9.6. SR 09-16-2019 EOty1� ,.,�� Request for Action
River
To Item Number
Parks and Recreation Commission 9.6
Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by
Work Session September 16, 2019 Steve Benoit,Recreation Manager
Item Description Reviewed
Rivers Edge Commons Park Alcohol Policy Michael Hecker, Parks and Recreation Director
Reviewed by
Cal Portner, City Administrator
Action Requested
Discuss Rivers Edge Commons Alcohol Policy.
Background/Discussion
The Parks and Recreation Commission reviewed the Rivers Edge Commons Alcohol Policy at their
September 11 meeting. The current department policy restricts the consumption of alcohol in the park
during events such as the Riverfront Concert Series. This policy was originally developed to encourage a
family-friendly environment during events.
The city ordinance regarding the consumption of alcohol in parks is as follows:
Sec. 54-32— Consumption of alcoholic beverages on public beach.
■ No person shall consume liquor on a public beach located in a city park.
The ordinance does not restrict the consumption of alcohol in Rivers Edge Commons Park therefore the
policy is unenforceable by the Elk River Police Department.
The Parks and Recreation Commission reached consensus recommending eliminating the department
policy and not changing the city ordinance.
Financial Impact
None
Attachments
■ None
The Elk River Vision
A PehoMing community Pith revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional POWERED By
service, and community engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity INAMIRE1
Rivers Edge Commons
Alcohol Policy
Discussion
■ Alcohol consumption in Rivers Edge Commons Park during
events
■ Parks and Recreation Commission work session on
September 11
Background
Policv Statement
■ Alcohol cannot be consumed in Rivers Edge Commons Park during Parks
and Recreation events such as the Riverfront Concert series
■ Developed to encourage family-friendly environment at events
■ Administrative Policy
Background
City Ordinance
Sec. 54-32. - Consumption of alcoholic beverages on public beach.
■ No person shall consume liquor on a public beach located in a city park.
■ Police cannot enforce administrative policy
Background
Buffalo
■ Ordinance does not allow alcohol consumption in parks
■ Exploring modifying to allow alcohol in parks
■ Considering hiring American Legion or Lions Club
■ City would benefit from sales
Plymouth
■ Ordinance does not allow alcohol consumption in Parks
■ Exceptions need to be council approved
Background
Maple Grove
■ Policy does not allow alcohol in park during events
■ Can be allowed through permitting process
Parks and Recreation Commission
■ September 11 Parks and Recreation Commission work session
■ Eliminate the Administrative Policy prohibiting alcohol consumption in
Rivers Edge Commons Park during events
■ City ordinance remain unchanged
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