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HomeMy WebLinkAbout5H - Outdoor Events on Main Avenue - City Code Section 307;:off PR ~ I ~~ ~' ~~t`, 4646 Dakota Street S.E. U ~ ,~ Prior Lake, MN 55372-1714 F' ~jNNESO~P_ `~ MEETING DATE: AGENDA #: PREPARED BY: CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT May 4, 2009 5H Kelly Meyer, Asst. City Manager AGENDA ITEM: CONSIDER APPROVAL OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 307 OF THE PRIOR LAKE CITY CODE RELATED TO OUTDOOR EVENTS ON MAIN AVENUE. DISCUSSION: Introduction The purpose of this agenda item is to consider two exceptions to the City's current outdoor events ordinance to permit certain events in the Downtown area. History The City's Outdoor Events ordinance was last revised in whole in July 2002. The purpose of the ordinance is to limit the number ahd type of large events that are permitted in an outdoor location in order to mitigate residential neighborhoods from noise, traffic and other potential impacts. Current Circumstances Over time, as the area in Downtown Prior Lake has redeveloped, it, together with Lakefront Park, has become a primary destination for a number of community events. Likewise, the events themselves have grown and become more and more popular. In 2002, the outdoor events ordinance did not contemplate that Main Avenue would become a location where a number of outdoor events might be located. The current ordinance language does not permit events with amplified music and a gathering of more than 50 persons on a public street. In effect, events like the Farmer's Market, Friday Night Roll-In, Holiday Kickoff, the Lakefront Days parade, and potentially Ladies Night Out, would not be permitted. Many event organizers consider amplified music a necessity that provides background and contributes to the overall ambiance of their events. At the Council's direction, modifications are proposed to the ordinance that would permit these types of events on Main Avenue. 2030 Vision & Strate iq c Plan The proposed modifications are consistent with the direction provided by the 2030 Vision & Strategic Plan, which states in part The downtown and adjacent Lakefront Park are unique community focal points and destination attractions that contribute to the City's identity and offer opportunities for recreation, employment, housing, shopping and dining. Prior Lake maintains its unique community identity through the recognition and celebration of our small town values..... Volunteerism, civic duty and community pride continue to enrich the City and its residents. The additional activity promotes our Downtown businesses and fosters a sense of community for residents which preserves the small-town feel of Prior Lake. www. cityofpriorlake. com Phone 952.47.9800/ Fax952,447.4245 Conclusion The enclosed ordinance proposes two specific changes, and one housekeeping change, as follows: 307.201 Exception: The following events do not require an outdoor event license: Outdoor sporting events, the Farmer's Market, Friday Night Roll-In. Lakefront Days, Ladies Night Out. and Holiday Kickoff. 307.300: LIMITATION ON LICENSES: Except as provided herein, (1) no person may receive a license for more than two outdoor events within any calendar year; and (2) no location within the City may be used more than four times within any calendar year as a venue for an outdoor event. 307.301 Exception: The limitation to two events in one calendar year shall not apply to (1) Lakefront Park, Memorial Park or Sand Pointe Park; (2) Prior Lake School District property, or (3) Main Avenue in Prior Lake. ISSUES: Impact to Residential Areas- The intent of the outdoor event ordinance was to, in part, protect residential neighborhoods from the traffic and noise impacts that occur with larger events where music or entertainment is amplified. The ordinance limits the number of events and type of events that can occur at any one location. Currently, the only locations where more than four events can be held are specific community parks (Memorial Park, Lakefront Park, and Sand Pointe Park), and School District property. Because Main Avenue is a commercial destination and community gathering place that is largely surrounded by commercial properties, staff believes there is very little impact to the quiet enjoyment of the surrounding residential neighborhoods. Commercial uses are much more likely to see these types of events as a compliment to the business environment. The types of events that the City is seeking to permit are those that include amplified music as a backdrop to the event, rather than an event like a concert where the amplification would likely be significantly louder. In addition, event organizers wishing to use Main Avenue would need to enter into an agreement with the City for closing the street. This would provide the Council an additional mechanism by which to evaluate the impact on the surrounding neighborhood and impose any other requirements. FINANCIAL The only cost to the City for this ordinance amendment would be in publication of IMPACT: the ordinance as required by statute. The City would not generate any revenue from the ordinance chances. ALTERNATIVES: 1. Motion and second as part of the consent agenda to adopt an ordinance amending Section 307 of the Prior Lake City Code relating to outdoor events on Main Avenue. 2. Take no action and provide staff with additional direction. RECOMMENDED Alternative #1 MOTION: Reviewed by: Frank Boyles, City Manager ~~ PRI~~?°., ~ ~'~`~. 4646 Dakota Street S..E. r Y=. U x ;~ Prior Lake, MN 55372-1714 ~I~'NESO'tQ' -' CITY OF PRIOR LAKE ORDINANCE NO. 109-03 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 307 OF THE PRIOR LAKE CITY CODE The City Council of the City of Prior Lake does hereby ordain that: 1. Sections 307.201, 307.300 and 307.301 of the Prior Lake City Code is hereby amended as shown below: 307.200: LICENSING. 307.201 Exceation: The following events do not require an outdoor event license: Outdoor sporting events, the farmer's market, Friday Night Roll-In, Lakefront Days, Ladies Night Out, and Holiday Kickoff. 307.300: LIMITATION ON LICENSES. Except as provided herein, (1) no person may receive a license for more than two outdoor events within any calendar year; and (2) no location within the City may be used more than four times within any calendar year as a venue for an outdoor event. 307.301 Exception: The limitation to two events in one calendar year shall not apply to (1) Lakefront Park, Memorial Park or Sand Pointe Park; (2) Prior Lake School District property, or (3) Main Avenue in Prior Lake. This ordinance shall become effective from and after its passage and publication. Passed by the City Council of the City of Prior Lake this 4th day of May, 2009. ATTEST: ~~ City ager _~ ~~ Ma r Published in the Prior Lake American on the 9th day of May, 2009. ___M.\CQUNCI_L10RD~NANC\20o9\1.0__9m03 OuV__ r r_~_ ~~~~_ Phone 952.447.9800 /Fax 952.447.4245