schumann asked where on the property muzzleloaders would be permitted and Schreifels said it would be the same place where rifles are shot and there is more berming. Dean Nephew, 1220 Upper Heather Avenue, said he felt there would be more shooting and asked if it would be opened to non-members. Schreifels explained that the current members are permitted to bring up to three guests, and it would be open to the public on open -shoot days. McRoberts said the intensity was already permitted and allowing muzzleloaders would not increase what was already allowed. Mark Houston, 12250 Upper Heather Avenue, recalled the City meeting in 1995 where the use of muzzleloaders was voted down in exchange for increasing the number of Sundays the BESA was allowed to be opened. Mr. Houston also said he believed that an increase in technology provided the ability for more rapid fire weapons and he did not approve of the police department using the facility for their drills. Rosenquist explained that technology has not changed these weapons. Houston said BESA needed to find a less populated area, and he asked how many times BESA was permitted to request amending their permit to allow the use of muzzleloaders. Schumann replied that BESA could request the amendment every six months. McRoberts said he felt that there would be no more noise than what was already permitted. Cliff Nelson, 12317 Goodview Avenue North, indicated that he had lived all his life on property bordering BESA and his wife was extremely stressed from listening to the constant gunfire. Axelson said he felt that the Sheriff's Department was taking advantage of using BESA for their SWAT drills. McRoberts asked how many law enforcement groups used BESA and Schreifels responded that only Washington County used it and they had an officer that coordinates the program. Schumann asked if Schreifels could provide a log from the department for the City Council meeting and Schreifels said he could. Hays Batson, 12165 Upper Heather Avenue North, said the he had no knowledge of BESA when he purchased his home two years ago and will leave if the noise intensifies. He said he enjoys living in Hugo but the noise from BESA is very loud. Kevin Rhodes, 12160 Upper Heather Avenue North, said that the noise on the weekends is non-