3. DRAFT PC MINUTES 05-24-2022 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Planning Commission Page 3 April 26, 2022 ----------------------------- Ms. Goodin explained the current MN Department of Health guidelines and permits that allow for campers to stay per event. She stated they have staff on site 24 hours a day, and campers stay at The Field and The Ridge, noting The Back Forty are racer pits for vehicles. She stated they try and keep campers away from neighbors to minimize impact. Chair Larson-Vito commented ERX has been before the Planning Commission several times and asked about Ms. Goodin’s comments tonight that the operation of this business is tenuous, and did she interpret this correctly. Ms. Goodin stated the operation of this business is volatile. She stated it is a hobby for Chris and Todd and they enjoy bringing great resources and people to the community. However, losing money is not fun anymore and she has been tasked with helping the business break even during the next few years. There being no one else to speak, Chair Larson-Vito closed the public hearing. Commissioner Booth stated he was in support of Condition 6 giving ERX another hour until midnight. He stated he lives close to the facility and noted while the concerts are loud, they are not held continuously and had no objection to this request. Commissioner Rydberg stated this is a unique property and venue with a unique use and felt trying to fit this use into a shoebox is impossible. He stated he did not think it was a big deal ERX was asking for an additional hour of operation. He felt like ERX was working with the neighbors to minimize complaints. He stated ERX will have a big cost when they have to make their ingress/egress changes. He is in favor of allowing their requests to make their business a success because it brings a lot of money and people to this town. Commissioner Beise asked how many noise complaints the city receives. Ms. Goodin stated five large events a year – 3 of the five they get noise complaint emails afterwards. Mr. Leeseberg stated the past two winters they have received snowmobile proximity complaints, and generally the city receives 2-4 complaints per year. He stated the city has worked with the applicant on minimizing complaints. Chair Larson-Vito asked if extending the hours will allow for more than the five concerts per year. Ms. Goodin stated it would allow for additional concerts, but ERX does not plan for more concerts. Mr. Leeseberg clarified that ERX is asking for all events, not just concerts, be extended and concerts can occur at any time.