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Planning Commission Minutes April 23, 2002 Page 3 e Staff recommends denial of the request as there is no logical link between vocational, technical, and trade schools and the proposed gymnastics training facility. Commissioner Franz asked what is meant by accessory uses in regard to private recreational facilities. Ms. McPherson explained that a permitted accessory use must be linked to the principal use or permitted conditional use. City Attorney Peter Beck explained that the ordinance specifies that an accessory use must be subordinate to a principal use, such as a parking lot is an accessory use. If the gymnastics use was an accessory use to some other business, it would likely be allowed. He noted that this request is for a conditional use permit, not an accessory use. Ms. McPherson read the definition for private recreational facilities from the City's ordinance. Commissioner Baker asked if there was a definition for vocational, trade and technical schools. Ms. McPherson stated no. Chair Pederson opened the public hearing. Rick Martens, representing Brookstone, Inc., part-owner of the Elk River Industrial Park, introduced Tim Flynn of Twistmasters Gymnastics, Inc. e Mr. Flynn explained that he and his wife, Renae propose to be the financial backers and will not be managing the facility. J an Barlett, Elk River gymnastics coach, will be their business manager. Mr. Flynn stated that the business would be more of a "feel-good" operation and that do not expect to make any money for at least the first three years. He felt that there would be a significant community benefit from the facility. Mr. Flynn explained that the Elk River location was chosen because there are no other gymnastics facilities between St. Cloud and Champlin, and also because of the good exposure to Highway 169 and Highway 10. He felt this facility would draw from a number of surrounding cities including Zimmerman, Princeton, Rogers, Monticello, and Big Lake. Mr. Flynn explained that retail space is too expensive, due to the large amount of floor space required for this type of facility, and the fact that retail space does not provide the ceiling height required. Mr. Martens explained that the gymnastics facility would be used for training, schooling, and education, and therefore meets the intent of the ordinance for vocational, trade and technical schools. Mr. Martens stated that there are gymnastics facilities located in business parks in Ham Lake, Champlin and Apple Valley. He stated that no other type of building provides the height needed for gymnastics. Jan Bartlett, Zimmerman, MN, Elk River Gymnastics Coach, explained the benefits of gymnastics to the students, and the community. Mr. Flynn noted that due to budget cuts in the schools, the junior high school age students have no where to participate in gymnastics at this time. There being no further public comment, Chair Pederson closed the public hearing. Commissioner Ropp stated that he felt it was implied in the ordinance that the vocational technical and trade schools are intended to provide employees for the businesses in the business park. Chair Pederson stated that he is not aware of any school that offers gymnastics as a vocation and that the intent of the Business Park District is to create jobs. e