Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1978.02.22 PC MinutesAGENDA HUGO PLANNING COMMISSION FEBRUARY 229 1978 8:00 PM 1. Bald Eagle Sportsman's Association RE: Special Use Permit MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE HUGO PLANNING COMMISSION February 22, 1978 The meeting was called to order by Chairman Larry Ehret at 8:15 PM. PRESENT: Ehret, Peloquin, Peltier, Greger, Gillen, and McAllister City Attorney, Charles Johnson, and Dan Koehler,. -Washington County, were also present. Motion made by Peloquin, seconded by Peltier, to approve the minutes of February 8, 1978, after the following change is made: Page 4 (2nd paragraph) - tabled for a decision as to how the Planning Commission is going to handle the matter until the next meeting All aye. Motion Carried. In the minutes of January 25, 19789 (last page) Mrs. Peltier abstained from voting regarding the motion naming her Vice -Chairperson. Neil Peltier - Site Plan Review McAllister made motion, seconded by Peltier, to add Neil Peltier to the agenda for site Plan review. All aye. Motion Carried. Mr. Peltier was present, and stated he would like to put a 40' x 60' addition onto his present building. A site plan was presented for review. Mr. Koehler stated that he could see no problem with the addition or problem with drainage. Mr. Peltier is to provide more copies of the site plan when presented to the City Council. Motion made by Gillen, seconded by Peltier, that the Planning Commission recommend approval of the site plan as presented. VOTING FOR: Peloquin, Peltier, Greger, Gillen, McAllister, and Ehret MOTION CARRIED, Bald Eagle Sportsman's Association - Special Use Permit Mr. Ehret stated that the Commission had contacted various associations (PCA, Ea), and it was determined that it is up to the city to put down any requirements or regulations. At this time, there are no regulations governing this type of operation of open space. Mr. Ehret felt the following should be considered: 1. Curfew on hours 2. Some type of silencers for guns 3. Limiting the shotgun load to commercial loads only 4. Environmental Impact Statement - no lake or stream is directly involved. Mrs. Peltier provided a copy of the Special Use Permit issued to 3M's gun club to be used for cross reference. Hugo Planning Commission February 229 1978 Page 2 of 3 Ehret questioned the members as to how they feel about proceeding with the matter. Peloquin, Ehret, Greger, and McAllister felt that the club could operate with the right restrictions. Peltier and Gillen would like to see the club phased out of operation. Peltier questioned Mr. Johnson if the club could legally be phased out. Johnson stated that if it was felt the club created a health, safety, or pollution hazard, it could be considered a nuisance and could be abated. Mr. Johnson felt the Commission should consider the club as it stood at the time of application. Mr. Gillen felt that high powered rifles were too dangerous for city environment. Ehret — at such time as noise levels are established, the club would have to adhere to them. Mr. Johnson felt that the Commission's first job should be to determine what is an existing condition at the club, and how condition is detrimental to the community. Mr. Prokosh, the club's president, listed some of the existing conditions of the club today: 1. 100 & 200 yard rifle range 2. 25 & 50 yard rifle and pistol range 3. 3 trap houses (one of which is a combination trap and skeet) Ehret asked if an Environmental Impact Statement should be looked at. Gillen thought that the cost benefit would be out of line. Mr. Prokosh stated that an EIS had been done some time ago, but was just for road work being done on the property. He also stated that the present membership of the club was some where between 200 — 215. He was not sure at this time of the hours of operation. McAllister questioned who was allowed to use the facility, and Mr. Prokosh stated that all members of the club had keys. There are range officers on duty only when the public is using the facility (Saturdays and Sundays, April through'November). The Hugo Police Department also has keys, but all others have to come before the club to obtain permission. Mr. Prokosh stated that club members use the rifle and pistol range most often, and the public uses the shotgun facility. The club's income is split 50 — 50 between club membership and the public. Mr. Peloquin offered the following for consideration: 1. A 6 x 8 sign by the gate entrance 2. Planting of more trees, and work with ASCS office in Stillwater 3. Hours of operation (8 — 8) were OK. 4. Club should be closed Sundays before noon 5. Operation closed in December 6. Fence and post signs for safety 7. Membership not to exceed 250 8. Close on Fridays after 4:00 PM 9. Renew permit in 5 years 10. Work on noise barriers Mrs. Peltier suggested that maybe the club should close one or two Sundays a month. Hugo Planning Commission February 22, 1978 Page 3 of 3 Mr. Prokosh stated that slugs are allowed on the 25 yard range and nowhere else. The smaller the number on the load, the larger the size of the pellet. The dram equiva— lent determines the noise factor. Mr. Shubat asked if allowing the public to use the facility was not allowing retail business, and Mr. Johnson said that the activity was recognized as a Special Use Permit activity in that zoning district. Mr. Shubat suggested limiting the range to members only. At this time, the club does have public liability insurance, for its members and the public. Mr. Prokosh could not state the amount of the liability. McAllister presented Mr. Dave Woeltge for possible replacement to Mr. Rosenquist's position. Mr. Woeltge presented himself stating that he grew up in St. Paul, but is enjoying his residency in Hugo. He is now involved in the Hugo Police Reserve program. He has no background in city planning, but has a desire to be of any assistance. He stated that his work schedule would not interfere with Wednesday night meetings. Mr. Peloquin stated the Mr. Thornquist had expressed a desire to be on the Planning Commission. Mr. Thornquist was not present. The commission recommended that the City Clerk contact Mr. Al Lemker and inform him that a seat on the Planning Commission was available. Motion made by Gillen, seconded by McAllister, to adjourn at 10;30 PM. All aye. Motion carried. YCreager, Mary Secretary Hugo Planning Commission