CITY OF SAINT PAUL

Mayor Christopher B. Coleman 390 City Hall 15 West Kellogg Boulevard Saint Paul, Minnesota 55102 Telephone: 651-266-8510 Facsimile: 651-228-8521

July 23, 2013 Dear Licensee: I am writing regarding the recent and unexpected takeover of inspection duties by the Minnesota Departments of Health (MDH) and Agriculture (MDA). As you know, on Monday, July 8, both MDH and MDA terminated delegations agreements that had been in place for over a century, and have taken responsibility for licensing and inspecting of all food, pool and lodging establishments in Saint Paul. As a result, there may be some substantial changes to the process of passing health inspections. It is important that I first recognize the importance of your business and how it contributes to the overall economic success of Saint Paul. We are committed to ensuring businesses are able to thrive and expand without unintended consequences or unnecessary delays. The city plans to work as collaboratively as possible with the State in order to minimize confusion and provide the best customer service possible. We have established a transition team and a new key position to evaluate the status of each new and renewal license application for an appropriate handoff to the State. We will continue to advocate on behalf of businesses throughout this process. Successful lobbying efforts by both the city and the Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce has resulted in both MDA and MDH honoring Saint Paul issued food, pool and lodging licenses until they expire. This prevents a business owner from being charged twice for the same service. Advocacy of this nature will continue. Furthermore, Saint Paul will continue to license and inspect establishments for non-food related licenses such as liquor, entertainment, sidewalk cafes, tobacco and fuel. You will receive an invoice 60 days prior to your expiration date for these licenses as you have in the past. In an effort to ensure our businesses have a voice at the state, I have established a new key position in the Department of Safety and Inspections to serve as an ombudsman for new and existing food businesses. The ombudsman, Gary Edwards, will act as a liaison between the city and the State to track the progress on new business applications and expansions. The ombudsman will also identify and eliminate unnecessary delays and ensure productive communication and coordination. Please feel free to reach out to Gary directly at your convenience and use him as a resource for your needs moving forward. His phone number is 651-266-9132 and his email address is Gary.Edwards@ci.stpaul.mn.us. As always, Saint Paul is the community it is in large part to you and your businesses. We will continue to make sure Saint Paul remains a safe, exciting and accessible place for people to live, work and visit. Sincerely,

1
Christopher B. Coleman Mayor
An Affirmative Action Equal Opportunity Employer