4.9. SR SR 12-18-2000 - Laserfiche WebLink

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.. . .... Visit us on the web at www.erstarnews.com · Wednesday, July 19, 2000/ Elk River Star News /7 Council to call upon legislators to increase its lot of 'liquor licenses community-center-type facili- ty. The size of a city's popula- tion is a determining factor in how many permits a city is allowed. Elk River is currently a third-class city with a popula- . tion between 10,000 and 20,000, with a current popula- tion of about 17,000 and counting. Class II cities with popula~ tions of more than 20,000 are automatically allowed 18 per- mits. The census, however, is the instrument used to gauge population. If special legislation did not pass for some reason, another option the city has is to put the question on the ballot for voters to decide. by Jim Boyle able licenses from 12 to 18. Staff writer City Attorney Peter Beck The Elk River City Council said the legislation would will seek special legislation merely be addressing a dis- during the 2001 session to parity in current law. increase the number of avail- Ourada has reportedly said able on-sale liquor licenses. he would be willing to sponsor The city currently has 12 a bill if the request came from available, nine of which have the city council, and he indi- been issued to restaurants Ourada Anderson cated he would alsC) like to which sell liquor. .' have the support of Rep. The city would like to have restricted by the law due to Anderson. 18 available licenses. Without circumstances beyond its con- Anderson has reportedly action the city will not receive troI. Because it is clear the said he would be willing to any additional licenses until city will reach the 20,000 pop- look at special legislation if after the 2010 census. ulation mark shortly after the there was a commitment from Had the city been a city of 2000 census, special legisla- the city council and some 20,000 by the 2000 census, its tion would likely pass if the assurance that local business- allotment automatically city has the support of its leg- es would not be opposed to would have increased to 18. islators, Stone said. this type of legislation. Special legislation of this The plan is to have Sen. City officials are concerned type is not uncommon, accord- Mark Ourada, R-Buffalo, and that the city could run out of ing to Remi Stone of the Rep.. Bruce ,Anderson, R- liquor licenses before the city League of Minnesota Cities. Buffalo, carry a bill to gets a fine dining restaurant, She '.' said Elk,.River. is.. increase ,the. Ilumber, of avail",al}otet.conferencec~nteI' or.. ...., , '",',".' ' ...,.... , . . ....', "'. .'.. ..... '. ,.'. . .'