Agenda - Council Work Session - 04/27/2010

Home

CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION Topic Report: Discuss Business Registration Certificate Program By: Chandra Kreyer, Crime Prevention Specialist & Jo Thielin~, Citv Clerk Background: In November 2009, staff brought a proposed ordinance to Council to discuss an amendment to City Code Chapter 7 (Business Registration Certificate). Staff suggested changing the name of the Business Registration Certificate to Business License because every other paid certification in the City is considered a license. Staff also suggested combining all license applications into one application (the Business License) and making all the other license applications addendums, which ultimately would simplify the application process. Staff suggested changing the fee requirement so that if a business is required to apply for other licenses that have a higher license application fee, there would not be the added fee for the "Business License". The proposed ordinance also expanded and clarified which types of businesses are required to obtain a license, including the issue of businesses wanting to be on the "business list" even if they are not required to be. The proposed ordinance also suggested changing the term of the license to July 1, to be in line with the alcohol licensing which is a date that cannot be changed. This would accomplish making the term consistent for all licenses. The minutes from the work session in November reflect that Councilmembers Look and McGlone stated they were against licensing altogether. Mayor Ramsey and Councilmember Wise stated they were opposed to the licensing fee and that it needed further discussion. Councilmember Elvig spoke in favor of business licensing. Clarification on reasons for gathering the information The main goal for collecting this information is for the City to be informed as to current occupancy and occupancy changes within buildings, as well as permits the City to update and review records regarding emergency contact lists, fire preplan, inspection, and hazardous materials. It also ensures that any business intending to operate within the City is in compliance with the State Building Code, the State Fire Code, and local City Code requirements. The Police/Fire Departments also have record of any hazards or security issues that may affect the community's health, safety and welfare. In the event of an emergency, this information allows emergency services to respond safely to whatever materials are. being stored on site, and gives us afterhours contact information to notify the business owner of the emergency and the need to possibly respond to the scene. Police and Fire have updated hazardous/explosive material lists available on their vehicle laptops for every business that is registered in the city so that they may respond to emergencies with caution as needed for officer and community safety. Twice per year, an updated list is submitted to dispatch (911). This list contains the "keyholder" information that is gathered from the BRC application, as well as the type of alarm system on the property and the name/phone number of the alarm company.