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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/15/1977 . ' ✓ � � • CITY OF APPLE VALLEY URBAN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE MEETING September 15, 1977 PRESENT: George Hecker, Hank Myers, Dorothy Regis, Dick Edwards, Jim Ronay. ABSENT: Joan Goering, Bill Smith Chairman Hecker called the meeting to order. Members of the Committee stated that they have stopped at the 7-11 Stores to see what the problem is and have not seen any problems. There was considerable discussion in reference to the complaint from Lynn Kline, the discussion with Sgt. Erickson of the AVPD, and observations made by members of the Conomnittee. Larry Bruhn, Area Supervisor for the 7-11 Stores, representing Southland Corporation came to the meeting to answer questions in reference to the game machines located in the stores. Hecker e�lained why he had been asked to attend the meeting. Mr. Bruhn stated that they have not had any complaints in reference to the local stores. The employees in the stores have been instructed that only one perso�a operate the machines at a time. He was asked if they felt that the game machines attracted the �ids to congregate around the stores. Ae stated that they did take the machines out of their store located at Midway & University -- it is a problem area and the police thought the machines should be removed. They have 84 - 7-11 Stores in the area and 45 to 50 of them have the game machines. Ronay asked what the purpose of the machines is? Mr. Bruhn stated that they are in the stores to make money -- they are a high gross profit item. He was also asked about vandalism, break-ins, problems because the kids are hanging around -- he stated that he is not aware of any problems. He further stated that Southland Corporation has 6,000 stores across the nation and it is corporate policy to put them in all the new stores. Regis asked about loss of business because of the machines. The Committee has heard that people do not shop at the stores because of the kids hanging around and because of the pinball machines. Regis asked if this was taken into consideration when the game machines were installed. The Police Department is also against the machines and the kids ha.nging around the stores. He stated that he has not heard of any problems. The money is taken out of the ma.chines once a week. They are not aware of any increase in robberies, vandalism, etc. since the machines were installed. In other areas the adults use the machines as much as the kids; in AV it is mostly the kids. Mr. Larry Bruhn said that he attended a similar meeting in Lauderdale as they were work- ing on an ordinance. He also stated that the machines are licensed in most cities. Regis sa�d that the problems at the "Corner Pocket" had a lot of influence on the game machines -- there were a lot of problems there. Ae stated that some Cities have an age limit on who can use the machines. He was asked what in an ordinanee would cause them problems or cause them to take the machines out. He said an age limit would probably be a problem as the younger kids use the machines in AV; however, enforcement of an age limit would also cause policing problems. The City of St. Paul does not have an age limit; Minneapolis has a limit at 18 yrs. old. Ronay & REgis agreed that they do not see a problem with the machines in the 7-11 stores in AV. If it becomes a problem then an ordinance can be drafted to eliminate them. � _ �''a.ge 4�2 � � r Urban Affairs Committee 9/15/77 Hecker stated that he felt they should be licensed for better control; so the City knows where they are located. Ronay said that he didn't know why they would want control. The Co�ittee agreed to prepare a statement to present to the Council reporting their investigation and the views of the Committee members. During the coming weeks prior to the next meeting which will be October 20, 1977 the members will briefly write down their views and feelings in reference to the game machines. They will ask the Councilmembers to indicate to the committee members what direction they should take in either developing an ordinance to license, regulation of where the machines ean be located, etc. There was some discussion in reference to the income from the macttines. What would be achieved if they were licensed. They also discussed licensing the vending ma.chines; it was noted that in the Eagan ordinance the reason was for sanitary purposes. There was'also some discussion in reference to the assignment from the Council regarding the "Weed Ordinance". After the Committee has completed their work on the "game machine" problem they will investigate and make a recommendation regarding the "weed problem." Meeting ad�ourned.