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Mounds View City Council June 13,2011 <br /> Regular Meeting Page 4 <br /> the rofits from the restaurant were from liquor sales. Mr. Norell indicated that Scott has made • <br /> P q <br /> changes in personnel and was working long hours to keep his restaurant vibrant in the <br /> community. <br /> Sharon Lowery-Johnson, resident of New Brighton, noted she was also a loyal customer to Taiko <br /> Sushi bar. She stated she was proud of his establishment and the quality of the food he provided. <br /> Ms. Lowery-Johnson felt he had the best sushi in the Twin Cities. She requested the Council <br /> work with the owner to keep him operating as is. <br /> Hearing no additional public input, Mayor Flaherty closed the public hearing at 8:02 p.m. <br /> Council Member Hull questioned if the owner had a payment plan for the outstanding property <br /> taxes. Scott Suh, Taiko Sushi Bar, explained he has spoken with the State regarding his pay back <br /> options. As long as he continues to make payments on previous years, the State would give him <br /> two years. <br /> Council Member Gunn suggested the owner post a sign outside the restaurant with the hours of <br /> operation to encourage passer-bys to stop in. <br /> Council Member Mueller asked if a partner or bank would be interested in investing in the <br /> restaurant to assist with the current situation. Mr. Suh stated he has spoken with a bank and at <br /> this time restaurants were seen as a risky investment. He noted he would continue to seek an • <br /> investment partner. <br /> Council Member Mueller stated that without a repayment plan in place the City would not be <br /> able to allow the liquor license to be renewed. <br /> Council Member Gunn indicated the restaurant would be able to function as is, without being <br /> allowed to serve alcohol. Mr. Suh felt this would be a hardship as some of his customers expect <br /> a certain level of service with their sushi. Mr. Norell stated all liquor proceeds could go to assist <br /> with paying off the outstanding property taxes. <br /> Mayor Flaherty explained the Council was willing to work with its business owners. However, <br /> without a viable repayment plan, it would be difficult for the Council to proceed. He questioned <br /> if Mr. Suh had made any attempts to date. Mr. Suh stated he was saving to make repayments on <br /> the 2009 taxes. <br /> Mayor Flaherty questioned when the City could provide a new license. City Administrator <br /> Ericson stated the taxes would have to be paid in full before a new liquor license could be issued. <br /> Mayor Flaherty stated that the Council has worked with businesses in the past if the owners were <br /> making payments on a regular basis on the outstanding balance of property taxes. He would not <br /> be in favor of approving the renewal at this time until the owner had a repayment plan in place <br /> and was making regular payments. <br /> • <br />