12/13/2011 - City Council SpecialMINUTES
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2011
5:30 P.M.
EAGAN ROOM — EAGAN MUNICIPAL CENTER
City Council members present: Mayor Maguire, Councilmembers Bakken, Fields and Tilley.
Councilmember Hansen was not present.
City Staff present: City Administrator Hedges, Assistant City Administrator Miller, Director of
Administrative Services VanOverbeke, Public Works Director Colbert, Parks and Recreation
Director Seydelll Johnson, Community Development Director Hohenstein, Superintendent of
Operations Mesko, Communications Director Garrison, and City Clerk Scipioni.
I. ROLL CALL AND ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
Councilmember Tilley moved, Councilmember Bakken seconded a motion to adopt the agenda
as presented. Aye: 3 Nay: 0 (Councilmember Fields not yet present)
II. VISITORS TO BE HEARD
There were no visitors to be heard.
III. REVIEW PROCESS FOR CONSIDERING SPECIAL EVENT PERMITS
City Administrator Hedges introduced the item, noting that the City has been experiencing an
increasing number of requests for park permits to host 5K runs, charity walks and bike events.
Hedges noted that the Council directed staff in September to research regulations needed to
safely allow runs, walks, bike rides, and similar events throughout the City.
Councilmember Fields arrived at 5:40 p.m.
Parks and Recreation Director Seydell Johnson provided an overview of the research conducted
by staff, and highlighted public policy questions associated with the proposed creation of a
special events permit.
The City Council discussed the proposed special event permit criteria and fees. The Council
requested that additional clarity be provided by the City Attorney's office regarding the
definition of non - moving assemblages.
The Council directed the City Attorney's office to proceed with an ordinance amendment to
create the special event permit. The Council directed that the special event permit process be
handled administratively (by staff), with an option to appeal to the City Council.
Special City Council Minutes
December 13, 2011
Page 2
IV. 2011 EAGAN BUSINESS SURVEY RESULTS
City Administrator Hedges introduced the item, noting that the most recent business survey was
conducted this August- October, and unlike previous surveys that involved random samples and
scheduled phone interviews, the 2011 survey was conducted online, resulting in a cost savings of
approximately $17,000.
Communications Director Garrison summarized the survey findings and stated that 1,900 Eagan
businesses were invited in writing to access the web link to take the confidential survey. Garrison
noted the survey response rate was 10 %, which was stated as being a typical response rate for
online surveys. Dakota County Regional (DCR) Chamber Executive Director Ruthe Batulis
commented on the findings and thanked the City for facilitating the survey.
The City Council discussed the survey results and opportunities for further partnership with the
DCR Chamber of Commerce. The Council requested that a summary of the survey be prepared
for the public.
V. BUSINESS LICENSES AND PERMITS
City Administrator Hedges introduced the item noting that staff has undertaken a review of
existing business licenses and permit ordinances. Director of Administrative Services
VanOverbeke and City Clerk Scipioni presented a summary of the review, including: 1.) Public
policy questions /housekeeping items needed to maintain consistency between the City Code and
current practices and policies; 2.) Licenses that could be approved administratively; and, 3.)
Licensing requirements that could be discontinued, if desired by the City Council.
The City Council discussed the public policy questions associated with the business licenses and
permits. The Council directed that staff proceed with the following amendments:
• Chapter 5, Alcoholic Beverages —The Council directed staff to prepare an ordinance
amendment to authorize the City to issue Temporary Wine Festival Licenses. The
Council also directed that Section 5.13 and 5.52 be made consistent with State Statute.
• Chapter 6.3 1, Dance Halls —The Council directed staff to prepare an ordinance
amendment to change the definition of a dancehall to include only those establishments
operating exclusively as a dancehall.
• Chapter 6.32, Shows —The Council provided direction that the shows license
requirements should be changed to include only large public events; however, requested
that staff do additional research to define large, public events, as they do not want to
begin licensing ongoing theater events in the community, or school or church carnivals.
• Chapter 6.36, Solicitors —The Council directed staff to prepare an ordinance amendment
to require a vendor permit and not a transient merchant permit for transient merchants
located within City parks.
• Chapter 6.37, Garbage, Refuse and Recycling Haulers —The Council directed staff to
prepare an ordinance amendment to continue to require insurance throughout the haulers'
licensing period, but without specifying a policy expiration date.
Special City Council Minutes
December 13, 2011
Page 3
• Chapter 6.45, Pawnshop —The Council directed staff to prepare an ordinance amendment
that would grant authority to the Police Chief s designee to notify pawnshops when an
item should not be sold.
• Chapter 6.46, Paintball Sport Facility —The Council directed staff to prepare an
ordinance amendment to specify that a paintball facility license is meant for commercial
properties, not residential.
The City Council reviewed licenses that are current approved by the City Council, but could be
approved administratively (by staff). The Council directed staff to proceed with administrative
approval of the following licenses: Tobacco, Garbage and Recycling Hauler, Massage Therapy
Establishments, Pet Shops, Tree Maintenance Contractors, Motorized Golf Carts, Pigeon, and
Kennel. The Council directed that the licenses provide the right for a person to appeal to the
Board of Appeals and Adjustment (City Council) if a license is denied administratively.
The City Council reviewed licenses that were proposed to be discontinued. The Council directed
staff to prepare an ordinance amendment to remove the licensing requirements for Mechanical
Amusement Devices (but keep the regulations in Section 6.30), Stables, and Golf Driving
Ranges.
There was no other business.
VI. OTHER BUSINESS
VII. ADJOURNMENT
Councilmember Tilley moved, Councilmember Bakken seconded a motion to adjourn the
meeting at 7:15 p.m. Aye: 4 Nay: 0
Date
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Mayor
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