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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1978.01.05 PC Minutesr MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE HUGO PLANNING COMMISSION January 59 1978 The meeting was called to order by Chairman Ehret at 7:12 PM. PRESENT: Ehret, Peloquin, Peltier, and Greger ABSENT: Gillen, Rosenquist, and McAllister Bald Eagle Sportsman Association — Special Use Permit Mr, Bill Peters, the club's attorney, Mr. Bob Salchow, a past president, and Mike Prokosch, the club's present president, were in attendance to represent the club. Mr. Salchow presented an updated site plan, which he felt was an accurate representation of the situation they have now. The club owns 80 acres and the plan indicated the hills, locations of the ponds, ranges, parking, and roads. The site plan fails to show any of the trees. The entire property is fences (5 lines of barbed wire), and no trespassing signs are posted within visual sight of each other. Mr. Salchow stated that the club is made up of a wide variety of people, mainly interested in shooting. Most of the members are hunters and conservationists. The club planted 500 trees in 1976, mostly evergreens, along the westerly edge of the property. The property is a natural habitat for wildlife (grouse, rabbit, deer, geese, and ducks). Mr. Salchow stated that that membership is at approximately 200, and at some time, the maximum was 320. Ehret asked if there was a maximum number of members the club was trying for. Mr. Salchow said there were expecting an influx of members from the White Bear Rod & Gun Club, but that never materialized. They have not presumed to limit the membership, but if it got too crowded, they would start limiting. Ehret asked if they had some idea as to the number of shooters at any one time. Mr. Salchow said they have shot as many as 300 rounds of trap on one single day prior to hunting season, and on a week night, they peaked out at 180 rounds. Mr. Peters stated that the club shoots until 9:00 PM in the summer. Mr. Ehret said that this should be one of the condithns of the permit to use standard time or day light hours. The club is used for a variety of activities. The Minnesota Firearms Safety In— stitute used the facility, sending through 483 kids for safety instructions. The local Police Departments, the Army, and National Guard have also utilized the area..` The North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association (NAVHDA) has run dog trials there, as well. The blub is not strictly a shooting club. They have many social events during the year, and have tournaments for the members. There are some members who are interested in trying for the 1980 Olympics. Peltier inquired if they had three trap houses on the property now. They have three trap houses and one skeet field. Ehret stated that the record should show that the skeet field occupies one trap field. r � r Hugo Planning Commission January 59 1978 Page 2 of 2 Peltier stated that the White Bear Rod & Gun Club Special Use Permit had a con- dition that they could not exceed 71 size shot, and they stated that they do not exceed 7J size shot either. Greger asked if they intended to do anything further to provide a noise barrier on the west side of the property. Mr. Salchow replied that they are limited because there is not much space there. An earthen barrier would destroy trees, and a manmade barrier would be unsitely. The only thing they can do in the near future is plant more trees. Ehret asked if there was anything that could be done for more point of origin noise control. The club has -discussed certain measures they would like to see taken, but they are, at this point, a dim reality. They had talked about moving earth to construct side wall levys, and the construction of new shooting sheds. The club has also considered the acquisition of 100 yards of buffer strips around the facility. Peloquin discussed the possibility of constructing a board and hanging boards on a chain to help the noise problem for the lxelsons'. He also stated that he would like to see trees planted that bear leaves all winter. Ehret said that his main concern, as far as the rifle range is concerned, is some type of structure to reduce the point of origin noise. Mr. Prokosch said that the point of origin noise for a rifle is from the front and radiates out the sides. He has kept in contact with a club in Ohio that has been trying to find ways to remedy the noise problem, but they have not come up with any thing construction at this time. Peloquin asked if the club could live with a 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM on Sunday. Mr. Salchow stated that Sunday was their best day for generating revenue from the public. Mr. Peters thought from a public relations stand point, it would be a good idea, but would rather see the time moved to 11:00 AM. Mr. Prokosch felt that the members of the club would not agree with the time, but he also felt it would be good for public relations. Peltier asked which day they considered to be their slowest, and Mr. Prokosoh stated that Friday was their slowest day. Mr4 Peltier asked if there was any day they would consider having no shooting at all. Mr. Peters responded that if it was felt it was necessary, that Friday is the day they would pick. How- ever, they would notlarticularly like the idea. Peloquin said he would rather see them shut down for two forenoons. Ehret said they were looking for some quiet time for the adjoining property owners, and asked about closing on Friday evening. Mr. Peters stated that closing Friday night and Sunday mornings would help. Ehret suggested that the club come back with some proposals as far as the club closing at certain timeq and hours of operation. Motion made by Peltier, seconded by Peloquin, to set a public hearing to consider the request of the Bald Eagle Sportsman Association for a Special Use Permit for Wednesday, February 8, 1978,,at 7:00 PM. All aye. Motion carried. f Motion made by Peltier, seconded by Peloquin, to adjourn at 9:07 PM. $�l aye. Mon carr MaryXing reager, Secretary Hugo Commission '