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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1990.07.25 PC MinutesMINUTES OF THE REGULAR HUGO PLANNING C The regular meeting of the planning commission was called to order by Chariman Senkler at 7:03PM. PRESENT: Mezzano, Henry, Oswald, Barnes, Senkler, Carole LaBelle ABSENT: Thoreson Motion made by Henry, seconded by Senkler to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of June 27, 1990 as amended. All aye, motion passed. Motion made by Senkler, seconded by Mezzano to approve the minutes of the Special Meeting of the Planning Commisson of July 2, 1990 as amended. All aye, motion passed. Chairman Senkler stated that on behalf of the Stillwater School District (Independent 834), Mr. Dan Parker has made application to the City of Hugo for a special use permit to place a self contained classroom on their property at 10158 122nd St. No., Hugo, Minnesota. The 24' X 40' temporary structure will be located west of the original school facility and will be used for educational purposes only. The property in question is zoned agricultural and consists of approximately 9 acres. This will be the Gird addition to the original Withrow School facility with other additions being built in 1965 and again in 1974. The applicants have indicated that it is their intent to use this facility through the 1996 calendar year. The applicants have been notified that construction and operation of this temporary facility must meet building code requirements for temporary public facilities of this nature. The structure in question appears to meet all setback requirements and other zoning requirements. If the planning Commission feels that this request is consistent with.- other ithother activities on site, as well as, the City's comprehensive plan, we would recommend the special use permit be subject to special conditions. Mr. Dan Parker representing the Stillwater School District was present to address questions. Mr. Parker stated that this portable classroom is not intended to be a permanent fix, however, with the current secondary school addition, funds are not available. He informed the planning commission that the state would like an adjoining hallway between the temporary facility to the school building in the 91-92 school year. Chairman Senkler opened the public hearing for comments. No one in the audience commented on this proposal . Motion made by Oswald, seconded by Henry to recommend approval of the request by Independent School District 834 for a Special Use Permit to place a 24' X 40' temporary classroom on their property at 10158 122nd St., Hugo subject to the following special conditions: P.C. Minutes - July 25, 1990 page 2 I.S.D. 834 - cont. 1. The building in question meet all state building code requirements for temporary, public facilities of this nature. 2. This special use permit shall terminate at the end of 1996 school year. 3. The structure in question be removed from the site within 60 days of permit expiration. 4. The structure in question be located at least 20' from the identified septic system on site. 5. The structure in question be in compliance with all other codes and ordinances in the City of Hugo. 6. Proper fire extinguishers and other warning mechanisms be installed within the facility as recommended by the fire marshal. All aye, motion passed. Amended Special Chairman Senkler stated that on behalf of the Bald Eagle Sportsman -iii; Association, Mr. Dennis Schreife1s has made application to the City of Hugo for an amended special use permit. The property in question is identified as the west 1/2 of the southwest 1/4 of Section 33, T31N, R21W, and consists of approximately 80 acres. The property is zoned agricultural and is currently used for private recreational purposes. The appropriate notice has been published in the City's legal newspaper and notices have been sent to property owners regarding this public hearing. The BESA is requesting authorization to make operational changes on site. Said changes are as follows: 1. Amend article #8 to read, "The club will be open the last two Sundays in September and each Sunday in October". The current language reads, "the club will be open the last two Sundays in September and four Sundays in October". 2. Amend article #15, adding the language that indicates that the article in question only applies to shooting events. This change would allow the club to promote non -shooting activities on site for families and friends of members. 3. Article #16 be amended to read, "The City shall be notified at least ten days in advance of any day which extended hours will be used". That language currently reads that the City shall be notified at least ten days in advance of any Sunday during which extended hours will be used". The city staff would recommend that this language if changed read as follows: The City shall be notified prior to the city council meeting preceding any day during which extended hours will be requested. 4. Article #21 be changed to allow the use of muzzleloading, black powder firearms, and that the language in this article read as follows: Muzzleloaders in excess of 80 caliber will not be permitted to use this facility. P.C. Minutes - July 25, 1990 page 3 5. Amend article #22 to clarify that Goodview Ave. no longer needs to be maintained by the BESA. This article change would limit their involvement to providing an annual application of calcium chloride on 125th St. No. from Goodview Ave. to the BESA property entrance. It should be understood that this condition would only apply until such time as 125th St. is improved with bituminous surfacing. 6. Article #24 be amended as follows: Four days will be designated as DCM Shoot days, one day in June, one day in July, one day in August, and one day in October. The current language allows for two DCM days in July and two August. 7. Add an article to the permit that would allow a maximum of four law enforcement agencies to utilize the BESA facility and discharge fire arms on approved ranges up to five times per agency/year subject to compliance with article 08 of this permit. Following review of the files, it would appear that the BESA is in full compliance with the conditions of their current permit. The last complaint received by the Washington County Sheriff's Department regarding operations at this site was in 1985. The last written complaint filed with the City regarding operations at this facility was in 1987 and that related to an approved shooting event. With regard to article #8, it should be noted that originally the BESA operated every Sunday. Sunday usage was then reduced to every other Sunday, and later was reduced to the Sundays reflected in the existing permit. With regard to the use of black powder/muzzleloaders on site, it should be noted that this type of firearm was permitted on site until some time in the early 1980's when this right was taken from the club. Apparently a muzzleloader club had requested the use of the BESA property, and black powder cannons were discharged on site. It should also be noted that the BESA has made significant efforts in the last several years to improve their facility and alter activities on site to cut down on the amount of noise and irritants to adjacent property owners. In 1988/89 the club installed a sound entrapment shelter and safety berms on the rifle range to reduce noise. The club is promoting the use of the archery range, as well as, family use of the facility for non -shooting events. Promotion of the use of muzzleloaders on site as opposed to repeating firearms seems to be another step in the right direction. In 1990 the club also added to it's reforestation program. It would appear that the only amendment proposed in this request that would increase activities at the facility would involve authorized use of the facility by local law enforcement agencies on an occasional basis. Even with this increase in activities, all individuals would still have to operate pursuant to article #8 of the permit. Mr. Dennis Schreifels, president of the club was present and clarified that no additional days for DCM Shoots were being requested only a redistribution of the days. He stated currently the law enforcement agencies using the facility must maintain the 3 visitors to 1 member ratio and are requesting this membership clause be waived for these agencies. 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. P.C. Minutes - July 25, 1990 page 5 1. Amend Article #8: The club will be open six consecutive Sundays ending with the last Sunday in October. 2. Article #15: No change to current permit. 3. Amend Article #16: The City shall be notified five (5) working days prior to the next regularly scheduled city council meeting preceding any day during which extended hours will be requested. 4. Article #21: No change to current permit 5. Amend Article #22: Provide an annual application of calcium chloride on 125th St. No. from Goodview Ave to the BESA property entrance and will be automatically deleted at the time 125th St. is blacktopped. 6. Amend Article #24: Four days will be designated as DCM Shoot days, one in June, one day in July, one day in August, and one day in October. 7. No additional article allowing law enforcement agencies to utilize the BESA facility. All aye, motion passed. The Planning Commission noted that if details are provided regarding the- henon-shooting non-shootingevents and law enforcement agencies using the facility, they would reconsider these two changes in the special use permit. The commission believes in a "zero growth" premise for the BESA as it relates to firearm use because of the changes in the community. Mr. Miller, Planner for the City of Lino Lakes has notified the City of Hugo that they will provide a calendar of meetings, when available, regarding the proposed industrial area. Commission members interested in attending will be contacted by city hall. Motion made by Senkler, seconded by Henry to adjourn at 9:35PM. Carole LaBelle