06-16-2003 CC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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City. Council ~finutes June 16, 2003 4.3. NCDA Update Page 2 Senior Planner Scott Harticker provided an update of the June 5, 2003, NCDA meeting. 4.4. Park and Recreation Update Planner Chris Leeseberg provided an update of the Park and Recreation Commission's meeting held on June 11, 2003. He noted upcoming summer park events and stated that the playground for Highlands West Park will be installed in August. 4.5. Gun Range Update City Administrator Pat I~aers stated that the low bid for the mechanical system for the gun range is valid until the end of June 2003, and that the Council should decide whether to go forward with spending funds to finish this project or to look at alternative options of what to do with this space. He stated that the shooting range equipment bid is no longer valid. Mr. Klaers stated that he talked with Sheriff Bruce Anderson regarding interest in a joint venture for the range and that Sheriff Anderson feels that the range is not adequate for his needs. Sheriff Anderson is looking into building a gun range during the next expansion phase of the Sherburne County Government Center. Nfl:. Klaers stated that funding could come from the liquor store fund to complete the gun range. Police Chief Jeff Beahen stated that if the Council decides not to go for~vard with finishing the gun range then there is a security issue with a window well that must be remedied. He stated that this space should be used, if not as a range, it could possibly be leased out to the community or used for training purposes. Councilmember Dietz stated that he talked with the Sheriff whom stated that he is not interested in a joint effort with the City Hall gun range. He is looking at building a gun range either on the west side of town or at the Elk River Sportsman's Club gun range site. This range would be offered to all cities at no charge. Councilmember Dietz questioned what the pay out would be if the city gun range were £mished. Chief Beahen stated that approximately $15,000 a year would be saved in overtime for officer training. He stated that some revenue could be generated with training for the new Concealed and Carry law. He stated that the pay back on the range would take approximately 10-15 years. Mayor Iadinzing stated that she is concerned whether the Sheriff's gun range proposal was in the works when the city decided to include a range on its site. She questioned why the city should finish its range when they will be able to use the Sherburne County range for free. She is concerned about creating competition between the two gun ranges. Councilmember Kuester expressed concerns (proximity to residents) regarding the proposed Sherburne County expansion. Councilmember Dietz expressed concerns (residents and noise) about the Elk River Sportsman's Club gun range as a possible expansion site. Councilmember Tveite stated that he is concerned about budget constraints, the economy, and the lengthy pay back time for the range.