082718 P&Z Minutes
Mountain Iron Planning and Zoning Commission
August 27, 2018
Meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Chairman Steve Skogman.
Those Present: Steve Erickson, Tim Johnston, Steve Skogman, Barb Fivecoate, Margaret Soyring, and Jerry Kujala, Planning and Zoning Administrator. Absent Jim Techar.
Motion by Skogman and supported by Johnston to approve the minutes of the August 13, 2018 meeting as presented. Motion carried. Techar absent.
Zoning Administrators Report: Addressed an issue with the property owner of a fabric structure in Parkville that did not meet setbacks. Left a card at the Sawmill as the owner wasn’t in addressing the shed built without a permit. There are four new houses under construction in Mountain Iron.
Moved by Fivecoate, supported by Erickson to recess the regular meeting and open the public hearing at 6:05p.m.
The purpose of the Public Hearing is to consider a request made by Anthony Mason, for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to construct an Indoor/Outdoor Shooting Range, in accordance to MNDNR and NRA Specifications, in a zone classified as Industrial. The property is legally described as follows:
Section 9 & 10, Township 58, Range 18
Address: Mineral Avenue, Mountain Iron, MN 55768
Parcel Code: 175-0070-01091/01262/01238/01270
Public Opinions/Forum:
Ed Roskoski asked what the hours of operation were going to be. They have not been set up yet but will be 7 days a week probably from 8 a.m.to 9 p.m. M-S with Sunday hours noon or 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. Roskoski questioned the noise process and proceeded to point out on the zoning map where an Outdoor Shooting is located near the Laurentian Divide, north of Virginia and that residents on Reid Rd. and a relative of his on northside of Virginia can hear the shooting. He also stated that he can hear the shooting from the Retriever Club in Ann’s Acres.
Clayton Kujala inquired what caliber of guns will be used. Mr. Mason said 338 revolver to 50 caliber. There will be three trap stations and no skeet shooting at this time. It will be a member club with individual and family rates and no you don’t have to be an NRA member to shoot at this facility. There will be 20 foot sound barriers to deter the noise.
Ann Marie McLaughlin, who lives in downtown Mountain Iron stated that noise is the biggest issue. Wanted to know if it would be excessive when a competition is held. Mr. Mason stated that it would be no louder than cars going by. The property will be completely fenced. There will be 12-17 employees with benefits. There is no reason for the facility to affect property values.
Peggy Anderson wanted to know why Mr. Mason wanted to build it in a residential area when there is so much land in rural areas. Mr. Mason stated being close the population was one of the reasons. Mrs. Anderson stated that travel is not a problem as it was before and that people will get there if interest is there. Mr. Mason stated that there are no close trap shooting facilities and schools are looking for places to practice.
Clayton Kujala asked if hot loads could be used and Mr. Mason said no. He also asked about gun suppressors. SGT Backman was in attendance and stated that suppressors are legal in Minnesota but are expensive.
Jerry Kujala read a letter that was emailed to him from the DNR (letter is attached as part of these minutes).
Moved by Fivecoate and support by Johnston to adjourn the Public Hearing and open the Regular Planning and Zoning Meeting. Motion carried. Techar absent.
Moved by Soyring and supported by Fivecoate to recommend the City Council approve the Conditional Use Permit for the Indoor/Outdoor Shooting Range.
Discussion: Mr. Skogman stated one of the reasons this is a good location is that the utilities are available. Law Enforcement Training will be once or twice a year and some night shooting may happen then. Otherwise night shooting will be indoors. There will be training classes, a gunsmith and retail. Archery is also possibility in the future.
Amy and Tony Mason stated that they want to be good neighbors.
Motion Carried. Techar Absent.
The next meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission with be September 10 and Ordinance Review will continue.
Motion to adjourn at 7:20 by Soyring and supported by Erickson. Motion carried. Techar absent.
Respectfully Submitted by:
Margaret Soyring, Secretary
