St. Peter approves summer festivals and a temporary tobacco license after council debate

The St. Peter City Council on May 27 approved several routine requests for city assistance and permits for summer events, and separately approved a temporary tobacco license for a vendor at an upcoming event.

Staff said Minnesota Original Music Festival (July 16–20) has the same organizers and conditions as in prior years, including required vendor permits and $1.5 million liability insurance; the council approved the resolution (packet pages 63–64). The council also approved a combined resolution allowing Young John Denver Fest and Ambassadors Bluesfest to use Minnesota Square Park on consecutive days with single multi-day insurance coverage (pages 69–70), and approved the traditional Chamber of Commerce Fourth of July parade and park usage (pages 74–75).

Separately, the council took the temporary tobacco license for Moulder Cigar Emporium off the consent agenda for discussion. Some members voiced public-health objections to allowing sales of smoking products in the park; staff clarified the license applies only to tobacco products and that the city ordinance change no longer requires organizers to ban dogs (a related packet clarification). After discussion, the council voted to grant the temporary tobacco license. The roll call recorded one no vote (Council member DVOS) and affirmative votes from the majority of members.

Packet materials for the events and the tobacco-license resolution are contained at the referenced pages in the meeting packet. Staff reminded organizers they must return the park to its prior condition and carry the required insurance.