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City of Centerville City Council Meeting Minutes December 11, 2024 Discussion ensued regarding previous processes in handling similar situations, a licenseeÓs right to speak or chose not to speak to the Council prior to prosecution proceedings, the MayorÓs desire not to have an individual jeopardize their due process and consensus of all members not to jeopardize anyoneÓs due process and not to impose a civil penalty until the prosecution proceedings are complete. Administrator Statz stated that Centerville Tobacco Plus, LLC, is a retail tobacco business and their violation was a tobacco violation only, officer on site issued a citation on site while the violation occurred, and this issue does not need to follow the same procedure as the previous businessÓ violations. City Attorney Glaser stated that he felt that it was justifiable to impose a fine at this time as the issue does not have the same requirements of prosecution. Mayor Love asked if the owner of Centerville Tobacco Plus, LLC wanted to speak as he was in the audience. Mr. Rashad Qawasma introduced himself and addressed Council. He stated that he owned Centerville Tobacco Plus, LLC, located at 1869 Main Street and since the incident happened, he and his wife have upgraded their cash register/point of sale equipment which requires scanning of an identification card and added additional signage within the business. He stated that it was not an excuse, but they were remodeling as they were new owners at the time of the violation, and he was out of the store most of the time. He stated that his employee was not trained enough. He stated that currently things have improved. Council Member Koski asked Mr. Qawasma if he owned additional locations and had there been similar issues at those locations. Mr. Qawasma stated that he does own an additional location, has since 2021 and not had a violation at that location. Mayor Love stated that repeat offenses are a concern. Council Member Koski concurred with Mayor LoveÓs concern and stated that Mr. Qawasma can understand where the Council is coming from. Council Member Mosher asked that every sale requires the scanning of an identification card and Mr. Qawasma concurred. Council Member Mosher asked about the 21 years of age or older signage to be in the store and Mr. Qawasma explained that they originally requested the license for tobacco retail (cigarettes and premium cigar sales). He explained that they do sell water, lighters, etc. but would not to someone who is under the age of 21. A representative of Centerville Tobacco Plus, LLC stated that they are a 21 + establishment and transactions for individuals with identification cards under 21, would be cancelled by the machine. Motion by Council Member Taylor, seconded by Council Member Mosher to Adopt Res. #24-031 Î Tobacco Sale Violation Penalty as submitted. All in favor. Motion carried. 6.Liquor License Renewal a. Wyoming Liquor (dba Main Street Liquor Barrel Î Off Sale) Mayor Love called for discussion, Council Member Taylor stated that upon resolution of the case, that council be briefed and have an opportunity to impose City Code violations penalties if appropriate. Motion by Council Member Taylor, seconded by Council Member Sweeney to Approve the Renewal of Wyoming Liquor (dba Main Street Liquor Barrel) Î Off Sale License for 2025 as submitted. All in favor. Motion carried. 7.Tobacco License Renewal a. Wyoming Liquor (dba Main Street Liquor Barrel) Page 6 of 9 124