5.1. PCSR 05-09-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Kevin D. Reiners Kyleen R. Reiners 9630 213th Avenue NW Elk River, MN. 55330 March 21, 2006 To Whom It May Concern: Dear Sir or Madam: We are requesting a conditional use permit, which allows us to keep and maintain up to 15 horses on our 10 acre property which is located at 9630 213th Avenue NW, Elk River. We are also looking to build an indoor riding arena, which is within city guidelines for maximum of 8000 sq.ft. in attached/detached accessory buildings- our total with the new building would be 7200 sq. ft. The property currently has a 30'x40' pole building and we are looking at building an additional 60'x100' pole building as an indoor riding arena (please see appendix A). We have a manure management plan which will meet county and state requirements (please see appendix B). My wife and I currently provide private riding lessons to several children, including several handicapped children in accordance with the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA). My wife Kyleen and I have dedicated a large portion of our lives to children and children with disabilities. My wife as a care provider for children with disabilities and I as a Police Officer and DARE officer in Central Minnesota. My wife and I have been working with several physically challenged children in the Andover and Elk River area. We have discussed in length with numerous people who have children that would qualify under NARHA guidelines and would greatly benefit from therapeutic riding. We have received commitments from several of these families to utilize the services that we will be providing. My wife and I are firm believers in the 4-H program and the wonderful things it brings to the community; in addition to therapeutic riding, our stable will be used for various 4-H equestrian programs, classes and training. We have three children; all of them participate and are very interested in our horses and these programs. They area 16 year old daughter, a 12 year old son, and a 6 year old daughter. They are all willing to participate and assist in any way possible with these programs; in fact my oldest daughter is interested in becoming certified by NARHA to instruct these children. At the present time there are only four certified NARHA stables in the Minneapolis-St. Paul region that provide therapeutic riding for these children. Hoofbeats and Heartbeat's program in Otsego is consistently full and has an extensive waiting list, which shows the great need for additional programs of this type. Hoofbeats and Heartbeats was opened by Linda and Greg Kreuser in 2001. Many past volunteers that have helped make these programs a success are past Governor Jesse Ventura and his wife Teny. They believed in the program so strongly, that they even donated Jesse's horse to the program, in addition to time and financial resources. Many local organizations believe so strongly in the programs that KARE 11 TV even setup a fundraiser to get the word out about the programs and services offered. An indoor arena will allow us to offer these services year round to children with disabilities. With Minnesota weather, an indoor riding and learning area is a requirement to provide year round services. This will allow us to start programs and not have to stop or go idle during the winter months. It is very difFcult to build muscle tone, self confidence, and independence with a large break in the middle of training; as the muscles need to be kept in use on a regular basis. The proposed size of the facility is a 60' x 100' riding arena, which will be located on the property. I am including additional background information on NARHA for your convenience and consideration. "NARHA is a membership organization that fosters safe, professional, ethical and therapeutic equine activities through education, communication, standards and research for people with and without disabilities." The North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA) promotes equine