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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes June 9, 2015 Page 2 Mayor Faust opened the public hearing at 7:03 p.m. 1 2 City Manager Casey stated this public hearing is for an on-sale intoxicating liquor license and 3 Sunday on-sale license for the former I-Hop restaurant. He advised that staff reviewed 4 background information along with the applicant’s credit and financial history and calls for 5 service to the applicant’s existing bar and staff recommends approval of the liquor license. He 6 explained that in addition to the public hearing the City Council would consider an amendment 7 to the City Code to increase the number of on-sale liquor licenses from three to four as well as a 8 Conditional Use Permit that will be considered at a Planning Commission public hearing on June 9 22, 2015. He then introduced the applicant, Mr. Chris Christopherson. 10 11 Councilmember Stille requested further information about the 60-40 rule. 12 13 City Manager Casey explained that the City Code requires all liquor establishments to have 60% 14 of its gross receipts related to food and 40% or less related to liquor sales. 15 16 Councilmember Gray asked about the history of the City’s limit on liquor licenses. 17 18 City Manager Casey stated that the City Code limit is a local condition and the State regulates 19 how many liquor licenses are allowed in cities based on its population, adding there are also 20 exemptions for restaurants, bowling alleys, or hotels and a city can impose an overall limit and 21 St. Anthony chose to limit the number of liquor licenses. 22 23 Mayor Faust stated the City went to a referendum in 2003 and at that time there were only three 24 potential applicants that wanted a liquor license. He stated the City Council found it prudent at 25 that time to limit the number of liquor licenses to three, knowing that the City could increase the 26 number and still retain control over the number of liquor licenses issued. 27 28 Councilmember Gray stated the City Council approves all liquor licenses anyway so that control 29 is already in place and felt this seemed like an extra step that might not be necessary. 30 31 Ms. Joan Menken, 1067 14th Avenue SE, stated she lives in the neighborhood near Sporty’s and 32 Mr. Christopherson has been focused on the neighborhood and families and has been incredibly 33 responsive to the neighborhood, including participating in neighborhood events. She stated Mr. 34 Christopherson met all their expectations and there has never been an issue with his 35 establishment on Como Avenue, adding he runs a very responsible business and she supported 36 his plan to revitalize the former I-Hop property. 37 38 Mr. Chris Christopherson stated he has lived in the Twin Cities all his life and has worked in the 39 restaurant business since the age of 13 and spent the last ten years at restaurants like Pittsburgh 40 Blue. He stated he would like to expand his business and feels that the former I-Hop property 41 would be a great opportunity. He stated they have a strong focus on service, atmosphere, and 42 providing a strong community gathering place and the restaurant supports local charities. 43 44 Councilmember Stille asked Mr. Christopherson if he would have any problem complying with 45 the 60-40 rule. 46 47 2