06-24-2020 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL DUNE 24, 2020 CANADIAN DAYS FIREWORKS The City Cleric reported that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Canadian Days Committee has decided not to do most of the regular activities and are instead working on a simplified plan that would only be on Saturday, August 1. She stated that they would still like to hold the same fireworks show as has been done in the past at Spooner Park for a cost of $7,500. She explained that staff has considered that due to the number of other nearby fireworks shows that have been canceled, if Little Canada were to proceed with a firework show, it could draw a larger than usual crowd which could make it very difficult to maintain social distancing. She explained the state is currently in Phase 3 which only allows outdoor events to have up to 250 people, and there is no timeline for when the state would move to Phase 4, or what allowances would change in that phase. The City Clerk noted that another Council consideration to a fireworks show is the cost. She stated that the City now pays for the entire $7,500 cost of the fireworks, which comes from the 10% Fund which is funded from charitable gambling funds. She noted there is currently $64,000 in this account, but due to the COVID-19 closure of restaurants and bars which is where the charitable gambling occurs, that fund will receive significantly less dollars in 2020 and likely in 2021. She noted that the last day to let the fireworks company know the decision is July 17. She stated that if the Council agrees to the firework show, the 2020 Canadian Days Fireworks contract with RES Specialty Pyrotechnics, Inc. should be approved. McGraw suggested not doing the fireworks this year and putting more money towards them next year. Deis suggested holding off on a decision until after July 4 to see if any other fireworks were held and how it went. Montour asked who would cover the cost of the Ramsey County Sheriff's Department staff that would be needed. Keis noted that there also would not be any restroom facilities available. McGraw stated he has concerns about crowd management not COVID-19, and asked what would happen if the crowd became too big to handle. There was Council consensus to table the decision until the July 8 City Council meeting, and have staff find out who would cover the Sheriff's Department costs, would there be porta-potties available, and what is the Sheriff s Department opinion is on holding the fireworks. Keis introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTIONNO. 2020-6-81— TABLING THE DECISION ONHAVING FIREWORKS DURING CANADIANDAYS UNTIL THE JULY 8, 2020 CITY COUNCIL MEETING AND DIRECT STAFF TO FIND OUT MORE INFORMATION The foregoing resolution was duly seconded by Fischer. Roll Call Vote: Keis/Torlcelson/Fischer/Montour/McGraw Ayes (5). Nays (0). Resolution declared adopted.