Laserfiche WebLink
<br />. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />MEMORANDUM <br /> <br />TO: <br /> <br />Mayor Klinzing <br />Council Members Dietz, Farber and Thompson <br /> <br />FROM: <br /> <br />Council Member Motin ~ <br /> <br />September 7, 1999 <br /> <br />DATE: <br /> <br />RE: <br /> <br />Liquor Store Lot <br /> <br />It is my understanding that the possible sale of the "second liquor store" lot will be on the agenda <br />for the September 13, 1999 meeting. I wanted to set forth my views in writing and have them in <br />the packet so that you could consider them before the meeting. <br /> <br />I must again stress my strong opposition to any sale of the property for any reason. I also believe <br />that, if the property must be sold, the proposed purchase price is well below its value to the City. <br /> <br />I fully believe there is a need for a second liquor store in Elk River, if not now, then in the very <br />near future. <br /> <br />With my background as a member of the Board of Directors of the Elk River Area Chamber of <br />Commerce, I can understand the philosophical argument that, perhaps, the City shouldn't be in <br />the liquor store business. If establishing a liquor store would put other Elk River establishments <br />out of business or if the liquor store was run in a manner that, because of the "monopoly," the <br />customers or public were harmed, there would be a more persuasive argument; however, this is <br />not the case. <br /> <br />As a council member, I believe my duty is to do what is best for the City, not just for business. <br /> <br />State law specifically permits us to have liquor stores as part of our government function. In <br />part, this is for the promotion and protection of public health, safety, morals and welfare. <br />Another reason, obviously, is for the potential revenue. If we are going to be in the liquor store <br />business, then we should run it as a business. A private liquor store owner would definitely take <br />advantage of expanding the scope of the business with the profits that are anticipated. <br /> <br />Some of the pros to having another liquor store along Highway 10 include (and I'm sure there are <br />more): <br /> <br />1. <br /> <br />Better serve the residents on the West side of Elk River. While many of those <br />residents may go to Northbound Liquors (which increases the traffic congestion going <br /> <br />Page 1 of 5 <br />