Agenda - Council - 07/27/1999 - Laserfiche WebLink

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PC CASE #: ,.~ Carnival Regulations By: Joyce Pruitt Hottinger, Administrative Services Manager and Sylvia Frolik, Zoning Administrator Background: The impetus for a carnival ordinance became evident when Minnesota's Magic Midway applied for a carnival license in May. Council denied this application based on the fact that MMM did not have authorization to operate a carnival by the landowner. Currently, Ramsey regulates carnivals only by verifying a property owner has granted authorization for a carnival to occur on the parcel and charging $150.00 for a license fee. On June 22, the Personnel Committee provided direction to staff to draft a carnival ordinance, which mirrored the Blaine ordinance. Blaine regulates carnivals through a permit processed through the City Clerk's office and approved by City Council. The City's ordinance provides Council with the ability to impose any conditions or restrictions it deems necessary or advisable to protect the public health, safety and welfare. A fee of $100.00 per day is charged. A police background check of the applicant is required prior to the license being issued. Following Council approval, the Fire Marshall delivers the license to the carnival prior to the opening of the carnival and many make any last minute inspections. The attached draft ordinance includes a definition section which was not included within the Blaine ordinance. The definition of carnival includes shows, acts, games, vending devices, circuses, speed tests, endurance tests and any other attractions or devices. With this ordinance, mud bogs, the Game Club, carnivals and the like would be required to be licensed. The ordinance allows Council the ability to impose any conditions or restrictions it deems necessary to protect the City and/or conduct a public hearing on the application if desired. Staff contacted the Blaine City Clerk and was advised the City of Blaine does not waive amusement license fees for any organization. The annual carnival which accompanies the St. Tim's Carnival annual event, is the entity which pays the license fee. The Blaine City Clerk noted, the carnival operator applies for the license, not the Church itself. The license fee is to cover the City's expense in having fire and safety personnel review the license application and set up of a carnival. In the attached draft ordinance an exemption has been provided to fraternal, religious, veterans or educational organizations from obtaining a carnival license as long as no amusement rides are allowed on the property. The attached carnival is attached for your review and consideration. Committee Action: Motion to recommend approval to the City Council for an introduction of Ordinance No. 99-XX, regulating carnivals. Carnival Regulations Case Page 1 of 2