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Councilmember Johns asked about a requirement for insurance in case a client is harmed. <br />City Attorney Langel explained that the public liability insurance portion of the ordinance was <br />removed. He stated if included, this requirement would distinguish between legitimate and non- <br />legitimate establishments. However, this requirement may not be required for other types of <br />business licensing. <br />City Administrator Ulrich asked whether the City assumes any liability by licensing massage <br />therapists as being qualified to do their job and having a background check. <br />City Attorney Langel stated typically not because simple issuance of a license is not liability on <br />the part of the City and no different from when a City issues a liquor license to a bar that violates <br />the law, or with electrical or building inspections when something is missed. He advised this is <br />not an issue. <br />Councilmember Riley stated he thinks all reputable businesses should have insurance but he does <br />not think the City should be involved with requiring the insurance. He noted it is not required of <br />other businesses so he would not want to go any further than just inquiring if they have <br />insurance. <br />City Clerk Thieling stated it is asked on all applications whether they have liability insurance, <br />but it is not required. <br />Mayor Strommen suggested that question be added to the application. <br />The consensus of the Council was to add a question to the application asking whether the <br />establishment has insurance. <br />Councilmember Riley stated the Council has done a job it was `forced' to do and asked if the <br />City should attempt to push licensing of these establishments to the County or State as the City <br />does not license other professions. <br />Mayor Strommen asked if the League of Minnesota Cities had taken up this topic to address <br />whether the licensing requirement should be pushed to the County. <br />City Attorney Langel stated he is unsure why the State is silent on the issue of licensing these <br />types of establishments as prostitution is against State law. <br />Councilmember Riley asked if the topic should be raised with the City's political delegation. <br />City Administrator Ulrich stated he will first raise the topic with the League to get additional <br />information. <br />Mayor Strommen thanked staff who worked to refine this ordinance language. <br />City Council Work Session / November 25, 2014 <br />Page 5 of 7 <br />