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Home My WebLink AboutFinal Packet - CC Workshop 2.1.23CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS City Council Workshop City Hall 2077 West Larpenteur Avenue AGENDA February 1, 2023 6:30 P.M. A. CALL TO ORDER: B. ROLL CALL: GUSTAFSON____ LEEHY___ MEYER ___ WASSENBERG___ WEHYEE___ STAFF PRESENT: LINEHAN____ SORENSEN____ C. POLICY ITEMS: 1. State Fair Policies Task Force Discussion 2. THC Licensing 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 City of Falcon Heights, Minnesota __________________________ The City That Soars! Item State Fair Policies Task Force Discussion Description Following the 2022 Minnesota State Fair, the City held a town hall meeting on September 21, 2022 and allowed residents to come and share their perspectives on what works—and what doesn’t—with the current approach to the State Fair. The last major revision to City policies and procedures occurred in 2007. Since that time, additional streets have been designated as permit parking only and minor revisions have been made to the map. At the October 5, 2022 City Council Workshop meeting, the Council suggested appointing a task force after January 2023. The Council should now determine how to recruit for and appoint members to the task force and discuss the timeline for any potential changes to City policy that are made prior to the 2023 Minnesota Stata Fair. Budget Impact N/A Attachment(s) • State Fair Parking Map • Administrative Manual Section E – Guidelines During the Minnesota State Fair. • Survey Data Action(s) Requested Staff recommends discussing next steps and timeline for reviewing policies and ordinances surrounding the State Fair and determining how to recruit for and appoint members to the task force. Meeting Date February 1, 2023 Agenda Item Policy C1 Attachment(s) State Fair Parking Map Administrative Manual Section E – Guidelines During the Minnesota State Fair Survey Data Submitted By Jack Linehan, City Administrator E. GUIDELINES DURING THE MINNESOTA STATE FAIR 1. Purpose. To provide guidelines to explain in a practical, understandable way how the city codes and parking procedures are handled during the Minnesota State Fair. The guidelines are intended to simply re-state some sections of the city code that frequently come up during the State Fair. The guidelines are not intended to cover all codes and policies as they apply during the State Fair. 2. Applicability of codes. All city codes and ordinances are applicable during the Minnesota State Fair (attachment 1 identifies applicable codes). 3. Residential districts. No commercial activity is permitted in residential districts other than that permitted in the zoning code. Residential districts include both single family and multi-family dwellings. To clarify this, this includes: a. No parking on front lawns. b. No identifiable sales of parking or of State Fair parking permits. (License plates in driveways will not be checked for a local registration. However, the advertising of parking spaces for sale will be prohibited.) c. No outside sales except garage sales as permitted in the zoning code and kids' "kool-aid" stands. 4. Commercial districts. a. Businesses are permitted to sell parking spaces during the State Fair on paved surfaces designed for off-street parking. There shall be no parking on boulevards or rights of way. b. Advertising for parking sales must be on ground signs or hand-held signs. It cannot be posted on trees, poles nor in residential neighborhoods. c. No outside sales of merchandise that is not part of the adjacent business. d. No inflated balloons that are mounted above the ground or go above the roof of a structure or are located in the right-of-way. 5. State Fair posted "no parking" and "permit parking only" areas: a. The city shall post streets that may be heavily impacted from State Fair parking with no parking or permit parking only signs to eliminate hazards to public safety by protecting access by public safety vehicles. These streets and postings are included in attachment 2. b. The State Fair parking postings are enforced from the first day of the State Fair, not from the first day that they are posted. 6. Parking permits and parking bags. a. Residents of multi-family dwellings along the street sections posted for State Fair permit parking are eligible for State Fair residential permit parking during the State Fair. b. State Fair parking permits will be issued to residents in these multi-family dwellings upon request at city hall by the resident and registration of their vehicle's license number at city hall. The vehicle's license number will be posted on the State Fair parking permit. (If necessary, staff will arrange for evening or Saturday hours for residents' registration for State Fair parking permits to make it as easy as possible.) c. Regular temporary parking permits will be available for residents upon a special request for unique occasions such as family reunions, weddings, or pre-scheduled events. Temporary parking permits will not be available for residents who wish to park on the street for a non-unique occasion or who wish to have friends or family park on the street for a non-unique event. Emergency situations shall be accommodated. d. "Parking bags" will not be available for covering parking signs during the State Fair. Blocking of streets. The city will not issue wooden barricades to block streets for block parties or other events during the State Fair. Attachment 1 CITY CODES AND POLICIES RELATED TO THE GUIDELINES FOR THE STATE FAIR 1. Residential Single and multi-family: Chapter 9, Section 4.01 through 8.01 Home occupations: Chapter 9, Section 14.01, Subd. 24 2. Commercial All districts: Chapter 9, Section 9.01 through 11.01 3. Signs All districts: Chapter 9, Section 13.01 4. Parking City parking policy III.D: Administrative Manual Attachment 2 "No Parking" 1) All of Northome, water side of street 2) All of Hollywood Court, water and alley 3) St. Mary's Street, Fry Street, Maple Knoll Drive, and Garden Avenue west of Snelling on both sides 4) Water side of all streets north of Larpenteur, between Snelling and Hamline running to Roselawn (Exceptions: Sheldon, Pascal and Simpson Streets north of Ruggles Avenue; Albert Street and Holton Street will not be posted) 5) Snelling Drive north and southbound both sides of Snelling Avenue 6) Tatum Street, water side 7) Lindig Street on water side, including cul-de-sac 8) Larpenteur Avenue from Snelling to Cleveland, both sides 9) Fairview Avenue 1,300 feet north of Larpenteur on both sides. "Permit Parking Only" 1) East side of Arona from California to Crawford, except where presently posted "No Parking" 2) East Snelling drive from Idaho to alley between 1642 Snelling Drive and Pizza Hut 3) West side of Fry Street in front of the Fry apartments 4) Approximately two car lengths in front of the group home at 1746 Snelling Avenue 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 11 / 23 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 13 / 23 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 14 / 23 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 State Fair Survey 15 / 23 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 State Fair Survey 16 / 23 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 State Fair Survey 17 / 23 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 State Fair Survey 18 / 23 111 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 State Fair Survey 19 / 23 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 State Fair Survey 20 / 23 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 State Fair Survey 21 / 23 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 State Fair Survey 22 / 23 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 State Fair Survey 23 / 23 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 BLANK PAGE ITEM FOR DISCUSSION City of Falcon Heights, Minnesota __________________________ Item Amendment to Chapters 2 and 14 of the City of Falcon Heights City Code regarding the licensing of businesses selling cannabinoid products. Description The City of Falcon Heights currently has a moratorium in place for THC stores and sales. The moratorium is in place to allow the City time to review the potential effects of THC stores and to put regulations in place to mitigate any potential effects. The sale of THC only recently became allowed and as such most cities do not have regulations in place. At the December meeting of the Planning Commission, a subcommittee was formed to review the new state regulations and draft an ordinance. The subcommittee met in January and prepared the attached draft relating to the licensing of businesses selling cannabinoid products. This draft is based off the subcommittee’s recommendation to model the provisions on the City of Elk River’s ordinance as well as the City of Falcon Heights’ current requirements for the licensing of establishments selling tobacco. The Planning Commission reviewed this draft at their January meeting and voted to move forward with a recommendation to city council. Budget Impact Minimal budget impact. The proposed licensing process would include a THC license fee, which would collect revenue to cover the administrative costs of managing the program. Attachment(s) • Draft Ordinance – Concerning the Licensing of Businesses Selling Cannabinoid Products • League of Minnesota Cities FAQs on Cities and Regulation of Edible Cannabinoid Products Action(s) Requested Staff requests city council review the draft ordinance and, if no recommended changes, schedule a public hearing. Meeting Date February 1, 2023 Agenda Item C2 Attachment Draft Ordinance, LMC FAQ Submitted By Hannah Lynch, Community Development Coordinator / Planner ORDINANCE NO. 23-___ CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTERS 2 AND 14 OF THE FALCON HEIGHTS CITY CODE CONCERNING THE LICENSING OF BUSINESSES SELLING CANNABINOID PRODUCTS THE CITY COUNCIL OF FALCON HEIGHTS ORDAINS: SECTION 1. AMENDMENT. The City Code of Falcon Heights, Minnesota, Chapter 14 is hereby amended to add Article IX as follows: ARTICLE IX. – SALE OF CANNABINOID PRODUCTS; LICENSING DIVISION 1. – GENERALLY Sec. 14-___. – Purpose of article. The City Council finds the rapid introduction of cannabinoid products, including products containing THC, presents a significant potential threat to the public health, safety, and welfare of the general public and can interfere with brain development in youth and adolescents according to the U.S. Surgeon General. The City Council finds that a local regulatory system for cannabinoid product retailers is appropriate and not unduly burdensome to ensure retailers comply with the laws and business standards of the city to protect the health, safety, and welfare of our youth, visitors, and all residents. Sec. 14-___. – Definitions. The following words, terms, and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a difference meaning: Cannabinoid means chemical compound derived from the cannabis plant or synthetically derived from the cannabis plant. Cannabinoid product means any edible cannabinoid product or nonedible cannabinoid product authorized for sale in Minnesota Statute and intended for human consumption whether chewed, smoked, absorbed, dissolved, inhaled, snorted, sniffed, or ingested by any other means. HHC means the intoxicating cannabinoid hexahydrocannabinol. Intoxicating cannabinoid means any cannabinoid that when introduced into the human body impairs the central nervous system or impacts the human audio, visual, or mental processes. Intoxicating cannabinoid includes but is not limited to any THC. Licensed premises means the premises described in the approved license application. Movable place of business means a business whose physical location is not permanent or is capable of being moved or changed including, but not limited to, motorized vehicles, mobile sales kiosks, or trailers. Person means one or more natural persons; a partnership, including a limited partnership; a corporation, including a foreign, domestic, or nonprofit corporation; a trust; a political subdivision of the state; or any other business organization. Self-service merchandising means a method of displaying Cannabinoid products so that they are accessible to the public without the intervention of an application, licensee or their agents or employees. THC means the chemical compound tetrahydocannabinol whether derived naturally or synthetically from the cannabis plant. Underage person means a natural person who is under the age of 21. DIVISION 2. – LICENSE Sec. 14-___. – Required. No person shall sell or offer to sell any cannabinoid products without first having obtained a license to do so from the city. Sec. 14-___. – Licensing procedure. (a) Application. An application for a license to sell cannabinoid products shall be made on a form provided by the city. The application shall include, but is not limited to, the full name of the applicant, the applicant’s residential and business address and telephone numbers, the name of the proposed licensee, the business location for which the license is sought, and any additional information the city deems necessary. The application and investigation fees shall be paid at the time of application. (b) Action. Upon receipt of a completed application, the city administrator shall forward the application to the city council for action at its next regularly scheduled city council meeting. If the city administrator shall determine than an application is incomplete, he or she shall return the application to the applicant with notice of the information necessary to make the application complete. If the city council approves the license, a license shall be issued to the applicant. If the city council denies the application, a notice of denial shall be given to the applicant along with notice of the applicant’s right to appeal the city council’s decision. (c) Background checks. Applicants must submit to background checks as provided in chapter 2, article 7 of this code. (d) Mistake. If a license is mistakenly issued or renewed to an applicant or licensee, it shall be revoked by the city administrator or designee upon the discovery that the person, applicant, or licensee was ineligible for the license under this section. (e) Term. All licenses are issued for a period of one year. All licenses shall expire on December 31. (f) Transfers. All licenses issued under this section shall be valid only on the premises for which the license was issued and only for the person to whom the license was issued. No transfer of any license to another location or person shall be valid without the prior approval of the city council. (g) Renewals. The renewal of a license under this section shall be handled in the same manner as the original application. The request for renewal shall be made at least thirty (30) days but no more than sixty (60) days before the expiration of the current license. The issuance of a license under this article shall be considered a privilege and not an absolute right of the applicant and shall not entitle the licensee to an automatic renewal of the license. If the city council denies the application, a notice of denial shall be given to the applicant along with notice of the applicant’s right to appeal the city council’s decision. (h) Exemptions: (1) This article does not apply to medical cannabis products dispensed by a registered medical cannabis dispensary pursuant to Minn. Stat. §§ 152.22 to 152.37. Medical cannabis dispensaries that sell non-medical cannabis products which are also cannabinoid products are not exempt. (2) This article does not apply to cannabinoid products wherein the only cannabinoids present are non-intoxicating cannabinoids, such as cannabidiol (“CBD”) or cannabinol (“CBN”). State Law reference –Minn. Stats. § 152.22 to 152.37. Sec. 14-___. – Denials. (a) The following will be grounds for denying the issuance or renewal of a license: (1) The applicant or licensee is an underage person. (2) The applicant or licensee who, within five years of the license application, has been convicted of a controlled substance-related felony. (3) The applicant or licensee has had a license to sell cannabinoid products denied, suspended, or revoked within the preceding twelve (12) months of the date of application. (4) The applicant or licensee fails to provide any information required on the city license application, or provides false or misleading information. (5) The applicant or licensee has outstanding fines, penalties, or property taxes owed to the city. (6) The applicant or licensee is prohibited by state, or other local law, ordinance, or other regulation from holding a license under this article. (7) The proposed premise is a moveable place of business. (8) The proposed premise is within 500 feet of an elementary school property as measured from the property line to property line at the nearest point or from property line to the nearest point of the leased premises if the cannabinoid products shop is located in a multi-tenant facility. (9) Any taxes or utility bills for the premises for which the license will be issued are delinquent. (10) Failure to pay the yearly application fee. (11) Failure of any person to comply with any of the ordinances of the city or laws of the state, or any conditions/restrictions conditions imposed on a license. (b) The city shall have the discretion to consider denying a license upon any reasonable facts or circumstances relating to public health, safety, and welfare. DIVISION 3. – RULES AND REGULATIONS Sec. 14-___. – General requirements. (a) Prohibited sales. No person shall sell, offer for sale, give away, furnish, or otherwise deliver any cannabinoid products: (1) To any underage person. (2) By means of any type of vending machine. (3) By means of self-service merchandising. (4) Containing any chemical compound or drug that is a controlled substance under Minnesota Law. (5) That contain any amount of HHC. (6) By any means, or to any person, prohibited by state or local laws. (7) That fails to meet the labeling and/or testing requirements as established in Minnesota Statutes. (b) Sampling of cannabinoid products. Sampling of cannabinoid products on a license premises is prohibited. (c) On-site consumption. Any cannabinoid product sold may not be consumed and must remain sealed while on the licensed premises. Exemptions to this regulation include on-premise consumption of cannabinoid products at a food and beverage establishment that is licensed by the Minnesota Department of Health and licensed under this article. Food and beverage establishments selling cannabinoid products must provide such product to consumers in original packaging, complete with labeling. Such establishments must abide by all other state and county laws regarding on-premise consumption and sales, including the Minnesota Clean Indoor Air Act (Minn. Stat. §§ 144.411 to 144.417). (d) Employees. All employees selling cannabinoid products must be 18 years of age or older. All licensees under this article shall be responsible for the actions of their employees in regard to the sale of cannabinoid products, and the sale of such products by an employee shall be considered a sale by the licensee. Nothing in this section shall be construed as prohibiting the city from also subjecting the employee to whatever penalties are appropriate under this article, state law, or other applicable laws and regulations. (e) Display. Every license shall be posted and displayed in plain view of the general public on the licensed premises. (f) Signage. The licensee shall display a sign in plain view to provide public notice that selling any of these products to any person under the age of 21 is illegal and subject to penalties. The notice shall be placed in a conspicuous location in the licensed establishment and shall be readily visible to any person who is purchasing or attempting to purchase cannabinoid products. (g) Delivery. All sales of cannabinoid products must be completed on the licensed premises. Delivery by the licensee or a third party to the consumer is prohibited. (h) Testing requirements. All cannabinoid products offered for sale must comply with the testing requirements as set forth in Minnesota Statutes. (i) Labeling requirements. All cannabinoid products offered for sale must comply with the labeling requirements as set forth in Minnesota Statutes. (j) Responsibility for conduct on premises. Except as provided in this article, every licensee under this article shall be responsible for the conduct of his place of business and shall maintain conditions of sobriety and order therein. (k) Other regulations. Except as otherwise provided in this article, licenses under this article shall be governed by the requirements and procedures set for in chapter 14, article 1 of this code. Sec. 14-___. – Compliance checks and inspections. All licensed premises shall be open to inspection by authorized city officials during regular business hours. From time to time, but at least twice per year, the city shall conduct compliance checks. Such compliance checks may involve, but are not limited to, inspection of cannabinoid products offered for sale and engaging underage persons to enter the licensed premises to attempt to purchase cannabinoid products. DIVISION 4. – ENFORCEMENT AND PENALTIES Sec. 14-___. – Penalty. (a) Generally. Any violation of this article shall be grounds to revoke or suspend a license. Failure of any person to comply with any of the ordinances of the city or laws of the state, or any conditions/restrictions conditions imposed on a license, shall be grounds for suspension or revocation of a license granted under this article. The city shall have the discretion to consider suspending or revoking a license, upon any reasonable facts or circumstances relating to public health, safety, and welfare. (b) Enforcement generally. The city may seek to enforce this article through criminal prosecution, administrative penalties, and/or civil relief. Nothing in this article shall prohibit the city from seeking misdemeanor prosecution, administrative penalties, or both, and does not affect the city’s right to suspend or revoke the license of a licensee as the city council deems appropriate. No administrative penalty or license suspension or revocation may take effect until the licensee or other individual has received notice, served personally by mail, of the alleged violation and of the opportunity for a hearing regarding the violation of this article. (c) Administrative penalties. Certain administrative penalties are presumed to be appropriate and shall apply to all premises licensed under this article. The council may deviate from the presumptive penalty where the council finds there exists substantial reasons meriting deviation. When deviating from these standards, the council will provide written findings that support the penalty selected. The following are presumed penalties for violations: Type of Violation 1st Violation 2nd Violation 3rd Violation 4th Violation Sale of cannabinoid products while license is under suspension. Revocation. N/A N/A N/A Sale of cannabinoid products to underage person. $750.00 $1,000.00 and 3 days $1,500.00 and 6 days Revocation Other violations of Minnesota Statutes or this article. $250.00 $500.00 and 3 days $1,000 and 6 days Revocation *The number of days listed in the table reflect the length of time a license will be suspended. (d) Computation of violations. Any violation which occurred within two (2) years of the current violation will be counted. Number of days indicate consecutive days’ suspension. (e) Administrative penalties process. The licensee shall be responsible for the conduct of its agents or employees while on the licensed premises. Any violation of this article shall be considered an act of the licensee for purposes of imposing an administrative penalty, license suspension, or revocation. Each violation, and every day in which a violation occurs or continues, shall constitute a separate offense. No administrative penalty may take effect until the licensee or other individual has received notice, served personally by mail, of the alleged violation and of the opportunity for a hearing. (f) Alternative penalties for use of false identification; persons under age 21. Persons under 21 years of age who use or attempt to use false identification to purchase Cannabinoid products may be subject to cannabinoid-related education classes, diversion programs, community service, or other penalty that the city believes will be appropriate or effective. (g) Summary action. The city administrator or designee may undertake summary action as permitted by section 14-5. Sec. 14-___. – Severability. If any provision of this article is for any reason held to be invalid, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining provisions of this article. SECTION 2. AMENDMENT. The City Code of Falcon Heights, Minnesota, Chapter 2, Section 141 is hereby amended as follows. Additions are shown with an underline, and deletions are shown with a strikethrough. Sec. 2-140 – Applicants for city employment Purpose. The purpose and intent of this section is to establish regulations that will allow law enforcement access to Minnesota’s computerized criminal history information for specified non-criminal purposes of city employment background checks. Criminal history employment background investigations. The St. Anthony Police Department city’s contracted law enforcement agency is hereby required, as the exclusive entity within the city, to do a criminal history background investigation on the applicants for all regular part-time or full-time positions in the City of Falcon Heights and other positions that work with children, vulnerable adults or require a valid driver’s license as an essential qualification of the position. The city’s hiring authority may conclude that a background investigation is not needed. In addition to the St. Anthony Police Department city’s contracted law enforcement agency, the city is also required to access criminal data by using the services provided by the bureau of criminal apprehension and paying the associated fee for positions that work with children under the Child Protection Background Check Act (Minn. Stat. § 299C.61 and .62). In conducting the criminal history background investigation in order to screen employment applicants, the police department is authorized to access data maintained in the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension’s computerized criminal history information system in accordance with BCA policy. Any data that is accessed and acquired shall be maintained at the police department under the care and custody of the chief law enforcement official or his or her designee. A summary of the results of the computerized criminal history data may be released by the police department to the hiring authority, including the city council, the city administrator or other city staff involved in the hiring process. Before the investigation is undertaken, the applicant must authorize the police department by written consent to begin the investigation. The written consent must fully comply with the provisions of Minn. Stats. ch. 13 regarding the collection, maintenance and use of the information. Except for the positions set forth in Minn. Stats. § 364.09, the city will not reject an applicant for employment on the basis of the applicant’s prior conviction unless the crime is directly related to the position of employment sought and the conviction is for a felony, gross misdemeanor, or misdemeanor with a jail sentence. If the city rejects the applicant for employment o this basis, the city shall notify the applicant in writing of the following: (1) The grounds and reasons for the denial. (2) The applicant complaint and grievance procedure set forth in Minn. Stats. § 364.06. (3) The earliest date the applicant may reapply for employment. (4) That all competent evidence of rehabilitation will be considered upon reapplication. (Ord. No. 12-08, §§ 1, 2, 9-26-2012) Editor’s note – Ord. No. 12-08 §§ 1, 2, adopted Sept. 26, 2012, repealed § 2-140 and enacted a new § 2-140 to read as set out herein. Former § 2-140 pertained to purpose; procedures and derived from Ord. No. 06-05, § 1, adopted Dec. 13, 2006. Sec. 2-141 – Applicants for city licenses Purpose. The purpose and intent of this section is to establish regulations that will allow law enforcement access to Minnesota’s computerized criminal history information for specified non-criminal purposes of licensing background checks. Criminal history license background investigations. The St. Anthony Police Department city’s contracted law enforcement agency is hereby required, as the exclusive entity within the city, to do a criminal history background investigation on the applicants for the following licenses within the city: City Licenses: - Peddler, solicitor and transient merchant; - Massage therapist; - Owners of liquor establishments; - Owners of businesses selling THC products. In conducting the criminal history background investigation to order to screen license applicants, the police department is authorized to access data maintained in the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension’s computerized criminal history information system in accordance with BCA policy. Any data that is accessed and acquired shall be maintained at the police department under the care and custody of the chief law enforcement official or his or her designee. A summary of the results of the computerized criminal history data may be released by the police department to the licensing authority, including the city council, the city administrator or other city staff involved in the license approval process. Before the investigation is undertaken, the applicant must authorize the police department by written consent to begin the investigation. The written consent must fully comply with the provisions of Minn. Stats. Ch. 13 regarding the collection, maintenance and use of the information. Except for the positions set forth in Minn. Stats. §364.09, the city will not reject an applicant for a license on the basis of the applicant’s prior conviction unless the crime is directly related to the license sought and the conviction is for a felony, gross misdemeanor, or misdemeanor with a jail sentence. If the city rejects the applicant’s request on this basis, the city shall notify the applicant in writing of the following: (1) The grounds and reasons for the denial. (2) The applicant complaint and grievance procedure set forth in Minn. Stats. § 364.06. (3) The earliest date the applicant may reapply for the license. (4) That all competent evidence of rehabilitation will be considered upon reapplication. (Ord. No. 12-08 § 3, 9-26-2012) SECTION 3. EFFECTIVE DATE. This ordinance shall be effective upon its passage and a summary published in the official newspaper. ADOPTED this ___ day of ___________, 2023, by the City Council of the City of Falcon Heights, Minnesota. Moved By: Approved by: Randall C. Gustafson Mayor GUSTAFSON ____ In Favor Attested by: LEEHY Jack Linehan MEYER ____ Against City Administrator WEHYEE WASSENBERG BLANK PAGE