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

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open. He felt the noise heard from the shooting range would be minimal when compared to the cabinet shop. Donald Kottschade, 16135 Ramsey Boulevard NW, introduced his two sons and stated he has four children. He stated there is also a constitutional right to free speech and both sides are exercising that right. Mr. Kottschade noted the second right is to private property and if they have not broken any laws they are innocent until proven guilty. Mr. Kottschade stated he sees no issue with bringing his family to the range and had asked to pre - purchase a family package. He asked the Council to respect private property rights and make the use as un- intrusive as possible. Nancy Bendtsen, 14131 Junkite Street NW, stated she is a former licensed daycare owner and took her sons to gun safety training. She indicated that while she understands the fear of guns, once you are educated you would have more respect and open your mind. Ms. Bendtsen stated the Council and staff have done an amazing job on their research. Jim Bendtsen, 14131 Junkite Street NW, complemented staff on the excellent presentation. He objected to anyone outside of Ramsey providing testimony on this use. He reviewed the businesses that used to be located at this corner, noting it has been declining for many years and he thinks this would be a perfect use for this location. Mr. Bendtsen noted the request involves no government money or assistance, only an approval and this is a perfect opportunity for the Council to meet one of its goals to promote development outside The COR. He stated he is looking forward to using a local shooting range and spending his money in Ramsey. Kari Mevissen, 5045 155 Lane NW, stated she has children at Little Me Child Care and is opposed to the gun range and having hundreds of guns within feet of her children. She stated the City's goal is to have businesses that work together, but these two do not. Kurt Bartges, 6314 172n Lane NW, stated his sole interest is as a retail patron of the applicant. He stated this is an example of First Amendment democracy at work. Mr. Bartges indicated that as a patron for the last 12 -13 months, he has been shown excellent business stewardship as a consumer. He stated whenever there is a passionate issue, sometimes emotion overwhelms, but Total Defense has been conscious of education and offers more than the gun range. He stated his support for this business and thanked the Council for its extraordinary job in due diligence. Nia Johnson, 17220 Rabbit Street NW, stated her son goes to Little Me Child Care and she had mixed emotions when she heard about the gun range location. She stated it is disheartening and does not seem right to open one business if it results in another closing. Joe Field, 8021 152 ❑ Lane NW, stated he is a Planning Commissioner and the Commission had been entertaining this request for the past year and held a robust discussion at its last meeting. During that meeting, no one showed up to oppose this amendment even after the Little Me Child Care owner was handed a notice of the public hearing. Mr. Field noted the Planning Commission minutes state the recommendation assures inclusion of adequate and appropriate safety measures. He also noted that Police Chief Way had attended the Planning Commission meeting to answer questions about the handling and loading of weapons. Mr. Field stated noise is not an issue and the Planning Commission provided a recommendation of approval. He stated City Council / February 11, 2014 Page 7of12