Prior Lake City Council — Transcript
Wednesday, January 25, 2023
Oath of Office for New Council Members
Spring Lake Association Initiatives
Prior Lake Re-entry Home Controversy
Tobacco License Compliance and Renewals
Votes (4)
Oath of Office for Council Members Victor Lake and Kimberly Churchill
Dissent: None
The Mayor administered the oath of office to two council members who were recently elected/re-elected. The oath affirmed their commitment to uphold federal and state constitutions and to faithfully discharge their duties as city council members for Prior Lake, Scott County, Minnesota.
Public Forum on Scott County Re-entry Home
Dissent: None
Multiple residents expressed deep concern and frustration regarding the proposed Scott County re-entry home. They criticized the county's lack of communication, questioned the research supporting the model, raised safety concerns for the neighborhood, and demanded the City Council take decisive action, including writing a resolution and filing a moratorium. City Manager Waddell acknowledged the concerns and outlined the city's intent to send a letter to the county, urging reconsideration of the location and suggesting an alternative use for the home.
Approval of Consent Agenda Items A through L
Dissent: None
Moved by Council Member Brady [35:59] · Seconded by Council Member Lake [36:02]
The City Council approved the majority of the consent agenda items, which are considered routine or non-controversial. Item 6m, the approval of 2023 tobacco license holders, was explicitly removed for separate discussion.
Discussion and Approval of 2023 Tobacco License Holders
Dissent: None
Moved by Council Member Brady [40:41] · Seconded by Council Member Burkhart [40:44]
The Mayor requested a summary of compliance checking for existing tobacco license holders. City Manager Waddell reported that 8 out of 9 license holders passed a recent compliance check, but Prior Lake Tobacco and Vape failed for selling to an underage individual, resulting in a citation and fine. The business is now subject to potential license suspension or revocation if further violations occur within 36 months. The Council emphasized its commitment to youth health.
Notable Quotes (7)
I Victor Lake do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the constitution of the state of Minnesota and will Faithfully execute and discharge the duties of office of city council member of the City of Prior Lake Scott County Minnesota according to law in the best of my judgment ability and understanding and this I do Under the penalties of perjury.
I Kimberly Churchill do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the constitution of the state of Minnesota and will Faithfully execute and discharge the duties of the office of city council member of the City of Prior Lake Scott County Minnesota according to law and the best of my judgment ability and this idea under the penalties of perjury.
I'm really concerned about the lack of communication and supporting data for the most part it says any supporting data that we have been given once we actually read it it says the complete opposite or it just omits completely what was quoted in the in the first case so the collaboration transparency communication has occurred and even uh I feel more fearful and how much worse it will get if this reentry home does open in this neighborhood.
we're asking for a resolution to be written and for a moratorium to be filed hopefully if we join together we can get the county to listen and to respect the community they are in place to serve please do not push this down the road this house is slated to open March of 20 2023 which is the month after next time is of the essence and this needs to be decided tonight.
the city council did direct staff this evening to put together a letter to the county outlining the city's desire to use this house for a different purpose we've had discussions with the county on having this house used as a home for a homeless family or home or families in transition rather than it be a re-entry home.
I know we do our periodic compliance checking and I'd like to understand how our license holders did in 2022.
eight out of our nine passed we did have one of our license holders which was Prior Lake tobacco and vape did not pass the the compliance check so they were cited they were fined in accordance with State Statute they have subsequently paid their their fine but now in essence they're on the clock if you have three compliance failures within a 36 month period the city would have the ability to suspend or revoke their license.
Ordinances & Resolutions (9)
Ordinance whose applicability to the re-entry home is under legal review.
Annual administrative resolution regarding municipal tort liability limits and insurance.
Administrative appointments made by the city council.
Annual administrative resolution delegating authority for financial transactions.
Authorizes a report and work order for a future pavement management project.
Approves updates to the city's purchasing policy.
Approves a preliminary plat for a development named 'Rademacher's Second Edition'.
Annual renewal of licenses for massage therapists.
Annual renewal of licenses for businesses selling tobacco products.