07-26-2023 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL JULY 26, 2023 6 problematic. She commented that these issues are ongoing and representative about how the business has been run. Mr. Nelson commented that he did terminate the employee that had those sales, and the new system requires IDs to be scanned. He commented that he believes that the Sheriff’s Office has sent in minors, although that is not confirmed, and those individuals have been turned away. He stated that employees that process those sales are terminated immediately. Gutierrez stated that in her discussions with the other businesses, it was brought to her attention that after the last Council meeting, four men entered one of the businesses where the owner was at the last Council meeting, at 11 p.m. and started asking for the owner; when the owner was not available the men were threatening and told the employee not to go to the City with their complaints. She stated that she cannot confirm whether the people were associated with the Hookah Hideout, or employees, but is concerned that since that meeting people have been using intimidation in speaking with the other businesses. She commented that businesses in that mall are neighbors and that is not the kind of community that she wants to see for the businesses or customers. She asked if Mr. Nelson was aware of the situation or would like to make comment. Mr. Nelson stated that he can deduct from the comments that someone went into Mr. DeRosa’s smoke shop and made those comments. He commented that there is tension between himself and Mr. DeRosa, noting that they were previously friends as teens, opening that smoke shop together and then parting ways. He stated that his staff did not go to that business, and he did not send anyone over there. He commented that his business is busy, and he does not need to threaten others. He commented that he would not do that even if he needed to. Kwapick asked Mr. Nelson to put himself in the shoes of the Council, noting all the comments they have received about this business and the problems they have experienced. He commented that there is a list of violations from the business in addition to the other businesses, all of which could be used to deny a license. He asked if Mr. Nelson could appreciate that the Council is trying to see if the business could stay open in a positive way, noting that he is not hearing respect for the neighbors and/or the city. Mr. Nelson commented that he spoke with the Chinese restaurant, and he has addressed her concerns. He commented that he directed to have signed installed directing customers not to park in the areas of other businesses. He appreciated the concern of the neighboring businesses and can only address them when he learns of them. He stated that he has been in the community since 2011 and will be a good neighbor. He commented that he believed that list of things documented in the letter from his attorney would show that he is attempting to address those concerns and would be willing to address any other concerns that may come forward. Kwapick asked what if the license were to be approved with the recommendations and asked what would happen if those items in the letter from the attorney do not resolve the issues. Mr. Nelson commented that he would do anything to address future or new concerns that have not yet been raised. He stated that he is committed to everything needed to keep the business open, noting the expense of addressing the concerns of the Fire Marshal. Kwapick asked if Mr. Nelson, as the manager, should be made aware of these issues faster than the Council. Mr. Nelson commented that he has not heard these concerns prior to them being raised at a Council meeting. He commented that his customers are not the only ones putting trash in the parking lot, but he is committed to addressing that.