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April 28, 1975
MSP (Johnson- Hodges) to refer the question of the garage size to the Planning
Commission and let them have a look at the ordinance to determine if in view
of current building being done in the community and metro area whether our
garage requirements are up to date and if they meet typical type developments
today.
Mayor Johnson presented the proposed ordinances to license mechanical amusement
devices and bowling alleys. Attorney Meyers read the ordinances.
Mayor Johnson explained to Mr. Hall, owner of the Mermaid, the reason the
ordinance on amusement devices and bowling alleys was being presented tonight
was to make him aware of it before he had gotten too far down the road.
5 Ayes
Attorney Meyers said the license fee for bowling alleys and amusement devises was
based comparable to nearby communities. Attorney Meyers said this ordinance covered
anyone who wanted to install a pin -ball machine.
Councilman Baumgartner inquired about section 114.09 Minors May Not Operate, and
wanted to know if this was written this way because of alcohol being served on
the premises. Councilman Hodges said he has taken Junior Leaguers to bowling
alleys, and the boys always play foosball. Will this prohibit them from playing
the machines. Administrator Achen said the survey indicated cities were more
concerned about pin -ball machines than sports games. Most cities felt pin -ball
machines attract more unsavory persons. Attorney Meyers stated as long as they
have a parent or guardian with them they can operate the machines whenever the
bar is closed.
Al Hillsdale stated pin -ball machines attract kids under 18 and that they pay
the light bill at Northtown Bowl.
Administrator Achen said other cities indicated amusement devices were profitable for
businessmen, especially in bowling alleys. Businessmen feel it would be hard to
make it through the slow season without revenue from these machines.
Attorney Meyers said Council should look at the ordinance for the devices and not
look at age groups. If Council is concerned about pin -ball with liquor, they
may want to cover this up someplace else.
Councilman Shelquist feels we have eliminated recreation centers for high school kids
the way the ordinance is now. He feels the age should be dropped to 14 or 15 year
old children and the word 'guardian' taken out except where liquor is served.
Councilman Pickar said Spring Lake Park uses the 10 o'clock curfew which is enough
in his opinion. He does feel we should not be so restrictive that nobody under
18 can use or play the machines.
Councilman Shelquist noted the ordinance did not cover pool tables other than the
mechanical type. He said under section 114.03 there is no explanation of what
is to be investigated by the police department.
Attorney Meyers said the police department usually checks the criminal and driving
records of persons applying for a license.
Councilman Shelquist referred to section 114.10, subdivision 2, where it says the
second such conviction shall automatically revoke the license under which the
establishment is operating. He questioned whether that means the liquor license
or just the amusement device license.