11-12-2014 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL NOVEMBER 12, 2014 sell. McGraw stated that he preferred to not create a situation where the City could run into problems. Montour stated that he has never been in a convenience store that had 40% of its space dedicated to tobacco stores. Montour stated that it was his opinion that the Ortiz proposal was for a tobacco store that sells some convenience items. He felt that the options would be for the City to increase the number of Tobacco Store Licenses or for Mr. Ortiz to change his business plan and live under the conditions of the General Tobacco Sales & Display License. Boss agreed. Montour agreed with previous comments that there is a need to fill store fronts in Little Canada, but he indicated that Ortiz business model did not work for him. I -le noted that the City already has two tobacco stores. McGraw pointed out communications that the Council received from residents opposed to the addition of another tobacco store in the City. The City Administrator noted that City staff receives a lot of inquiries about the availability of Tobacco Store Licenses as well as interest in establishing hookah shops in the City. The Administrator noted empty store fronts, noting that the City must consider the types of businesses it wants to attract to the community. The Administrator indicated that he read the information submitted by Mr. Ortiz from the Phillips Tobacco Company, and did not find a provision wherein a discount would he granted if the store had 40% of floor space dedicated to tobacco sales. The Administrator indicated that the likelihood is that discounts would he granted based on sales volumes. Duray again indicated that Mr. Ortiz was basing his information on the operation of his brother's tobacco store. He also noted that he contacted surrounding cities, none of which have classes of tobacco licenses nor restrictions on the number of these licenses. Duray felt this made it difficult for a business owner to compete with stores in surrounding communities. Duray also pointed out that this building space has been vacant for almost a year. Montour suggested that Mr. Ortiz consider changing his business plan, and pointed out that he would still likely qualify for discounts if his sales volume meets the required criteria. Duray acknowledged that the 50 cubic feet being recommended as the maximum under the General Tobacco Sales & Display License was better than the 25 cubic feet first discussed. Keis stated that he supported the ordinance amendment as proposed for the General Tobacco Sales & Display License, and was not in support of adding another Tobacco Store License. Montour agreed and suggested 5