3.a August 4, 2009 minutes draft August 4, 2009
The Scandia Planning Commission held their regular monthly meeting on the above date. The
following were in attendance: Chaii wan Chris Ness, Commissioners Tom Krinke, Susan Rodsjo
and Peter Schwarz. Absent: Commissioner Christine Maefsky. Chairman Ness called the
meeting to order at 7:32 p.m.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA,MINUTES
Krinke, seconded by Schwarz, moved to approve the agenda as presented. The motion
passed unanimously.
Schwarz, seconded by Krinke, moved to approve the June 2, 2009 minutes as presented.
The motion passed unanimously.
DRAFT ORDINANCE REGULATING SPECIAL EVENTS
City Administrator Hurlburt presented a draft ordinance which would establish regulations for
special events, such as outdoor concerts. Staff was directed to research an outdoor events policy
following a discussion at an earlier council meeting which identified potential issues regarding a
wrestling/live music event at a local business. The Council requested an ordinance which would
take a broad approach to a wide range of outdoor events and the potential issues they pose.
Key issues for discussion were identified which would further define pertinent details of the
ordinance, such as the definition of a special event, permit fees, exceptions to the permit
requirement and restrictions on the number of special events permitted.
Commissioner Schwarz stated that defining this ordinance appears to be more complicated than
anticipated and questioned how enforcement of the ordinance would be handled. Administrator
Hurlburt answered that many event details would be provided ahead of time to ward off potential
problems regarding hours, parking, etc. The city would rely on law enforcement personnel to
respond to any issues which arise during the event. A permit fee could be established which
would be reasonably related to the cost of issuing the peinlit and monitoring the activity.
Councilmember Peterson had concerns that an events ordinance has the potential to negatively
affect local businesses. Peterson felt that the current noise ordinance can control amplified
music. Mayor Seefeldt agreed with this but stated that the city is looking to balance the rights of
businesses and the protection of neighbors' rights to enjoy their property without the negative
effects of traffic and amplified music.
Commissioner Krinke felt there was a need to issue some sort of peiiiiit so that the city was at
least aware of activities being conducted. Krinke thought that an Interim Use Pei mit is not the
way to go as this approach would be costly and time prohibitive.
Commissioner Rodsjo suggested some type of compromise such as providing a checklist to event
organizers so that they are aware of parking requirements, health and safety issues, event hours,
sign placement and other rules which the city has in place.
August 4, 2009
Scandia Planning Commission
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Councilmember Lindell recommended that ordinance language be kept light, meaning be
subjective to a large extent to address health and safety concerns. It may be possible to review
the events at a public meeting and make conditions at that time rather than by an ordinance.
Commissioner Ness suggested that a list of restrictions of what is not allowed be considered,
such as ultimate fighting.
Commissioner Schwarz asked that the issue be tabled to allow for additional thought and
research on this topic. Commissioner Ness asked that a subcommittee meet in a workshop to
further work out details and make a recommendation at a future council meeting.
The following volunteered to meet on August 12 at 3 pm to further discuss a draft outdoor events
ordinance: Council members Peterson and Amos, Commissioners Ness and Krinke, and business
owners Scot and Courtney Taylor. It was suggested that citizen-at large members of the
Retail/Commercial Business Committee be contacted for attendance at the meeting to offer
further input.
Schwarz, seconded by Rodsjo, moved to adjourn. The motion passed unanimously.
The meeting adjourned at 8:23 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Brenda Eklund
Deputy Clerk