Minutes - Council Work Session - 03/03/2009

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a discussion about the farmer's market. She stated that their group took over the car show two years ago, because there were problems with the previous organization running the event, and since then have doubled attendance. She noted that there are an average of 500 classic cars that come in but noted that their top night brought in 1,462 cars. She stated that last year Anoka started talking about a new ordinance that will charge any group using the streets in Anoka. She stated that since August, they have been asking what the fee will be so they can plan accordingly, but Anoka has not given out the rate, at this point. She stated that because of this, they decided to pull back from Anoka and the Anoka Business and Land Owners Association has taken over the car show and plans to operate every other weekend. She noted that they are also planning to have non-profit vendors rather than commercial vendors. She stated that their phones have been ringing off the hook asking for the car show to be located somewhere else and for it to be held every week with the same group running it. She stated that they would be happy to talk to Ramsey about the possibility of moving the car show here. She stated that they could potentially start out every other weekend so it does not compete with Anoka. She noted that they are just here to start the conversation and are looking to use as much property as possible, with the preference that it not take place in the ramp and that there be no fees charged to them for bringing in the people every week. She stated that they also donate to groups such as the local food shelf, Red Cross, and Breakfast with Santa, should they see some "spare change". Councilmember Elvig stated that she had mentioned problems with the Anoka show and he asked what they ran into. Ms. Doran stated that when they took it over it was coordinated by a private individual and there seemed to be problems with safety and with the vendors. She stated that the City was not happy with the organization. Councilmember Elvig asked what type of surface they can use. Ms. Doran stated that grass is not perfect, but it does work. She stated that one of the beautiful things about Ramsey is that they could cruise around the City Hall area. She stated that ideally concrete is the best surface. Councilmember Elvig asked what kind of dollar intake they get from the show. Ms. Doran stated that she does not have the exact figures, but she would guess that it was about $250 a week for 17 weeks in Anoka. Councilmember Wise asked where they were thinking about doing this. Mayor Ramsey stated that the Street behind City Hall could be closed for the event and it could be held there. Ms. Doran stated that in that location, everyone could see it from Highway 10 and it could generate some interest in what is going on in the City. City Council Work Session / March 3, 2009 Page 2 of 17