10-22-2014 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL OCTOBER 22, 2014 year renewal option. Duray also noted that Mr. Ortiz also owns and operates Daubers Cafe in the Marketplace Shopping Center. Duray reported that it is Ortiz's contention that operating just a convenience store would not generate adequate revenue. Duray reported that he explained to Ortiz the fact that the City does not have a Tobacco Store License available. Mr. Ortiz indicated that he does not want to operate a tobacco store, but rather a convenience store with more space to display tobacco products in order to generate enough revenue to make the store successful. Duray felt that Mr. Ortiz would be a good business owner and renter, and would be an asset to the community. Duray again commented on the empty store fronts along Rice Street. Blesener asked what products would be sold from the convenience store. Mrs. Ortiz reported that milk and dairy products as well as chips and snacks would be sold. She indicated that products that are typical to a gas station/convenience store would be sold. Blesener asked about the 40% figure for tobacco display area. Kelly Ortiz indicated that the 40% was arrived at as it is a level necessary in order to generate discounts from the tobacco companies. McGraw asked if the discounts would increase if the percentage of floor space increased. Ortiz replied that that was correct. Keis asked if a discount would be offered if the floor space was 20% or 30%. Ortiz indicated that 40% is the minimum percentage that would generate product discounts. Keis pointed out that then it would appear that gas station/convenience stores do not received product discounts. Ortiz noted that gas station/convenience stores do not sell bulk tobacco for rolling. McGraw asked what would make this business different from a tobacco store. Ortiz indicated that they would not be a full tobacco store. Duray indicated that the business would not sell items such as glass pipes, which would be the biggest difference. McGraw asked if e -cigarettes and refills would be sold. Ortiz replied that they would. Blesener noted that the Council will be considering amendments to the Tobacco Ordinance at its November 12th meeting. Blesener suggested that this matter be considered at the same time as he felt additional information was needed before the Council could make a decision. Montour asked that Ortiz provide documentation of discounts available from tobacco companies based on the square footage discussion this evening. Montour also asked that Ortiz provide a listing of the tobacco products and any tobacco -related items that he would plan to sell. Montour agreed there was a need to fill store fronts in Little Canada, and felt that the City and Ortiz could work together. However, he felt a convenience store does not 5