03-08-06 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL MARCH 8, 2006 LaValle agreed that the liquor license establishments in Little Canada are not the large franchise businesses that other cities have. LaValle felt that license fees were another form of taxation, pointing out that these businesses already pay property taxes in addition to license fees. LaValle did not think the proposed increase had been included in the 2006 Budget revenue stream, and suggested that the license fees remain at their current level. Allan noted Chat iC appeared from the license fee history provided by staff, that these fees have typically been increased every three years. Allan asked if LaValle would favor considering an increase next year. LaValle questioned the need to increase Che fee at all. Allan pointed out that the City's law enforcement costs increase each year and pointed out Che number of DWI's in the City last year. LaValle stated that his recollection from a number of years ago was that there were more police calls at St. John's Church than at Gordies. Allan questioned the City's liquor license fee structure pointing out that the small business pays the same fee as a larger liquor establishment. She noted that the larger liquor business has more opportunities to put on tournaments or sponsor leagues in order to enhance its customer base. Allan felt the fee structure used in other cities that is based on building square footage appeared more equitable. Allan suggested that the structure be studied, and suggested that basing the fee on sales receipts may be the most equitable. The City Administrator expressed concern about basing fees on sales receipts due to monitoring/reporting issues. LaValle questioned that a fee structure based on square footage was the most equitable. Blesener pointed out the difference in size between the Little Venetian and Saxon Lanes as an example where a square footage- based fee would improve equitability. Keis indicated that there may be some problems in basing a liquor license fee on square footage. He also questioned whether these fees needed to be increased each year. Keis also noted that DWI's in the City are not a good basis for increasing liquor license fees given the freeway system that intersects the City and the fact that rnosC DWI's occur on Che freeways. Therefore, these are most likely drivers just passing through Little Canada, and not patrons of Little Canada liquor establishments. Keis noted that the City tries to keep its various permit and license fees comparable with what other cities are charging. Keis felt that to be fair to all the City's businesses, liquor license fees should also be increased