03-25-2020 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL MARCH 25, 2020 PROCLAIMING A The City Administrator explained that according to guidance provided by LOCAL the League of Minnesota Cities, it is considered a best practice for local DECLARATION municipalities to declare a local emergency. He stated that whether a city OF EMERGENCY needs to declare a local emergency depends on what actions the city wants to take. He explained that when a city declares an emergency under Minnesota Statute, section 12.29, it grants itself specific authorities that it would not otherwise have. The City Administrator reported that since Governor Walz has already declared a state of emergency, cities are already authorized to hold meetings via telephone or other electronic means pursuant to Minnesota Statue, section 13D.021, if the mayor, chief legal counsel, or chief administrative officer determines it is not practical or prudent to hold the meeting in person. He stated that staff recommends approval of Resolution 2020-3-37 proclaiming a local declaration of emergency. Montour introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOL UTION NO. 2020-3-37 —APPROVE RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING A LOCAL DECLARATION OF EMERGENCY The foregoing resolution was duly seconded by Torkelson. Roll Call Vote: Keis/Torkelson/Fischer/Montour/McGraw Ayes (5). Nays (0). Resolution adopted. PUBLIC HEARING Keis opened the Public Hearing to consider the proposed annual increase in — CONSIDER AN On -Sale Liquor and On -Sale Wine License Fees. INCREASE IN LIQUOR LICENSE The City Clerk stated that in 2006, the City Council decided that increases FEES for on -sale liquor and on -sale wine licenses would be tied to annual gross levy increases for five years. She noted that the Council has continued to use this basis for liquor license increases every year since, except in 2018 when the levy was high the Council opted to stay with a three percent increase. She stated that based on this practice, the on -sale liquor and on - sale wine licenses would be increased by 4.193 percent for 2020. The City Cleric stated that based on what is happening currently due to COVID-19 with bars and restaurants being closed, staff is recommending that the liquor license fees not be increased for 2020. She noted that the public hearing notices had been mailed to all businesses that had a liquor license in February, and reached out to several of them today about the recommendation. She stated that she received one comment back from 2