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