HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Packets - 2026/05/04CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION AGENDA
MOUNDS VIEW CITY HALL
Monday, May 4, 2026
6:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL: Lindstrom, Gunn, Meehlhause, Clark, Smith
Council Work Sessions are informal gatherings of the council at which no final
decisions are made, rather consensus discussion to direct Staff on council
decision items.
AGENDA ITEMS DISCUSSED BY CONSENSUS
1.Rosen Method Bodywork – Therapeutic Massage License Discussion
Proposed Location – 2704 Mounds View Blvd.
2.Minnesota Flag Discussion – Council Member Smith
3. Rental of Council Chambers – Discussion Nyle Zikmund
PUBLIC COMMENT
Citizens may speak to issues not on tonight’s agenda. Before speaking, please
give your name and address for the minutes. Also, please limit your comments to
three minutes. As a reminder, public comment is for addressing the
Council only. Comments or concerns regarding Staff must be submitted in writing
to the Mayor or City Administrator. Failure to respect these guidelines will result in
me asking you to cease commenting and asking you to return to your seat. That
said, is there anyone here for public comment?
NEXT COUNCIL WORK SESSION: Monday, June 1, 2026 at 6:00 pm
NEXT COUNCIL MEETING: Monday, May 11, 2026 at 6:00 pm
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From:Sathe, Joseph L.
To:Barb Collins; Riggs, Scott J.
Cc:Short, Jean M.; Nyle Zikmund; Kari Tholkes
Subject:RE: PLEASE READ
Date:Tuesday, April 14, 2026 6:08:03 PM
Attachments:image001.png
image002.png
Hi Barb:
Based on the information Mr. Wragg provided on Rosen Method Body Work, there is not a
crystal clear answer, but I think it could be reasonable to determine that Rosen Method Body
Work meets the definition of “massage” under the ordinance.
The city code definition of massage includes “[t]he rubbing, stroking, kneading, tapping or
rolling of the body of another person with the hands for the purpose of physical fitness, health
care referral, relaxation and for no other purpose.”
Based on the information provided by Mr. Wragg and a quick internet search, Rosen Method
Body Work appears to involve the practitioner placing their hands on another person to identify
areas of tension combined with the practitioner speaking to the other person. It appears that
the practitioner’s hands are not static and there is some movement while on the other person
but there does not appear to be manipulation of muscles. Whether the touch involved in the
Rosen Body Work constitutes “massage” under the City Code is not explicitly clear, but
because the definition of massage is broad and includes “stroking” and “tapping” and not just
intrusive muscle manipulation (e.g., “kneading”), I think it would be reasonable to determine
that it falls into the definition of “massage” and would require a license.
It is hard to describe so I would encourage you to look up videos on Youtube to see for yourself
as well.
I also reviewed the exemptions in City Code, section 114.004 and do not think any apply.
The threshold of when any “touch” becomes “massage” is not a bright line, so staff could also
reasonably interpret Rosen Method Body Work to be allowed a not meeting the definition of
“massage”. Given the heightened level on interest that comes with massage and massage
therapy, my recommendation would be to give the council the opportunity to weigh in on
whether to amend the city code to explicitly roll Rosen Method Body Work into the massage
therapy regulations or exempt it from licensure. Unfortunately, that does not help Mr. Wragg
given his lease timing considerations.
One other thing to consider is whether staff think that Mr. Wragg’s training could meet the
definition of “recognized school”. There is some leeway in that definition, but it would mean
that Mr. Wragg is conceding that, under the ordinance, Rosen Method Body Work is
“massage”. Again, my recommendation would be to have council explicitly include Rosen
Item 01
Method Body Work if this is the approach you want to take.
Let me know if there is anything else that you need from me.
Best,
Joe
Joseph L. Sathe
Attorney | Direct: 612.337.9255
Kennedy & Graven, Chartered
150 South Fifth Street, Suite 700
Minneapolis, MN 55402-1299
www.kennedy-graven.com
Dear Barb,
I am writing to ask if Mounds View requires a license for me to run a business (sole
proprietorship) practising Rosen Method bodywork. I would like to rent an office space I've
looked at on Mounds View Boulevard (Co Hwy 10), in which I would practice with clients as
an intern for about a year (the internship entails 350 bodywork sessions, 25 of them supervised
by a teacher) and then continue into certified professional practice in Rosen Method bodywork.
Rosen Method bodywork is *not* massage, according to the Rosen Method community in
which I am training. Practicing with clients as an intern over the next year will complete my
certification as a Rosen Method Bodywork Practitioner by the Rosen Method Open Center,
which in turn is certified by the Rosen Institute which governs the standards and ethics of
practicing Rosen Method bodywork worldwide. The Rosen Institute's Ethical Principles, Scope
of Practice, and Code of Professional Conduct, page 8, states that "Rosen Method Bodywork
and Movement are unique and stand alone. Rosen Method is specific in its application and
does not include any other healthcare modalities such as massage, psychotherapy, physical
therapy, trauma recovery disciplines, and so on." Unlike massage
(which manipulates the body through touch), "Rosen Method bodywork uses touch and talking
to enhance self-awareness in clients. Rosen Method touch is non-manipulative, non-
demanding, and listening."
However, the landlord of the office I'd like to rent cautioned me that cities vary in how they
define massage, and because Rosen Method bodywork involves touch, some cities might
consider it to fall under massage ordinances (even though, as above, the Rosen Method
community does not consider this massage). So, I need clarification on how Mounds View sees
this to inform whether I can proceed with renting this space and starting this business here
(which is the community I've lived in for 6 years - so I hope I can).
I have read the Mounds View Therapeutic Massage ordinance
(https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/moundsviewmn/latest/moundsview_mn/0-0-0-4094). I
do not interpret Rosen Method bodywork as meeting the definition of Massage in this
ordinance (Sec. 114.002 - Definitions. Massage.), which states that massage involves various
manipulations of the body ("rubbing, stroking, kneading, ...", etc.) "with the purpose of
physical fitness, health care referral, relaxation and for no other purpose." In contrast, as
quoted above, "Rosen Method touch is non-manipulative..." and has the goal "to enhance self-
awareness". But the city might interpret it differently - hence this email. Does the city of
Mounds View agree (that Rosen Method bodywork is not massage and thus does not
require a therapist or enterprise license from the city), or does the city see it differently?
It's worth adding that because this modality (Rosen Method bodywork) is not massage, the
school in which I'm training (Rosen Method Open Center) and the body governing the
profession (Rosen Institute) are not affiliated with any state or federal therapeutic massage
accreditation bodies, so the school I'm training in would not be a "Recognized School" for
massage therapy in terms of the ordinance. Accordingly, even once I complete the internship
and am certified as a Rosen Method Bodywork practitioner, I will not be eligible for a
massage therapy license. This points again to how Rosen Method is different from massage.
Thus, if the city of Mounds View deems that Rosen Method bodywork falls under the
therapeutic massage ordinance (and thus requires a therapeutic massage license), I would
not be able to start my business in Mounds View -- I'd have to find office space in another
city instead.
Please may I have your guidance on whether I need a license to practise Rosen Method
bodywork in Mounds View? If it's easier to talk on the phone, I'd be glad to receive a call at
651 315 2693. (I've tried to lay out my thinking & relevant background above, but I often find
it's easier to understand each other with a phone call, especially if any of the above seems
unclear.)
Well wishes, Peter
--
Peter Wragg
Cell: 651 315 2693
Home: 2568 Moundsview Dr, Mounds View, MN 55112
Rosen Method bodywork student - pdwragg@gmail.com
Lecturer, Department of Forest Resources, University of Minnesota
THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE
§ 114.001 FINDINGS.
It is found and determined that:
(A)Persons who have recognized and standardized training in therapeutic massage, health and
hygiene provide a legitimate and necessary service to the general public;
(B)Health and sanitation regulations governing therapeutic massage enterprises and massage
therapists will minimize the risk of the spread of communicable diseases and promote health and
sanitation;
(C)License qualifications for therapeutic massage enterprises and massage therapists will
minimize the risk that the businesses and persons may facilitate prostitution and other criminal activity
in the city; and
(D)Massage services provided by persons without recognized and standardized training in
massage can endanger citizens by facilitating the spread of communicable diseases, by exposing
citizens to unhealthy and unsanitary conditions and by increasing the risk of personal injury.
(Prior Code, § 514.01)
§ 114.002 DEFINITIONS.
For the purpose of this subchapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly
indicates or requires a different meaning.
CLEAN. The absence of dirt, grease, rubbish, garbage and other offensive, unsightly or extraneous
matter.
IN GOOD REPAIR. Free of corrosion, breaks, cracks, chips, pitting, excessive wear and tear, leaks,
obstructions and similar defects.
IN THE CITY. Physical presence as well as telephone referrals such as phone-a-massage
operations in which the business premises, although not physically located within the city, serves as a
point of assignment of employees who respond to requests for services in the city.
MASSAGE. The rubbing, stroking, kneading, tapping or rolling of the body of another person with
the hands for the purpose of physical fitness, health care referral, relaxation and for no other purpose.
OPERATE. To own, manage or conduct, or to have control, charge or custody over.
RECOGNIZED SCHOOL. Any school or institution of learning which has for its purpose the teaching
of the theory, method, profession or work of a massage therapist that requires a resident course of
study that requires not less than 70 hours before the student is issued a diploma or certificate of
graduation. If the school or institution is located in the United States, it must have current membership
in good standing in the American Massage and Therapy Association or other recognized professional
massage organization. If the school or learning institution is located outside of the United States, the
applicant must provide the city with decipherable documentation that shows that he or she attended a
school or learning institution that is equivalent to attending a school or learning institution in the United
States in both its course of study and diploma or graduation requirements. Schools offering a
correspondence course not requiring actual physical attendance of class shall not be deemed a
RECOGNIZED SCHOOL.
THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE ENTERPRISE. A place of business providing massage services to the
public for consideration: the term does not include a hospital, sanitarium, rest home, nursing home,
Mounds View City Code Item 01
boarding home or other institution for the hospitalization or care of other human beings duly licensed
under the provisions of M.S. §§ 144.50 through 144.69, as they may be amended from time to time.
THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE THERAPIST. A person who practices or administers massage to the
public for consideration.
(Prior Code, § 514.02) (Ord. 817, passed 04-02-2009)
§ 114.003 LICENSE REQUIRED.
(A) Therapeutic massage enterprise. It is unlawful to operate, offer, engage in or carry on massage
services in the city without a therapeutic massage enterprise license.
(B) Therapeutic massage therapist license. It is unlawful to practice, administer or provide massage
services in the city without a therapeutic massage therapist license.
(Prior Code, § 514.03) Penalty, see § 114.999
§ 114.004 EXEMPTIONS.
A therapeutic massage enterprise license or therapeutic massage therapist license is not required
for the following persons and places:
(A) Persons licensed by the state to practice medicine, surgery, osteopathy, chiropractic, physical
therapy or podiatry; provided that, the massage is administered in the regular course of the medical
treatment not provided as part of a separate and distinct massage business;
(B) Persons licensed by the state as beauty culturists or barbers; provided, the persons do not hold
themselves out as giving massage treatments and provided that massage by beauty culturists is
limited to the head, hand, neck and feet and the massage by barbers is limited to the head and neck;
(C) Persons working solely under the direction and control of a person duly licensed by the state to
practice medicine, surgery, osteopathy, chiropractic, physical therapy or podiatry;
(D) Places licensed or operating as a hospital, nursing home, hospice, sanitarium or group home
established for hospitalization or medical care; and
(E) Athletic coaches, directors and trainers employed by public or private schools.
(Prior Code, § 514.04)
§ 114.005 GENERAL RULE.
The owner or operator of a licensed therapeutic massage enterprise may employ only licensed
therapeutic massage therapists to provide massage services. The owner or operator of a licensed
therapeutic massage enterprise need not be licensed as a therapeutic massage therapist unless that
owner or operator personally provides massage services.
(Prior Code, § 514.05)
§ 114.006 LICENSE APPLICATION.
(A) Therapeutic massage enterprise. The application for a therapeutic massage enterprise license
must contain the following information:
(1) For all applicants:
(a) Whether the applicant is an individual, corporation, partnership or other form of
organization;
(b) The legal description of the premises to be licensed together with a plan of the area
showing dimensions, location of buildings, street access and parking facilities;
(c) The floor number, street number and rooms where the massage services are to be
conducted;
(d) Whether all real estate and personal property taxes that are due and payable for the
premises to be licensed have been paid and, if not, the years and amounts that are unpaid;
(e) If the application is for premises either planned or under construction or undergoing
substantial alteration, the application must be accompanied by preliminary plans showing the design
of the proposed premises; if the plans for design are on file with the Building Inspector, no plans need
be submitted;
(f) The name and street address of the business if it is to be conducted under a designation,
name or style other than the name of the applicant, and a certified copy of the certificate required by
M.S. § 333.02, as it may be amended from time to time;
(g) Written consent of property owner, if applicant is not the property owner; and
(h) Other information that the City Council may require.
(2) For applicants who are individuals:
(a) The name and date of birth of the applicant and the applicant’s residence address;
(b) If the applicant has ever used or been known by a name other than the applicant’s name
and, if so, the name or names and information concerning the dates and places where used;
(c) Residence addresses of the applicant during five years preceding the date of application;
(d) The type, name and location of every business or occupation the applicant has been
engaged in during the preceding five years;
(e) Names and addresses of the applicant’s employers for the preceding five years;
(f) If the applicant has ever been convicted of a felony, crime or violation of an ordinance other
than a minor traffic offense; if so, the applicant must furnish information as to the time, place and
offense involved in the convictions; and
(g) If the applicant has ever been engaged in the operation of massage services; if so, the
applicant must furnish information as to the name, place and length of time of the involvement in the
activity.
(3) For applicants that are partnerships:
(a) The names and addresses of general and limited partners and the information concerning
each general partner described in division (A)(2) above;
(b) The managing partners must be designated, and the interest of each general and limited
partner in the business must be disclosed; and
(c) A true copy of the partnership agreement must be submitted with the application, and if the
partnership is required to file a certificate as to a trade name under M.S. § 333.02, as it may be
amended from time to time, a certified copy of that certificate must be submitted. The license if issued
will be in the name of the partnership.
(4) For applicants that are corporations:
(a) The name of the organization, and if incorporated, the state of incorporation;
(b) A true copy of the certificate of incorporation, and, if a foreign corporation, a certificate of
authority as described in M.S. § 303.02, as it may be amended from time to time;
(c) The name of the general manager, corporate officers, proprietor and other person in charge
of the premises to be licensed, and the information about those persons described in division (A)(2)
above;
(d) A list of the persons who own or have a controlling interest in the corporation or organization
or who are officers of the corporation or organization, together with their addresses and the
information regarding the persons described in division (A)(2) above.
(B) Therapeutic massage therapist. An application for a therapeutic massage therapist license must
contain the following information:
(1) The applicant’s name and address;
(2) The applicant’s current employer;
(3) The applicant’s employers for the previous five years, including employer ’s name, address
and dates of employment;
(4) The applicant’s residence address for the previous five years;
(5) The applicant’s Social Security number, date of birth, home telephone number, weight, height,
color of eyes and color of hair;
(6) If the applicant has ever been convicted of a felony, crime or violation of an ordinance other
than a minor traffic offense and, if so, the time, place and offense involved in the convictions;
(7) If the applicant has ever used or been known by a name other than the applicant’s name and,
if so, the name or names and information concerning dates and places where used;
(8) Evidence that the applicant:
(a) Has legal work status in the United States;
(b) Has a diploma or certificate of graduation from a recognized school;
(c) Has current insurance coverage with liability limits of at least $1,000,000 for professional
liability in the practice of massage;
(d) Is affiliated with, employed by or owns a therapeutic massage enterprise licensed by the
city;
(e) In addition to the 70 hours of resident study, applicant must complete at least 400 hours of
certified therapeutic massage training as part of earning a diploma or certificate from a recognized
school; and
(f) Has at least one year of experience practicing massage therapy as established by an
affidavit.
(9) Other information that the City Council may require.
(Prior Code, § 514.06) (Ord. 870, passed 04-19-2012; Ord. 817, passed 04-02-2009) Penalty, see §
114.999
§ 114.007 APPLICATION AND INVESTIGATION FEES.
The fees for a massage enterprise and therapist licenses are set forth per the city’s approved fee
schedule. An investigation fee will be charged for therapeutic massage enterprise licenses. An
application for either license must be accompanied by payment in full of the required license and
investigation fees, if applicable.
(Prior Code, § 514.07)
§ 114.008 APPLICATION VERIFICATION AND CONSIDERATION.
(A) Therapeutic massage enterprise license. The City Administrator must verify the information
supplied on the license application and investigate the background, including the criminal background,
of the applicant to assure compliance with this section. Within 90 days of receipt of a complete
application and fee for a therapeutic massage enterprise license, the City Administrator must make a
written recommendation to the City Council as to issuance or non-issuance of the license. The City
Council may order additional investigation if it deems it necessary, but must grant or deny the
application within 120 days of receipt by the City Administrator of the complete application and
required fees.
(B) Therapeutic massage therapist license. Within 90 days of receipt of a complete application and
fee for a therapeutic massage therapist license, the City Administrator must grant or deny the
application. Notice will be sent to the applicant upon a denial informing the applicant of the right to
appeal to the City Council within 20 days. If an appeal is properly made, the matter will be placed on
the next available City Council agenda.
(Prior Code, § 514.08) (Ord. 844, passed 05-20-2010)
§ 114.009 PERSONS INELIGIBLE TO HOLD LICENSE.
(A) Therapeutic massage enterprise license. A therapeutic massage enterprise license may not be
issued to or held by an individual who:
(1) Is a minor;
(2) Has been convicted of any crime directly related to the occupation licensed as set forth in
M.S. § 364.03, subd. 2, as it may be amended from time to time, and who has not shown competent
evidence of sufficient rehabilitation and present fitness to perform the duties and responsibilities of a
licensee as prescribed by M.S. § 364.03, subd. 3, as it may be amended from time to time;
(3) Is not of good moral character or repute;
(4) Is not the real party in interest of the enterprise; and/or
(5) Has misrepresented or falsified information on the license application.
(B) Therapeutic massage therapist license. A therapeutic massage therapist license may not be
issued to or held by a person who could not qualify for a therapeutic massage enterprise license or
who is not:
(1) Affiliated with;
(2) Employed by; or
(3) Does not hold, a therapeutic massage enterprise license.
(Prior Code, § 514.09) (Ord. 817, passed 04-02-2009)
§ 114.010 LOCATIONS INELIGIBLE FOR THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE ENTERPRISE LICENSE.
(A) General. A therapeutic massage enterprise may not be licensed if the enterprise is located on
property on which taxes, assessments or other financial claims to the state, county, school district or
city are due and delinquent. In the event a suit has been commenced under M.S. §§ 278.01 through
278.13, as they may be amended from time to time, questioning the amount or validity of taxes, the
City Council may on application waive strict compliance with this provision; no waiver may be granted,
however, for taxes or any portion thereof, which remain unpaid for a period exceeding one year after
becoming due.
(B) Zoning compliance. A therapeutic massage enterprise may not be licensed if the location of
such enterprise is not in conformance with Ch. 160 of this code of ordinances.
(Prior Code, § 514.10) (Ord. 870, passed 05-19-2012) Penalty, see § 114.999
§ 114.011 GENERAL LICENSE RESTRICTIONS.
(A) Posting. A therapeutic massage enterprise license issued must be posted in a conspicuous
place on the premises for which it is used. A person licensed as a therapeutic massage therapist must
have in possession a copy of the license when therapeutic massage services are being rendered.
(B) Area. A therapeutic massage enterprise license is effective only for the compact and contiguous
space specified in the approved license application. If the licensed premises are enlarged, altered or
extended, the licensee must inform the City Administrator. A licensed therapeutic massage therapist
may perform on-site massage at a business, public gathering, private home or other site not on the
therapeutic massage enterprise premises.
(C) Transfer. The license issued is for the person or the premises named on the approved license
application. Transfer of a license from place to place or from person to person is not permitted.
(D) Coverings. The therapist must require that the person who is receiving the massage will at all
times have that person’s breasts, buttocks, anus and genitals covered with non-transparent material or
clothing. A therapist performing massage must have the therapist’s breasts, buttocks, anus and
genitals covered with a non-transparent material or clothing.
(E) Prohibited massage. A therapist may not intentionally massage or offer to massage the penis,
scrotum, mons veneris, vulva or vaginal area of a person.
(Prior Code, § 514.11) (Ord. 844, passed 05-20-2010) Penalty, see § 114.999
§ 114.012 SANITATION AND HEALTH.
(A) A therapeutic massage enterprise must be equipped with adequate and conveniently located
toilet rooms for the accommodation of its employees and patrons. The toilet room must be well
ventilated by natural or mechanical methods and be enclosed with a door. The toilet room must be
kept clean and in good repair and be fully and adequately illuminated.
(B) A therapeutic massage enterprise must provide single-service disposal paper or clean linens to
cover the table, chair, furniture or area on which the patron receives the massage. If the table, chair or
furniture on which a patron receives the massage is made of material impervious to moisture, the
table, chair or furniture must be sanitized after each massage.
(C) The therapeutic massage therapist must wash the therapist’s hands and arms with water and
soap, anti-bacterial scrubs, alcohol or other disinfectants prior to and following each massage service
performed.
(D) Massage tables, chairs or furniture on which the patron receives the massage must have
surfaces that can be readily disinfected after each massage.
(E) Rooms in a therapeutic massage enterprise must be fully and adequately illuminated.
(F) A therapeutic massage enterprise must have a janitor ’s closet that provides for the storage of
cleaning supplies.
(G) Therapeutic massage enterprises must provide adequate refuse receptacles that must be
emptied as required by this code.
(H) Therapeutic massage enterprises must be maintained in good repair and sanitary condition.
(I) Therapeutic massage enterprises must comply with the requirements of the state’s Indoor Clean
Air Act, being M.S. §§ 144.411 et seq., as amended from time to time.
(J) A therapeutic massage enterprise must take reasonable steps to prevent the spread of
infections and communicable diseases on the licensed premises.
(K) Massage therapists must wear clean clothing when performing massage services.
(Prior Code, § 514.12) Penalty, see § 114.999
§ 114.013 LICENSE TERM; RENEWALS.
(A) Licenses expire annually on December 31.
(B) The license fee will be prorated in 30-day increments for licenses issued after June 30.
(C) The City Administrator must prepare an application form for the renewal of a license requiring
information that he or she determines necessary for consideration of the renewal.
(D) The renewal application must be made no later than November 30.
(Prior Code, § 514.13) (Ord. 817, passed 04-02-2009; Ord. 844, passed 05-20-2010)
§ 114.014 SUSPENSION; REVOCATION.
A license granted under this subchapter may be suspended or revoked by the City Council by
resolution upon notice and public hearing for any violation of this subchapter, a conviction of any crime
directly related to the therapeutic massage occupation unless competent evidence can be shown of
sufficient rehabilitation and present fitness to perform the duties of the occupation as set forth in M.S.
§ 364.03, as it may be amended from time to time, or any fraud, misrepresentations or incorrect
statement in the license application or in the course of operating or conducting business.
(Prior Code, § 514.14) (Ord. 817, passed 04-02-2009)
§ 114.015 TEMPORARY THERAPIST LICENSE.
(A) The City Administrator may issue a temporary therapeutic massage therapist license as
provided in this section.
(B) A temporary massage therapist license may be issued to a person who:
(1) Is qualified to hold a massage therapist license under this section; and
(2) Has completed the required application and paid the license fee at least seven days prior to
the effective date of the license.
(C) A temporary license is effective for four consecutive days. A person may not be issued more
than three temporary licenses in any period of 360 consecutive days.
(D) All other provisions of this subchapter apply to temporary licenses.
(Prior Code, § 514.15) (Ord. 844, passed 05-20-2010)
§ 114.016 HOURS OF OPERATION.
A licensed therapeutic massage enterprise may not operate for business between the hours of 9:00
p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
(Prior Code, § 514.16) Penalty, see § 114.999