04-10-2002 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

MINUTES CITY COUNCIL APRIL 10, 2002 Street. Duray noted that the majority of the liquor businesses in the City are family owned and operated by members of the community. Duray reported that I Ioggsbreath, Gordies', and Brady's are opposed to the liquor license increase. They view the increase as another form of taxation. Duray noted that the economy has been fairly flat for the past year, and felt that many businesses were suffering because of this. Duray indicated that if the license fee had to be increased, he would encourage the Council to impose a moderate increase spread out over a period of time. Fahey noted staff's analysis of the cost to the City relative to law enforcement services required at liquor establishments. This analysis shows that property taxes as well as liquor license fees fall a little short of covering the City's costs given the frequency of calls. Fahey also noted the survey comparing license fees with surrounding cities and noted that Little Canada's fees are at the low end. Fahey suggested that if the decision is to increase the license fee to $3,250, that fee be established for the next two-year period. LaValle suggested that the City consider basing its fee on a square footage basis. There was no one else from the general public present wishing to comment on this matter. Upon motion by Pahey, seconded by LaValle, the public hearing was closed. The City Administrator noted that t1~e only liquor license fee lower thvi Little Canada's is Vadnais heights' fee for liquor establishments under 2,000 square feet in size. The Vadnais Heights' on-sale liquor fees range from $2,850 to $5,850. Montour felt that the City needed to offset its costs associated with liquor establishments. If liquor license fees do not offset these costs, then the general Taxpayers must pick up the balance. LaValle questioned staff's interpretation of the cost of calls for service. He suggested that the Council consider basing liquor license fees on the size of the liquor establishment. Scalze pointed out that square footage of the liquor establishment is the basis for Vadnais Heights' liquor license fee. Other than establishments under 2,000 square feet in size, Vadnais Heights' fees are higher than the on-sale license fee being charged by Little Canada. LaValle stated that he did not support the same fee schedule that Vadnais Heights has in place.