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<br /> . Minutes of the Arden Hills Regular Council Meeting, 3-12-90 <br /> Page 3 <br /> LIQUOR FEES (Cont'd) Councilmember Malone stated he has not noted an increase in <br /> the number of calls received to liquor establishments, <br /> however, there has been a substantial increase in the contract fees. <br /> . <br /> Mayor Sather asked if there was anyone present who wished to speak in favor of or <br /> opposed to the proposed liquor license fee increase. <br /> Tom Cossack, owner of the Blue Fox Inn, stated he understands the City need to <br /> cover administrative expenses and dId not object to businesses paying a fair <br /> share of those expenses. He distributed a letter to Council outlining an 11 month <br /> period of operation of the Blue Fox Inn and contributions to various projects for <br /> the City for the 11 month period. Cossack noted he also pays State and County <br /> taxes. He advised that liquor is at its lowest consumption in 30 years and larger <br /> establishments in neighboring communities pay less for liquor fees. Cossack <br /> requested Council reconsider imposing the 10% increase as it is his belief the <br /> liquor establishments are contributing their fair share. <br /> Cossack explained the City of Shoreview has a $5,000.00 liquor license fee and <br /> offers a $1,000.00 reduction in the liquor license fees if employees of the <br /> establishment attend an alcohol and drug awareness seminar. <br /> Jack Welsch, owner of the Big Ten Supper Club, stated he is aware of the fact the <br /> public safety costs have increased, however, it is his opinion the liquor <br /> establishments in Arden Hills are well managed, quiet operations and do not <br /> generate problems for police/fire services. Welsch noted in the early years of <br /> the Village the liquor establishments made contributions to the police department <br /> for training and equipment. He agreed that liquor consumption is low and <br /> requested Council reconsider the increase. <br /> . Patrick Flaherty, owner of Flaherty's Arden Bowl, noted it was indic,ated that the <br /> police/fire service calls have decreased and the increased contract costs with <br /> these agencies have prompted the proposed increased. <br /> Councilmember Malone stated it was not indicated that the service calls have <br /> decreased; the service calls have stayed relatively the same. <br /> Flaherty asked if records of the service calls are available for public <br /> inspection. <br /> Malone stated the records are available. He eXplained there are approximately <br /> 4,000 service calls per year and the current police service contract is <br /> $410,000.00; last year the police contract for approximately the same number of <br /> calls was $360,000. Malone advIsed the CIty fees in general are increased to <br /> cover costs of providing services; all license fees are reviewed periodically and <br /> increased as necessary. <br /> There was discussion relative to the breakdo'~ of calls per establishment versus <br /> private residences. <br /> Flaherty stated there does not appear to be sufficient paperwork to substantiate <br /> the proposed increase and it may be unjustified. He requested Council to defer a <br /> decision on this matter until the establishments affected by the increase have an <br /> opportunity to review the information relative to the recommended increase. <br /> . Attorney Filla stated the focus uf thi.s is.sul' is not simply one of cost and if an <br /> analysis of information is done by the liquor establishments they will discover <br /> the costs to the CIty for allowing persons to conduct a liquor business is <br /> disproportionate to allowing other businesses to operate. He noted the City <br /> prosecution costs and law enforcement costs are much higher due to liquor <br /> businesses in Arden Hills; substantial costs have been incurred by the City <br /> relating to gambling activities which occur in the liquor establishments and <br /> driving under the influence. <br /> .... <br />