Sex and rock and roll were topics of discussion for the Ottertail City Council July 6.
Noise complaints about a band, and the city's proposed Sexually Oriented Business Ordinance, will be proposed at the next meeting.
A discussion was held regarding the Sexually Oriented Business Ordinance. While it is now being suggested that cities allow for businesses to allocate 25 percent of their floor space for adult use or products without violating the ordinance, the council decided to adopt a less lenient 10 percent floor space allowance.
Council member Don Patrick stated that, "The initial impact of being that restrictive will help to deter adult businesses."
Loud music at supper club
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draws complaints in Ottertail
City coordinator Lee Sherman reported that the city received numerous written and verbal complaints regarding the noise of a band playing an outdoor concert at the Local. The music continued until 1:30 a.m. and complaints were received from individuals living more than a mile away.
In response to the complaints received, the council decided to talk with the Local about the complaints and send a letter out requesting that all venues holding outdoor evening concerts inform both the council and the general public of the event 30 days in advance. In the past, late night events like this were first run by the council.
"I think what people are concerned about is having an event like this every week," said Sherman. "If that's the case, they are not for it."
City sells road graders
Following up on some old business, the city's two road graders were sold to separate parties. A motion was made and passed to accept the highest bid given for each grader.
The council also approved the purchase of 10 additional t-shirts for the Summer Rec Program. The program has generated a lot of new interest this year.
Administrative Assistant Linda Bjelland reported on ACH (Automated Clearing House). ACH allows water customers to have their monthly payments taken directly from their bank checking accounts. Formerly, this service was only available to individuals with checking accounts at 1st National Bank. The service is now being extended to include customers with checking accounts in any bank.
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There is a one time $50 set up fee and average monthly fees will be around $20. "It is a convenience for both sides," Bjelland said regarding the switch to ACH.
Mayor Mounts discussed the Wheeler Property which the owner wishes to have split into four pieces to give to his children. It was decided that a meeting will be set for a variance hearing regarding this request. The variance is necessary because the split would create property without access.
The meeting was closed at 8:10 a.m.
Ottertail meeting July 20
The next regular council meeting will take place on Thursday, July 20 at 7 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Community Center and will begin with two public hearings to review and possibly accept the proposed zoning map for the City of Ottertail and a Sexually Oriented Business Ordinance for the city.
