Minutes - Council Work Session - 04/08/2008

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event management or inspections. She reviewed the staff suggestions for guidelines on when waiving the application fee may be justified. She stated that for events like National Night Out parties, wedding receptions or birthday parties, they are suggesting that staff have authorization to approve these administratively and noted that staff is recommending that these events not have an application fee. Assistant City Administrator Nelson asked City Clerk Thieling to talk about the conversations that she has with people for events like a birthday party. City Clerk Thieling stated that if someone contacts the City and says, for example, that they are planning a 50th birthday party for their wife and want live music, she will tell them it is allowed, but the City requires that they notify the police department with the date of the event at least one week in advance. She stated that she informs them that the music needs to be shut down by 10:00 p.m. and also suggests that they either let all their neighbors know about the party or invite them all, which may prevent a complaint about the possible noise. Councilmember Dehen asked if staff feels the current ordinance is inadequate. City Clerk Thieling stated that staff does feel it is inadequate and would like input from the Council, especially on the possibility of waiving fees. She stated that in the past, these applications have been brought to the Council with a recommendation from staff as to why they are suggesting the application fee be waived. Assistant City Administrator Nelson reviewed some of the proposed language and noted that staff is looking for feedback from the Council on whether this can be made part of the code so these permits are easier to administer. Councilmember Dehen asked ifthe City had looked at what other communities were doing. City Clerk Thieling stated that she had contacted surrounding cities and reviewed what each city currently does for these types of permits. Councilmember Elvig stated that he agrees with the premise that staff should handle block parties and events like that administratively and also with making a clear distinction that non- profit organizations can have their fee waived. He stated that during the recent discussions with Diamonds, the owner made a comment about how much money he paid in fees when he applied for a special events permit and these fees are not high. City Clerk Thieling stated that that Diamonds recent application was for an Interim Use Permit, which has fees that are much higher than the $50 forthis type of permit. Councilmember Elvig stated that he did not think the $50 fee currently charged for these permits are covering the City's expenses because so many individuals have to review them. City Clerk Thieling stated that she agreed and would like to consider bumping this fee up to $100 in 2009. City Council Work Session / April 8, 2008 Page 2 of5