Minutes - Council - 02/10/2004 - Laserfiche WebLink

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their mind, the 2 a.m. closing will not come about in Ramsey at this time. This can be discussed in a worksession. Councilmember Elvig stated he would like to see this discussed, as there are new things that have been brought to light. It is worth having a worksession to discuss the impact of this. They have looked at what other communities are doing rather than what Ramsey should do, but Ramsey should be a leader and stand on its own two feet. The consensus of the Council was to discuss the 2 a.m. bar closing at an upcoming worksession. City Attorney Goodrich advised staff is working on a revision to the entire on-sale liquor ordinance and planned on bringing it for discussion at the first worksession in March. City Administrator Norman explained the first worksession of the month would normally be held on the first Tuesday. However, staff will be asking the Council to move the March worksession up to Monday, March 1 st due to precinct caucuses. Mayor Gamec informed the public this issue will be on the agenda of the March 1st Council worksession at 6:30 pm. City Administrator Norman noted the topic for discussion will be the on-sale liquor ordinance. He explained although worksessions are open to the public, policy is for the Council not to take comments from the public. Mayor Gamec indicated he would like to have a couple of business representatives present at the worksession that could speak about this issue if the Council has any questions. Councihnember Strommen suggested any comments regarding this issue be written down and forwarded to the Council prior to the meeting, to allow time for the Council to review them. Lisa Stahlberger, 15020 Xkimo Street, stated she is employed by Diamonds. She presented the Council with a petition signed by Ramsey citizens in favor of the 2 a.m. closing. William Young stated he is the supervisor of 12 Holiday StationStores in the north area. He stated it is not just the bars and people associated with the bar industry that are affected by the closing time. At the Holiday StationStore on Ramsey Boulevard and Highway 10 they have seen a trend down in business at night. This is the only store he manages that this has happened with. Mr. Young stated he has found being in a competitive industry like gas stations it is usually better for the business to be a leader, rather than one of the last followers. He stated once you have lost the customer to a different area it is a lot harder to get them back, than it is to maintain them. If the customers are going farther away than the Elk River, Champlin, Coon Rapids area that is even worse for them as a community. APPROVEAGENDA Mayor Gamec announced Case #1 has been removed from the agenda. City Council/February 10, 2004 Page 5 of 18