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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 02-28-2006 SpecialAdopted Minutes Special Council Meeting February 28, 2006 Mayor Johnson called a Special Meeting of the Plymouth City Council to order at 6:00 p.m. in the Meeting Room A and B of City Hall, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard, on February 28, 2006. COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Johnson, Councilmembers Hewitt, Bildsoe, Slavik, Stein, Willis, and Bildsoe. ABSENT: None. STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Ahrens, Community Development Director Hurlburt, Park and Recreation Director Blank, Public Works Director Cote, Police Chief Goldstein, and City Clerk Paulson. Best Practices Program Police Chief Goldstein discussed the current Best Practices Program for alcohol and tobacco compliance checks and questioned whether changes should be made. He stated many training classes are cancelled at the last moment because there aren't sufficient numbers interested in attending the sessions, and up until this time, the Police Department has conducted the training. This has proved to be expensive as it requires approximately 25% of Detective Bevins' time. He noted that the City of Edina developed a similar Best Practices Program to the City of Plymouth's, but they utilize outside trainers and require 75% of those who sell in every establishment to attend the approved training program yearly. The license holder is required to show proof of this training 90 -days prior to license renewal each year. The approved trainers receive between $230 and $400 per year, and they provide the city with the class roster and a letter which certifies that 75% of the employees were trained. He also noted similar type programs with the cities of St. Paul and Minnetonka. He stated staff believes it's very beneficial for license holders to maintain a strong training base; therefore, staff proposes that the City also requires 75% of those employees that sell be required to attend training every other year if they desire to be a part of the Best Practices Program. All current training requirements would continue to be a part of the City program including TIPS training, but outside trainers would be identified and approved to conduct the training rather than having the Police Department conduct it. He also noted that in the City Code it indicates that staff conducts an audit every year for those participating in the Best Practices Program. He acknowledged that staff hasn't been adequately checking businesses on this requirement. However, if the training is outsourced, the Police Department could work more "hand-in-hand" with businesses. Councilmember Hewitt stated she believes the 75% requirement could be difficult due to turnover of employees, and there would be no way to crosscheck on who attended the training. Adopted Council Minutes Special Meeting of February 28, 2006 Page 2 of 3 Police Chief Goldstein stated the businesses have recommended 75% in those other communities which means they have some type of mechanism in place to internally check that. Councilmember Slavik asked if establishments currently pay for the Best Practices training. Police Chief Goldstein replied no. However, if they register for the TIPS training, they pay $20 per person for the materials. He noted that the TIPS program focuses more on the underage attempt to purchase the products and recognizing impaired individuals. He stated there used to be more demand for that type of training. Councilmember Slavik asked if businesses would be concerned if they had to to pay for the training. Police Chief Goldstein replied they could be concerned, but there is the incentive of a reduced liquor license fee if they attend the training and have no compliance check violations. Councilmember Willis stated he supports staff's recommendation to outsource the training as it isn't the City's responsibility to educate businesses on the laws. The licensees should be responsible for training and know that there would be periodic compliance checks. If they don't adhere to the standards, they will be sanctioned. Police Chief Goldstein stated staff proposes to follow the City of Edina model, whereby the licensees would present their documentation on the requirements on the Best Practices Program at the time of renewal. He added staff desires to offer training to those licensees that don't speak English through outsourcing the training. Councilmember Bildsoe suggested that staff continue to evaluate the program on how to make it better as the community expects it. Mayor Johnson stated she supports staff s recommendation to outsource the training, and she recommended that after a period of time, the program be evaluated again. Motion was made by Councilmember Slavik, and seconded by Councilmember Willis to approve staffs recommendation to outsource the Best Practices Program training continue to monitor the program for its effectiveness, and increase the auditing requirements as contained in the City Code (staff would come back to the Council in 18 to 24 months with a review of the program). With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. Update on HRA Action Regarding South Shore Drive Property Community Development Director Hurlburt provided a very brief update to the Council on the Housing and Redevelopment Authority entering into an agreement with Habitat for Humanity for three to four housing units that would be constructed at 10801 South Shore Drive. These units would be sold to first time homebuyers. Adopted Council Minutes Special Meeting of February 28, 2006 Page 3 of 3 Future Study Sessions Motion was made by Councilmember Willis, and seconded by Councilmember Stein to schedule a Study Session on May 23 at 6:00 p.m. for the purpose of meeting with Excel Energy representatives to discuss reliability issues. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. A discussion was held on the possibility of including a referendum question (acquisition of open space) on a general election ballot. The Council requested staff to provide a report to the Council on the deadline for placing items on this year's General Election ballot and whether the Council could place an item on the School Districts' General Election ballots in the odd years. The Council would then schedule a Study Session to discuss this further. Adiournment Mayor Johnson declared the meeting adjournAand pproximately a R.Paulson, City Clerk