Laserfiche WebLink
MINUTES <br />CITY COUNCIL <br />MAY 25, 2011 <br />Nelson then provided information on the history of hookah smoking, how <br />a hookah is smoked, and the product that is smoked. <br />Nelson stated that when the Council makes a decision on the ordinance <br />amendment it was his hope that the decision was unbiased. He again <br />indicated that if the ordinance is adopted as presented, it would cause him <br />to shut the doors to his business, he would lose his home, and there would <br />be a negative impact on the welfare of his family. <br />Nelson felt that the proposed amendments were directed specifically at <br />putting him out of business. In addition to expressing concern with the <br />proximity restriction in the proposed amendment, he was concerned with <br />the City's proposed definition of sampling. Nelson indicated that the State <br />did not define a sample in the Statute so that businesses like his and cigar <br />shops could function. Nelson stated that if the sampling definition is <br />enacted, there will never be a cigar shop in Little Canada. Nelson <br />expressed concern with the hours of operation being proposed, and again <br />stated that he felt these hours are being used as a means of getting rid of <br />his business. Nelson noted that there are many businesses that do not have <br />regulated hours, and stated that he did not understand the motivation for <br />the change. Nelson questioned any rational which equates this with a <br />public safety issue. Nelson questioned the rational for limiting the amount <br />of display space for tobacco- related devices at 15 %. He noted that this <br />type of restriction is not placed on other types of businesses. Nelson <br />stated that his only conclusion is that Little Canada is looking to get rid of <br />two family -owned businesses. Nelson indicated that the City Clerk <br />informed him that the ordinance amendment is being directed at him, his <br />family, and his business. <br />With regard any contention that this is a public safety issue, Nelson <br />reviewed the police call information that he included in his packet of <br />information, stating that there are numerous police calls at Lincoln Pawn <br />& Jewelry and at liquor establishments in the City. Nelson felt there were <br />existing problems at these businesses that were not being addressed, yet <br />the City is proposing the tobacco ordinance amendments when he has <br />done nothing wrong. Nelson stated that he will aggressively defend his <br />business. <br />Nelson suggested that the Council review the City of Columbia Heights' <br />ordinance and use that as an example in modifying Little Canada's <br />ordinance in a fair and unbiased manner. <br />Keis indicated that this is not a personal issue about Mr. Nelson, but an <br />issue of what should be allowed in the community and what precedents are <br />set. <br />11 <br />