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<br />more responsible. He stated that the ordinance in the packet came from Chaska who adopted it <br />about 18 months ago. He noted that they have written about 6 tickets since then and Mankato or <br />Mankato East has also adopted a similar ordinance. <br /> <br />Councilmember Elvig asked if the ordinance had been effective in those cities. <br /> <br />Police Chief Way stated that it is another tool that they can use, especially in the case where <br />parents are home and not doing anything to prevent the alcohol consumption. <br /> <br />Councilmember Elvig stated that the wording in this ordinance constantly refers to "parent", but <br />he feels there are many times when it is the buddy, who has just turned 21, and has a party for his <br />underage friends. <br /> <br />Police Chief Way clarified that this would apply to any adult. not just a parent. <br /> <br />Councilmember Dehen stated that he likes what this is trying to do, but doesn't like social host <br />liability. He stated that this is already a gross misdemeanor. He stated that he has concerns with <br />things such as item 5.22.02,5 (c) which states that they don't even have to be present to be held <br />responsible. He stated that it seems like this would nab the parents that went out of town and <br />their kid invites buddies over and they break into the liquor cabinet. <br /> <br />City Attorney Goodrich stated that it does "nab" the parents in that situation. <br /> <br />Councilmember Look gave the example of a house that had a well stocked liquor cabinet and a <br />fridge full of beer. The parents go up to the cabin and Johnny stays home because he has a track <br />meet over the weekend and invites friends over who then raid the liquor cabinet. He asked who <br />would be at fault in this situation. <br /> <br />Police Chief Way stated that, in that instance, he would not go after the parents. He stated that <br />he would go after the parents in a situation where there was a flyer distributed about the <br />upcoming party and the parents were informed and yet still let the party go on or if they were <br />socially hosting. He stated an example of this would be having a bon fire out back, the kids are <br />drinking and the parents go in the house and go to bed. <br /> <br />Councilmember Look stated that one argument he has heard is that parents would rather have the <br />kids drinking in the house rather than somewhere else and then driving. <br /> <br />Police Chief Way stated that if the parents are really being that "responsible" and take away car <br />keys, then the Police Department wouldn't even be called or aware of the situation. He stated <br />that it is the situation, where Johnny shows up at home drunk and says he was over at the friend's <br />house, drinking with the whole family. He stated that this has happened in the City. <br /> <br />Mayor Gamec stated that he has no problems with it. <br /> <br />City Attorney Goodrich noted that he and Police Chief Way have not looked over this language <br />very carefully, so that will need to be done to make sure it is enforceable. <br /> <br />City Council Work Session / June 3, 2008 <br />Page 11 of 16 <br />