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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL – JULY 8, 2019 5 Councilmember Holmes stated she believed the proposed amendment upheld the original intent of the Council and what the Ordinance was supposed to be. She supported an exception for the tobacco shop because this was an adult only shop. She commented on the problems of youth seeing tobacco in local convenient stores. She explained the Council was invited by Mr. Safi to visit his store to better understand how things worked. She noted it was always her original intent to have the tobacco shop exempt which led to the proposed Ordinance amendment. She indicated she would be supporting the proposed amendment. Councilmember Holden explained she was confused about the ownership of the tobacco shop. She stated she did not support giving one business a benefit over another business. She indicated it was not fair for her to be accused of meeting with Mr. Safi when this had not occurred. She believed it was irresponsible to amend the Ordinance and for this reason she would not be supporting the proposed amendment. Councilmember McClung agreed with Councilmember Holden’s comments and noted this was a public health issue. He wanted to see all Arden Hills residents protected from tobacco addiction and not just youth. He explained he grew up in a house with a smoker and he was pleased with the fact cities and states were starting to address this issue. He indicated he spoke to Mr. Safi, along with the owner of Brausen’s. He apologized for not speaking to Ms. Meisner but noted he had read her email. He stated he would not be supporting the proposed Ordinance amendment. Councilmember Scott commented the purpose of the original Ordinance was not to drive businesses out of the City. He stated he was offended by Ms. Meissner’s comments about not visiting Arden Hills Shell as had visited both stores and in fact had visited with Ted and Jake Brausen. He explained he would be supporting the Ordinance amendment but requested clarification on the grandfather language. City Attorney Jamnik discussed the grandfathering language noting if the business were to relocate the ban would take effect. However, if the lease at the current site were renewed, the grandfather language would remain in place. Councilmember Scott stated based on this clarification he would now oppose the amendment. Mayor Grant explained he struggled with the fact this Ordinance would create winners and losers. He supported there being a level playing field for all businesses and for this reason he would not be supporting the Ordinance amendment. MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Scott seconded a motion to adopt Ordinance #2019-005 – Amending Chapter 3, License and Regulations, Section 350, Subsection 350.06, Prohibited Sales and Authorize Publication of Ordinance Amendment. Councilmember Holden requested the second sentence in Section 1, Subdivision 2 be removed.