Minutes - Council - 01/10/2023 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mr. Phelps stated that he is a 30 year resident of Ramsey as well as a six and a half year business owner in the Northstar Marketplace. He expressed his concerns with the tobacco shop wanting to open up in the Northstar Marketplace. He stated that the Northstar Marketplace has a modern and clean aesthetic that Ramsey aims to accomplish. He shared his story of underage use of tobacco products that he would obtain at tobacco shops and how he uses his current business to help people switch to a safer alternative. He presented the Council with the compliance check from his store showing that they are doing everything that they can to keep their products out of the hands of youth. He hoped that Ramsey would bring more beneficial businesses to the area, and by denying tobacco permits from opening up in the Northstar Marketplace, this will help lower the amount of youth who are shown these tobacco products. He stated he and his store have faced harassment from other tobacco shop owners. Mayor Kuzma stated this item is on the agenda and will be voted on later in the meeting. Councilmember Howell asked Police Chief Katers if there are any concerns about this particular license that the Council should be aware of. Police Chief Katers explained that all licensees go through a process including background checks and he has nothing to disqualify the candidate. He added that compliance checks are also done throughout the year and they have passed. Jeremiah White, 14450 Rhinestone Street Northwest, came forward and expressed his concerns with the tobacco shop opening in the Northstar Marketplace. He stated there are three tobacco stores in close proximity and he does not understand the need for a fourth. He shared concerns with PACT Charter School and daycares being right down the road from the proposed store. He suggested putting in a business that would benefit the community as a whole in place of the tobacco shop. He read a quote from Maya Angelou and encouraged the Council to do better. Patrick Surma, a Ramsey resident, came forward and stated that personal responsibility must reign. 4. APPROVE AGENDA Motion by Councilmember Woestehoff, seconded by Councilmember Riley, to approve the agenda as amended by pulling item 5.03 from Consent Agenda and considering it prior to Public Hearings. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Kuzma, Councilmembers Woestehoff, Riley, Howell, Musgrove, Olson, and Specht. Voting No: None. 5. CONSENT AGENDA Motion by Councilmember Woestehoff, seconded by Councilmember Howell, to approve the following items on the Consent Agenda with the modification previously discussed: 5.01: Approve the Following Meeting Minutes: 1) City Council Work Session dated 12/13/2022 City Council / January 10, 2023 Page 3 of 12