2001.02.02 CC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council meeting of January 2, 2001 Page 8 COUNCILMAN PULEO (PARKS COMMISSION AND SWEET GRASS MEADOWS) Councilman Puleo requested an update from the Parks Commission relative to spending money on parks, and questioned the status of the Sweet Grass Meadows ditch project. Staff provided a brief explanation. RECOMMENDATION TO NOT ISSUE A LIQUOR LICENSE OF THE END ZONE LOUNGE On Thursday, December 28, 2000, staff was contacted by the owner of the End Zone Lounge regarding her inability to make an $11,000 property tax payment to Washington County, and a $4,000 utility bill payment to the City of Hugo. Together with the business owner Antonina Kramarczuk, the City Administrator had a teleconference with City Attorney Dave Snyder regarding this issue. The City ordinance licensing liquor operations is very clear under Section 9, Places Ineligible for License, Subd 2, Delinquent Taxes and Charges, whereby it states, "no license shall be granted for operation on any property on which taxes, assessments, or other financial claims of the City are delinquent and unpaid." The City Attorney and City Administrator explained this to the business owner, and requested she appear before the Council at its January 2, 2001 meeting for a hearing. The City Attorney stated that the City Council has no discretion on this issue; the payment of such fees is required for the City to issue the liquor license. The business owner has paid all other fees, including payment for a 2001 liquor liability insurance policy. The City Attorney agreed that the Council should extend a hearing to her to hear first hand of her dilemma, and to extend her the opportunity for an explanation. Mrs. Kramarczuk appeared before the Council, and stated that this day she had paid her real estate taxes, but was still unable to make the utility payment to the City. City Attorney Dave Snyder carefully explained to the owner that if the Council does not issue the 2001 license, she couldn't sell alcohol. Mrs. Kramarczuk indicated that she understood. Miron made motion, Haas seconded, that the City does not issue the liquor license because said fee has not been paid in full, and fiuther direct staff to contact the Washington County Sheriffs Department to assist in monitoring the establishment to make sure there is no sale of liquor. All aye. Motion Carried. UPDATE ON COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS Community Development Director John Rask provided for Council a detailed listing of the projects that are proposed to be completed by the Community Development Department over the winter, with completion dates expected for most of the items prior to the May 2001 moratorium deadline. This information was shared with the previous City Council at its regular December 18th Council meeting. John stressed its importance and significance to the development of land use plans and procedures is critical to the future to the City of Hugo. Haas made motion, Puleo seconded, to move into executive session to discuss JD2 litigation. All aye. Motion Carried.