2017-04 Conditional Use Permit Tattoo or Body Piercing Parlor 528 and 530 N Water Street

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Excerpts from Plan Commission Meeting of January 5, 2017 continued: Mr. Newton asked if the permit, if granted, remained with the owner or with the property. Ms. Stickle stated that it would remain with the property owner. Mr. Jesse Blunt, representative, was sworn in by Mrs. Poland. Mr. Blunt stated that he has been operating as a solo proprietor for the last two years and operated as an artist for five years prior. He stated that he strives to operate with the utmost integrity and sees himself as an artist who works with skin. He said he was saddened that some might see this type of facility as something less than that. Chairman Livingston asked if it was his plan to expand his record store and add a space for coffee. Mr. Blunt said that the front of the building has space for retail and that he intends to treat the facility as more of a private studio setting and less of a walk in space. He indicated that he has ideas for people looking for art and other partnerships. Mr. Livingston asked about the size of Mr. Blunt's space and Mr. Blunt indicated that the tattoo space probably was about 800 square feet. Mr. Livingston asked if there was anyone present to speak in opposition. Mr. Michael Warner was sworn in by Mrs. Poland. Mr. Warner indicated that he was executive director and CEO of Youth Advocate, a child welfare agency working with abused and neglected children. He indicated that he is in opposition because he doesn't think it's the right place for the tattoo parlor. He indicated that it's between a funeral home and a child welfare agency and that he thinks there is probably a more appropriate space given the number of spaces that are available around the city. Mr. Warner indicated that his agency has 16 programs, 30 staff and probably work with 1,500 children each year. He stated that there are a number of children and staff coming into the building and that he considers the agency a professional office with a lot of people coming into the building, primarily children and families. Mr. Warner stated that it is his understanding that a conditional use permit is in place to protect other properties and not reduce their property values. He stated that Youth Advocate owns their building and has been leasing space to the United Way. With the United Way moving out they are expanding some of their services into that space. Mr. Warner stated that they are committed to the area and the building, having been there since 2002 and want to stay there. He didn't think that moving the tattoo parlor to another space would create a hardship for the parlor. It was moved and seconded (Smith/Newton) to forward Calendar No. 17-01 to the City Council with a recommendation for approval. Motion carried unanimously.