Minutes - Planning Commission - 01/31/2013 - Special

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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 116 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. Associate Planner /Environmental Coordinator Anderson indicated the police department would review this application further regarding security and safety prior to approval. Commissioner VanScoy asked if fire suppression would be necessary for the proposed use. Associate Planner /Environmental Coordinator Anderson stated that the Building Official and Fire Marshall did review the two proposed uses and based on the preliminary information received, it did not appear that it would be required for this use but that it may possibly be necessary for the second proposed use. Chair Levine asked if there were any additional comments or questions from the public in attendance. Art Collinbach, 15940 Sodium Street, stated he currently drove to the Metro Gun Club in Blaine and he welcomed the proposed use to the City of Ramsey. He stated the range would draw a large number of people to Ramsey. It was his opinion the proposed use would assist in keeping Ramsey a safe community given the level of training that would be provided. Russ Pawman, 17831 Vanadium Street, noted he was an avid outdoorsman and he was excited about the proposed use coming to the City of Ramsey. He explained he was a member of a gun range outside of the City. He thought the range would draw business into the City throughout the entire year. Mike Bjorn, 6250 178 Lane, noted he shot at different ranges and would be pleased to see the proposed establishment move into the commercial area. Chair Levine thanked the public for their comments this evening. Development Services Manager Gladhill indicated staff would work with the applicant to frame a permitted use with a public forum for citizen dialogue to take place at a future meeting. Special Planning Commission /January 31, 2013 Page 7 of 12