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Memo-Lawful Gambling Department of Administration . Memorandum From: Hopkins City Council Jim Genellie To: Date: Subject: July 17,2003 Lawful Gambling The City Council adopted a moratorium on new premises permits on April 1, 2003. The moratorium was extended and is now set to expire on September 2. The City Attorney was requested to review the current policy on gambling. Staff anticipates the discussion on July 22 to cover clarifying the existing language in the lawful gambling policy as well as examining other issues concerning lawful gambling in Hopkins. City staff sent notices of the July 22 meeting to: Organizations that currently have premises permits; Owners of facilities that are leasing space for lawful gambling; and The Hopkins Youth Hockey Association. The following are the issues that arose during the discussion regarding the permit application from the Hopkins Youth Hockey Association. A copy of the current City policy on Lawful Gambling, Legislative Policy 4-A, is attached. Four sections of the current policy seem to require clarification: 1. Section 2.02 - An applicant for a license shall be a registered Minnesota nonprofit corporation or an organization which is designated as exempt from the payment of income taxes by the Internal Revenue Code and whose principal location or office is within the City of Hopkins. The words "location" and "office" were interpreted by the City Attorney to be synonymous. However, this language has been interpreted in other ways. The language should be clarified to remove any ambiguity. 2. Section 2.03 - The organization defined in Section 2.02 must be engaged in its activities for the benefit of the community within the City of Hopkins for at least five years on a perpetual, continuous, uninterrupted basis and have at least 30 active voting members. . Several issues were raised regarding this section. First does the requirement that an organization be engaged in its activities for at least five years also refer back to Section 2.02, that is, does it require the organization to have an office in Hopkins for at least five years? ILawful Gambling Policy Revision 3.doc Department of Administration . Secondly what is meant by "active voting members?" State law defines "Active Member" as: Subd. 2. Active member. "Active member" means a member who has paid all dues to the organization, who is 18 years of age or older, who has equal voting rights with all other members, who has equal opportunity to be an elected officer, who has equal right and responsibilities of attendance at the regularly scheduled meetings of the organization, whose name and membership origination date appear with the member's knowledge and consent on a list of members of the organization, and who has been a member of the organization for at least six months. Since Section 2.01 of Policy 4-A adopts state law, Minnesota Statute Chapter 349, City staffs assumption has been that an "active voting member" in the Hopkins policy is the same as an "Active Member" in the state statute. The language in this section could be clarified to state this. 3. Section 2.07 - More than one organization, as defined in Section 2.02, may conduct gambling within a single owned, occupied or leased premise. More than one organization may jointly conduct a lawful gambling game at one location. However, two or more organizations shall not separately conduct the same game at the same time at one location. This section has been interpreted to mean that two organizations may share one location if they either 1) run different types of gambling games, e.g. one runs a paddlewheel and the other sells pull tabs; or 2) both organizations conduct the same games, e.g. selling pull tabs, but they do it at separate times. This language has generated some confusion. 4. Section 2.10 - Organizations seeking approval for a premises permit, that are not currently conducting gambling in the City, must provide the City, in addition to the application forms, a copy of the minutes of a general membership meeting, where a quorum was present, wherein the organization approved a motion authorizing the gambling activities. What constitutes a quorum? Is it a quorum as defined in the organization's by-laws? Is it a quorum of the total membership? ILewful Gambling Policy Revision 3.doc POLICY 4-A LAWFUL GAMBLING 1. PURPOSE 1.01 The purpose of this policy is to establish rules and procedures for lawful gambling in the City of Hopkins. 2. REGULATIONS 2.01 Except as otherwise enumerated herein, the provisions of Minnesota Statute Chapter 349 relating to the definition of terms, licensing and restrictions of gambling are adopted and made a part of the statement of policy promulgated by the City of Hopkins as if set out in full 2.02 An applicant for a license shall be a registered Minnesota nonprofit corporation or an organization which is designated as exempt from the payment of income taxes by the Internal Revenue Code and whose principal location or office is within the City of Hopkins. 2.03 The organization defined in Section 2.02 must be engaged in its activities for the benefit of the community within the City of Hopkins for at least five years on a perpetual, continuous, uninterrupted basis and have at least 30 active voting members. 2.04 Gambling allowed by the city shall be carried on only within premises owned, occupied or leased by the organization except such activities permissible under M.S. 349.166. 2.05 No application for a premises permit will be approved for any organization to conduct gambling on any premises other than the premises of an on-sale liquor licensee or the premises of a fraternal, veterans or other non-profit organization. In order for a fraternal, veterans, or other non-profit organization to conduct gambling on their premises, such premises must have been continuously owned and occupied for a period of at least five years. No application for premises permit shall be approved for any organization for a site established for the primary purpose of conducting gambling. This section shall not apply to any organization which is exempt from the requirement for a gambling license according to M.S. 349.166. 2.06 A Class A license will only be approved for an organization that is licensed pursuant to Minnesota Statute, section 349.16, and that conducts gambling on premises that it owns and operates. 2.07 More than one organization, as defined in Section 2.02, may conduct gambling within a single owned, occupied or leased premise. More than one organization may jointly conduct a lawful gambling game at one location. However, two or more organizations . shall not separately conduct the same game at the same time at one location. Legislative Policy Manual -- Chapter 4-A . . . 2.08 The operation of gambling devices and the conduct of bingo and raffles licensed or approved pursuant to the authority granted to the City of Hopkins shall be carried on under the supervision of a gambling manager designated by the organization. The gambling manager shall be responsible for the operation of the gambling activity and the receipts and profits generated from the operation. 2.09 The gambling manager shall be an active member of the organization issued the license and shall qualify under state law. 2.10 Organizations seeking approval for a premises permit, that are not currently conducting gambling in the City, must provide the City, in addition to the application forms, a copy of the minutes of a general membership meeting, where a quorum was present, wherein the organization approved a motion authorizing the gambling activities. 2.11 Participants in raffles, paddlewheels, pull tabs and tip boards shall be restricted to individuals who have attained the legal drinking age. This restriction only applies to premises where liquor, wine, beer or 3.2 beer is served. Where intoxicating beverages are not served the age shall be eighteen. 2.12 Organizations wishing to renew a gambling license must provide the City with a financial audit of its lawful gambling activities and funds for the previous two years. The audit(s) must be performed by an independent accountant licensed by the state of Minnesota. 2.13 In addition, such organizations must provide the City with information on all expenditures of lawful gambling funds during the previous two years. Such information must include at a minimum the name of the recipient, the amount of the expenditure or contribution, and a brief description of how the expenditure or contribution meets the definition of "lawful purposes" as defined in M.S. 349.12. The City reserves the right to require additional documentation from licensed organizations, or organizations seeking licenses, as it deems necessary. 2.14 A fee of $100.00 shall be charged to all organizations submitting a Premises Permit Application or Applications for approval by the City. Established 11/19/85 by Resolution 85-3218 Revised 4/19/94 Revised 12/16/97 City of Hopkins Legislative Policy Manual-- Chapter 4-A 2 . PROPOSED PLAN FOR TESTING, REPAIRING AND/OR REPLACEMENT OF ONE INCH AND LARGER WATER METERS . Support for replacing and repairing The utility billing department, in concert with the water department, has identified a problem with aging water meters. Recently the city replaced some very old meters, (twenty or thirty years old), and discovered an alarming difference in the amount of water that is being read through the old meter compared to the new meter. The new meter is reading a substantially larger amount of water usage through it. As explained to me, internal water meter parts wear down as water continually flows through it and eventually does not read accurately the amount of water being used. . As you know, the city has almost completed the process of changing all of the smaller residential water meters to radio read water meters. This has occurred over the last three years with much success. The next step is to change out the larger water meters, (1" and over) and replace them with radio read water meters. These larger water meters are the oldest and probably the least accurate in the city. The city requires larger water meters to be purchased and owned by the customer. At the same time the city ordinance requires the owner to test the water meters once every ten years or when the city deems it necessary to correct deficiencies. The table below demonstrates one customers' consumption differences after replacing its old water meter. Even the estimates were lower then actual consumption. DATE READING TYPE CONSUMPTION # DAYS 4/16/2003 Actua 182,777 29 3/18/2003 Actua 242,414 33 2/13/2003 Actua 184,435 23 1/2112003 Actua 107,900 39 12/13/2002 New Meter 0 0 12/13/2002 Replacemen 0 0 10/21/2002 Estimatl 72,953 26 9/25/2002 Estimate 98,685 3: 8/21/2002 Estimate 92,435 33 7/19/2002 Estimate 77,385 28 6/2 I/2002 Actua 100 29 5/23/2002 Actua 500 31 4/22/2002 Actua 7,100 31 3/22/2002 Actua 105,000 29 2/2 I/2002 Actua 69,400 23 eo . Proposed Solution The finance and water departments would like to encourage customers with larger old water meters to replace them with new radio read water meters as quickly as possible. However, we recognize the burden of the cost of replacing these meters. To encourage customers to replace their water meters and install radio read, we would like to offer a period of time where the city will install and pay for the radio read device. This is a savings of at least $200 for each water meter. The cost of the radio read device is anywhere from $175 to $500. The replacement of the actual water meter will remain the responsibility of our customers. The cost of the water meter replacement could be anywhere from $300 to $3,500. . Utility billing estimates that there are approximately 400 larger old water meters to be upgraded to radio read. We also believe that the majority of the large old water meters can be replaced with smaller more efficient water meters, which will help keep the costs down. The city could spend $80,000 on radio read devices for the larger water meters. Although this is a substantial amount of money, finance is confident that the city will receive a return on this investment over a short period of time. For example, consider the customer demonstration above. The customer was paying approximately $110 a month less then they should have been. Multiply $110 by twelve to arrive at $1,300 a year, then by 400 customers to arrive at $520,000 a year. This is an over simplification, but it demonstrates how quickly the cities investment return could be. . Time Frame Because of the costs to our customers and the water departments' availability, we are recommending that we start the process in January 2004. Prior to that a letter will go out in September 2003, informing customers of the upcoming requirements for radio read capability, (see attached letter #1). In addition, another letter will go out in January 2004, to notify customers of their responsibilities to complete the requirements to enable the city to install the radio read devices, (see attached letter #2). We are hopeful that customers will take advantage of the cities proposal and replace their water meters during the specified time frame. . *Letter to request meter be tested along with required Information sheet <<Date>> (<FirstName}) (<Address 1 )} ((Address2)> <<City}} <<State>} (<PostaICode>) Re: Meter Testing/Upgrade or Replacement The City is in the process of installing a "radio read" meter reading system and will be requiring all customers to either install meters that are radio read ready or have meters that can be upgraded to radio read capability. New radio read water meters may be purchased through the City of Hopkins. A meter cost sheet is attached. If you purchase and install a new radio read water meter, the City will provide and install the radio transponder, at a minimum of $200.00 savings to you. You may also test and upgrade your current meter to ensure it is radio read compatible. The approximate costs for testing and possible repairs are included on the bottom of the cost sheet. . Depending on the make, model, and age of your current water meter, you may wish to compare the cost of testing & repairing your water meter versus the cost of replacing your water meter. You may also wish to look into the possibility of reducing the size of your water meter to help keep replacement costs down. If you would like assistance determining whether you can reduce the size of your water meter, contact our Utility Department at 952-939-1373. (Code 710.17) Subd. 7. Meters. All meters shall be an approved brand that is compatible with the city's meter reading system and must measure by gallon units. The approval of meters shall be made by the City Manager or his/her designee. No turbine meters shall be installed, unless it has been approved by the utility superintendent pr an approved designee. The owner shall pay for the meter in advance and shall ensure that the meter and outside remote meter are accessible to city staff. (Code 710.29) As per the City Code, maintenance of meters over 5/8" shall include: certification testing once every ten years or when deemed necessary by the city's utility billing department, necessary meter repairs to correct deficiencies, and submittal of test results to the city's billing department demonstrating meter is accurate. Failure to test and repair meters over 5/8" after 30 days written notice from the city shall be considered an act of negligence and shall be subject to a fine of $100 per month including the 30 day notice period. A person violating this subsection is guilty of a misdemeanor and the . superintendent may disconnect the water supply to such meter. . This letter shall serve as written notification that the meter(s) listed below is to be tested. Testing I repair and/or replacement of the meter(s) must be performed by: (<Repdate>>. Account: ((Account>> Meter: ((Meter>> Service Address: (<Servadd>>, Transponder: (<Transponder>> Please see that the attached form is given to your water meter repair or replacement vendor for completion. This form is to be returned to our office within 5 days of repair/service to your water meter. \ If you have any questions regarding your account(s), please feel free to contact the Utility Dept. at 952-939-1373 or Billing Dept. at 952-935-8474, ext. 332. Michael G. Lauseng Utility Superintendent . Enc. *** Preliminary Notice for Meter Testing/Upgrade*** Draft . Date Company Name Address City State Zip Re: Meter Upgrade/Testing The City is in the process of installing a "radio read" meter reading system and will be requiring all customers to install water meters that are "radio read" or have current water meters upgraded to have radio read capability. . Water meters may be purchased through the City of Hopkins. Also, if you purchase and install a new radio read compatible water meter, the City will install and pay for the radio transponder, at a minimum of $200.00 savings to you. (Cost of water meter and installation is the responsibility of the property owner) In 2004, we will begin sending letters to customers requiring the testing or upgrading of water meter(s). If the water meter does not meet the American Water Works Association'standards, the water meter will need to be repaired or replaced as per the Hopkins City Code. The upgrading and testing of water meters is being done in an effort to confirm that the water meters are providing accurate water usages and enabling the city to insta II radio transponders. Depending on the make, model, and age of your current water meter, you may wish to compare the cost of a new water meter versus testing and/or repair of your existing water meter. You may also consider reducing the size of your water meter to help keep replacement costs down. If you would like assistance determining whether you can reduce the size of your water meter, contact our Utility Department at 952-939-1373. . . This . letter is being sent to you as a courtesy to allow you an adequate time frame to plan for future expenses. We are providing a 2003 Badger meter and Badger meter parts cost list. Also included is a listing with estimated fees for meter testing and repair, supplied by an independent meter repair company. If you have any questions regarding the information covered in this lette~, please feel free to contact Michael Lauseng, Utility Superintendent at 952-939-1373. Sincerely, Michael G. Lauseng Utility Superintendent mgl/pjw . Hopkins City Code (Code 710.17) Subd. 7. Meters. All meters shall be an approved brand that is compatible with the city's meter reading system and must measure by gallon units. The approval of meters shall be made by the City Manager or hislher designee. No turbine meters shall be installed, unless it has been approved by the utility superintendent or an approved designee. The owner shall pay for the meter in advance and shall ensure that the meter and outside remote meter are accessible to city staff. (Code 710.29) As per the City Code, maintenance of meters over 5/8" shall include: certification testing once every ten years or when deemed necessary by the city's utility billing department, necessary meter repairs to correct deficiencies, and submittal of test results to the city's billing department demonstrating meter is accurate. Failure to test and repair meters over 5/8" after 30 days written notice from the city shall be considered an act of negligence and shall be subject to a fine of $100 per month including the 30 day notice period. A person violating this subsection is guilty of a misdemeanor and the superintendent may disconnect the water supply to such meter. RE: 2003 Badger Water Meters wI TRACE Prices The following are prices for 2003 Badger water meters. All meters are read in gallons, and all meters are priced less connections. Labor charges for water meter testing: 1" - 2" 3" - 4" 185.00 275.00 Remove, test and reinstall. Test on site. . If repair is necessary, an additional labor charge will be charged: I" - 2" 3" - 4" 50.00 100.00 ,. Repair parts are in addition. Cost of these parts is impossible to predict. If costs run higher than 60% of a new meter, a quote is always given to the customer before repair. Price includes providing TestJData Report to the City and to tbe customer. '", ';. City, of j-Iopkins; ," ,( ~>~_.:';-,: k 'I" ,C-:; '"'c'-;- I, ~ '., '"' ,,' " . REQUIRED METEA' INFORMATION "~,> ~ : , 'r, .: " ,",~ ~~~.: . ;~~"," ~:. 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