Agenda - Council - 01/27/2015 - Laserfiche WebLink

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CC Regular Session Meeting Date: 01/27/2015 By: Jeff Katers, Police 7. 2. Information Title Adopt Ordinance #15-04 Amending Chapter 26 of the Ramsey City Code - Licenses, Permits and Miscellaneous Business Regulations - by Adding Article XVIII Massage Businesses and Services and Adopt Resolution #15-01-029 Amending the City's Rates and Charges by Establishing a Fee for Massage Businesses and Services Purpose/Background: Purpose: The purpose of this case is to adopt an Ordinance to regulate and license massage businesses and services as well as adopt a resolution establishing license fees for same. Background: The Council began discussing a proposed City ordinance to license massage establishments and massage therapists at a July 8, 2014 City Council work session. As part of the review process, the City surveyed massage therapists practicing within the Ramsey area. The City Attorney revised the proposed ordinance language to reflect City Council work session discussions, survey results, and research of similar municipal ordinances. Original Case: The Ramsey 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 the citizens of Ramsey, the Police Department believes it is necessary to adopt an ordinance that will license massage establishments and the employed therapists. The State of Minnesota has no licensing regulations concerning the practice of massage therapy. The regulation of the massage industry is left up to the local authority, meaning county or city. The County of Anoka does not have any licensing provisions and leaves any regulations up to the City where an establishment is located. By establishing an ordinance, the City would be able to revoke or suspend a license where illegal activity has taken place. The City currently has no authority to close a business where illegal activity has taken place or remove a therapist that has violated State Statute. On January 13, 2015, the City Council introduced an ordinance to regulate and license massage establishments and therapists. That Ordinance is attached and is being presented this evening for formal adoption. To establish a fee for massage businesses and therapists, a resolution must be adopted amending the City's rates and charges. A resolution has been drafted and is attached that incorporates these licensing fees. Funding Source: None required. Recommendation: Staff recommends adopting Ordinance #15-04 regulating and licensing massage establishments and therapists. Staff also recommends adopting Resolution #15-01-029 amending the City's rates and charges to include fees for massage establishments and therapists, including a fee for background checks. Action: