City Council

~AD HOC REPORT~ Ordinance: Body Care Facilities Monday, January 22, 2024 Chair Gartner called the meeting to order at 7:21 p.m. on Monday, January 22, 2024. Present was Committee Member Ben Chianese; and Elmer Palma was absent. From the City were Rick Gottschalk, Corporation Counsel Representative; and Kara Prunty, Director of Health & Human Services. Also present was Ex Officio Member Duane Perkins. Chair Gartner noted that Mr. Palma is absent due to a family commitment. Ms. Prunty discussed the proposed licensing ordinance for Body Care Facilities. The ordinance will require applicants to obtain licensing through the City’s Health Department in addition to the State’s Department of Public Health license. Licensing will allow inspectors to evaluate the following: sanitization, best public health practices, enforce clean practices and promote safe environments for customers. The ordinance is similar to other municipalities, with a focus on facility sanitization. Mr. Gottschalk provided an overview of the research process for the ordinance, dating back to 2017. The ordinance was created using other municipalities as references. Ms. Prunty confirmed Section 6-4 prohibits services from being offered in a residence, due to inspection restrictions and zoning regulations; however, the City can make exceptions if regulations and zoning requirements are met. Chair Gartner requested home-based restrictions be stricken to allow for startup businesses. Furthermore, she requested that the City verify zoning restrictions in neighborhoods for home-based businesses. Ms. Prunty agreed that applicants must comply with health and zoning regulations and present a certificate of zoning compliance with the license application. Member Chianese suggested that the City regulate hours of operation. Mr. Gottschalk noted Sec. 8 (B) requires businesses to be licensed within 30 days of the ordinance’s enactment; however, Ms. Prunty requested that the effective date be January 1, 2025, to allow businesses to prepare for the application process. Ms. Prunty stated her department has already been performing community outreach to inform the public of the proposed ordinance. Chair Gartner asked about defining “City Official”. Mr. Duane Perkins spoke in opposition of allowing home-based businesses, and he expressed concern regarding parking and the burden on public services by home-based businesses. A motion was made by Member Chianese, seconded by Chair Gartner, to recommend to the full City Council the adoption of the Body Care Facilities ordinance, including all amendments, authorizing Corporation Counsel to provide a full draft to the Council, to be presented to a Public Hearing followed by a C.O.W. Motion carried unanimously. A motion made by Member Chianese, and seconded by Chair Gartner, to adjourn. The motion carries unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 7:54 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Andrea Gartner, Chair Ben Chianese