Ramsey bar owner still pushing to make his venue an event center

A Ramsey bar owner, who caused a controversy in the city last fall when he wanted to hold motocross races, demolition derbies and rodeos, is back before the City Council seeking to add more special events.

Diamond's Sports Bar and Grill owner Gary Gruber said he has tried to plan low-key events for families, such as a recent snowboarding competition for youths. But some of the bar's neighbors think he should face consequences for not seeking the city's permission to hold that event.

At the March 1 competition, Gruber erected a tent and used a public address system, which were violations of his conditional use permit. He is allowed to hold some sporting events, but snowboarding was included in the permit request that the city denied.

At last week's City Council meeting, members decided not to hold a public hearing to consider suspending or revoking Gruber's permit. Instead the council sent a letter of reprimand to remind him to stay within the guidelines of his permit.

"I didn't get a special events permit because I just assumed I didn't need one for a kids' event," Gruber said. "I was wrong in that."

But some think the city should have asked to hear from neighbors before deciding what to do.

"I don't really see how [the council] can not hold a public hearing," said Kathryn Richter, who lives near Diamond's.

The City Council will likely consider more requests from Gruber in the near future. At next week's council meeting, he is requesting permits for a bull-riding event and a tribute to American troops in the summer.

Earlier this month, Monster Auctions and Events approached the Planning Commission with a request to hold large-scale auctions, farmers' markets, flea markets, rodeos and car shows on Diamond's property. Commission members recommended that the council deny the request, but the auction company could still make its request to the council in the future.

Gruber said he is concerned that the city will prohibit him from holding lawn bowling or horseshoe events he has held for years but aren't specifically mentioned in his current permit.

"Stuff that you go to a picnic for or play at a beach is illegal in this city if you're a business owner," he said. "It's gotten ridiculous."

Council member Matt Look said the issue of events at Diamond's has been fraught with "fear factors that people are bringing."

Mayor Tom Gamec was the only council member who voted to hold a public hearing. Council members John Dehen and Sarah Strommen were absent at last week's meeting.

"This has brought up a lot of controversy in the neighborhood and the neighbors need to have a trust in the council that we're doing something," Gamec said.