_Minutes_August 14, 2019 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commissioner Ritter expressed his consensus over the safety parameters and training on axe throwing and did not believe safety would be an issue. His biggest concern would be the parking; however, he does not believe it poses an issue or concern. The only thought he has would be around the particular location within this shopping center, but he had no overall concerns regarding the recreational use. Commissioner Brown echoed Commissioner Ritter's comments in regard to the safety of the proposed use. He stated that he had to organize a corporate event and he chose a different type of recreational event, but he had been sent a video on axe-throwing and thought safety was not a concern. He stated his concern was more around limiting alcohol consumption during play to help control the safety measures. He believes the application complies with the existing PMC and only inquired about the safety concern surrounding this use. He thinks the applicant has done a good job of separating the cages and being part of a professional organization. Chair Allen expressed that she does not see this use as similar to bocce ball or bowling as it is inherently dangerous and believes it is more similar to a gun range. She also expressed concern of the businesses' location and being compatible for such an activity. It is close to residents, is proposed within a shopping center where there is a service center, café, dry-cleaning, and there is an existing bar; she did not see this use being compatible in that kind of general neighborhood service business. She would be more open if this were near a major intersection on a busy street or ideally more of an industrial area not bordered by neighbors. She would have to think about its safety and may be supportive if there was a monitoring program on drinking and having a limit if this were in a different location. She said it was troubling to her and she could not make a finding that this was a compatible and supportive use that meets the City's zoning requirements. Commissioner Balch agreed that this type of recreational facility is inherently more dangerous than other recreational facilities like bocce ball and when alcohol is allowed it can become of concern. However, he expressed that the location is on one of the busiest streets within the City so he thinks the location for this project could even be proposed in the downtown area. While this type of recreational use is new to the City, he thinks the operator has demonstrated competence with their design concept, has pursued certifications and training of their staff, players are with employees at all times and are being supervised, the single lane separation is handled with mesh and is a stronger barrier than the application had initially outlined. He stated that, for all of these reasons, it helps him think the serving of alcohol could be overcome as a concern; however, he was also open to ideas to tie the resultant activities to the operator. He noted a rock-climbing wall is inherently more dangerous than bocce, so he thinks the operator has provided ways to mitigate risk sufficiently. Commissioner O'Connor echoed that he is supportive of the location for this type of activity and does not have an issue with parking. He agrees this is a more dangerous activity than other such uses but does not see the correlation to the current violence in the media. He expressed the desire to see a limitation set around alcohol consumption during the time of play, perhaps limiting consumption to two drinks per player for the duration of play. He also Planning Commission Minutes Page 7 of 9 August 14, 2019