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City Council Regular Meeting - 11/28/05 Minutes - Page 29 (highest bidder; lottery; non-competitive bid)? Finance Director Miller clarified that at this time, grocery stores were regulated in selling only 3.2 products; but acknowledged a push by advocacy groups to loosen state statute to allow grocery stores to sell wine and alcohol-related products in grocery stores. Discussion included the originally licensing criteria; new problems arising with no excess liquor licenses; entitlement of current license holders; competition for future or available licenses; and the fairness of a selection process. Dick Houck, 1131 Roselawn Mr. Houck spoke as an advocate of current business owners; opining that no one understood the difficulties of owning a private business. Mr. Houck spoke in support of continuing with the ten licenses available; spoke to the financial commitments made by current license holders and that number oflicenses; and that business owner's reliance on that specific number oflicenses for his livelihood. Steve Burwell Mr. Burwell addressed the pending legislation, lobbying by the Minnesota Grocery Store Association for wine sale in grocer stores; and the increasing annual interest in pursuing such legislation on a state-wide level. Al Sands, 2612 Aldine Mr. Sands spoke in support of small business owners who put their money on the line; and opined that the City's population had remained constant since the original ten licenses had been stipulated, and with no substantial growth, shouldn't require additional licenses. Mr. Sands questioned what was precipitating the issue and perceived need for additional liquor stores. David Seaberg Mr. Seaberg questioned, unless there was an unaddressed valid and compelling reason, why more than ten licenses were needed. Mr. Seaberg noted the amount of time required to fill up those licenses; opined that this type of business was not competitive;