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stated the City Attorney has revised the proposed ordinance language based on the Council's <br />discussion, reviewed the ordinance language used by neighboring communities, and provided <br />reasoning why some of the language was included in the original proposed ordinance. He <br />explained that under current Statute, Ramsey does not have the means for adequate enforcement. <br />Police Captain Katers reported on a former investigation of a massage establishment along <br />Highway 10 where arrests were made; however, the business could not be closed. Police <br />Captain Katers stated that situation was a definite consideration in drafting the proposed <br />ordinance. He requested Council input whether this ordinance is now drafted in a way the <br />Council supports. <br />City Attorney Langel referenced the revised ordinance reflecting edits and comments by the <br />Council as well as a memorandum explaining why the language had been included in the original <br />ordinance. He explained it all goes back to trying to avoid the illegal activity, noting it is not an <br />issue with legal massage businesses. City Attorney Langel stated the issue is the performance of <br />illegal activities not related to massage and this ordinance would provide law enforcement with <br />tools to do that. He described the type of additional information that will be required when a <br />masseuse makes application or a massage business requests a license. With this ordinance, the <br />City will have the authority to retract the license for the business rather than being able to only <br />remove the masseuse performing an illegal activity. City Attorney Langel explained there will <br />always be a balancing act between regulating legitimate businesses and enabling the City to take <br />action to close businesses conducting illegal activities. He asked whether the Council supported <br />the revised ordinance and if not, asked the Council to provide additional direction. <br />Councilmember Riley stated he agrees that an ordinance needs to be in place so the City can <br />enforce and close businesses conducting illegal activities. However, he thinks this draft <br />ordinance goes overboard. He preferred a shorter ordinance that would still get the job done <br />because a business with the intent on illegal activities will do so regardless of the process. <br />Councilmember Riley suggested an ordinance similar to what regulates beauty salons. <br />Mayor Strommen asked how a beauty salon and massage business are equivalent services. <br />Councilmember Riley stated he is speaking about regulating the business, not the services <br />provided. He suggested requiring proof of certification, similar to that held by a beautician <br />and/or beauty salon. <br />City Attorney Langel clarified that beauty salons hold State licenses, which is not required by <br />massage businesses so there is no overarching State regulations. To regulate a massage business, <br />it must be done at a local, City, level. <br />Councilmember Riley agreed there should be local regulation but he preferred a shorter <br />ordinance because he does not know of a business in Ramsey that could meet the requirements as <br />currently written. He noted the use of several inexact terms that raised his concern because it <br />raised the issue of who is responsible with judging moral issues. <br />City Attorney Langel advised that this type (moral) of language is commonly used, originally <br />raised in State Law, and already in the City's pawn broker ordinance and State liquor code. He <br />City Council Work Session / September 9, 2014 <br />Page 5 of 9 <br />