Minutes - Council - 04/26/2016 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Strommen, Councilmembers Shryock, LeTourneau, Kuzma, Riley, and Williams. Voting No: None. Absent: Councilmember Johns. 7.02: Considering Adopting Resolution #16-04-062 Approving a Joint Powers Agreement with the City of Anoka for Sanitary Sewer Service This Item was removed from the agenda. 7.03: Consider Request for Special Events Permit for Live Music at 17131 Baugh Street NW, Ramsey Community Development Director Gladhill reviewed the staff report. He noted this owner has had previous events. There is a history of code problems in this building. The primary concern is the number of attendees in this space. The question is whether this is a large garage with a lot of attendees, or has it turned into an event center. It is advertised as an event center. He stated since the City is now aware of the events, liability comes into question. He noted there are four items brought forward that if agreed to, the event may go on as planned for this Saturday night. If they are not agreed to, there is a possibility the event may have to be canceled. The four items are: 1) Add exit signage to the doorways; 2) Add emergency lighting; 3) Doors must swing out. per emergency regulations; 4) Add extinguishers per City Code. He explained the floor plan is needed in order to learn about the space and whether it meets code. Staff will conduct an inspection before the event takes place. He noted Staff is comfortable with holding the Saturday event if a special permit is issued, as long as the owner agrees to the above four items. If the owner objects to the items, the permit will likely be denied. Nathan Wattenhoffer, 17131 Baugh Street NW, explained the property is called the King's Ranch. He gave a history of the property, noting he opened his house to Bible studies a few. years ago. Most of the people that attend are in their 50's and don't have a place to connect. He has a fabrication business, and he is the only person living on the premises. It has grown in to more than Bible studies, to where there are 130 RSVPs for the upcoming event. This is an alcohol, smoke and drug free event space, so there are rehabs coming to the events. He pointed out there is always room for emergency vehicles. He said he is always conscious of the noise level, especially when there is a live band. He explained the layout of the building. He said it may sound like a full fledged event center because of some comments on social media, but it is not. The space has housed many types of events, but the goal is not to use it as an event center. . Mayor Strommen clarified the application states this property is to be used as a neighborhood gathering. She asked if the applicant works with other groups to market the events. Mr. Wattenhoffer stated he uses Meetup and Facebook. The reach is the immediate area. Mayor Strommen asked his perspective on his ability to comply with the four criteria listed earlier in time for the event on Saturday. Mr. Wattenhoffer stated he could do most of the requested changes, however changing the doors to swing differently will be very difficult by Friday. Since this was the first day he learned of City Council / April 26, 2016 Page 8 of 13