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MINUPES <br />CITY COUNCIL <br />SEPTE[QBER 7, 1995 <br />these licenses. <br />Morelan suggested that the Council look at a more <br />restrictive ordinance regulating the sale of tobacco. <br />Morelan reported that there was an article in the <br />League of MN Cities Bulletin regarding tobacco <br />licensing. <br />LaValle expressed concern with trying to legislate <br />morality. LaValle pointed out that the Sheriff's <br />Department has an enforcement program for tobacco <br />sales, and questioned the need to spend money adding <br />ordinances. <br />Fahey stated that he was not inclined to restrict <br />people's rights, and indicated that he was not <br />interested in an additional ordinance. Fahey did not <br />believe that additional laws have proven to be the <br />answer, and suggested that proqrams like the Sheriff's <br />Department were more effective. Fahey suggested that <br />staff provide the Council with a copy of the League's <br />article on the issue, however. <br />The Administrator suggested that the Council consider <br />increasing the license fee associated with amusement <br />vendors. The Administrator pointed out the survey <br />information provided showing these fees in the <br />surrounding cities, and noted that this is a revenue <br />generator for cities. <br />Fahey stated that he feels uncomfortable increasing <br />fees simply to raise additional revenue. Fahey felt <br />that the fees should be set at a level that covers <br />administrative costs, except for the taxi license fee <br />and cigarette license. <br />Morelan suggested that in the total picture, the City <br />should be competitive with the surrounding cities. <br />Cities are essentially bidding for services to attract <br />business. <br />Fahey felt the question was should the City be <br />competitive or set fees at a rate that will reasonably <br />cover its costs. Fahey pointed out that Little Canada <br />taxes are high, so perhaps fees should be lower. Fahey <br />did not believe fees should be used as a source of <br />revenue. Fahey felt that either expenses should be cut <br />or an additional half percent added to the tax levy to <br />spread the cost over the entire City. Fahey was <br />opposed to targeting a special group to generate the <br />additional revenue needed. <br />5 <br />