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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION – DECEMBER 21, 2020 8 1. Liquor license refunds, rebates or deferral of fees until sometime in 2021. 2. Deferment or forgiveness of 2021 business related licenses and fees. The Chamber recommends this especially for hospitality uses that have been directly impacted by the Executive Orders. 3. Temporary signage flexibility. 4. Expanded hours of operation. 5. Zoning flexibility to allow certain uses to operate outdoors adjacent to their location. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla reported at its May 26, 2020 meeting the City Council approved a prorated refund of on-sale liquor license fees to businesses affected by Executive Orders. Nine businesses received a partial refund of their 2020 on-sale liquor license fees. Upon review of other cities, the majority have not decided on 2021 on-sale liquor license fees. However, municipalities are discussing potentially deferring on-sale liquor licenses fees and other miscellaneous fees until spring 2021. Staff reviewed information on 2020 License Renewals for businesses, signs and massage establishments and 2020 Liquor Licenses. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla explained in regard to other recommendations, City staff has been monitoring temporary signage within the community and has been flexible with businesses as long as the signage meets the intent of the sign code and doesn’t impact the general safety and welfare of the general public. Staff has not been approached by local businesses requesting to expanded hours of operation. In addition, the City Council approved resolution 2020-024 permitting zoning flexibility for local businesses to utilize outdoor space adjacent to their typical location for expanded dining areas and retails sales. Staff approved four applications for zoning flexibility. Mayor Grant questioned how the Council wanted to proceed with business license fees. Councilmember Holden stated she wanted to see the City waive first quarter license fees for liquor license holders. Councilmember Holmes explained she could support waiving the license fees for liquor license holders and all other businesses for the first half of the year. Councilmember Holden questioned how much money the City would be losing in license fees if half the year was waived. City Administrator Perrault estimated the City would be losing $6,700. Further discussion ensued regarding the businesses in the City that were renewed on an annual basis. Deputy Clerk Trauba reported she sent out 174 applications at the beginning of December to general businesses, massage, tree trimmers, and garbage haulers. She noted she received 43 business applications with 40 checks and received 19 additional applications with no checks. She stated she had not put any of these checks through to finance. She indicated she could return these