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Regular City Council Meeting Monday, February 22, 2010 Page 14 Councilmember Pust clarified that the language indicated "city-approved train- ing," and that the only responsibility he would have would be to get that training approved annually during license renewals. Mayor Klausing concurred with Councilmember Pust's clarification and further noted that the manager had the option of doing their own training and submitting evidence of that training. Mr. Jackson expressed his preference that he not be required to have another layer of paperwork associated with renewal of the liquor license. Councilmember Pust expressed appreciation for Mr. Jackson's preference, recog- nizing the responsibilities of a small business owner; however, Councilmember Pust advised that this was a public cost she was asking license holders to bear for the good of the overall community; and assured Mr. Jackson that the city would make it as efficient as possible, basically to send one additional piece of paper with their annual renewals. Steve Burwell, resident at 2280 Albert Street, owner of Fairview Wine and Spirits Mr. Burwell noted that his store had been in operation since December of 1971 and that he and his employees consistently carded customers. Mr. Burwell noted his embarrassment in his personal compliance check failure three years ago; and assured Councilmembers that he and his employees took their responsibility very seriously. However, Mr. Burwell noted that everyone makes an occasional honest mistake, and opined that the proposed penalties would not achieve any greater at- tention. Mr. Burwell advised that, while restaurants and stores had other sources of income through their varied sales merchandise, this fine was a significant im- pact for his or any business, and opined that it was excessive. Mr. Burwell re- quested data from the Police Department on consequences for individuals stopped for underage consumption, and questioned whether their consequences fit the crime or if the business owners would continue to be scapegoats for them, since the underage consumer is the root of the social problem, not the liquor store own- ers and/or employees. Mr. Burwell expressed concern with the financial impact to a clerk failing a compliance check with separate fine, in addition to the store owner. Mr. Burwell questioned how the City addressed such delivery services (i.e., Co- burn's from St. Cloud) and compliance checks when they delivered alcohol as well as groceries. Mayor Klausing and Councilmember Pust reviewed the purpose of the proposed language changes based on a past incident and provisions of State Statute indicat- ing that City Code and Ordinance needed additional flexibility and that the current two-tiered system for fine and revocation was outdated.