City Council Workshop 5:00-6:20

Members Present: The Mayor and all Council members present

 1 – City Council Administrator’s Evaluation Summary / I believe this was his one-year review– read aloud by Janie Farrar

“Administrator Heineman was reviewed on his hiring terms and the City’s strategic plan initiatives. The Council deemed him strong in strategic plan leadership, government and policy knowledge, and fiscal organization. He needs improvement in organizational culture, communication and building trust.”

2 – Public Facility Use Ordinance – Draft

Discussion and Q&A regarding policy and possible changes to policy for public spaces available to RW residents.

Heineman brought forward that RW could benefit from having a clear policy or master policy as an umbrella for our public space gathering options with specific details given for each location – currently different public facilities have different policies for rental of community spaces. It was mentioned many times that there are very few public spaces available for community members to gather.

Available locations include the Annex, Parks, the Sheldon, the Library, and Fire Dept Station 2 Training Room.

Of specific interest in discussion tonight were the locations that charge a fee vs not charging a fee, and the ability for a political party, committee or partisan/nonpartisan person or group to use the spaces.

·         Of note: the Fire Station 2 Training Room was designed to be a free, community gathering space. Access requires signing up, meeting with staff to obtain a key and then return of the key. The space has access to a meeting room (that may allow up to 60 people) and bathrooms – it is separate from the rest of the secured building. It was designed to be a community gathering space, and it is likely to remain a free place to access.

·         All the other locations discussed are believed to charge a fee and require registration and payment.

·         The Council needs to further explore the Annex space relating to the Ignite group who manages the technology and much of this space. The City Planning Commission will delve into how this public space is used, how the technology is managed, as well as the security.

Overall, most council members seemed in agreement to be inclusive of those who could rent or reserve above spaces. One member (I believe this was Ron or Kim) observed that partisan signs in certain locations may make staff uncomfortable. The library staff shared that they promote inclusivity at the library but have tightened guidelines for use and remain diligent to enforce policies as needed for safety.

There were recommendations made tonight for some smaller, more detailed changes to the draft and some upcoming meetings that will better delineate how the policy should be read and could be developed.

#3 Unauthorized Use of City Sidewalks, Right of Way, Stairwells, and Parking Ramps Ordinance – Draft

Tonight, the police chief introduced a request for a city ordinance to allow the police to more effectively manage the homeless population in Red Wing. Previously, this was discussed but they were awaiting Supreme Court decisions.

He shared that they estimate approximately 72 homeless people have resided in our city and that almost 50% of service calls last year (855) were to help manage this population. He shared that community members avoid certain areas, that there have been public instances of drug use, sexual harassment, public defecation/urination that can be very disruptive, and have required many police resources to manage.

He emphasized that the goal is not to criminalize them, throw them out, or just move them along. The police want to use this new ordinance to help the community but also to assist in finding resources for housing, detox or whatever the homeless population may need. The police plan is to not arrest or give citations unless as a last resort and they would build in multiple steps before enforcement action occurred. This ordinance gives the police increased power to reduce disruptive and coercive behavior.

Vicky Jo shared that for every $1.00 a community invests in the homeless population; there is a return of $1.44. She emphasized that there is dignity and worth to every human. We can’t just ask them to “move along” when they have no place to go. This ordinance needs to be considered carefully to not dehumanize a population in our community.

Officer Sather was receptive to meeting with a focus group, including those who provide resources to the homeless population, as they finalize the ordinance language. He was receptive to meeting with Vicky Jo to ensure that this population is respected as he also works to ensure that our community is a place where people feel safe.

It was brought up that budgets could be increased to increase services to the agencies that serve this population.

Ron G. spoke out against some of this, feeling that if you support this population, there could be an influx of homeless people who are seeking services.

The Planning Commission shared that in the next few meetings an agenda item is to review temporary and emergency housing within current zoning areas and how this could also best serve this population.

#4 Aggressive Panhandling Ordinance – Draft

Chief Sather presented on a draft ordinance to reduce disruptive and coercive behavior while balancing the rights of individuals to engage in protected speech.

The police have noted a few aggressive panhandlers each year. They can use intimidation, harassment and obscene language. This ordinance would help clarify boundaries, help to more effectively handle repeat offenders and manage public spaces.

Aggressive behaviors include unwanted physical contact, repeated solicitation after refusal, blocking or following individuals, or abusive or threatening language.

This ordinance would prohibit solicitation within 15 feet of an ATM or bank, public restrooms, outdoor dining areas, on public transportation or stops and approaching vehicles on public streets.

Sather emphasized a warning prior to enforcement with ability to provide resources if appropriate.

#5 Drone Ordinance – Draft

Chief Sather presented an ordinance to better manage drone usage in Red Wing. The drone drivers do have to follow Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules. There is growing access and use of drones within city limits. The Chief is looking for clear guidance on drone operations within the city, especially related to city property, parks and organized events. Long term goal is to obtain a grant for increased technology to better find and identify drivers or operators of drones if they are not following guidelines/rules by FAA or a city ordinance. Discussion re: not allowing drones over gatherings with 50+ people at community events (i.e. River City Days) with the exception of a process for event organizers to prior authorize usage and obtain a permit through the city as needed.