HomeMy WebLinkAbout03.25.2002 (2)• •
COUNCIL WORK SESSION
March 25, 2002
4:45 p.m.
Council Chambers
Mayor Rooff called the meeting to order at 5:02 p.m.
Members present: Mayor Rooff, Berry, Welper, Greenwood, Clark, Jordan, Hurley, Getty.
Moved by Jordan, seconded by Clark that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Ayes: Seven.
Motion carried.
Dennis Halverson from Warrior Paintball reviewed his request to change the location of the
paintball operations from Airline Highway to McElroy Auditorium. This would be a permanent
change of location though intended for one time use at the present, with an annual renewal.
Warrior Paintball would like to host an indoor tournament at McElroy Auditorium on December
14, 2002 as part of a state circuit. Warrior Paintball will provide $1 million liability insurance
through a local company. They will install 20 feet of paintball approved stopper safety netting
around the entire arena. All participants will be required to sign a waiver in accordance with
insurance, participants under the age of 18 would be required to have a waiver signed by a
parent, adequate staff would be provided to enforce all safety and gaming control measures, and
no alcohol would be allowed before, during or after events. Mr. Halverson stated that the event
would bring 200 players and their families to the city.
Mr. Halverson reported that vendors from other areas will be at the tournament. Last year the
tournament drew participants from Illinois, Missouri and other states. The tournament will be
limited to 50 four man teams. Mr. Halverson stated that McElroy Auditorium is a good location
because it is heated and has dirt floors. Mr. Halverson stated that initially Paintball Warriors was
looking at holding just the event on December 14, 2002, but would like the variance approved for
year round use.
Councilperson Jordan stated that he is opposed to the request. Councilperson Jordan stated that
on Saturday night he received a call from the Police Department that someone was shooting
paintballs at the Johnson Street apartments. Councilperson Jordan stated he is concerned if the
council says okay to approved organized paintball. Councilperson Jordan stated that people
don't understand paintball, and he fears they will shoot them at other things. Mr. Halverson
responded that he agrees individuals who vandalize property should receive the maximum
penalty. Andrew Lusson from Warrior Paintballs stated that serious paintball players do not
condone that sort of activity which gives a black eye to the sport. Mr. Lusson stated anyone can
go to Wal-Mart and buy a paintball marker and do whatever they want with it.
Councilperson Berry questioned why we would approve this request when the city ordinance
prohibits the discharge of firearms with the city.
Moved by Hurley, seconded by Clark that the request from Warrior Paintball for a variance to the
city ordinance to allow a paintball operation at McElroy Auditorium be placed on the council
agenda of April 1, 2002. Ayes: Five. Nays: Jordan, Berry. Motion carried.
With no further business before the council, it was moved by Getty, seconded by Clark that the
meeting be adjourned at 5:15 p.m. Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Nancy Eckert
City Clerk