02/11/2008 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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COMPLIANCE HEARING MINUTES 2 February 11, 2008 APPROVED •47 the officers arrived early. 48 49 At council request, Mr. Baumgartner explained that the city's Liquor Ordinance includes a half - 50 hour leeway to allow establishments to clear. This includes clearing of the entire premises, not 51 just the building. 52 53 Mr. Wagner noted that he's been told that people should cross the street and wait in the parking 54 lot. He understands what the code says but it isn't a sensible approach and also puts the 55 bartender in a difficult situation in having to go out and move people along. 56 57 Mr. Baumgartner noted that he believes officers will use discretion if people are ready to move 58 along. There are certain responsibilities that accompany the holding of a liquor license. 59 60 Captain Strege noted that dispatch records indicate that the officers were in the lot at 2:30 so that 61 would put them in the building after 2:30. 62 63 Public Safety Director Pecchia added that the four individuals that were cited did plead guilty 64 and pay their fine to Anoka County. 65 66 Mr. Wagner noted that he accompanied the patrons in court and the circumstances were that they 67 were offered basically a plea agreement or to spend at least another day in court to fight the 68 ticket. .69 70 Council Member O'Donnell moved that the staff recommendation be moved forward to the City 71 Council meeting. Council Member Stoltz seconded the motion. 72 73 Susan Raddon (sp), Miller's on Main bartender, reported that when the officers entered the 74 building, she was told by the police that everyone needed to be out at 2:00 a.m. She feels the 75 officer was not informed and thought that everyone needed to be out at 2:00 a.m.. She believes it 76 was still a couple of minutes before 2:30 when the citations were issued and that the officer felt 77 they were already in violation at 2:00 a.m. 78 79 Mr. Wagner added that timing is everything in this matter and everyone's time clock is not 80 synchronized. This is a frustrating situation. 81 82 The Mayor noted that the dispatch center time should be accurate. 83 84 Mr. Baumgartner noted that he has read the police report. According to the officer's 85 observations, there were four males playing cards when the officers entered and one had an 86 almost full beer before him. 87 88 Motion carried on a voice vote. 89 90 The meeting was adjourned at 6:43 p.m. •