Minutes - Council Work Session - 07/08/2014

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isolate several items to key in on. Councilmember Johns supported holding an annual meeting with all of the City's Boards and Commissions. Councilmember LeTourneau suggested the Council support the Work Plan as amended to add a joint meeting scheduled later in the year (September /October) for consideration of 2015 work proj ects. The Council agreed with this. suggestion. The consensus of the Council was to direct staff to schedule a joint Work Session with the EPB in September /October of 2014 and to consider the EPB's 2014 -2015 Work Plan as amended to include this joint Work Session for consideration on a future Consent Agenda. 2.03: Discuss an Ordinance Licensing Massage Establishments and Massage Therapists Police Captain Katers reviewed the staff report, noting the Police Department has become aware of illegal activity taking place at massage establishments in Ramsey as well as other locations within Anoka County. In order to control the criminal activity and protect the health, safety, and welfare of Ramsey's citizens, the Police Department believes it is necessary to adopt an ordinance that will license massage establishments and employed therapists. It was noted the State of Minnesota has no licensing regulations concerning the practice of massage therapy, it is left up to the local authorities. Anoka County does not have any licensing provisions and leaves such regulations to the city where an establishment is located. Police Captain Katers explained that by establishing an ordinance, the City would be able to revoke or suspend a license where illegal activity has taken place. Currently, the City has no authority to close a business where illegal activity has taken place. Police Captain Katers noted that City Attorney Langel has drafted an ordinance licensing massage establishments and massage therapists. In response to questions of the Council, Police Captain Katers explained that at one time, the City had two operating massage establishments and currently there is one with a second that may be starting. Councilmember Tossey asked if the one massage establishment is still open. Police Chief Way stated they are not still open. Councilmember Tossey noted the laws making prostitution and human trafficking illegal prevailed. He stated his concern that the proposed ordinance would add another layer of bureaucracy. Police Chief Way explained that currently, the person engaged in the sexual act can be arrested or be required to leave but the business itself would remain. He stated this ordinance amendment was recommended by Anoka County because it wants the ability to close down the business. Otherwise, the County has indicated they will not respond. In addition, the human trafficking angle could not be addressed without an ordinance. City Council Work Session / July 8, 2014 Page 8 of 10