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City Council Minutes <br />October 7, 2019 <br />Page 8 <br />Mayor Dietz stated the only way he could see allowing more than three permits to an <br />organization is if there is a process where other gambling organizations have an <br />opportunity first before youth hockey could be allowed a fourth location. <br />Councilmember Ovall stated pull tabs are more about convenience then the <br />organization and if you have some that are more assertive, then by default the other <br />organizations can't get established. He suggested the city set a limit, and then if a <br />need can't be met for an establishment, city staff provide them a list of the <br />organizations they are required to contact first. If those organizations don't have any <br />interest, then open up the number of permits allowed to that first organization. <br />Council questioned if the city had the authority to limit permits to organizations with <br />the corporate headquarters in Elk River versus the trade area and suggested checking <br />with the city attorney. <br />Mayor Dietz made note the Zimmerman Fire Relief Association donates a lot of <br />money in the Elk River area. <br />Councilmember Wagner noted this would come back to another work session for <br />further discussion. <br />10.2 Special Events: Road Closures and General Fees <br />Ms. Allard outlined current city process and noted staff is looking for policy <br />direction on the questions outlined in the staff report. <br />Chief Nierenhausen stated conditions added to a permit are not being followed by <br />applicants. He stated some races can be more challenging than others and he has a <br />difficult time covering shifts and overtime costs to staff races. <br />Mr. Femrite stated staff can take on any event but questioned how much staff <br />resources Council expects and whether there should be fees for time and equipment. <br />Councilmember Wagner noted she plans events and it is not normal practice to <br />provide bleachers and port -a -potties for an event. <br />Mr. Femrite noted further that some of these requests come last minute and are not <br />part of the original application. <br />Debbie Rydberg, Chamber representative stated events have a place in the <br />community and there is an expectation that the only people who have the services <br />can provide them. She stated part of the challenge with races is there is difficulty in <br />choosing where in Elk River they can occur due to the city's unique geography (with <br />the highways and railroad). She stated it is impossible to force runners to stay on a <br />sidewalk and using public infrastructure shouldn't be a major concern. She addressed <br />the comment in the staff report about limiting use of Main Street stating people run <br />