CCMIN09172019 - Laserfiche WebLink

Mayor Thorne opened the public hearing. Applicant Michael Hill presented his company, Limitless Escape Games, advised he has served over 100,000 guests since founding it over three years ago and said corporate clients are a large portion of the clientele and noted the many awards his company has won. He explained his experience with throwing axes and advised that safety is the most important part of his business model. He provided a history of axe throwing and noted it gained popularity in 2016 in the United States. He presented the axe safety certification model that will be employed at the facility and clarified the lanes are fully enclosed with mesh for maximum safety. He advised all participants will require a waiver regardless of age and a responsible adult will be required to sign the waiver for patrons under 18 years of age. He also advised the accident rate is very low with the sport. Lastly, he feels there is a need in Pleasanton for this type of activity as it is a family-friendly activity. In response to Mayor Thorne's inquiry, Mr. Hill would look for a minimum age recommendation from City Council and feels that limiting alcohol sales while youth groups participate in the activity is nearly impossible to control as the booking is done anonymously. Mayor Thorne would like to see alcohol sales limited. In response to Councilmember Brown's inquiry, Mr. Hill advised that music will be played in the facility. He also supports TIPS training for his staff. Mr. Hill advised a parent or legal guardian would be required to sign the waiver for participants under the age of 18. He clarified that the minimum age of 10 encourages Boy Scout groups to participate in the activity. In response to Councilmember Narum's inquiry, Mr. Hill said that two drinks per hour helps to support sales for corporate groups and to monitor the alcohol usage of axe throwing participants. In response to Councilmember Testa's inquiry, Mr. Hill felt that limiting alcohol sales during certain times would be too restrictive for the business model. Christina Nystrom Mantha expressed her support for the Limitless Axe Lounge and encouraged City Council to pass the item. Robert Gonella, Board of Directors, Danbury Park, expressed concern for the location of the facility and alcohol use and suggested moving the location to a corporate park. The following spoken in support of the proposal and encouraged Council to approve the CUP. Steve Van Dorn, President and CEO, Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce, Ralph Martin, Angie Eaton, Brook Hill, Suzanne Luther, Wes Decker, John Atkinson, Paul Martin and Dave Caldwell. Alexander Oei expressed his support for the Limitless Axe Lounge and encouraged City Council to pass the item and to allow children to participate with a minimum age of ten. Mayor Thorne closed the public hearing. In response to Mayor Thorne's inquiry, City Manager Fialho advised that revocation of the conditional use permit could happen if the applicant did not follow the conditions of approval. He also advised that conditions of approval could be modified based on any complaints by the public. Mayor Thorne expressed support for the item based on the staff's recommendations. Councilmember Brown recommended that the conditions of approval include that all coaches be TIPS trained, that signed waivers be restricted to parents or legal guardians, that the fence height between City Council Minutes Page 4 of 7 September 17, 2019