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<br />revised plans, he does not feel an EA W is warranted. He reiterated that his business has been <br />struggling for a few years and if these events cannot be held, he is not sure his business will <br />survive. He asked the City Council to look at his past record with the community which, in his <br />opinion, proves that his contribution to the City has been positive and not negative. <br /> <br />Tim Toso, a resident from Alpaca Estates, stated that he signed the petition and feels the City <br />Council should just say yes or no to the CUP application. He stated that the burden of proof is <br />on Mr. Gruber and noted that the property is not zoned for this use. He stated that if the City <br />Council approves this application, it will be going against what its own Planning Commission <br />has recommended and ignoring the requests of the neighbors. He stated that he feels there are <br />ways for Mr. Gruber to make a profit without bringing in objectionable activities. He urged the <br />City Council to follow the request by Anoka County Parks and the Planning Commission and <br />deny this proposal. <br /> <br />Councilmember Elvig asked if the new proposal presented by Mr. Gruber has changed his <br />opinion about the request. <br /> <br />Mr. stated that he feels it was a good attempt to improve a bad idea, but does not <br />think it changes the basic premise. <br /> <br />Councilmember Look stated that he has spoken with many people about this project, some <br />residents and some from outside the community. He stated that while he appreciates the concern <br />from people, ultimately, the City Council is responsible to the residents of Ramsey. He stated <br />that there are a wide variety of interests of residents in the City and does not feel any should <br />trump each other. He stated that he feels there should be common ground between the different <br />groups; blue collar, white collar, horse owners, motocross riders, and arts enthusiasts, to name a <br />few. He stated that the discussion is centering around noise versus peace and quiet and noted <br />that the City Council has identified the Highway 10 corridor as an area that may be more <br />appropriate for this type of activity because there is already noise from Highway 10 and the <br />trains. He stated that Diamonds has made an effort to reduce the impact of the events and the <br />CUP will set parameters that will need to be followed. He stated that he would like to see a way <br />to work together with some give and take and not just separate into opposing camps regarding <br />this issue. <br /> <br />Councilmember Jeffrey stated that at the earlier work session, the concept of "Live, Work and <br />Play" theory was discussed and he believes in creating destination of all sorts in the City. He <br />stated that he is not opposed to the plans as presented and understands that there are concerns. He <br />asked what type of use this property could have if it was used as it is zoned. <br /> <br />Associate Planner Dalnes stated that it is zoned B-2 so the uses could be a gas station, auto repair <br />business, retail center or office building. <br /> <br />Councilmember Strommen stated that she agrees with Councilmember Look's assessment that <br />the community should be well balanced and well rounded in the types of housing, businesses, <br />services, events, and amenities it offers. She stated, however, that she is not in favor of this type <br />of activity in this location so close to the river corridor and the County park. She stated that if <br /> <br />City Council / November 27, 2007 <br />Page 9 of 18 <br />