08-24-2020 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION DRAFT 7 program would be handled. Councilmember Stoesz remarked that the section on special 261 events seems very loose and Ms. Cotton stated that staff would always tie the “public 262 purpose” requirement to utilizing funds for a special event. Councilmember Lyden 263 remarked that his health provider provides a discount to insurance costs when employees 264 participate in certain wellness and work events. 265 266 The policy changes will be brought forward for formal council approval. 267 8. Chain of Lakes Rotary Special Event – City Administrator Cotton reviewed 268 information contained in the staff report, including the Rotary’s permit requests to allow a 269 special event, the activities that would be included in the special event, and the existence 270 of a state Executive Order that impacts gatherings. Kevin Fitzpatrick of the Chain of 271 Lakes Rotary was present. Ms. Cotton explained that the event information was sent to 272 state officials who have responded that it would be prohibited under the current orders. 273 The current Executive Order is in place until July 13th and staff doesn’t know what will 274 happen when that expires. Staff is not able to recommend approval of the request with 275 the information as it exists. 276 277 Mr. Fitzpatrick, Chain of Lakes Rotary Club, noted the charitable work of the Rotary. 278 He explained the Rotary’s reason for bringing forward this request, including some 279 opinions on the safety of being outside and how age impacts the virus. He noted that the 280 Executive Order prohibiting this event is set to expire on July 13th and it’s unlikely to 281 remain in place after that. He feels that the community is wanting events such as this. 282 283 Mayor Rafferty noted that he’s concerned that there are signs posted in the community 284 advertising the event and that puts the cart before the horse so to speak. Unfortunately 285 no one can really know what will happen when the current Executive Order expires. Also 286 the plans call for the use of City property and would include many events that would have 287 been associated with Blue Heron Days, the city festival which has been called off for this 288 year. 289 290 The council discussed the relation of current orders, legal challenges and enforcement and 291 asked about the Rotary’s plans for protection, etc. It was noted that one permission, the 292 liquor license request, comes from the state and its unknown how that would be received. 293 294 Public Safety Director suggested that there are more questions than answers at this point. 295 He noted the precautions that are being taken by the Public Safety Department to keep 296 buildings and personnel safe and he’s concerned about how to maintain safety with the 297 help of his department required for this event. He has fully supported the race and has 298 participated in the past but would not do so this year. He does not recommend moving 299 forward but the department would provide services if the council approves the event. 300 When asked if he would change his recommendation if the current order is lifted on July 301 13th, Chief Swenson said the information he’s obtained indicates it’s unlikely to change 302 after the 13th. 303 304