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

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police officer, and served in the military before that. He stated he did not want to ignore the concerns expressed so he talked to range instructors and found no safety issues in parking lots. When the issue progressed to heavy metals and lead poisoning, he talked with Police Chief Way to assure that was addressed. Now, at this point, it is back to being a private rights issue between a private property owner and business owner. Councilmember Tossey encouraged the clients of Little Me Child Care to review the information addressing their concerns and not leave. Councilmember LeTourneau stated this Council is a diverse group with different perspectives. He stated on this issue, he is not about vilifying anyone or being judgmental but more about celebrating why some are providing input. He stated two individuals have grabbed the American dream and taken risks that involve their family and are doing the best they can. Councilmember LeTourneau stated he is sensitive to that, appreciates the process, had looked at all the aspects, and is certain this is not about guns or safety but about a perception that is different from reality. He found there was a mismatch. Councilmember LeTourneau stated he appreciated Councilmember Tossey's comment to encourage clients of Little Me Child Care to not fall prey to that but in reality, their perceptions exist. He stated based on the information he had, he supported this on January 28. But, based on the information of today, it causes him to rethink his position. Councilmember LeTourneau indicated he has an economic development lens and wants the tax base improved. He stated the Council has done a good job to cut expenses and become operationally efficient and now wants to work on the other side and drive revenue. He stated he supports the gun range but struggles with the incompatibility of it in this location so he cannot support the ordinance amendment. Councilmember LeTourneau stated he knows what it feels like to have 30% of your business leave as he used to be a business owner in Ramsey. Because of that, he likes an offer where everyone wins. He stated in his role as an elected official, he cannot be responsible for a decision where one would win and one would not. He preferred to find another way for Total Defense to do what they want to do at another location. Councilmember Kuzma thanked residents for providing input and staff for their research. He stated he thinks the perception expressed is because people have not looked at the facts. He stated this will be a safe environment and for those with children, he would ask them to reconsider and give it a chance. He stated noise is a concern for him if the children can hear it so he supports preventing sound from being a factor. If that can be addressed, he supports the ordinance amendment. Councilmember Johns complemented staff for the measures taken to assure all were duly informed. She stated she is the Ward 1 representative and has to give weight to the existing business in that node. Councilmember Johns stated she supports the efforts of Total Defense to grow and expand in Ramsey but also supports Little Me Child Care and their eight full -time employees, service provided to the community, and wants them to remain a viable business. She stated she finds this is not a public safety issue but a business compatibility issue and from that perspective, supports taking pause to consider the full ramifications. Councilmember Johns stated there are a variety of locations for Total Defense to keep them in the community but Little Me Child Care is locked into a lease agreement. Councilmember Johns stated support for working with Total Defense to find another location and indicated she cannot support an ordinance amendment on the back of Little Me Child Care so she will oppose . the ordinance City Council / February 11, 2014 Page 10 of 12