PUBLIC HEARING - Cathy Sorensen, City Clerk
Title
REVOCATION OF PEDDLER/SOLICITOR LICENSE ISSUED TO BRANDON ZENTNER FOR BRANDON “BOOKMAN” BUZZ
Background
On May 11, 2015, Brandon Zentner applied for and was issued a peddler/solicitor license to sell educational books and website information in the City of Blaine for Brandon “Bookman” Buzz. Mr. Zentner’s license was issued upon a successful background check and receipt of all other application materials, including the proper fee. Mr. Zentner’s solicitor/peddler license expires on August 13, 2015.
The City has received numerous complaints regarding Mr. Zentner. On two separate occasions Mr. Zentner was sent letters and e-mails to discuss these complaints; staff has also tried repeatedly to contact Mr. Zentner by telephone with no success. Officers have continually advised Mr. Zentner of his unacceptable conduct and hours of operation. Summaries of police incident reports outlining Mr. Zentner’s unacceptable conduct are as follows:
Ø 6/02/15 Suspicious male repeatedly knocking on door
Ø 6/05/15 Repeatedly ringing doorbell and won’t leave/child home alone
Ø 6/05/15 Soliciting after hours
Ø 6/06/15 Report of solicitor looking in windows
Ø 6/10/15 Multiple complaints of solicitor asking odd questions
Ø 6/11/15 Returning to address multiple times/kids scared/before hour sales
Ø 6/13/15 Sitting in driveway for 2 hours/after hours
Ø 6/15/15 Asking where children in the area live and taking notes
Section 22-297 states any license may be revoked by the Council for a violation of any provision of this article if the licensee has been given a reasonable notice and an opportunity to be heard. Notice was sent to Mr. Zetner on June 16 and was published in the City’s official newspaper on June 26. Due to repeated complaints, non-compliance of hours of operation and community safety it is advised that Mr. Zentner’s peddler/solicitor license be revoked.
Recommendation
After holding the public hearing to receive testimony, staff recommends Council, by motion, revoke the peddler/solicitor license issued to Brandon Zentner.