08-25-2021 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL AUGUST 25, 2021 ORDINANCE 855, AMEND CITY CODE CHAPTER 2204, EXCLUSION ZONES & IDITION OF CERTAIN EMPLOYMENT RELATED ACTIVITIES PI�.OII The City Clerk explained that the The City Clerk explained that in 2016, Little Canada adopted an ordinance that established exclusion zoned, which are specific land uses with a 500-foot radius around them and anyone who is required to register as a state predatory offender, cannot be within one of these zones. She noted that the ordinance also includes language prohibiting predatory offenders from being involved with community events targeted towards families and children, or work or volunteer at any schools, churches or parks. She stated that there was a lot of Council discussion on what was the right balance and radius distance, and since Little Canada was one of the first cities in the metro area to adopt this type of ordinance, the final decision was a 500-foot radius and a thought that "let's try this and see what happens." She noted that bus stops with a 500-foot radius are one of the prohibited locations, and those locations are changing at least annually, if not more as students move around. The City Clerk stated that city staff have received some inquiries about this ordinance over the few years and staff is concerned that the ordinance, and who must follow the ordinance, is too broad. She explained that in 2017, the City of West St. Paul was sued by an offender who was told they had to move from where they were living, and the judge ruled that West St. Paul's ordinance was too broad and the city had to pay a large settlement to that offender, and ultimately amended their ordinance to narrow the scope of who and what locations were included. The City Clerk stated that she has discussed this with the City Attorney, who also recommends the ordinance be amended, and suggests following West St. Paul's 2018 version of their predatory offender ordinance. introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION NO. 2021-8-98 — ADOPT ORDINANCE 855, AMENDING CITY CODE CHAPTER 2204, EXCLUSION ZONES & PROHIBITION OF CERTAIN EMPLOYMENT RELATED ACTIVITIES WITHA 750-FOOT RADIUS The foregoing resolution was duly seconded by Keis. Ayes (5). Nays (0). Resolution declared adopted. CHANGE STATUS OF RECREATION COORDINATOR POSITION The Parks & Rec/Community Services Manager explained that the Recreation Coordinator position is an important part of the Parks & Recreation Department, which also includes the City's engagement and communications efforts, such as social media, the city website and newsletter, along with the Farmer's Market. He stated that the hours for this position were increased this year to 34 hours per week, which has helped with the ability to expand programming opportunities and support the overall duties of the department. He explained that this position has turned over twice this year and staff is proposing the hours be increased to 40 hours per week and make it a full-time position in order to help take duties off the Parks & Rec/Community Services Manager's plate, 11