HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-05-2022 Workshop MeetingCITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS
City Council Workshop
City Hall
2077 West Larpenteur Avenue
AGENDA
October 5, 2022
6:30 P.M.
A. CALL TO ORDER:
B. ROLL CALL: ANDREWS ___ GUSTAFSON____ LEEHY___
MEYER ___ WEHYEE___
STAFF PRESENT: LINEHAN____ SORENSEN____
C. POLICY ITEMS:
1. Upcoming City Council Vacancy
2. State Fair Town Hall Recap / Next Steps Discussion
D. ADJOURNMENT:
DISCLAIMER: City Council Workshops are held monthly as an opportunity for Council Members to
discuss policy topics in greater detail prior to a formal meeting where a public hearing may be held and/or
action may be taken. Members of the public that would like to make a comment or ask questions about an
item on the agenda for an upcoming workshop should send them to mail@falconheights.org prior to the meeting. Alternatively, time is regularly allotted for public comment during Regular City Council
Meetings (typically 2nd and 4th Wednesdays) during the Community Forum.
BLANK PAGE
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Families, Fields and Fair __________________________
Item City Council Vacancy
Description
On September 26th, Council Member Kay Andrews submitted her resignation as the
Falcon Heights City Council Member effective October 12th, 2022 due to her moving to
a senior housing facility in Roseville that date. The City Council will be anticipated to
formally accept Council Member Andrews resignation at the Wednesday, October 12th
City Council meeting.
As there is less than two-years left on the term, the City will be required to appoint a
replacement. https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/412.02
At the workshop, the City Council will discuss the vacancy replacement process,
determine how applications will be reviewed and formalize a timeline. The City may
attempt to follow past-practice for filling vacancies, including most recent examples in
2019 (Mayor Lindstrom), 2018 (Council Member Brown Thunder), and 2014 (Council
Member Gosline).
Attached is an example of past City Council vacancy applications used.
Budget
Impact
N/A
Attachment(s) • Example – Past Council Application
Action(s)
Requested
Staff recommends discussing a process, reviewing the past application used, and
discussing a timeline for replacement.
Meeting Date October 5, 2022
Agenda Item Policy C1
Attachment Example Council Application
Submitted By Jack Linehan, City Administrator
CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS
CITY COUNCIL VANACY APPLICATION
Name: ______________________________________________________________________
Address: ____________________________________________________________________
Phone: (H) __________________________ (W) ___________________________
Email address: ________________________________________________________________
How long have you been a resident of Falcon Heights? ________________________________
Educational background: ________________________________________________________
Occupation: __________________________________________________________________
Why do you wish to serve? ______________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
List any community service (inside and outside of Falcon Heights): ______________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Memberships, accomplishments, distinctions: ________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Any other relevant experience: ____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
In addition to the information above a resume may be submitted, but is not required.
Requirements for City Council Members: 1.Be at least 21 years of age at the time the term of office begins
2. Have resided in Falcon Heights for 30 days prior to the appointment3. Be an eligible voter, including the requirement that the individual be a United States citizen
Signature: ____________________________________________________ Date: __________
Please note: this application and any accompanying materials are public information.
Return completed application by Friday, August 29, 2014, 12:00 pm to: City of Falcon Heights, 2077 W Larpenteur Ave, Falcon Heights, MN 55113
BLANK PAGE
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Families, Fields and Fair __________________________
Item State Fair Town Hall Recap / Next Steps
Description
The City Council hosted a town hall on Wednesday, September 21st that was attended
by approximately 75 citizens. A mailer was sent to every Falcon Heights household to
advertise the event. Additionally, a survey was conducted and answered by 116
residents of Falcon Heights. There were many good ideas brought up in both the
survey and the town hall, and areas for future policy review were identified.
As the next step in the process, it is recommended that the City Council discuss the
town hall and how we want to proceed with reviewing and potentially changing city
policies prior to the 2023 Minnesota State Fair.
Included in the packet are the open-ended responses to our survey and the minutes
from the town hall meeting. The Council will discuss the town hall, and how to
approach the next steps.
Budget Impact N/A
Attachment(s) • Survey Data
• 9/21/22 Minutes
Action(s)
Requested
Staff recommends discussing next steps for reviewing policies and ordinances
surrounding the State Fair.
Meeting Date October 5, 2022
Agenda Item Policy C2
Attachment Survey Results, 9/21 Minutes
Submitted By Jack Linehan, City Administrator
State Fair Survey
9 / 23
Q3 Feedback regarding the State Fair.
Answered: 114 Skipped: 2
#RESPONSES DATE
1 Please consider providing residents with parking permits so we can continue to park on the
streets where State Fair-goers are prohibited. Not all of us have garage or driveway space to
park during the fair, which is especially problematic if one needs services such as plumbers,
electrician, etc. while the fair is on
9/28/2022 8:46 AM
2 No issues this year.9/25/2022 8:48 PM
3 When I moved to Falcon Heights four years ago, I assumed the city received a revenue
stream from the State Fair and I found comfort in knowing that basic services would be reliably
be funded. Now I’ve heard the city might receive nothing, despite the fairgrounds addresses
being in Falcon Heights. Don’t we have any leverage with the State Fair or U of M St. Paul
campus?
9/25/2022 9:33 AM
4 Make the north-south streets of northome no parking during the fair. It is impossible to see to
leave from alleys and people race down those streets like speedracers. Add in no sidewalks
and it is absolute chaos.
9/24/2022 1:38 PM
5 Public Safety ranks as the number one concern in a community and as a result due to the
increase of events throughout the year held on the fairgrounds the surrounding neighborhoods
are feeling the impact. Years ago very few events occurred on the fairgrounds, today - it's more
of an ALL Year Event Center that hosts many events all year long. This current year State Fair
felt very out of control in may ways public safety being the primary concern. A person could
not drive in any direction a minimum of 5 miles and not experience the increase of traffic and
24/7 congestion from 6am to midnight. There were cars parked everywhere on all sides on
every street and corner. There was no sight vision possible. The Park and Ride buses were on
all neighborhood streets and trying to navigate these small neighborhood streets around Como
Zoo and turn onto the midway which was impossible. There were pedestrians unable to cross
streets due to the increase of enormous traffic and running stop signs, helicopters overhead all
day, planes flying over the fairgrounds all day, fireworks every single night at 11pm. The
density of cars up and down every street in all directions with increased speeding the entire
area felt like a War zone and out of control.
9/23/2022 10:31 AM
6 I DO NOT WANT PARKING ON PRIVATE PROPERTY! A big part of the appeal for falcon
heights was the close proximity to the fair without the chaos of St Paul como area during the
state fair. It’ll increase traffic, crime and accidents.
9/22/2022 7:37 PM
7 It is unfortunate that there is criminal activity at the fair but law abiding citizens are not allowed
to enter with a gun even if they have a permit. We need to start thinking logically. The law
abiding citizens are coming through the gates and not carrying. the criminals are not going to
come through the gates and they will have weapons. They know that there is no one there that
can stop them and the police can't be everyway. So, allow permit carrying adults to enter the
fair with their guns if they choose and close down the midway at 10:00PM. The entire
atmosphere of the fair changes after 8:00 pm and it is not as family friendly.
9/22/2022 12:20 PM
8 We need increased patrols to cite Fairgoers who park too close to our alleys, sidewalks, and
stop signs. Fairgoers also speed through our neighborhood at will. In the past few years we
have also had pedicabs blasting music at all hours. Perhaps having permitted parking only in
the neighborhoods closest to the fair would be a good option.
9/22/2022 10:28 AM
9 I think it went well.9/22/2022 9:13 AM
10 We would love garbage cans in our area on every block. It is extremely dangerous to walk
dogs or run on streets such as Albert which do not have sidewalks.
9/21/2022 11:40 PM
11 This was the best year for keeping cars off the streets around the fairgrounds. I think that was
because the TV stations continued to emphasize how clogged the streets were. I would like to
see falcon heights recover some of the costs associated with street wear and tear and extra
police.
9/21/2022 7:23 PM
State Fair Survey
10 / 23
12 Do noise ordinances apply to both State Fair and non-Fair outdoor events at the State
Fairgrounds? There must be some way of setting loudspeakers used during these events so
(1) the decibel levels are less frenetic, and (2) the majority of the sound is directed into the
grounds, at the event participants, rather than out into the surrounding neighborhood.
9/21/2022 6:42 PM
13 We LOVE our proximity to the fair, it's close but not in our backyard. We appreciate Falcon
Heights' rules about parking, which keeps things manageable. Sometimes traffic on Larpenteur
/ Como is a challenge, but we can roll with it.
9/21/2022 6:40 PM
14 We should be allowed to bend and should be compensated by the fair economically 9/21/2022 6:34 PM
15 Burden on falcon heights 9/21/2022 6:33 PM
16 Traffic very difficult especially on saturdays. Difficult to get back into the driveway until 2pm or
so. Felt trapped.
9/21/2022 5:22 PM
17 There needs to be a traffic cop at Fairview and Larpenteur. The traffic lights aren’t working to
allow traffic to merge.
9/21/2022 4:37 PM
18 We have lived in Falcon Heights for 20+ years. We are fans of the Fair but have definitely
noticed the increase in crowds in recent years (other than 2020). We live about five blocks
east of Snelling near Roselawn, so for years we didn't really have people parking up near us,
but since the attendance swelled to over 2 million in 2019 and 1.8 million this year, fair-goers
are parking farther & farther from the fairgrounds. We're not sure if it's because the attendance
has increased so much or if there were fewer parking / park & ride options.
9/21/2022 4:24 PM
19 We would like to be able to rent out space in just our driveway using an app like Parkpoolr. We
don’t think people should be allowed to park all over the lawns, but it would benefit people
looking for parking and give us a little extra cash since we live down the street from the north
entrance. Thanks!
9/21/2022 4:13 PM
20 The sale of parking spots during the State Fair should not be prohibited for we as residents pay
house taxes each year, therefore, we should be able to use our properties in a way that is not
causing any harm to anyone only benefits. Benefits for those attending and for those who will
be selling parkings spots.
9/21/2022 3:48 PM
21 During the State fair Snelling Ave in the morning is usually lined with stop and go cars as far
as you can see for at least 1/2 mile or at times even more. As the Fair grounds fills up their
lots and the surrounding lots fill up, there are no places to park except the limitless street
parkings elsewhere. At last some people end up giving up attending the Fair due to excessive
waiting times/not finding a parking spot. The people on the West side of Snelling are the most
affected by the fair traffic during the 10 days each year, therefore, we should be given some
type of consideration for the sale of parking spots in our properties. Lastly, this will not only
benefit the residents it will also result in a shorter waiting period for those who plan to attend
the State Fair.
9/21/2022 3:32 PM
22 We should allow property owners to park cars on their lawns and/or host vendors, specifically
during the State Fair, if they choose to do so. The fair is at the end of the season, and the
grass is going to be brown soon, and covered in leaves and snow pretty soon anyway. Lawns
handle short term parking and vendor traffic perfectly fine. St Paul allows it, and the St Paul
lawns look fine. Post-fair reseeding can be used for any needed touchup areas.
9/21/2022 3:21 PM
23 We need our street to have one sided parking. Less and less people are taking buses, and
more people are parking in the neighborhoods. That brings up the next comment which is the
state fair needs to hire people to walk through the neiborhoods and pick up trash. Just putting
out garbage cans is not enough .
9/21/2022 3:18 PM
24 I would like to implement my thoughts about prohibiting the sales of parking spots at the
residential houses of Falcon Heights. We all pay house taxes every year, therefore, we should
not be penalized for using our properties to make an extra income during the 10 days of the
State Fair. For either way we are all affected by the traffic and commotion caused by the State
Fair. So why not benefit the people who are attending the fair with less waiting time and the
residents with some extra cash.
9/21/2022 3:18 PM
25 Concern about the price gouging for parking outside of the fair grounds. Violence within and
outside of the fair grounds.
9/21/2022 2:54 PM
26 Current parking policies work fine 9/21/2022 2:38 PM
State Fair Survey
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27 We've lived in our home for 22+ years. In our opinion the State Fair is not there same neighbor
it was when we moved in. The fair use to put out garbage cans on the blocks surrounding our
home during the fair. That is long gone. The amount of traffic and garbage has gotten much
worse. The parking fills up earlier than it use to and when they see that the block is full they
speed down the block to the next one. It is my understanding that the city doesn't get any tax
benefits from the fair and in recently the fair has said they wouldn't pay a fee to the city. It
seems that the fair is not being a good neighbor. I say this all as a person who likes going to
the fair. I would like the city to change the parking regulations in our neighborhood. I think to
cut down on the traffic the city should allow parking by permit only for residents on one side of
the street and no parking on the other side during the fair. I know this is done for some of the
dead end streets in our neighborhood already.
9/21/2022 11:47 AM
28 I thought the traffic was quite manageable despite all the construction on Cleveland. Nice job!9/21/2022 10:52 AM
29 1) You should issue parking permits for residents on Hoyt between Arona and Snelling. We
have no alley, and it's very hazardous trying to back out of our driveways when car and
pedestrian traffic is so heavy; our block is the busiest one on Hoyt during the fair because of
the traffic signal on Snelling. We should have permits to park on Snelling Drive, or on Iowa or
Idaho, wherever permit parking is allowed. 2) I am also concerned about the large number of
pedicabs; they are a traffic hazard, and I have seen quite a few very near misses between
cars and pedicabs; I myself have just missed getting hit while walking my dog a number of
times. Many drivers are unfamiliar with the neighborhood, and speeding, missed stop signs,
etc. occur constantly, which makes it even more dangerous. They are often very noisy, playing
loud music even late at night, and just a nuisance and a hazard. I think they should be
prohibited from driving on Hoyt during the fair; if they want to drive on Larpenteur and Snelling,
where there is another lane that can be used to pass them, that's fine. At the very least they
should be regulated and their numbers should be much more limited on Hoyt, because it's so
busy and dangerous, and they should be prohibited from playing loud music. 3) More
responsiveness to parking issues is needed; people who violate the permit parking rules
should be towed, and police should do more to keep people from stopping and waiting to pick
up passengers in these areas. The volume of these cars over the whole 12 days that are
blocking traffic, etc. is just not acceptable. 4) Trash bins; please ask the fair people to make
sure there are trash bins on every block; this year there was no trash bin on our block and I
found a lot more trash in my yard. 5) General noise; the noise level has been creeping up
every year. I recognize that the fair is going to be noisy, but sometimes the noise level from
concerts and exhibitors at the north end of the fairgrounds is just outrageously high. At one
time there was a decibel limit; perhaps this could be enforced again. 6) City staff
responsiveness to problems during the fair; there should be a city staff person (or member of
the City Council) "on call" during the fair to respond to any serious issues that come up (not
things like parking, but serious problems of crime, etc.) Contact info should be made available
to residents (maybe use a burner phone or something?)
9/21/2022 10:48 AM
30 We love the Fair and attend numerous times.9/21/2022 10:16 AM
31 No turn on red signs at Snelling and Larpenteur totally ignored. Need a police presence there.
Witnessed a car make a right turn at the same intersection in front of thru traffic from the left
turn lane.
9/21/2022 9:23 AM
32 The fair generally went well, but there are three opportunities to improve safety and overall
community benefit. 1. for the mornings of the first two days of the fair, the traffic on east-bound
Larpentuer is awful. I have lived in FH for 22 years and it is always awful. The backups on
south-bound Fairview and Cleveland lead to dangerous intersections with Larpentuer with cars
blocking the intersection. We should have a traffic control officer from 7-9am at both
intersections for the first two days of the fair. I've see accidents and problems nearly every
year. 2. The parking on Arona (and throughout the neighborhood) backs up close to the
intersections. You should have temporary signs marking how close to the intersection one can
park - and enforce by ticketing. This is dangerous as cars cannot see beyond the parked cars
into the intersection in many places. 3. We used to have more temporary trash cans on
corners. When you have hundreds of people a day parking in the neighborhood, you have a
LOT of trash to pick up. This is a small thing, but can make a difference
9/21/2022 8:24 AM
33 I LOVE the Fair and I always go to it at least once/year. BUT this year the traffic in our
neighborhood was absolutely unacceptable. So many cars were running through stop signs.
Cars were parked in a way that obscured the intersections for pedestrians. Very little visible
law enforcement in our neighborhood this year. There are some intersections (California &
9/21/2022 8:08 AM
State Fair Survey
12 / 23
Pascal for example) where it is almost impossible to see past vehicles legally parked on the
south side of the intersection on Pascal. We need some help with this!
34 We love living so close to the Fair. Without going into any more detail, that statement says it
all.
9/20/2022 9:51 PM
35 I think it would have been a little less zany this year if the roadwork had been completed.
Having Cleveland/Randolph closed was a big hassle during State Fair. But other than that, I
love the fair!
9/20/2022 9:11 PM
36 People that park near our house during the fair are always respectful. We have never had litter
left on the street, or our yard.
9/20/2022 8:32 PM
37 I have lived at this address for 21 years. I have not had many issues w/ the State Fair. Yes, it
is busy, people are parking on our streets but for the most part it has been positive with signs
posted for no parking. Trash cans on city corners in FH may be helpful, more police patrol of
neighborhood. An organized clean up of streets after the Fair could be beneficial. I think our
community could welcome visitors to the area by being visible, helping by showing a more
welcoming presence, which in turn could help improve safety and help reduce bad behavior,
parking issues, etc.
9/20/2022 3:24 PM
38 We think the State Fair is a good neighbor.9/20/2022 11:38 AM
39 Overall I don't have a problem with it. I would enjoy attending it for a day or two but it always
coincides with my busiest time of year at work, so I rarely have time.
9/19/2022 11:01 PM
40 While the local traffic has improved significantly with the addition of remote parking lots and
buses, this year people moved into street parking in our local area. Generally I avoid traveling
in our area over the 2 weeks of 'fair traffic'; otherwise significant delays.
9/19/2022 9:39 PM
41 State Fair has grown a lot over the years but the mechanisms to support it haven’t such as a
reduced number of park and rides, there doesn t seem to be much regard for the neighboring
communities. I noticed that the Community Park lot seemed to be filled with State Fair
attendees. Seems like the neighboring communities are taken for granted.
9/19/2022 9:26 PM
42 I don’t think it is fair that University of Minnesota students have to alter or rearrange their
schedule because the normal bus route is closed.
9/19/2022 6:16 PM
43 Crowds seemed better behaved this year, but saw not a lot of enforcement of parking
violations and there could have been more garbage cans in the neighborhoods for those
leaving the fair.
9/19/2022 3:14 PM
44 No complaints, overall it seems that existing policies work fine.9/19/2022 1:09 PM
45 Didn't notice any major parking, litter or other problems on our street during 2022 Minnesota
State Fair ... other than voices and car door slamming later at night as people were returning to
their cars. We are very concerned about guns and weapons being brought into the fairgrounds
and used. Please put pressure on fairground management to improve screening and
notification to fair attendees that guns and weapons are NOT permitted.
9/19/2022 8:06 AM
46 The last couple years, it has been very difficult getting in and out of my driveway. Cars are
lined up from Snelling to at least a couple blocks east on Hoyt, and movement is very slow. I
think this has something to do with narrowing down the entrance to the Fair at Hoyt down to
one lane and pedestrian crossing at the northeast corner of Hoyt and Snelling. Also, by
allowing people to cross on either side of the street, I now have even more difficulty backing
out due to foot traffic on my sidewalk. They do not stick to the sidewalk, resulting in well
trampled grass on my lawn that still has not recovered. My main point, however, is the safety
issue with pedestrians, and backed up cars not providing me right of way to get in and out of
my driveway. Having to negotiate both issues is stressful.
9/19/2022 7:23 AM
47 Yes 9/18/2022 2:36 PM
48 Neighborhood much busier this year.9/18/2022 12:19 PM
49 not enough police presence - cars sped through the neighborhood at least 40mph, not once did
we see police, although we saw one car had been ticketed for parking up to the stop sign; the
first we’ve seen in 22 years. People walked down the middle of the street, difficult to get home
from work as people didn’t move to one side of the street. Traffic laws were not obeyed from
9/18/2022 10:54 AM
State Fair Survey
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people driving through red lights and stop signs to pedestrians just walking wherever they
chose and not obeying right of ways eg jaywalking into oncoming traffic.
50 Put a paint mark on the curb that is 30 feet from intersection. The sign of no parking within 30
feet is ignored. Think about whether 30 feet is the proper distance, vs 15 or 20 feet. And then
ENFORCE the rule by towing vehicles. Too many vehicles are blocking pedestrian walkways.
9/18/2022 9:32 AM
51 Alot of money goes through the fair but our community, which bears the brunt of the increased
activity, does not get any benefit and we have a really high tax base.
9/17/2022 8:31 PM
52 The parking situation is not safe for our kids and highlights the need for sidewalks. I pretty
much keep my kids inside for the last two weeks before school starts.
9/17/2022 6:57 PM
53 Clean up after state fair is inadequate. At least a few cups, cans and masks are discarded by
attendees on our lawn. Lawn parking by our neighbors makes us worry about damage (dents)
on the car. This is the second year where there was shots fired in the fairgrounds. These are in
addition to the existing stress placed on the neighborhood (parking, traffic, noise). It made
sense 70, 80 years ago for Falcon Heights to host the fair as it was far from everything else
and not a population center. With growing population and needs of the neighborhood, are we
really the best venue to host an event where nearly two million people visit over a ten day
period?
9/17/2022 6:46 PM
54 Exelent 9/17/2022 5:53 PM
55 Exelent 9/17/2022 5:52 PM
56 We should get 10 pct of the profits so our property taxes go down.9/17/2022 4:08 PM
57 I love being close to the Fairgrounds for easy access to the events at the fairground. I think
the parking rules in our area (.5 mile out) are sufficient with one side street restrictions. I
personally don't have a problem with the idea of vendors along South Snelling by Larpenteur
maybe up to Garden. Doubt anyone would be interested in the foot traffic north of Garden. I
also don't have a problem with residents selling yard parking as long as there is an agreement
to purchase fall reseeding with some of their proceeds so the lawn looks good in the spring.
9/17/2022 3:11 PM
58 Too much unrest, not enough security. There needs to be a lot more cooperation between the
State Fair and other local agencies. A gun got into the fairgrounds, but my old military back
pack was nearly taken apart because all of the fittings and buckles on it were metal. There is
where my questions and concerns begin.
9/17/2022 2:00 PM
59 We need more than 2 parking passes, especially for those of us with more than 2 vehicles and
have a handful of friends and family who need to get back on the court(MOST PARK IN OUR
DRIVEWAY, BUT THEY NEED TO BE ABLE TO ACCESS THE CRT) Also I would suggest
making the passes a bit larger and in a bright florescent color so it is easier for the traffic
control officers to see. Also, make sure all of the officers are fully aware that the permits exist
and that they shouldn't be givEn Holders of A PASS A HARD TIME ABOUT GETTING IN AND
OUT OF THE COURT. Only happened a couple of times this year as traffic control was greatly
improved over 2021.
9/17/2022 1:55 PM
60 I think things went well this year for the most part.9/17/2022 1:52 PM
61 The traffic and parking on our street and many others is not only a hassle, but also dangerous.
People park too close to each other and too close to our driveway making it difficult to see to
back out safely into the increased traffic. Many times people even park so that part of their
vehicle blocks our driveway.
9/17/2022 8:34 AM
62 Don’t like it. Busy, crowded. We get nothing from it.9/16/2022 9:43 PM
63 Since Falcon Heights has adopted a 20 mph residential speed limit, AND since most of the fair
visitors come from areas without that speed limit, could we get speed limit signs posted
throughout the city - especially in the southern portion where most of the fair parking happens.
Then, ENFORCE that limit during the fair - especially on the North-South streets where
speeding is rampant.
9/16/2022 5:11 PM
64 What worked well: Fairgoers were respectful of property. Little to no litter. I think having trash
barrels on street corners was helpful. I noticed and appreciated an increased law enforcement
presence patrolling the neighborhood. Off topic, but I would like to see more of this year round.
I love that people are not allowed to park on lawns. It preserves the appearance and serenity of
our neighborhoods. What didn’t work so well: It’s very difficult and often dangerous to pull out
9/16/2022 5:06 PM
State Fair Survey
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of the alley onto the street because vision is blocked by parked cars. You have to creep
halfway into the street before you can see oncoming traffic. For reasons of safety, there needs
to be a discussion of solutions to this problem. In the interest of fairness, would it be possible
to alternate no parking sides of the streets from year to year? Maybe share the intrusive
burden of bumper to bumper cars in front of residents’ homes?
65 The main problem is the late fireworks, especially on work nights (Sun - Thur). I can’t imagine
anyone would decide not to go to the fair if they only had fireworks on Fri and Sat night or if
they were done by 9pm or at least 10pm. But these fireworks going off at or after 11pm really
are a problem.
9/16/2022 4:52 PM
66 Permit parking is useless in front of our house because the busy days always have non
permitted people illegally parking. They get a $50 ticket. Which is nothing compared to area
prices and they aren't towed...so that spot is taken all day.
9/16/2022 4:47 PM
67 There was too much traffic in our neighborhood especially at the beginning. I felt unsafe traffic-
wise. I had to back my car down the street where people were parked on both sides because
there wasn’t room for me to get around a garbage truck.
9/16/2022 4:18 PM
68 1. Very minimal police presence (or enforcement) of parking violations (which were rampant). 2.
No enforcement of speeding in an area with lots of kids (especially on the "cross" streets like
Albert, Pascal, etc. Perhaps intermediate stop signs should be installed (instead of the current
one every 2 blocks). 3. I noticed that trash cans are no longer provided beyond 2 blocks from
the fair, and then only on Hoyt.
9/16/2022 4:09 PM
69 Increase parking restrictions at corners, present at some but not at others or even other
directions - makes getting out of neighborhood dangerous. Include signs 8ndicating where 30'
or 20' is (I've seen some made up stakes). Offer free or reduced admission for FH residents
Prohibit fireworks after 10p - very hard on pets
9/16/2022 3:15 PM
70 I appreciate that parking is only allowed on one side of the street.9/16/2022 2:09 PM
71 Mostly a nuisance.9/16/2022 1:30 PM
72 Lots of trash left in yards/street during the fair. Maybe have trash cans available during the
fair? I have young kids running around outside, biking and playing with friends that I constantly
worry about their safety. During fair times they are not allowed to play in the street or bike
around the neighborhood. Its like I have to have them on lockdown. Any way to increase police
or combat speeding? I appreciate that there is only parking on one side of the street during the
fair.
9/16/2022 1:13 PM
73 Do not allow lawn parking or tent sales. Prohibit Snelling Avenue frontage road parking during
back to the 50’s and car craft shows.
9/16/2022 12:06 PM
74 1. The policing of our community needs to be stepped up overall. 2. Additional no parking
signs (temporary) between the permanent signs because so people just can't read and how
much could they cost? 3. What financial benefit (as in real $'s) does the city (businesses and
residents) get from the state fair? 4. Who makes the decision on towing, not towing, tickets
and what constitutes an emergency? Different answers across the board. 5. Speeding around
the neighborhoods was horrible during the fair and once again no police present which is paid
for by residents paying taxes. 6. The regulation on parking cars, selling merchandise or goods
is pretty clear on the website but for some reason, the decision to enforce these regulations
appears to not be happening. Next year all of us will be selling our baked goods (I'll personally
be baking scone, lemon olive oil coffee cake and maybe even some deliciously moist almond
cakes) and expect no enforcement.
9/15/2022 10:55 PM
75 1. We need consistent street parking for all of NE quadrant along with better No Parking
signage. 2. Increase the parking tickets to $75. They were $47 for the fair this year. 3. Tow
cars parked illegally. 4. Limit ariel marketing to 1 hour per day. 5. Why can retail stores sell
parking lot spaces and home owners can't? 6. Add $0.25 fee to each fair ticket sold and use
the money to improve our FH parks. 7. All FH residents should get a state fair ticket free for
putting up the the 12 day traffic and noise hassle. Thanks, Bruce Mielke
9/15/2022 3:34 PM
76 Is there any hard data on how the fair generates revenue for the State Fair? Is there any data
on what expenses our city incurs during the days of the fair? I think parking signage needs to
be improved. Also, make all streets in the NE quadrant no state fair parking on one side. On
some cars parked illegally, a ticket was placed under the windshield. On some cars there was
a 4 by 11 inch document with a check list, and one item was something like in violation of
9/15/2022 2:39 PM
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Falcon Heights parking regulation. Was that just a warning? How much does a parking ticket
during fair cost? What percentage does city receive? Does the fair reimburse our city for
expenses incurred during fair? Could garbage receptacles like the ones south of Hoyt be
placed on Arona and other main pedestrian routes to cars parked in FH? Could satellites be
placed in the strip mall (New House of Wong) parking lot? Who and how are ordinances
regarding the fair enforced? And what are the ordinances? Are there ordinances around selling
parking in commercial lots? If not, should there be? Could the Lions Club sell parking in our
city hall lot? Could the fair please do something to show appreciation for fair neighbors?
Preview night?
77 No qualms except for the fireworks. Don't really need to be every night especially for families
with young kids, those who work very early and pets generally hating life when they go off.
9/15/2022 11:06 AM
78 We knew when we bought our house in 1991 that there would be parking during the fair in the
neighborhoods. We have enjoyed in some ways being close to all of the action. I will say
though that there seem to be more people that view our neighborhood as a parking lot and not
a neighborhood.It has gotten busier over the years. I do understand this mentality to a degree.
I have seen however blatant disregard for parking to close to peoples driveways, parking and
blocking driveways, disregard for parking signs and speeding through the neighborhood in both
directions. There are family’s that live here and that can be dangerous. I live on a corner lot so
I do not experience some of the things that my neighbors do in the alleys. One of my thoughts
is a sign in the alleys that says residents only. It would be not easy to police but could be a
deterrent to those that want to use the alley as a bathroom. The fair invites people to have fun
but along with that fun comes individuals who don’t have regard for others property. The fair
doesn’t do anything for the residents of Falcon Heights. It would be prudent of them to pay a
portion for the patrol officers and upkeep of our city. Fair goers do leave a mark on our
neighborhood and roads. I did see a number of tickets being written for parking violations and a
car being towed. The tickets need to be significant! When parking is costing people 50.00 at
some places in St. Paul a 100 dollar ticket for a spot to park when you want to go to a concert
you have tickets for isn’t much! If you couldn’t get a spot anywhere or you had to walk three
miles to get into the fair some people are willing to pay it. In time that will send a message not
to violate parking rules. It would be great if on every news channel they would say every day to
remind people that the neighborhoods welcome fair goers but to remember it is a neighborhood
and follow parking restrictions and that ticketing will happen and it is significant. I would like to
keep it the Great Minnesota Get Together. I would look forward to Falcon Heights having a
conversation with the people that run the State Fair.
9/15/2022 8:22 AM
79 I have stopped going, did not and will not attend again. Treating people like criminals when
they want to come in makes no sense. Yes we've got a terrible problem with guns in this
country, yes there was a shooting there this year...despite all the security theater. Anyway, a
person could just toss one in over the back fence, and there are several other easy ways to
slip things in. Making the Fair a permeable fortress is worthless. Making it impermeable is
impossible.
9/14/2022 9:38 PM
80 This year the environmental load the fair put on my area was intense. Because of the reduction
in park and ride bus services, while we did not appear to hit record numbers at the fair, there
were easily record number of vehicles parking on the streets. I have lived in this area for over
20 years. I have enjoyed the fair, walked to the fair from my house, and listened to the
concerts and fireworks from the comfort of my backyard. I have grown weary of the byproduct
of the fair activity. Heavy traffic, mostly distracted drivers, and people behaving like they are at
the fair, when they are walking by people’s homes - like we are part of the entertainment. I
would very much like the fair to make some changes to how they manage their business. 1 -
put a cap on the number of tickets sold. We need to acknowledge population growth. Think s
out the number of people that live within the radius of the fair vs. the number to visit the fair!!!
Our population is too big to support this any longer. The fair will not help the surrounding
community and the impact (most recently related to the need to change policing and security
measures) keeps spreading. The fair need to manage the volume of people to be proportionate
to what they can manage themselves instead of expecting the community to manage and deal
with their overflow issues. Increase the cost of fair tickets. If they think they will lose money or
business, then when they put a cap on the number of tickets sold, they can increase the cost
of the tickets, and they will not lose any profit. 3- this event un-fairly impacts local businesses.
During the fair many surrounding businesses close during the two weeks of the fair because
doing business is impossible. Either the fair should subsidize their losses or find a way to
partner with these businesses to everyone’s benefit. The rickshaws that blare their music at
night - is a huge annoyance of mine. There is no need for them to be doing this - leave the fair
9/14/2022 3:54 PM
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at the fairgrounds - these transport vehicles by blasting their music trying to convert (and
spread) the entire area into an amusement park.
81 I have seen a lot of extra trash during the fair on the ground. It would be helpful to have extra
garbage cans in busy areas.
9/14/2022 1:52 PM
82 The police need to patrol the fence line during the fair.9/14/2022 9:57 AM
83 Love it. Sometimes the traffic gets bad, but it’s worth it to have such easy access.9/14/2022 8:31 AM
84 I attended the fair on the last day, Labor Day. I tried to visit buildings at 8, but to my surprise,
they had already closed. So then I was trying to see what food was available. Roasted corn
line was too long. Sweet Martha's Cookie Jar line was too long. I was taking a picture of that
line. A crowd of teenagers came running my direction, screaming. I hid behind the Mazda
display. I watched people staring at something around the corner. I found teens crying,
hugging, and talking to police. Nothing was mentioned in the news. About an hour later was a
shooting outside of the fairgrounds.
9/13/2022 9:32 PM
85 Nightly fireworks are disruptive.9/13/2022 9:29 PM
86 Love it! The sounds, the smells, the viditors...9/13/2022 9:27 PM
87 Traffic and parking for residents is horrendous. We can’t move our cars without permanently
losing a spot and never finding one again until midnight. visitors looking for a spot speed
though alleys and streets and endanger our children. With two people shot this year, one a
block from me, I consider moving out of this area altogether
9/13/2022 8:14 PM
88 1. The need to put a “cap” on attendance, too many people 2. They need to pay a service tax
to the City of Falcon Heights for the general headache we endure 3. More neighborhood permit
parking and let’s look again at a added tax to the State Fair Xcel Energy bill for FH
9/13/2022 7:44 PM
89 Lack of respect of our property. Trash and drinks dumped in boulevard. The topper this year
was a young couple changing their baby’s dirty diaper on the boulevard where the dogs pee.
When finished the guy reached down rolled up the diaper and then dumped it into the gutter in
front of my house!
9/13/2022 7:30 PM
90 I wish there was more parking for fair goers so that neighbors do not have to sell parking space
in their yards. It creates more congestion for our lives
9/13/2022 5:17 PM
91 Before moving to this home 8 years ago, I loved the State Fair. Now, I dread the 12 days of
“fun” due to the health and safety issues it creates. In addition to vehicles parking illegally,
driving too fast and accelerating toward stop signs as we try to leave our alleys with both
vehicle and to walk pets, we see fairgoers continuing to leave trash and broken glass (among
other items) on our sidewalks and streets and continue the general disregard for those of us
who live here (being sworn at, having people urinate on our property, etc.). At a minimum, there
should be no parking allowed on either side of the north/south streets in the Northome
neighborhood (e.g. Pascal) to allow residents to safely exit the alleys. I would prefer parking be
permit only on ALL streets in Northome - both the north/south, as well as California, Idaho and
Iowa. This would alleviate a lot of the concerns those of us have who are in such close
proximity to the north entrance on Hoyt.
9/13/2022 1:49 PM
92 I love everything about the fair but over the last years the parking has been on both sides of
streets further from the fair on the east end. This makes it impossible for 2 way traffic. We
need one side parking mostly on weekends.
9/13/2022 1:37 PM
93 More garbage cans outside.9/13/2022 1:15 PM
94 Last 2 years have had more late night noise, yelling and music in the neighborhood, fireworks
going off, too much trash and not enough trash cans.
9/13/2022 11:36 AM
95 Can we please put trash cans on the St. Paul side of Hoyt too? Most of the fair goers walk on
the St Paul side because that's the side the entrance is on. Unfortunately, most people will not
cross the street to throw out trash and instead hide it in our bushes.
9/13/2022 11:11 AM
96 It's ONLY 12 days. Glad that there is parking on only one side of the street. More policing.
Keep reminding residents that it's best if no home repairs are scheduled during the Fair.
9/13/2022 9:23 AM
97 I was there Thursday for Styx and REO. Arrived at 9:30 a.m. Everyone was welcoming and did
a great job. I felt safe.
9/13/2022 6:46 AM
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98 1. Not very many neighborhood trash cans as in the past. The surrounding yard, gutter and
boulevard yeah/litter was much worse than normal. 2. Every year the number of people who
ignore the no smoking except in designated areas has been increasing. This year the only time
our group did not see or smell people smoking was when we were in buildings.
9/12/2022 9:02 PM
99 I enjoy the fair. The biggest downside is the crims. 2 shootings? Yikes! I have gotten used to it
bu thd inability to park in front of my home during the fair due to all the extra traffic is a
bummer.
9/12/2022 3:39 PM
100 The Fair was fabulous this year! The residents of Falcon Heights should be greatly
commended for their hospitality.
9/12/2022 10:59 AM
101 Overall, it was business as usual except for the shootings.9/12/2022 8:10 AM
102 I think the city should sell temporary street parking permits during the fair. Residents can be
provided with permits for free. Under the status quo people park for free on city property.
9/12/2022 7:57 AM
103 No issues with st fair but feel bad for all the people that got tickets parking 30 feet stop sign.
Handed out chalk so we could welcome visitors but wanted to use chalk to mark 30 feet stop
sign but didn’t happen
9/10/2022 10:25 PM
104 I'd like the chance to sell when my street is crowded during the car events and during the fair 9/10/2022 1:42 PM
105 I am not in favor of allowing parking on lawns nor paid for parking in driveways. Parking
restrictions should be based primarily on safety.
9/10/2022 1:40 PM
106 Reconsider the no parking ordinance. With the reduction in buses available at park n rides, the
parking demands around the fair have increased significantly in the past two years. Our
neighbors in St Paul have been able to sell parking for decades. We will continue to have to
deal with the additional traffic and noise regardless, and one benefit we could be receiving in
exchange is the extra income. It also seems unfair that commercial properties can sell parking
when residential parking directly next to or across from them cannot. Plus if the city required
advanced licenses/registration, it would also earn revenue. At a minimum, it’s worth
considering a resident vote.
9/10/2022 12:13 PM
107 The State Fair is a great neighbor! The Fair itself is great fun, and, as long as the gates are
open, the fairgrounds offer a wonderful place to walk.
9/10/2022 1:55 AM
108 The State Fair has become too big, too noisy, too much of a burden for Falcon Heights
neighbors. Traffic is heavy and too many impatient drivers roar through the streets, honking to
warn pedestrians and other cars out of their way, and shouting down anyone—including police
—daring to point out that they are in a no-parking spot. The frequent sirens and the constant
circling plane towing its sign exactly over our house every day add to the sensory overload.
Most of the people who walk past us on their way to or from the fair are pleasant, or even
charming. But on the last two days this year I heard an unprecedented level of nastiness—the
father shouting at his crying toddler, the couple screaming in pure rage about whether they
should have left, the teens who may have just been playing to the suburban audience as they
shouted their way down the street. They seemed more on edge and our neighbors seemed to
feel it, too. The fair has outgrown the confines of its location. The Fair board should find and
build a new site, or find ways to soften the impact on neighbors. For example, curb the drive to
increase attendance, eliminate fly-overs, etc., offer discounts to FH residents, subsidize FH
services that address issues arising from the fair or that could increase residents’ satisfaction
with the fair. One positive thing Falcon Heights might do is to establish welcoming signage
throughout, tying our streets together with a sense of place. We could create signs reminding
people to notice where they’ve parked, or just wishing them a great fair visit. A graphic theme
could resemble dwellings, or humans, in the hope that visitors might feel welcomed by a
community of real people. That in turn might cause visitors to be better behaved.
9/9/2022 11:49 PM
109 -Street Parking on 1 side of the street only for all of Falcon Heights. - revisit policies about
selling parking spots. - revisit or clarify what kind of commerce is allowed on residential
property. e.g. is a lemonade/water bottle sale ok? Are baked goods ok, up to a certain limit? Is
having a CBD vendor in a trailer parked on your lawn ok?
9/9/2022 7:39 PM
110 If permits are required to park on your Street during the Fair they should be provided upon
request; and not limited to 2 per household. That is extremely low for a 12 day event that lasts
12 days. We used to be able to request as many as we might need without threats of penalty
for duplicating permits. Our streets do not all fill up and when space is available Residents
should be able to proved Permits as needed.
9/9/2022 6:26 PM
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111 Not sure if I'll be at the meeting, but this is my feedback: 1) I know its been tried before... but I
believe FH should really be able to collect taxes or some sort of financial compensation for the
10 days of the fair. The extra traffic/use of the roads (which we residents pay for the
maintenance of), the crazy drivers who hit and park on the curbs (we just finished paying for
those repairs!), the fact the kids can't walk or bike outside for 10 days because of the
traffic/congestion, etc. What can be done? Are they really like the vatican where they are
untouchable? I understand they don't pay Franchise Fees either. THere has to be something...
because they keep expanding and us, Roseville and St Paul are paying the price. 2) Parking
should be limited to 1 side of the street only for ALL streets in FH... to make it easier for
enforcement and also for us to get in/out of our neighborhoods on the busy days. My daughter
just got her permit and we were leaving to drive and on 1900 blk of Simpson it was parking
both sides and someone came booking down and we had a hard time navigating thru because
she was a new driver... not to mention dangerous for people walking or driving thru there. 3) I
see rumblings about allowing parking and vendors in our yard. Personally, I like it how it is
now... because I think it looks trashy and causes a lot of headaches... but it does seem unfair
for those on north side of Hoyt and nearby? If our city did get some compensation (#1 above)
maybe this would be less of an issue? 4) I liked that the fireworks were shorter and earlier. Not
sure if that was on purpose/plan? But it was much appreciated. 5) Could FH residents get 1
free day at the fair? Or discounted tickets we pick up from city hall? Seems minimal for the
hassle we go thru. How the fair can be "non profit" but increase ticket costs and charge
vendors tons of $$ (who pass it on to customers) is beyond me.
9/9/2022 5:11 PM
112 I have heard some folks on social media asking about being able to sell their yards for fair
parking like they do in St. Paul. While I have a large yard I am very happy Falcon Heights
does not allow people to park in yards and charge for parking. I hope the city continues to not
allow residents to charge for fair parking and park cars in their yard. I see how much damage it
does in St Paul to yards and how much additional litter is causes. I would also not enjoy the
extra commotion as I, and many Falcon Heights residents, work from home.
9/9/2022 5:00 PM
113 Keep the current policy of no vendors and no selling parking on residential lawns. Allow
businesses to sell parking
9/9/2022 4:57 PM
114 Traffic and parking in the neighborhood is out of control during the fair. Some driveways on the
street were blocked by people parking. People leave their trash on lawns and in the street near
their cars. We see people blowing through stop signs, driving too fast, etc. It is so unsafe.
9/9/2022 4:27 PM
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Q4 Do you have any other comments, questions, or concerns?
Answered: 75 Skipped: 41
#RESPONSES DATE
1 Please continue current policy of no parking on lawns 9/25/2022 8:48 PM
2 The restricted one side parking for FH homeowners during the fair is antiquated. The
attendance for the fair this year was estimated at 2million, that number does not factor in:
vendors/campers/carnies/semis/vendor employees/fair employees that move onto the grounds
Aug 1. The combination of the park and ride buses driving in and around neighborhood streets,
UPS/FedEx/Maintenance trucks, commercial vehicles, roofers, landscape trucks, Metro
disability vehicles, etc. #1: One hang tag per household should be permitted by the city to use
for FH residents to park on their street. #2: Parking restriction signs be installed in FH
restricting parking to 8am-6pm during the fair. Cars will be ticketed that do not display a hang
tag. #3: Task force be developed to work with the SF Board to partner together to create a
safer community during Fair ground events. #4: Decrease the Fireworks schedule to Thurs-Sun
only.
9/23/2022 10:31 AM
3 Yes! Can we ban the overhead banner planes? They are too persistent and too loud. The
neighborhood has enough fair noise. The planes are unacceptable.
9/22/2022 9:13 AM
4 We need more street lights… not a state fair item. Also, please no gardens in the front of
homes.
9/21/2022 11:40 PM
5 Some of the bandstand shows seem unnecessarily loud. Aim the speakers at the people
attending and you can lower the volume for the rest of us.
9/21/2022 7:23 PM
6 YAY! YAY! :)9/21/2022 6:40 PM
7 Would like to see fair compensation 9/21/2022 6:33 PM
8 I commend the Fair for implementing more screening & security after the 2019 incident right
outside the main gates on that closing day. They have also adjusted the Fair hours and
changed to family-friendly entertainment with an earlier closing time on Labor Day. So I was
disappointed that despite those changes, there were still some people who put everyone at risk
and caused chaos with their violent behavior this year. The Fair has always tried to be a safe
environment for the general public -- I'd hate to see that atmosphere taken away if it had to be
patrolled by militia-style police. I'm not sure how the perpetrators got weapons inside and what
more the Fair could do with screening at entrances. It's not just the Fair, of course, as we've
seen gun violence increase across the metro and nationwide.
9/21/2022 4:24 PM
9 It would be nice if all neighborhoods in the city were to have the same rules as far as parking.
Some neighborhoods are treated better than others.
9/21/2022 3:18 PM
10 We enjoy the State Fair each year and appreciate the secured bike parking areas. Appreciated
no parking signs on the mailbox sides of streets during the fair. Interrupted mail service
because of fair goers parking in front of mail boxes has been a problem in the past.
9/21/2022 2:54 PM
11 I appreciate all of the things that City and Fair staff have done to make enduring the Fair easier
over the 42 years I have lived here, and I hope these suggestions will be helpful. I realize that
noise, traffic congestion, etc. are inevitable, but I hope some of these small changes will help
make fair time easier for those of us who live so close. Thank you.
9/21/2022 10:48 AM
12 The fair is not doing as good a job as it once did with respect to the gates on Larpenter and
Hoyt for walkers and bicyclist. It would be neighborly if the fair posted clear signs that were
large enough to read from a distance that gave us notice of when the fairgrounds would be
closed to walkers or bikers. It would also be neighborly if the fair would routinely open the
gates on days when the fair is open to vehicular traffiic as it did in the past.
9/21/2022 10:16 AM
13 Would like to see no parking signs during the Fair on north south streets that have alleys.
Unable to safely exit alleys due to cars obstructing vision.
9/21/2022 9:23 AM
14 Overall, I love the services the city provides, but #1 above is a big deal so please take it 9/21/2022 8:24 AM
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seriously
15 How about more trash bins? There are none in the area near me (Idaho & Albert) and yet the
parking fills up here many days by 8 am. We are picking up the trash left in the street by our
house. I do think someone official needs to review the visibility at our intersections when all
these cars are parked. Also we need enforcement at the stop signs - Idaho & Arona was the
WORST this year, so many cars headed south on Arona did not stop. Someone is going to be
hit by a car.
9/21/2022 8:08 AM
16 No not really.9/20/2022 9:51 PM
17 No. I am not troubled by folks who park on my street to go to the fair or to classes at the
campus. I know this distresses some of my neighbors, but so far, all the folks who park in the
neighborhood have been pleasant and respectful of the properties.
9/20/2022 9:11 PM
18 Do not allow yard parking or vendors in Falcon Heights.9/20/2022 8:32 PM
19 I do not want to see Falcon Heights allowing people to park cars in their lawns. It is only 12
days of interruption, it was here prior to many of us purchasing our homes. Embrace it!
9/20/2022 3:24 PM
20 I used to live even closer to the fair than I do now. Even after many years of living there, I still
found the sound of the fireworks to be very alarming, even upsetting. I do not have PTSD, but
I wonder how those that do feel about putting up with that sound every evening for ten days in
a row. I write this on their behalf because, since we now live a little further from the Fair than
we used to, the noise is not so loud. I am also concerned about the heavy metals released by
fireworks, especially for people who live nearby. It seems a totally unnecessary way to release
toxins to our environment. I am not, however, a total kill-joy. I understand the awe that
fireworks inspire for many. Thus I would like to encourage the State Fair to look into some of
the alternatives to explosives that I have heard about. I believe that laser shows are one
option, as is using drones. (If they have already adopted such alternatives, great! As I said, I
haven't been paying close attention lately.)
9/19/2022 11:01 PM
21 The major complaint is the noise associated with the nightly grandstand bands and performers.
While we are a mile away, we would never need a ticket given the decibels allowed. It is hard
to imagine this level of volume is needed.
9/19/2022 9:39 PM
22 Maybe to help build better relations with the communities that surround the fair, have a preview
day.
9/19/2022 9:26 PM
23 It would be nice if the gate next to the University of Minnesota bus route was on the other side
so students don’t have to suffer, worry or rearrange their schedule because it is closed. I feel
that in a way it is taking away from the students.
9/19/2022 6:16 PM
24 Suggestion: consider a second Ramsey County Sheriff officer (or Fair police) on patrol outside
the Fairgrounds from 10 p.m. to whatever time afterwards fair attenders are returning to their
cars or other transportation.
9/19/2022 8:06 AM
25 I do like the earlier closing hours. Disappointed in the one gun incident and wondering how that
could have happened. Additionally, I had taken the A Line bus from the MNUFC game back to
Hoyt. We were packed like sardines and stuck on the Snelling bridge when a fight broke out.
Reportedly, there was a knife involved. Very scary. Any rules in terms of public bus
management? The bus couldn't stop at its normal stop at Como due to Fair traffic, and I think
that instigated unrest with some on the bus.
9/19/2022 7:23 AM
26 No 9/18/2022 2:36 PM
27 I would not support yard parking in FH.9/18/2022 12:19 PM
28 Honestly, people’s behavior is becoming worse. If we behaved half as badly in their
neighborhoods people would call the police. Since the fair is a not for profit-our tax dollars have
to cover their guests and their poor behavior and the balance needs to shift.
9/18/2022 10:54 AM
29 Parking on only one side of the street during fair must be continued. It is an important safety
measure.
9/18/2022 9:32 AM
30 Can we charge a local tax on food, services and goods sold while in our communities
boundaries?
9/17/2022 8:31 PM
31 No 9/17/2022 5:53 PM
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32 No 9/17/2022 5:52 PM
33 I don’t understand how we don’t get any of the money from the fair. It could help with our tax
burden.
9/17/2022 4:08 PM
34 The Falcon Heights city code states that no vehicle can park within five feet of a private
driveway. Yet, during the fair, that goes on all day, every day, on my street, without any
signage or enforcement. What is the point of having a city code that is not communicated to
the public and enforced? There is a safety issue to this because when vehicles are parked
right up to the edge of my driveway, it is difficult to see if any traffic is coming when I am
backing out of my driveway. On the other hand, I do not like the idea of someone getting fined
$50.00 for a parking violation they were not aware of. That is not fair and that is a lot of money.
That could really hurt someone. There should be signage, or some other form of
communication, and the fine should not be more than $25.00.
9/17/2022 3:22 PM
35 Whatever happened with the idea of the franchise fee? I want to be fair to the fair cuz I know
they had significant losses over Covid but it is true that they tax our infrastructure without
paying back into the coffers.
9/17/2022 3:11 PM
36 What is the fire code for parking on the grass now that we are part of St Paul Fire?9/17/2022 1:55 PM
37 No Not at this time Thank you 9/17/2022 1:52 PM
38 Consider no parking or parking by permit only on the south side of Crawford Avenue. Offer free
fair passes to residents for the inconvenience and hassle. We appreciate that Falcon Heights
does not allow residents to park cars in their yards and would not want that to change. Thanks
for requesting our feedback!
9/17/2022 8:34 AM
39 I appreciate being asked for input on the fair. I can’t remember this ever happening before so
thank you to whomever came up with the idea and followed through.
9/16/2022 5:06 PM
40 We should be able to park a certain number of personal (for family or friends) cars in our back
yard out of view. Even if it is on the grass for those days during the fair. If it can be done
without damaging property or interrupting traffic or neighbors, then it should be allowed.
Perhaps require an online "intention to park" form, so you know who is interested...that would
be great. We would rather stay off the streets and avoid vandalism and theft. That would also
allow permit spaces to be used by hoyt street residents that can't easily leave their residences
9/16/2022 4:47 PM
41 Please don’t let people rent out their driveways and lawns like they do in Como. That would
make it worse. Maybe have no parking on one side of the street in a larger geographic area.
9/16/2022 4:18 PM
42 The constant buzzing of planes just adds insult to injury.9/16/2022 4:09 PM
43 I do not understand the prohibition against practice driving in the fairgrounds - maybe could
have some sort of sign up to allow this for FH residents?
9/16/2022 3:15 PM
44 None. Thanks for doing this survey.9/16/2022 2:09 PM
45 I do not support the fair paying the city for any reason. To ask for financial payout is greedy.
Hosting the fair is a privilege and a small inconvenience out of a calendar year.
9/16/2022 12:06 PM
46 Many but the answer is always different depending on who you are so we will take other
measures to recieve accurate answers to questions.
9/15/2022 10:55 PM
47 Has the city ever asked the fair to add a surcharge to tickets sold at the gates that would be
given to Falcon Heights, the host city? Just 25 cents a ticket would generate some nice
revenue. This could go to park improvements. Shucks, we could even name Community Park
Fairchild (fair mascot) or even Jerry Hammer, play to his ego. Thank you for hosting a town
meeting about the State Fair. I appreciated the article on fair regulations that was in the
newsletter. Please compile an editorial calendar for the weekly newsletter and include info on
fair parking, ordinances, etc., in the newsletter before and during the fair.
9/15/2022 2:39 PM
48 Maybe consider a gun ban, metal detectors. There's NO reason for anyone to have a gun at
the State Fair. I think this most recent year proves that.
9/15/2022 11:06 AM
49 I am unable to attend the meeting as I will be out of town 9/15/2022 8:22 AM
50 The fair feels like a money making enterprise that does not care what kind of impact it has on
the surrounding community. This sends the wrong message to the community. While they may
not intend it, or they may not have any solutions that they view as equitable - this needs to be
9/14/2022 3:54 PM
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respectfully addressed and managed. This fair is at its tipping point, as evidenced by the
increase in violence. We don’t need more violence. We need more peace. The fair is NOT
doing it’s part IMO. They don’t have a plan and they will run this the way that it has always be
run, until outside communities take their own actions to address the problems we face. My
solution will be to move eventually. Because every year that I am home (and not taking a
vacation - which again, accommodates them - I am adjusting my life around this entity) there
was a point where I put up with it, but in most recent years - as much as I love this
neighborhood in the season that is not the fair - I am over this very disruptive and at times
violating event.
51 Extra traffic is a real hassle near the fairgrounds anything that can be done to not block
intersections would be appreciated. Perhaps the first few days have extra people directing
traffic.
9/14/2022 1:52 PM
52 I’m wondering what others’ concerns are. The Fair has definitely been around longer than
anyone living in FH has been alive, so if you have complaints, why did you move here?
Thanks.
9/14/2022 8:31 AM
53 No.9/13/2022 9:29 PM
54 It would be awesome if neighbors within a certain radius could buy reasonably priced "season
tickets" so we could go over every day!
9/13/2022 9:27 PM
55 We need to have the State of Mn change the legal status of the Fairgrounds from a
independent “non-profit “ to an taxable organization within FH.
9/13/2022 7:44 PM
56 I think the fair should fund a clean up in the neighborhood after the fair has ended.9/13/2022 7:30 PM
57 In addition to the concerns noted above, I do not believe we had adequate police presence
and/or enforcement of the vehicles that were illegally parked and/or driving too fast. Indeed, we
observed a lot of illegal activity in front of police and nothing was done. Or when police were
called, they just did not appear. There needs to be more resources devoted so the presence
can be greater and consistent.
9/13/2022 1:49 PM
58 Warner stallion shouldn’t be parking. Their entire lot 9/13/2022 1:15 PM
59 People seem to be more disrespectful about the neighborhood, like we are part of the fair itself.
Way too much traffic, residents have to constantly find different routes, very rude and
aggressive drivers. When the fair is on it’s not a good time to be a resident here. The boom
boxes on the rickshaws are a real annoyance, playing loud music till very late at night.
9/13/2022 11:36 AM
60 Every year there is an accident at Hoyt and Arona. I think cross-traffic does not stop signs
would eliminate these accidents. A lot of people think it's a 4-way stop.
9/13/2022 11:11 AM
61 Would like MORE policing re those who can't measure. 5' from EITHER side of a driveway. 30'
from a stop sign. 15' from a fire hydrant. NO blocking sidewalks. Speeding. Ignoring STOP
signs. Absolutely NO selling of parking spaces in Falcon Heights!
9/13/2022 9:23 AM
62 The gangs of kids fighting will keep me away. Especially with guns fired. Kids accompanied by
adults after 6 p.m. and harder to jump barbed wire fencing at least. This must be addressed so
everyone will continue to feel safe. One more bad year and lots of people will stop coming to
the Fair out of fear.
9/13/2022 6:46 AM
63 It was great to see the number of people who turned out after the last couple of years 9/12/2022 9:02 PM
64 I do NOT wish for parking in yard to be allowed in the city. I feel it takes away from the
tranquility that embodies FH…even during the fair.
9/12/2022 6:15 PM
65 Just wondering why two small sections of Iowa and Idaho have no State Fair parking at all with
barricades on Arona and the rest of us have no parking on one side of the street only. It might
also be nice to have some trash cans on street corners (not every corner) for good people to
dump their excess fair trash. We all know many people will continue to dump their trash
wherever they want.
9/12/2022 8:10 AM
66 This meeting is at a time that makes it impossible for parents with small children (like myself)
to attend. I also worry that it excludes the working poor, who may lack the schedule flexibility
needed to come to a meeting like this one. A comprehensive survey effort would likely be
more inclusive.
9/12/2022 7:57 AM
67 Any possibility of ticket discount as reparation for dealing with the increased traffic and noise?9/10/2022 1:42 PM
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68 Traffic & congestion is normal. The fair is a good neighbor. If the city feels a need for cost
sharing, I’m fine with that.
9/10/2022 1:40 PM
69 Aside from the minor noise from concerts and fireworks (which we enjoy), it's hard to tell
there's a fair going on less than half a mile away. We're content with the current parking
regulations. We would rather not see lines of cars driving up and down our streets looking for a
place to park.
9/10/2022 1:55 AM
70 When I moved here 32 years ago I loved the fair. I’d like to feel that way about it again, and I
think that could happen with creative changes on the part of the fair and the community of
Falcon Heights.
9/9/2022 11:49 PM
71 There was accident at Garden and Arona on the last weekend. What kind of patrols are
happening , especially in the evenings when drinking and driving are likely happening?
9/9/2022 7:39 PM
72 Police management is excellent during the Fair. Both vehicular and pedestrian traffic is
handled fairly and courteously. In general the Fair is an asset to our Community, and brings in
friends and family we might not see otherwise. This is another reason to keep ‘Permiting’
convenient for both the Residents and our Visitors. Good experiences lead to good feelings on
both sides and helps to reduce the inconveniences of living by the Fair.
9/9/2022 6:26 PM
73 When I moved here 20 years ago, 1st day and weekends were busy...and parking was crazy.
But my young naive self thought that was that and I learned to live with it. But since then, the
fair keeps expanding and attendance keeps rising... including crime. It has turned into 10 days
of hell. I think this year there was only 1 day where parking wasn't all down my street? (which
is pretty far from the entrance!) Anyway... people say that we live here and that we knew this
going into it when we bought our houses. But thats not true... because the fair keeps growing,
expanding, changing their park and rides and causing more parking in our neighborhoods, etc.
It has changed and its time for them to acknowledge this and give our city some compensation
for the traffic, road use, crime prevention, parking enforcement, etc. Something needs to
change!
9/9/2022 5:11 PM
74 We are not Saint Paul. I can not express how frustrating it is to see Saint Paul sell drugs on
the streets. CBD vendors.
9/9/2022 4:57 PM
75 I would love it see no parking during the State Fair. Park and ride should be the option for
getting to the fair if parking on the grounds and streets nearer to the fair is already filled.
9/9/2022 4:27 PM
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