Recently adopted ordinances

The Albert Lea City Council adopted the following proposed ordinance amendments at its meeting on May 8. One change was made to the dress code of the spas, saunas, and massage, bodywork and somatic therapies ordinance, allowing skirts and shorts to be 6 inches above the knee rather than 3 inches.

Mobile food carts and mobile food vehicles
The purpose of the ordinance is to address concerns about responsibility, applicability and purpose of the ordinance. The primary purpose of licensing businesses is the safety of the public and liability of the City. Under these changes those who prepare food will continue to be required under all circumstances (event, location or other) to obtain a license from the City to ensure they are meeting State licensing and inspection. Additionally, all other vendors of pre-packed or nonfood items doing business on City property shall also be required to register to make sure they are an insured business and provide basic contact information.

Spas, saunas, and massage, bodywork and somatic therapies
The purpose of the ordinance is to address concerns about authenticity of licensing, business history and public safety. Current ordinance requires so little in proof or background that nearly any person can obtain a license from the City. This ordinance sets standards for conduct, cleanliness, hours of operation, experience and a background check. The term “enterprise” used in the ordinance means a place of business. The ordinance change setting certain limitations on food preparation, restrooms and habitation should be referencing enterprises only, not home occupations or travelling therapists.

Taxicab
The purpose of the ordinance is to address concerns about changes in the industry and public safety. Current ordinance does not require a background check allowing nearly any person to obtain a license from the City. Additionally, changes in certain taxi services such as ride shares has not been addressed in the current ordinance.