07/06/2010 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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• • • Date: To: From: Re: WORK SESSION STAFF REPORT Work Session Item #,S. July 6, 2010 City Council Julie Bartell Liquor License Background Investigation Fees WS — Item 2 Background The council has requested a review of the city's charges for background investigations related to the issuance of liquor licenses. Historically, the council has considered the question of liquor license investigation fees twice in the recent past. In April of 2009 the council considered the amount the city charges for the service including a review of what some other cities are charging and of what the Police Department estimates as their cost for the work. The council concurred at that time that the charges were appropriate and no change in the fee was determined. In August of 2009 the council reviewed how the city's practice of requiring a background investigation on renewal liquor licenses fits into the city's code of ordinances and state statute for enforcement purposes. At that time the council concurred that they wished to continue the city's practice of requiring a background investigation on all renewals and, upon the advice of the city attorney, adopted a resolution that ratifies the practice. I am attaching the background information from these previous discussions. Currently I understand the council would like to a) review the investigation fees for all types of liquor licenses; b) to understand if there is a difference in the type of investigation (and work involved) for different licenses; and c) to consider if the charges are equitable. The following is an excerpt from the city's adopted fee schedule that indicates the city's charges for licenses and investigations. Please note that there is an investigation done for the renewal of all licenses but there is a fee for the investigation only for liquor, beer and wine licenses. In the case of temporary licenses we do not charge a fee for the investigation possibly because temporary licenses are allowed (under state law) only for non - profits for special events of 1 -4 days so a $250/$450 fee could be more of a burden. ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES 3.2 Beer Investigation 3.2 Beer Off -Sale 3.2 Beer On -Sale 3.2 Beer On -Sale Temporary 2010 FEE SCHEDULE $250.00 (1 or 2); $450.00 (3 +) $200.00 /Year $300.00 /Year $50.00 + $5.00 /Day 1