Application for Amusement Device Licenses at 811 Excelsior Ave, HpksFrom: Commander Pratt
CITY OF HOPKINS
1010 FIRST STREET SOUTH HOPKINS, MINNESOTA 55343 612/935-8474
November 24, 1981
To: Superintendent LaBerge
Subject: Investigation Report: Advision Incorporated.
Application for Amusement Device Licenses at 811 Excelsior
Avenue, Hopkins.
If license is granted by the City of Hopkins, Advision intends to name
business, "The Fun House."
0 HISTORY
Applicant in this case for amusement licenses is Oran Donald Powell, DOB
11/11/44, Vice President for Advision. Investigation reveals no arrest
record through National Crime Information Computer Network and is clear
with Hennepin County Sheriff Warrant Division. Mr. Powell reports he has
never been arrested and other than a few speeding tickets, has no criminal
history. Oran D. Powell, Sr. is president of the Advision Corporation,
which is a family business, that includes two brothers, a brother -in -law
and Oran Powell, Jr. Advision purchased a bowling center, lounge, and
dancing facility in Elk River in June of 1981. This facility is located
two miles West of Elk River, MN., on U.S. Hwy #10, and goes by the name of
"DanceLand." "DanceLand" is Advision's first venture into video, coin
operated machines and pinball machines. Advision has a second facility at
the Elk Cinema, a movie theatre in Elk River.
On site inspection of DanceLand reveals two pinball machines, ten videos,
and one pool table in a game room inside the West -side of the building.
This area is well lighted, clean, and during my inspection, I found no
direct supervision. The area is frequented by young adults who appear to
be orderly and causing no problems. There is smoking and beer allowed in
this room and is connected by a South door to one of the lounges. No
children or underage persons appear to frequent this game room area.
In the front entry way to DanceLand on the East inside are of the building,
are two pinball machines and four video machines. This area is designated
for children and minors and is in direct supervision by bowling alley
personnel at the counter, who monitor activity at all times when the facility
is open for business.
O
Superintendent LaBerge
-2- November 24, 1981
I found no evidence of vandalism and find this kiddie area, adults'
game room, bowling center, lounge and dancing facility to be well managed
and on the surface, trouble free. Employees report that their management
hires off -duty law enforcement officers for security on Friday and Saturday
nights. These bouncers are known to the folks who frequent DanceLand and
they have not had any serious problems. The outside parking lot areas are
lighted and have been trouble free.
I also checked the Elk Cinema, 657 Main Street, and found one pinball
and seven video machines in the lobby. There are "No Smoking" signs posted,
the area is well lighted, carpeted, clean, and no signs of any type of
vandalism. The lobby area where the amusement devices are located are
directly across from the theatre concession area which is in full view of
the employees. This theatre appears to be a family oriented place. There is
an adult manager, or the owner, Mr. Brownfield, in direct supervision at
all times. There have been no problems, it is not a hangout, and the only
incident recalled where there was trouble was with kids talking filthy and
management asked them to leave. I found no problems at this operation.
Mr. Oran "Don" Powell came to the Hopkins Police Department for a personal
interview on November 13, 1981 at my request, and indicated that he intends
to operate The Fun House very similar to the two operations in Elk River.
He states that the Fun House will be supervised by an adult at all times
during operation and will adhere to the conditions outlined by the Hopkins
City Attorney at all times. Mr. Powell emphasized that it is the intention
of Advision, Inc. to operate a well managed amusement center within the City
of Hopkins. Mr. Powell was given a copy of the license conditions which he
will be required to follow.
FACILITY SURVEY
Physical inspection of the building owned by David Himmelman at 811 West
Excelsior Avenue, shows adequate windows in the front of the building facing
Excelsior Avenue and two large window doors at the rear of the building facing
City Lot #700. The area at the rear is well lighted by a 250 watt high
pressure sodium street light. There is room for bike racks and trash cans
in this rear area. The front of the building is again well lighted by a 250
watt high pressure sodium pedestrian courtesy lamp directly in front of the
building along with a 400 watt high pressure sodium street light. There is
a City trash recepticle in this immediate area and there is an access ramp
from the sidewalk into the building.
The Bull Pen, 908 Bar, and Knutson Liquor Store are located directly across
the street. The Blue Ribbon On Off Sale Bar is located on the same side
of the street, approximately 100 feet West of the proposed site. Directly
adjacent to 811 Excelsior to the East is the Best Steak House, which has an
on -sale only beer license. There, are no residential areas immediately
abutting the proposed location.
0
Superintendent LaBerge
-3- November 24, 1981
I see two potential problems with the 811 West Excelsior building. It is
indicated in the application that street level would contain video and
other amusement games along with food vending machines. The lower level
would contain billiard tables. This may present a problem for direct
supervision and more importantly, could be a Fire Department or Building
Inspection concern. The other problems as I see it, is a narrow corridor
between the 811 and 813 West Excelsior buildings. This corridor runs
practically the full length of the two buildings North and South, is not
lighted and could pose a serious problem with loitering and has the
potential for serious criminal behavior. As I see it, the problems could
be removed by erecting a security barrier between the two buildings.
The Fire Department and Building Inspector should investigate further.
ACTION REQUIRED
I would recommend that the license for the Fun House be granted to the
Advision Corporation in concurrence with the Hopkins Fire Dept. and
Building Inspectors.
JCP /jg