Agenda - Economic Development Authority - 04/11/2013

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Development Services Manager Gladhill thanked the Commission for their input on this item and stated from the comments received thus far, it appears the shooting range could be considered at a future meeting as a permitted use. Commissioner Bauer was in favor of having the shooting range be licensed with the City as well. Development Services Manager Gladhill commented the licensing procedure would allow for the use to be tied to the business owner and not the property. Commissioner Schiller asked if Blaine or Robbinsdale required their shooting ranges to be licensed. Associate Planner/Environmental Coordinator Anderson indicated he did not believe either required a license, but the City of Blaine required a CUP. Commissioner VanScoy stated the safety and security of the proposed business would also have to be addressed. He questioned who controlled these standards. Development Services Manager Gladhill recommended the applicant be allowed to speak to the Commission. Marty Fisher, Premier Commercial Properties, discussed the growth of the Total Defense business and noted they were currently leasing space at River Bend Plaza, which was located at the corner of Bunker Lake Boulevard and Highway 47. He indicated the owners were now proposing to expand their business to the 167th Avenue Commercial Node. Dan Wellman, 2745 131st Avenue in Zimmerman, co-owner of Total Defense, thanked the Commission for their time this evening. He stated over the past 18 months his business has grown significantly and he has outgrown the size of his current space. For that reason, he has been looking for new space to allow for the expansion of his business to include a shooting range. He explained the construction of the range would be quite unique, as it would have a double concrete wall to minimize and suppress the noise. Mr. Wellman reviewed the proposed floor plan for Total Defense in detail with the Commission. He indicated the proposed use, complete with gun range, archery range and self-defense classes would draw people to the site from the entire northwest metro area. He reviewed the location and demographics of previous clientele. Commissioner Bauer requested comment on the language within the proposal regarding the "cool toys" sold by Total Defense. Curt Oaks, 6723 116th Circle in Champlin, co-owner of Total Defense, explained this would include holsters, sites, flashlights and other accessories. He apologized for the poor choice of word and would make a change. Mr. Oaks then discussed the building security given the proposed use.