2020.12.08 CC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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December 8, 2020 Page 9 of 10 Motion by Mayor Johnson, seconded by Councilmember Jacobsen to split payments of annual liquor license fees for on-sale establishments to be paid quarterly for 2021. Mayor Johnson stated she was making this motion to assist local establishments given the fact they have been adversely impacted by recent executive orders. She believed that paying the fee, broken into quarterly payments, over 2021 would assist these businesses with having more capital available versus paying the entire fee up front. Councilmember Allen supported the motion on the floor. City Manager Massopust stated the Council could have the City bill on-sale license holders quarterly and noted the future Council could consider reimbursements in 2021 depending on how COVID continued to impact this industry. Councilmember Allen recommended the Council move forward with the quarterly billing for the on-sale license fees. Councilmember Jacobsen stated this industry was shut down at this time. He discussed how a quarterly bill would still impact these businesses. Mayor Johnson explained all local bars and restaurants with on-sale liquor licenses have already been billed for their liquor license. She wished that staff would have consulted with the Council prior to taking this action considering the Council offered reimbursements in 2020 due to COVID. She explained all but two establishments have paid in full to date. She indicated this meant three-fourths of the bill would be paid back to these businesses. Councilmember Fynewever thanked Mayor Johnson for this information. Councilmember Allen asked if shifting the on-sale liquor license payments to quarterly would cause any immediate concerns to staff. City Manager Massopust reported this change would not cause any concerns to staff. Councilmember Jacobsen questioned what would happen to the businesses that were not able to pay the quarterly fee for their on-sale liquor license. Public Safety Director Paetznick directed this question to the City Attorney. City Attorney Sonsalla explained there was a provision within City Code regarding payment of liquor license fees. She indicated she would have to review this language further, but anticipated licenses could be revoked if quarterly fees were not paid. Councilmember Fynewever inquired if the Public Safety Department would be impacted by receiving the liquor licenses in a staggered manner versus all up front at the beginning of the year. Public Safety Director Paetznick stated this would not have a significant impact on his operations, other than changing the manner in which the on-sale licenses were billed. He reported he could return the checks he has received and would offer reimbursements if directed to by the City Council. A roll call vote was taken. 5 Ayes, 0 Nays-Motion Carried Commission Liaison Reports, Announcements and Updates Devin Massopust City Manager Massopust reported the second Council meeting scheduled for December 22, 2020 has been canceled. He proudly reported the Public Safety Department placed third in National Night Out for 2020. Graeme Allen Councilmember Allen reported the Public Safety Commission will meet next on Monday, December 14, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. He indicated this would be a long winter and he encouraged residents to look out for each other and their neighbors. Commission Liaison Reports, Announcements and Updates