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MINUTES REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 26, 1978 Page 2 Mayor Warkentien brought up for discussion the problem ROC-A-FELLAS in the area around Roc-A-Fellas, 1544 W. Larpenteur, as there have been complaints from surrounding businesses, of people gathering in the parking lot. Mayor Warkentien also introduced Capt. Fred Spencer, from the Ramsey County Sheriff Dept. Capt. Spencer explained they had received a report of a rumble between two schools, and they had picked the area behind the amusement center to meet. Clerk Administrator Barnes summarized the complaints that had been received in this office from residents and businesses in the area. Some of the problems involved are: hanging around in the parking lot, running through alleys, smoking in alleys and parking lot. Smoking is not allowed inside the amusement center at this time, also, some reports of drinking in the area. Shakey's Pizza complained they were shooting craps in the alley and playing poker. Also, at a businessmens luncheon, some of the area businessmen made known problems that have come up in the area after the amusement center opened, they are reluctant to stay open at night because of the groups that do hang around in the parking lot. People are refusing to come to sewing classes, etc in the area, so the businesses have been closing early. If there is some way to curtail the activities in the parking lot, it would help the situation. Clerk Administrator Barnes also noted that Mr. James Rutzick, owner of Roc-A-Fellas had come into the office and explained they had retained an off-duty policeman to be there in the evenings. Capt. Spencer noted there has always been a problem of drinking, etc. in that parking lot and is a regularly patroled area, as there had been reports of drinking, etc. at the bowling alley on the steps. When they leave the parking area they do go through alleys and across lots in the area. Mayor Warkentien invited the owner and manager of Roc-A-Fells to speak before council if they cared to, not in defense of any accusations, but to relate to council their feelings in the matter. Mr. Rutzick informed council the measures they have taken to try and correct the problems. Mr. Rutzick noted that before they were open, while they were decorating and painting, there were groups of kids back in the lot then and they were told by Mr. Rutzick that after they opened, they would not be allowed back there. They considered setting an age limit, to see if that would help, for example, after 7:00 p. m. 17 years and up only, or consider a smoking area, as this is part of the problem. There has not been a problem inside, just outside the building.