Minutes - Council Work Session - 10/30/2007

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City Administrator Ulrich asked if the applicant would be willing to substitute some of the more acceptable events, for example, more rodeos and less motocross events. Mr. Gruber stated that the motocross events are what pay the bills. He stated that in the research he has compiled, 70% of the motocross riders at Minnesota events live in Anoka County and of that 70%,30% of them live in Ramsey. A Dayton resident in the audience thanked Councilmember Olson for her concern about.Dayton and stated that he would also like the sound testing to be completed not on just one bike, but on the number of bikes that will be racing. Mr. Gruber stated that the sound testing that he submitted was done on 20 bikes on the track and was conducted in Annandale. The Dayton resident stated that he feels this is a very different atmosphere than Annandale and asked that testing be conducted at an event at this location. A lady from the audience stated that for Diamonds to make this large of an investment, they will not just limit themselves to 2 motocross events a year. She is concerned about opening the door for this activity, like the City did with the bookstore. She stated that the bikes will also need practice time so the events will not just last for 4 hours. Community Developer Director Trudgeon stated that this application will be back in front of the Planning Commission on Thursday, November 1, 2007. Planning Commission Chair Nixt stated that no one has spoken about the ,Special Use Permit issue and noted that the Planning Commission can only make a recommendation on the land use Issue. Commissioner VanScoy stated that the issue was brought up earlier before Mr. Nixt arrived. Associate Planner DaInes reiterated that the option is still available to go through the Special Events Permit process or the City Council can choose to waive that process. ' Councilmember Strommen stated that she does not want to have the same debate 13 times a year and does not think it needs to go through the Special Events process. Councilmember Elvig stated that he agreed but would like to see the data on sound and make a decision based on that information. He suggested that there be a sunset clause of some type and closely monitor the situation. Councilmember Dehen stated that he finds it hard to believe that the necessary sound information is not already out there. He stated that he feels other cities in Minnesota should have looked at this issue and have data available for the City to review. City Council Work Session / October 30, 2007 Page 10 of 19