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

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7. COUNCIL BUSINESS 7.00: Approve Business Licenses AJ Phelps, 8250 157th Lane Northwest, came forward and shared that he has been a Ramsey resident for over 30 years and his family, including his son Nicholas Phelps, have done much volunteer work in the City. He shared he believes the Northstar Marketplace is throwing their business under the bus by bringing in this tobacco store. He shared his concerns with the location being so close to schools. He shared he is proud of his son, Nicholas, that their store helps break people of their tobacco and nicotine addiction. He stated that having another tobacco store open in the City is a concern, considering there are already other stores in the area not passing compliance checks. Councilmember Specht asked what the Council is allowed to do concerning this permit. City Attorney Knaak explained that the Council has full discretion on a matter concerning a tobacco license and they can base their decision on any information that they have been presented with. Councilmember Woestehoff stated that based on City Code under the tobacco section there is a specific section labeled as basis for the denial of a license. City Attorney Knaak explained that the Council does not need to prove anything, they just need information available to them and the testimonies this evening would serve as a basis for denial. Councilmember Musgrove asked if it was possible to postpone this so there is time to gather more information concerning this matter. Mayor Kuzma stated that Police Chief Katers has already done the investigation. Police Chief Katers shared that they have done the background investigation and the applicant did pass. He said new information had been presented this evening, but prior to that there was no reason to deny the applicant. Councilmember Olson asked Police Chief Katers if the information that he has heard tonight changes the outcome of the prior investigation. Police Chief Katers stated that the information presented tonight is concerning if there is an attempt to provide false information. In regard to Mr. Phelps' comment concerning the proximity to the schools, Police Chief Katers shared that he is aware that the schools struggle with vaping inside the schools. Motion by Councilmember Specht, seconded by Councilmember Riley, to table this discussion until the next meeting. Further discussion: City Council / January 10, 2023 Page 5 of 12