05-14-2025 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

MINUTES CITY COUNCIL MAY 149 2025 Mr. Vang commented on his experiences 50 years ago when they were rushing to flee his country and could not imagine that 50 years later this recognition would be realized, noting that his father served in an SGU. He stated that it is a blessing to live in Little Canada, which is a quiet community in the middle of the larger metro. He invited everyone to join them at the Capitol on May 17'h and 18th for the celebrations. PUBLIC COMMENT None. PUBLIC HEARINGS CONSIDER 2025 ON -SALE LIQUOR LICENSE FEE INCREASE The City Clerk stated that this is the annual review of the liquor license fee increases, which is completed through a public hearing. She provided background information on the liquor license fees and the previous decision to increase the fee by two percent each year. She stated that she received a comment from a license holder asking why the fee has to increase each year, and in response, she provided a comparison of other communities. She stated that Little Canada is the only city that she surveyed that increases their fee on an annual basis, but recognized the intent to have a small increase planned each year rather than waiting ten years and having a large increase. She noted the public safety and legal costs that the city incurs related to alcohol. Mayor Fischer commented that they did not increase license fees during COVID. He stated that the Council reviews these fees each year, and the increase was previously tied to the levy increase, but following COVID, the Council no longer wanted to tie that increase to the larger levy increase. He believed that the two percent increase is reasonable and a good place to start the discussion each year. He noted that in comparison, the city is not out of line with the fees of other communities. Miller agreed that two percent is a reasonable increase, especially with the rising costs of public safety services. He agreed that the costs seem in line with other communities. Kwapick asked and received confirmation that the two percent increase was also adopted last year. He agreed they should stick with the two percent increase and could discuss a tiered system in the future to determine whether that would work for Little Canada. Mayor Fischer opened the public hearing for comments from the general public. There were no comments from the public. Upon motion by Miller, seconded by Gutierrez, the public hearing was closed. Ayes (5). Nays (0). Motion adopted. Miller introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOL UTION NO. 2025-5-69 — APPROVING A TWO PERCENT INCREASE TO THE 2025 ON -SALE LIQUOR LICENSE FEES, ADOPTING ORDINANCE 912, UPDATING THE FEE SCHEDULE FOR 2025 ON -SALE LIQUOR AND WINE LICENSES, AND APPROVING PUBLICATION OFA SUMMARY ORDINANCE 2