08-13-02 Worksession
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
Special Worksession
August 13, 2002
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Kirsch at 5:39 p.m.
Members Present:
Martin Kirsch, Mayor; Susan Rosenberg (arrived at 5:47 p.m.); Gertrude
Ulrich; John Enger (arrived at 5:45 p.m.); and Sue Sandahl.
Samantha Orduno, City Manager; Jim Topitzhofer, Recreation Services
Director; Dan Scott, Public Safety Director; Bruce Palmborg, Community
Development Director; Corrine Thomson, City Attorney; and Cheryl
Krumholz, Recording Secretary.
Staff Present:
Item #1
City Manager Orduno stated discussion of Fourth of July activities tonight was at Council
Member Enger's request. She said the future of the Fourth of July activities, especially continuing the
carnival, was to be discussed.
Recreation Services Director Topitzhofer reported on a meeting with the neighborhood
immediately south of Veterans Park to discuss their thoughts and ideas about the Fourth of July
celebration.
Pat Rickert, Fourth of July Committee Chair, also reported on the meeting. He said people
are pleased overall with the events, and he thought this one assault incident should not end all
activities.
Council Member Enger arrived at 5:45 p.m.
Mr. Rickert reviewed the suggestions received as an outcome of the neighborhood meeting.
Council Member Rosenberg arrived at 5:47 p.m.
Mayor Kirsch suggested an increased enforcement regarding the use of personal fireworks in
the park.
Mr. Rickert said the carnival will not be that long again; the maximum in the future would be
four days. He said the carnival manager is agreeable to lowering the sound of the music and playing
different music. He agreed that the length of time and monitoring of activities can be improved.
Council Member Sandahl stated a resident at 66th Street and Columbus Avenue supported
the celebration, but the carnival was too long. She suggested a different option such as a button
Special Worksession Minutes
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August 13, 2002
purchase to cover admission to the street dance. She also suggested only one beer per wristband.
She suggested the City consider establishing a Celebration Committee.
Mr. Rickert said the street dance committee will be reviewing suggestions for improvement,
including security, gate control, different wristbands for those under 21 and serving procedures.
Council Member Rosenberg said she received a complaint about loud rap music at the
carnival and the committee responded quickly to have the music volume and style changed.
Mr. Rickert said feedback was received regarding not enough activities for seniors. He
explained the activities/events that met those needs.
Council Member Enger provided the following comments:
. On three separate evenings he did not find a lot of people at the carnival and that the
length of the carnival should be three days, no more than four days, with one day for set
up.
. He hoped the State will repeal the law regarding personal fireworks.
. Parking on both sides of the street should be restricted to one side to permit space for
emergency vehicles.
. Allow no dogs in the park the night of the fireworks.
. Place temporary stop signs on 66th Street for crossing safety.
. Have buttons as admission for events.
. Make a more grand celebration by including different parts of the City.
Mayor Kirsch thanked the Fourth of July Committee for their hard work.
Recreation Services Director Topitzhofer said he will provide a report to the City Council after
the committee conducts their evaluation.
Item #11
City Manager Orduno stated the Taco Morelos II, Inc. liquor license discussion was referred
by the City Council to this Worksession from the July 23 Regular City Council meeting.
Public Safety Director Scott stated the issues wishing to be discussed by the City Council
included concern regarding the illegal liquor sale to a minor in the Shakopee restaurant,
determination of good moral character of the corporate applicant, and ensuring an understanding of
the City Council resolution stating the penalties for failing a compliance check.
Council Member Sandahl stated the City Council is strongly opposed to underage drinking, so
there is a concern regarding the previous violation in Shakopee. She explained the liquor compliance
check process to ensure understanding of the seriousness of the consequence of a compliance
check failure.
Gasper Perez, Taco Morelos II, Inc. owner, said the establishment is a family restaurant, not a
bar. He explained that everyone ordering alcohol is ID'ed because he does not want another
violation to occur in any of his restaurants.
Council Member Ulrich stated she was greatly disturbed with Mr. Perez's history of offenses
with illegal firearms and liquor.
Mr. Perez apologized and stated he made a mistake.
Ms. Laura Boyd, Boyd & Associates, stated she is a consultant for establishments that sell
alcohol to provide training on local and state laws related to sales. She explained the training
process.
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Special Worksession Minutes
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August 13, 2002
Council Member Ulrich stated to issue a liquor license, she did not like judging a good moral
character, but rather judge the firearm and liquor violations. She asked the City Attorney that, if she
voted to deny the license, it meant she judged t.he applicant as having poor moral character.
City Attorney Thomson stated that if a City Council Member votes denial, the reason should
be explained. She said if a majority of the City Council determine not to issue the liquor licenses
because of past violations and the applicant's personal criminal history, that would be sufficient legal
basis for a denial. She said the history does not mandate denial of the license.
Council Member Sandahl asked if Spanish speaking employees would be trained in Spanish.
Ms. Boyd said interpretive services and written materials in Spanish are part of the training
process.
Mr. Gasper said the employees are required to speak English and Spanish.
The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at 6:30 p.m.
Date Approved: September 12, 2002
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Chery Krumholz t/
Recording Secretary