Minutes - 01/22/1996 Workshop
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COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING MINUTES
January 22, 1996
DATE. COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, CITY OF WOODBURN, COUNTY
OF MARION, STATE OF OREGON, JANUARY 22, 1996.
CONVENED. The Council met in a workshop session at 5:45 p.m.
with Mayor Kirksey presiding.
ROLL CALL.
Mayor
Councilor
Councilor
Councilor
Councilor
Councilor
Councilor
Kirksey
Chadwick
Figley
Hagenauer
Jennings
Pugh
Sifuentez
Present
Present
Present (6:00 pm)
Present
Absent
Present
Present
staff Present:
City Administrator Childs, City Attorney Shields, Police Chief
Wright, City Recorder Tennant
Press: Shelby Case, Woodburn Independent
Police Chief Wright stated that the purpose of the workshop is
to discuss liquor licensing guidelines and procedures which
needs to be periodically addressed by the council. Under
state law, the Council only makes recommendations to the
Oregon Liquor Control Commission. The Council's
recommendations must be within the guidelines of liquor
licensing policies within the state statutes and
administrative rules. Council Resolution No. 1037 was adopted
in 1991 which provided the Police Department additional
guidelines to follow when making recommendations on new
applications or annual license renewals. This resolution has
provided the City with a consistent method in which to process
liquor license applications. He stated that continued growth
in the residential and business community creates more demands
for services and, in some cases, new businesses require a
license to operate. Liquor licenses demand increased
enforcement to assure the public that the licensees are
operating their establishment within the guidelines of state
law. The Police Department currently has two new liquor
license applications pending and has three other businesses
inquiring about the licensing process. He requested Council
direction in developing changes, if any, in the guidelines to
mitigate any of the issues or problems.
Chief Wright briefly reviewed a recent decision by the council
to deny a liquor license to a business establishment in the
downtown area based on criminal activity not only in the
establishment but around the business location. Even though
the downtown area has been documented as having one of the
highest incidents of crime, it can not be sole factor in
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COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING MINUTES
January 22, 1996
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denying a license. other tools can be used to control the
sale or use of alcohol such as negative recommendations based
on consistent calls as listed in the Resolution, provide a
negative recommendation for all new outlets within a specific
area without comment, provide for blanket special conditions
which can be attached to the license, and to declare the area
an alcohol impact area. Currently, the administrative rules
only allow for the declaration of an alcohol impact area in
cities with population of 300,000 or more. Even though the
Liquor Commission would not have to recognize an alcohol
impact area in cities of less than 300,000, it does not
prevent the City from utilizing this method as a tool in which
they base their recommendations. He reminded the Council that
whatever criteria is applied must be done evenly,
consistently, and fairly to all liquor license applicants. He
stated that the policy guidelines in Resolution 1037 are good,
however, the Council may want to expand on those guidelines in
addressing future license applications.
Discussion was held on the types of licenses available to
businesses, ability to be more restrictive on the granting of
licenses in order to promote a family atmosphere within the
downtown area, and responsibility of applicants to abide by
the liquor license laws. Chief Wright stated that, over the
last few years, the Council has recommended that special
conditions be attached to a number of liquor licenses which
has had a positive impact on limiting the amount of problems
associated with alcohol.
Discussion was also held on the feasibility of placing
stricter requirements on all businesses within the City rather
than a specific area of town.
Chief Wright outlined the various types of special conditions
he has recommended in the past, however, he suggested that the
council assist him in developing a list of conditions that
would meet the community standards they wish to impose.
Discussion continued on designating certain geographical areas
within the City as an alcohol impact area.
Attorney Shields reminded the Council that OLCC makes the
final decision on all liquor license applications. He
encouraged the Council to continue considering special
conditions, however, he stated that there is a danger in
exceeding our authority since OLCC may then disregard the
City's recommendations.
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Chief Wright reiterated his concerns regarding the influx of
population, increased businesses, and his desire to be fair
and equitable to all license applicants. He felt that
direction from this Council is necessary to insure that all
applicants are told upfront what the guidelines are and
Council expectations.
It was the consensus that the Council would like conditions
and guidelines as strict as possible that are allowed under
the law to protect the welfare of the citizens.
Chief Wright stated that he would provide a staff report next
month bringing the Council up-to-date on Resolution 1037 along
with any recommendations that may be applicable to modify/add
to the existing guidelines and policy direction.
1955
ADJOURNMENT.
The workshop adjourned at 6:48 p.m..
APPROVED
ATTEST
(Y\ ~AA ",^-*.
Mary ~ant, Recorder
City of Woodburn, Oregon
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