Agenda - Council - 02/11/2014 - Laserfiche WebLink

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It's been known and discussed as an issue for quite a while about the issues co -locating this new type of business next to an existing school for children. It just hasn't been fully addressed, and because of the nature of the issues, and incidents in the U.S., never will be. Costs born by applicant, as the City Council states. Costs of business loss of the school shall be born by the applicant. If the gun shooting range is set up in this B-1 existing business area, what are all the costs to the applicant. What are all the costs, directly and indirectly, to the City. The city has already worked to do two special zoning ordinance changes. The issues have not been fully adequately and fully safely resolved. These issues are not going away. At what cost to the applicant and the City. Legal responsibility The safety, concerns of safety, and facts of recent U.S. events and related school/gun issues has been brought up. The City Council is aware of them. Even Council Members have appropriately identified issues. Those issues haven't been fixed. The new business and probably the City Council is legally responsible for incidents that may happen. They have been identified, elevated, and full awareness has been brought to City Council attention. Responsibilities are there. Community Responsibility The City Council's economic development goals are good, and needed. But not at the cost of community safety and feelings of safety. Co -locations of schools and gun shooting and gun supplies is not a good combination. This issue is not going to go away, is not going to be okay ... if the City Council approves this. Effort has been put into trying to make it better, but it hasn't fixed all the issues. Because of what they are, there isn't any real fix. Yes, locating it in an appropriate B-2 zoning district is the right answer. So why isn't that being done. Or even locating it out in the country is a right answer which prevents the issues it introduces. There is no malice against the opportunity for another business owner. But schools and shooting guns do NOT mix. School kids, young children, hearing gun shots every day is NOT good. It is very bad. Parents feeling of safety and security for their children does not go away. It can stay on their mind all day. Cause concern, stress, additional issues. The feelings of less safety and security and what kids are going through does NOT go away the parents and their kids go away. School property and guns traveling across it not permitted. Parking lot area. Schools consider that part of the school grounds. "Police Chief Way recommended the construction inspection be left the Building Official. He stated if the range was not built correctly, it would not last. He stated the contractor selected to build the range would have the proper equipment. Commissioner Brauer inquired if the Ordinance should require proof of liability insurance. 3