Minutes - Council - 11/27/2007 - Laserfiche WebLink

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this application was coming from a new outside applicant, she wasn't sure if the City Council would even be considering it. Councilmember Olson stated that she has agonized over this decision and thinks there are valid arguments on both sides. She agrees with Councilmember Strommen that this is not the right place for this type of event and if it were in a less populous area, she would feel differently. Councilmember Dehen stated that he has received several phone calls about this application expressing concern for noise, especially with motocross events. He stated that he lives on the river and noted that there used to be eagles that lived on Foster Island. He stated that he has seen many people park on the island, turn their radios up loud and drink beer. He stated that he is not necessarily opposed to this activity, but is not sure that this activity has less impact than the potential events would at Diamonds. He stated that he is also not sure if he needs to see an EA W to make his decision and while he wants to be sensitive to residents in the area, he feels that people should be tolerant of some noise. He stated that he was unsure how much noise is acceptable and would like to find a way to resolve the noise issue. Motion by Councilmember Elvig, seconded by Councilmember Olson, to direct staff to engage the services of a consultant at a cost not to exceed $1,900 to come from the City Council Contingency fund to put together a professional recommendation on whether or not a full EA W is warranted for the request from Diamonds Sports Bar. Further Discussion: Councilmember Look stated that he would like to encourage the residents who put forth this petition to pay the costs for hiring a consultant because he does not feel the rest of the taxpaying residents should have to pay the costs for their petition. He stated that he plans to oppose this item based on that fact that this cost will be passed onto taxpayers. Councilmember Strommen stated that the City cannot pass this cost onto residents because they submitted a petition. She stated that citizens, by law, have the right to file a petition with the City. Councilmember Dehen stated that he is concerned that the $1,900 will be a waste of money and perhaps the City should just go ahead and do a mini-study on the potential noise and environment impacts rather than waiting for the consultant to tell us to do that after the City has already spent the money. Councilmember Elvig stated that he is hopeful that a consultant will come back and very clearly state whether an EA W is needed or not. Motion carried. V oting Yes: Mayor Gamec, Councilmembers Elvig, Olson, Jeffrey, and Strommen. Voting No: Councilmembers Dehen and Look. Mayor Gamec stated that he thinks the City needs to take action on the petition within 30 days of its receipt. Associate Planner DaInes stated that is true so, she is hopeful that this can be done quickly and noted that the consultant will review the revised plans that Mr. Gruber presented during tonight's meeting and not the original proposal. City Council! November 27, 2007 Page 10 of 18