Minutes - Council Work Session - 10/30/2007

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stated that some of the event ideas he feels are great, like rodeos and music festivals. He stated that he feels this matches what a Town Center should be about and noted that the. property is surrounded by a County Park. A representative with Diamonds Sports Bar and Grill stated that the events would be held from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Councilmember Strommen stated that she agreed with Councilmember Elvig that she would support the music events, but has concerns about motocross, demolition derbies and possibly rodeo events. She stated that she does not want to see a permanent P A system there. She stated that she also has some concerns about the events being a distraction to drivers along Highway 10. She also noted that she has concerns with respect to the County Park and does not want to discourage the County from the plans they have for the Park, which is in the designated Mississippi National and River Recreation Area. She stated that she also has concerns about the noise effect on the nature and wildlife in the area, but reiterated that she feels periodic music events are good for the community. Mayor Gamec stated that he has a cabin in the Brainerd area and the snowmobile and motocross events are very noisy. He stated that he agreed that having a concert once a month or so would be a great idea, but cautioned that there will be complaints no matter what type of event is held. Planning Commission Chair Mike Nixt arrived at 6:37 p.m. Councilmember Jeffrey stated that he could play loud music at his house until 10:00 p.m. and that would be within his rights. He stated that he thinks some of the events being planned are really neat and are things not normally held in the City. He stated that he thinks the City Council should take a look at this and perhaps have tighter definitions for some of the items, but he is not against the idea at all. Planning Commissioner Hunt left at 6:38 p.m. Mayor Gamec stated that he thinks there is a general feeling among the City Council that they are not in favor of motocross, demolition derbies and snowmobile events. Councilmember Jeffrey stated that these types of events are held at the fair grounds and that is a much more densely populated area than around Diamonds. He asked if the City had followed up with the Fair Board to see what their complaints have been. Councilmember Strommen stated that she feels the fair events are different because they are held once a year. She stated that she is not opposed to these activities being offered, but she does not think this is the proper location. Councilmember Dehen stated that he feels this issue should be put into perspective and noted that the applicant is not asking to hold events every day of the week, just events about once a month. He stated that he does not have significant concerns with the planned activities. City Council Work Session I October 30, 2007 Page 7 of 19