4.1 DRAFT MINUTES (2 SETS) 03-01-2021

Home Browse Search

City Council Minutes Page 5 February 16, 2021 ----------------------------- 1) Indoor occupancy shall not exceed existing certified occupancy level (Industrial – 44) and the Governor’s Emergency Executive Order pandemic occupancy levels of 50%. 2) If the permittee desires to exceed existing certified occupancy level, the building and fire department shall inspect emergency exiting/access and lighting and approve in writing a permitted occupancy number for this event. 3) Alcohol must be confined to an area with a secured, controlled access. 4) Wrist band control is required for patrons 21 and over. Motion carried 5-0. 8.5 Internet Service Mayor Dietz stated he gets a lot of calls from people upset about internet access. He requested a map to show where access is available. He stated the city should do more to bring internet in and he would like to apply for grant opportunities when they become available. Mr. Portner stated grant funds were allocated through DEED but he couldn’t find any opportunities available for 2021. He noted there is a bill being considered at the legislature for possible funding opportunities. He noted a consultant may be needed to gather data to improve our funding chances. Councilmember Westgaard noted the city doesn’t control private business. Mayor Dietz stated the city could be more aggressive to get projects ready to go if funds become available. Sherburne County Commissioner Tim Dolan stated they have a new map that lays out the parcel density, speed of service, and some grant areas. He stated there is a federal reverse auction grant, and applications are typically submitted by the internet service provider with governmental partnership. He noted the maps are not accurate because it involves private business data. He stated the county is currently scoping a study to identify areas where it makes sense to participate and fill in gaps. Mayor Dietz questioned the incentive to the provider to work with government to get grants. Mr. Dolan stated the decisions a provider makes will be to their interest and is based on a payback calculation so they can get a return on their investment. He stated the county is working on determining the gaps not addressed by various programs. 8.6 7W Transportation Committee Backup Member Mayor Dietz noted the committee would like a backup member appointed in his absence and he suggested Councilmember Beyer.