03-12-08 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

MINUTES CITY COUNCIL MARCH 12, 2008 five years would be set at a rate equal to the gross levy increase. The proposed increase is based on the City's gross levy increase of 6.03% for 2008. Blesener also noted that the proposal is to increase the Off-Sale Liquor License to the maximum allowed by the State for cities our size which is $380, with a $100 discounted to be applied if State conditions are met relative to training, posting, and reward/recognition program. The City Clerk reported that the State capped the Off-Sale Liquor License Fee for cities our size at $150 for several years. That maximum has been increased recently to $380 with the requirement that the $100 discount be applied as outlined by the Mayor. Blesener suggested the cost of training might be greater than $100 discount. The City Administrator noted that properly trained liquor store employees will result in fewer sales to underaged individuals. He noted that the fines and criminal process that results from an illegal sale can be very costly. Blesener opened the hearing to the general public. Tom Duray, owner of Hoggsbreath and representative of the other on-sale liquor licensees in the City, acknowledged the agreement that was reached with the City Council in 2006 to hold license increases at the rate of the gross levy increase. He noted that the liquor businesses are struggling and that the license increase is larger than anticipated, but that the liquor business owners realize they must abide by their agreement. Duray reported on the status of server training at each of the City's on-sale liquor businesses, noting that all do the training every two to three years. The cost of training is $25 per individual fora 4 to 5 hour training session. Duray reported that when a new employee is hired at Hoggsbreath, they are provided with an employee manual that provides information and informal training on serving issues. The new employee does not receive formal training until the next formal training session for all employees. Duray described the ability of servers to observe the individuals they are serving and track the amount of alcohol they are consuming. There was no one else present from the general public wishing to comment on this matter. Upon motion by Montour, seconded by Allan, the public hearing was closed. Ms. Allan introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: