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Regarding the scavengers provision, the draft prohibits scavenging at the curb or from <br />containers without written permission and an account relationship, and it states that ownership <br />remains with the resident until collected by a licensed hauler. If the intent is to simplify prior <br />licensing requirements, the final ordinance should clearly reflect that change and explain <br />enforcement expectations. Terms such as “account relationship” and “written permission” may <br />generate neighbor disputes unless the City clarifies what documentation is expected and how <br />complaints are evaluated. <br />Regarding the rodent definition updates, I understand the intent to close a definitional gap by <br />listing covered animals. However, the phrase “any other non-domesticated animals as may be <br />defined by the Public Nuisances Affecting Health section” functions as an open-ended <br />incorporation by reference. If the City intends to rely on another section, citing it explicitly <br />would provide greater clarity and reduce interpretive ambiguity for landlords and residents <br />alike. <br />Regarding Mobile Food Units, the draft chapter is detailed and includes state and county <br />licensing requirements, Minnesota Department of Health compliance, and local fire inspection <br />authority. The policy issue that merits explicit Council discussion is the stated rationale that <br />local establishments should not need to compete with mobile units. That is a significant <br />economic-policy choice. Mobile food units are often a lower-barrier entry point for <br />entrepreneurs, including immigrants and first-time business owners, while brick-and-mortar <br />establishments represent a higher capital threshold. If the City’s approach is to restrict <br />independent mobile vending to protect existing businesses, I respectfully suggest that the <br />Council weigh that against principles of inclusive economic participation and equitable access <br />to opportunity. The draft already contains guardrails such as distance restrictions, event <br />limitations, zoning compliance, relocation authority for public safety, and fire inspection <br />oversight. If a restrictive framework is maintained, the justification should be clearly <br />articulated on the public record so the regulation is understood as a deliberate policy choice <br />rather than an incidental barrier to entry. <br />Regarding the Administrative Penalties framework, this is the most structurally significant <br />proposal in the packet. The draft establishes administrative citations, fines set through the <br />annual fee schedule, and the creation of a Hearing Examiner. However, several internal gaps <br />prevent meaningful public evaluation. The text references sections identified only as <br />placeholders, includes incomplete cross-references, and states that fine amounts will be <br />established in the fee schedule without including that schedule in the packet. For transparency, <br />all referenced procedural sections and the proposed fee structure should be available before <br />adoption. <br />The Hearing Examiner structure also warrants greater detail. The draft provides that the City <br />Manager or designee may contract with third parties to furnish services of the Hearing <br />Examiner and that decisions are “final and uncontestable.” The packet does not describe how <br />neutrality is ensured, what conflict-of-interest safeguards apply, what procedural rules govern <br />hearings, whether findings must be written and published, or whether any avenue of judicial <br />review remains available under state law. Because the system allows fines to double within a <br />calendar year and treats failure to respond within 14 business days as an admission of <br />violation, these procedural safeguards are central, not peripheral, to fairness. I respectfully <br />encourage the Council to ensure that notice requirements, hearing procedures, fee schedules, <br />and review rights are fully outlined before implementation. <br />Finally, given the breadth of policy matters scheduled for future Work Sessions, I believe that