Minutes - Council - 02/26/1985 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Douglas Fountain - 15255 Garnet - Stated that he talked with Mr. Studer this afternoon about the sand races and he reaffirmed that he was sorry that he signed the petition. Mr. Fountain repeated that the philanthropy of the Lions Club is not in question; the location for the races is inappropriate. Lyle Heger - ~he subject property is zoned industrial and the owner of the property has donated the use of it; there are thousands of dollars invested in this fund raiser and it would cost just that much more to relocate. Mr. Heger stated that the noise can be reduced and parking improved. Motion by Councilmember Cox and seconded by Councilmember Reimann to approve the Ramsey Lions' Club's request for a temporary conditional use permit to conduct sand races along with a license to sell 3.2 beer; further, that the permit is issued for no more than two weekends, that it is insisted that noise level be reduced, that parking be restricted to Cty. Rd. 116 area, that the Lions Club be cognizant of the litter problem, and that the Lions give all residents one full block to the north a two week notification of the race date. Further Discussion: City Attorney Goodrich stated that it would be good form, in this case, to adopt a findings of fact based on the criteria for temporary conditional use permit. Councilmember Schlueter noted that the first petition submitted last year contained 71 names. Mr. Gregg Patton stated that the petition submitted this evening contains 102 names in addition to those first 71 signatures. Councilmember Schlueter stated that she would be in favor of granting approval for the races for one weekend and if the Lions Club alleviate some of the problems the residents have eluded to, she would be in favor of approving the races for the second weekend. Mr. Heger stated that only approving one weekend of races now does not sanction the race and that fact will deter competitors. Mayor Heitman inquired if the Lions Club has looked at other locations. Mr. Heger said the Lions have not researched alternate locations as they are lucky to have this subject location donated. Mayor Heitman inquired as to where Mr. Heger lives. Mr. Heger replied that he lives behind Ramsey Elementary School and admitted that once in a while he could hear the races and added that he can also hear the noise from the landfill. Bill Seestrom stated that nobody complained during the races last year; if the Lions had known there was a problem, it would have been addressed right away. Councilmember Cox inquired if the Lions Club would have any probl~n with posting a $500 bond for debris pickup. Mr. Heger stated that the Lions would be willing to post a $500 bond covering litter pickup costs. Gregg Patton repeated that the Lions should find an alternate location for the races and added that you cannot quiet a 500 hp engine and the p.a. system gives a feeling of living next door to a fairground. Mr. Patton stated that Ms. Karen Heikkila will not leave her children outdoors during the races because of the 4x4 traffic coming and going from the race site. Mr. Patton stated that he would take his boys to the races if they were on a different location, but not when they are in his front yard. Mr. Patton added that he likes a litte peace and quiet on the weekends. Councilmember COx stated that he appreciates Mr. Patton working with the Lions on this problem. Vic Bunes inquired what Council decision will be next year regarding the races if residents continue to complain. Councilmember Cox stated that he does not have all weekend to relax; that he too pays taxes; that his business is February 26, 1985 Page 21 of 26