07-08-2008 PC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Planning Commission Minutes JUIy s, Zoos Page 4 event, the same as the county has held; an additional event of similar size, plus two or three smaller events. Commissioner Anderson asked if there would be overnight parking or camping. Mr. Carlson explained that there may be some overnight parking of campers/trailers for the 2-day events, with participants arriving on Friday and staying until Sunday. He stated that 95 percent of the out of town participants will stay in local hotels, and that a very small percentage have self-contained trailers with sleeping quarters. He noted that camping will not be the focus and they would discourage it. Commissioner Anderson asked if lighting or security has been considered for weekend events. He expressed concern that concerts or late-night events could be a potential issue. Mr. Carlson stated that they have no intention of holding late night events, since this would require lighting. He noted that the gravel pit would provide a buffer around the site to reduce the noise level, which would be much more than the county site offers. Chair Westgaard noted that winter daylight hours would dictate the hours of operation. Commissioner Scott stated that even though the use is much different that the gravel mining, it still needs to be considered. Chair Westgaard stated that he was in favor of staff working with the applicant on the stacking issue. Commissioner Anderson stated that it appears stacking will work for vehicles coming into an event, but questioned how it would work when they leave the site. He did not feel it would be a problem in the winter, but they still need to consider the amount of traffic on Highway 169. Mr. Barnhart stated that is the reason staff is recommending a traffic distribution plan. Chair Westgaard asked how many participants they expect for the events. NIr. Carlson stated that typical participation is 200 riders. He explained that there are usually 2 - 3 riders per trailer, for a total of 75 - 100 trailers. He stated that there are perhaps ahalf--dozen larger trailers, and the rest are pickups and trailers. He did not feel there would be a stacking issue with vehicles leaving an event. Mr. Carlson stated that he has attended races all over the United States and has seen no mass exodus of vehicles, since the racers usually complete their races, and leave. Commissioner Westberg questioned what would happen if the use continued for 15 years. Mr. Barnhart stated that at the end of the five years, the applicants would need to re-apply and the use would be re-evaluated. He noted that it would likely not be in the property owner's best interest to continue the use, if the property became more valuable for another type of use. Commissioner Anderson stated that he would be more comfortable if you overnight public parking were allowed. Mr. Carlson stated that most participants are from out of town and racers tend to like to come early and park their trailers. Commissioner Anderson stated that his concern was public safety. Mr. Carlson stated that there are some families that may bring a motor home. He stated that all the events he has attended have allowed this, as well as for Sherburne County events, and have had no problems. Commissioner Anderson stated he would not like it to become an issue in the future. Mr. Plaisted stated he would be willing t work with Chief Beahen if security becomes an issue. Chair Westgaard asked if there was a separation between the race trailer parking and the spectator parking. Mr. Plaisted stated that the southern parking would be for fans and the middle area for the trailers. He stated that would be no overnight parking in the public parking area. Mr. Barnhart suggested that the applicant notify the Police Department or city Council before an overnight event. Commissioner Anderson stated he felt there may be more of an issue in the summer than in the winter. Mr. Plaisted stated that the summer