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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-02-2001 WSCity Council Work Session April 2, 2001 Page 2 Contracting transitional services for Liquor Manager Fehst stated a final offer has been made to the new Liquor Store Manager with a starting date of April 23 rd• Fehst indicated that Lawrence Scott was the manager at the Liquor Depot, and was employed there for 26 years. Fehst recommended retaining Phil Suckerman for consultant purposes, about once a month for approximately six months. The maximum would be 150 hours at $100 per hour. Fehst stated that we have a successful operation and want it to stay that way. Elrite stated that everyone interviewed was told the goals of the liquor operations including a new building in the next three years. Sites were discussed. The fence and landscaping behind Top Valu and Rainbow Foods was discussed and will be replaced before the end of this year. Nawrocki questioned the liquor account balance sheet published as a legal notice. Elrite detailed that rent and operating expenses are up, sales are down and investment income accounting regulations have changed. Wine in grocery stores Fehst stated this legislative bill has died, after making it to a second committee, but concerns are this request will be reintroduced next year. This is possibly three to five year program to get wine sales in grocery stores. Staff recommends we continue to support the lobbying against this type of bill, because of the susceptibility to minors and the loss ofrevenue to our municipality. Fehst anticipates that if wine sales were approved, beer would soon follow. Elrite stated our liquor store operation is in the top five in the metro area. Nawrocki agreed this would be a long-term situation and funds should be offered for ongoing lobbying efforts. Szurek agreed that we need to be a part of this, or our residents will suffer. Fehst indicated the Police Chiefs recommendation to fight this for law enforcement issues. Elrite stated a goal for the new liquor operations manager is to be more involved in the organization fighting this movement. F ehst stated that these efforts would be in our own best interest. Miscellaneous Fehst stated the work session tomorrow night from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. would be at Murzyn Hall to discuss the proposed zoning and development ordinance. Peterson stated he would be unable to attend the Metro Mayors meeting on April 8 th Wyckoff suggested everyone attend the April 25 conference called "Building and Sustaining Community Character". Staff will run copies for all Council Members. Szurek questioned the signs at the mall advertising the opening of a S.A.V.E. store. Fehst stated this is a "one brand only" grocery store. Peterson questioned the second hand store on Central Avenue by the dentist's office. City Council Work Session April 2, 2001 Page 3 Wyckoff questioned problems obtaining the necessary right-of ways along Central Avenue. Fehst stated that the cost would be around $100,000 and condemnation hearings may be necessary. Discussion included construction companies' availability for this project. Peterson agreed that this was not a project to hurry and chance making mistakes. Peterson wanted to be sure staff continued to work toward this project so we would not be in this same position next year. He would like bids to be obtained this fall. Peterson suggested that the narrowing of Reservoir Boulevard be readdressed. Peterson requested property owners be notified that this project will be put off until next year and the hope of getting better bids. Cancellation of Joint School District meeting scheduled for April 18, 2001 Fehst stated this meeting date did not work for everyone, so the School District has asked each city to submit dates they are not available in April and May, so they can select a date that is open for everyone.