Minutes - Council - 04/24/1990 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Steve Rosenthal - 14060 Germanium Street N.W. - Steve stated that he is a local cub scout leader and that this adult book store situation is abhorring to the community. Steve noted that x-rated videos are available at local video stores for people that want to view that kind of material and the City doesn't need a store devoted exclusively to that type of subject matter. Steve stated that the citizens of Ramsey will not tolerate this and may take steps on their own to resolve this, and if they have to resolve it on their own, it would be a shame. Steve stated that he doesn't want his children, other children or himself subjected to this kind of obscenity. Steve stated that he is hopeful that the City will take care of this matter in an expedient and proper manner. Kathleen Sekhon - 6619 189th Lane N.W. - Burns Township - Kathleen stated that the adult book store is not the kind of business wanted in this area and all means possible within the law need to be used to deal with the problem. Kathleen stated that between now and May 29 there is no better message the public can send than a lack of business. Kathleen encouraged the public to not patronize the adult book store and it will send the message that the area is not interested in these types of businesses. Kathleen stated that she will work with the citizens to end this book store establishment legally so that Ramsey is not invited into an expensive lawsuit to test constitutional rights. Colleen Folkestad - 15011 Willemite Street N.W. - Colleen requested that the City Attorney check into the building code and local codes to perhaps find a loop hole that would put a stop to the adult book store. Mr. Goodrich replied that the City is checking everything and has been in contact with the Attorney General, the County Attorney, the League of Minnesota Cities, the City's consulting attorneys, Minneapolis' City Attorney; all avenues are being explored to make sure the laws of Ramsey and the State are being complied with. Marguerite Henke - 8062 154th Avenue N.W. - Marguerite suggested that the public hearing held on May 29 be at facility larger than the Municipal Center. Marguerite reported that the book store owner hired minors to hand out flyers in the parking lot of the Anoka Shopping Center about the opening of the adult book store. Marguerite stated that she cannot understand how a business can be located in Ramsey and the City not knowing who the owner is. Mr. Goodrich replied that the City knows who the owner of the subject building is but not the owner of the business in that building. Mr. Goodrich explained that the book store is located in a B-1 Business zone and that particular zone permits retail business. Ramsey does not license retail businesses or require a conditional use permit for retail businesses in a B-1 zone. Marguerite Henke - Marguerite stated that the citizens of this area are entitled to know who the owner of the book store is. She also stated that she has contacted Councilmembers and each one was very encouraging and also don't want this type of business in the community. Marguerite stated that she hopes the City will take it upon themselves to spend whatever is necessary to prevent this situation from becoming a major problem because it will be tax money well spent. Mr. Hartley stated that the City is collecting the names, addresses and phone numbers of residents concerned about that issue. The City will keep the persons on that list informed as to the status of this adult book store issue. City Council/April 24, 1990 Page 5 of 19