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<br />Councilmember Peters stated that checking identification is a straightforward requirement and <br />noted that employees are typically trained on this responsibility. He further observed that the <br />business did not appear to contest the violation or present mitigating information and concluded <br />that the fine should be assessed. <br /> <br />Police Chief Bluml stated that the business was notified of the violation by a letter sent to the <br />location where the offense occurred and by certified mail to the company’s headquarters, in <br />addition to the officer’s direct contact with the employee at the time of the incident. <br /> <br />Motion by Councilmember Peters, seconded by Councilmember Riley, to affirm that a tobacco <br />sale violation to a person under the age of 21 did occur at G-Will Liquors on November 25, 2025. <br /> <br />Further discussion: Mayor Heineman stated that the matter was straightforward and that the <br />Council should proceed with the action. He acknowledged that, while the violation is assessed <br />against the business, it may result from an individual employee’s mistake rather than a failure of <br />the company as a whole. He expressed understanding of the statutory process and encouraged all <br />businesses to retrain employees on identification requirements, noting that checking identification <br />is a well-known obligation. The mayor concluded by expressing hope that the incident would serve <br />as a reminder of the need to comply. Councilmember Riley reiterated that the police department’s <br />compliance checks are conducted transparently and are not intended to deceive businesses. He <br />noted that in this instance, the purchaser made their age clear and that the violation did not result <br />from a misunderstanding of the law but from an error in judgment. He stated that the incident <br />indicates a need for improved diligence by the employee and the business and concluded that the <br />$300 administrative penalty is an appropriate corrective measure. <br /> <br />A roll call was performed: <br /> <br />Mayor Heineman aye <br />Councilmember Peters aye <br />Councilmember Riley aye <br />Councilmember Buscher aye <br />Councilmember Olson aye <br />Councilmember Specht aye <br />Councilmember Stewart absent <br /> <br />Motion carried. <br />7. COUNCIL BUSINESS <br /> <br />None. <br />8. MAYOR, COUNCIL, AND STAFF INPUT <br /> <br />City Administrator Hagen announced upcoming meetings and events. He noted city offices will <br />be closed Monday, January 19, 2026, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. <br /> <br />City Council /January 13, 2026 <br />Page 7 of 8 <br /> <br />