McHENRY – Monday’s City Council meeting may draw some heated debate when officials review a proposal to allow a gun range on Elm Street because of its proximity to a school.

Bertram Irslinger, who currently operates a licensed firearms business at 409 Front St., is seeking the council’s approval of a use variance to open a shooting range for the general public in conjunction with a sporting goods retail store at 3705 W. Elm St.

“When completed, the building will be the state of the art for sound insulation, air handling, environmental impact and safety,” Irslinger wrote in a letter to the council as part of the request process. “It is my intent to create a sporting retail center and a range to host regional, state and national events and competitions.”