05-11-11 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL MAY 11, 2011 The City Administrator indicated that the State minimum are low, and if a serious accident occurred involving a liquor liability claim, these minimums would not provide much coverage. The Administrator believed that the State minimums were likely set in the early 1980's. He indicated that he would be working with the League of MN Cities to propose legislation to increase those minimums. Blesener asked the cost of the higher insurance limits. The City Administrator was not sure, but indicated that he would research this and report back to the council. Keis indicated that the question is what is reasonable to protect the community, yet reasonable for the City's businesses. Keis stated that he would hate to put someone out of business because of this increased insurance cost. Blesener felt the appropriate avenue was through the League working to get State Law changed to increase the limits. The City Attorney was asked if the City had any exposure in this regard. He replied that the City did not. Keis stated that he would like to see cost estimates for various limits of liquor liability coverage. The Administrator indicated that he would obtain this information. The City Attorney stated that with regard to the three -year tenure requirement for temporary permits, the Council should specify the reasons for this waiting period. Keis noted that the three -year period gives some assurance that the organization requesting a temporary liquor license is a legitimate business. McGraw agreed, pointing out that the three years provides an ample period of time to show that the organization is legitimate, has been managed well, and does what it says it will do. Montour noted that the State requires an organization to be in existence for five years before it can be declared a non - profit, 501C.3. With regard to the City's Wine License regulations, the City Attorney recommended that the definition of wine follow the alcohol by volume as stated in State Law. The Attorney noted that the City's ordinance sets a lowest limit that exceeds the State's lowest limit. He also recommended elimination of the first sentence of Code Section 704.010 feeling that sentence was unnecessary. Council agreed. The City Administrator noted that liquor license renewals are scheduled for the May 25`1' City Council meeting. The current licenses expire on 7