1990.07.25 PC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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P.C. Minutes - July 25, 1990 page 4 Chairman Senkler opened the public hearing. Many area residents were present. Representatives from the Washington County Sheriff's Department were present stating that their intention was to train their tactical unit, approximately 8-12 members at the BESA. Training would include rifles, pistol, and shot gun drills. Supervisors would be on site during the exercises. The sheriff's department anticipate using the facility approximately five times per year, primarily in the morning and would do combined drills, using all types of firearms. They stated that Washington County Sheriff's Department does not have a facility of their own for practice. Area residents were adamently opposed to any additional use of the BESA facility particularly by muzzleloaders and non-members. Residents claimed that there are currently violations of the existing conditions relating to early morning shooting. Surrounding residents felt the existing sound abatement facilities were inadequate and the noise may have even gotten worse in recent years. Ed and Ann Fashingbauer stated that the club should be in absolute compliance with all current conditions before increasing any use at the facility. They also stated that the majority of club members are not residents of Hugo and felt that the planning commission should represent the interests of the residents and not club members. Residents stated that past president, Art Timm was very accommodating when violations occurred at the club, however, they no longer experience that cooperation. Fashingbauer's expressed their opinion that the noise and traffic created by the BESA is a public nuisance and should be addressed as such by the City. At this point Chairman Senkler closed the public hearing. After a lengthy discussion the planning commission concurred that a zero growth premise should be maintained with regard to the use of the Bald Eagle Sportsman's Assoc. Members basically had no objection to law enforcement agencies (particularly Washington County Sheriff's Office) using the facility but the City should be advised of the specifics, (such as size of group, number of times per year, types of firearms, etc.) from each unit before allowing them to use the club. Commissioners would like additional information on Article 15 regarding non -shooting events at the club. Would there be shooting and non -shooting activities on the site simultaneously, expanded hours for non -shooting events, would the 3 to 1 ratio have to be maintained. Motion made by Senkler, seconded by Oswald to recommend the following changes to the City Council regarding the Bald Eagle Sportsman's Assoc. for an amended special use permit.