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City Council Minutes Page 10 of 13 September 16, 2024 --------- Councilmember Beyer asked if there was any input from the downtown group. Ms. Wingard stated that it was brought to the last DERBA meeting and there were no concerns about moving Elk RiverFest out of downtown. She also stated it would not hurt downtown to move it from that area. The Council discussed and agreed it would be great to have it all in one place at Orono Park. Mr. Shelby stated that one of the things they talked about was using the stage as a community stage throughout the day and the focal point throughout the day. Ms. Wingard brought up the alcohol portion of the event and explained that they are moving away from the sample size with multiple vendors and moving towards full-size beer/seltzers served in a fenced-off area that could be then taken to the general area to enjoy the concert. The intent would be so the concert would be open to everybody and also not to put such an emphasis on the alcohol portion. Mayor Dietz asked if the FT Center could supply alcohol. Mr. Stremcha stated that is something they can look into. The Council agreed to move Elk RiverFest to Orono Park and integrate the changes as discussed. 10.3 FT Center User Group Rentals Policy and Procedures. The staff report was presented. Councilmember Wagner asked if there was a response to the Council receiving an email from Ryan Eason stating no one had contacted him regarding his statements at the open forum on August 19, 2024. Mr. Stremcha replied stating as soon as he received Councilmember Wagner's phone call the day of the Council meeting, he immediately reached out to both Mr. Eason's cell phone and work phone and email, but he nor anyone else on staff heard back from Mr. Eason. Commissioner Westgaard stated that Mr. Eason has not had any contact with anybody regarding his issues. Mr. Stremcha explained he has tried on multiple occasions to contact him. Commissioner Westgaard relayed that Mr. Eason stated he had not received a response. Councilmember Wagner recapped with Commissioner Westgaard regarding the communication that happened on the day of the August 19, 2024, Council meeting. She stated Commissioner Westgaard and she spoke that morning, then she called Mr. Stremcha and relayed the concerns and it would be good customer service for Mr. Stremcha to get into contact with Mr. Eason. Mr. Stremcha did reach out to Mr. Eason that day but did not receive a response. Then Mr. Eason showed up to the Open Forum that night at the Council meeting expressing the same concerns that were relayed to Mr. Stremcha. The same concerns that Mr. Stremcha was trying to contact Mr. Eason about to address and never heard back from Mr. Eason. Councilmember Beyer asked if Mr. Eason was expecting a response from the Council or staff. Commissioner Westgaard stated that he was unsure if Mr. Eason knows what the proper procedure is and who is responsible for that building. Councilmember Beyer explained we have open meeting laws that the Council and the commissions need to follow and that is why it should go to staff first instead of copying the entire council on an email.