Rushford Liquor License fees reduced

By News Team
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Fri, Jan 17th, 2003
Posted in Features

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"Do we expect special treatment? Yes, we do!" exclaimed American Legion representative Dennis Peterson as he addressed the Rushford City Council Monday night at the January 13th meeting, asking them to consider a reduction in liquor license fees for the Legion. Peterson had just listed a myriad of community projects supported by the Legion including Post Prom, School Patrol, RABA, Rushford Historical Society, Good Shepherd Home, the Flower Fund, the Aquatic Center, JayCee Park lights, "Welcome to Rushford" Signs, and support of the fire and ambulance departments. Peterson informed the council that by supporting these projects, the Legion gave $12,000 back to the community. He continued, "If the Legion doesn�t survive, you won�t see many of these (contributions)."

Councilwoman Nancy Benson responded, "We need to do it (reduce fees) across the board. They (organizations and local businesses) all contribute to the community." Ultimately, the council voted to adopt a two-tiered system under which the non-profit license would be $500, and the business-for-profit license would be $1,000 with the Sunday fees ($200) remaining the same. (Previous liquor license fees were $1,400.) The staff was directed to draft a proposed amendment. Since this change would be an ordinance, a public hearing will be held February 10th on the matter.

Back-up generators

Another public hearing will be needed once the footprint for the city�s proposed back-up generators has been decided. The Electric Utility Commission�s first choice for the location of the generators is a portion of the JayCee Park, currently zoned residential. The city would need to request the land be rezoned, requiring a public hearing.

"We�ve got plenty of park space," stated councilman Norris Kinneberg as the council discussed locations and opted for the recommended JayCee Park location. The bids will go out in February for the generators.

Acknowledging citizens� concerns about potential noise and exhaust, the council considered offering a field trip to nearby cities with operating generators to give citizens the chance to see and hear for themselves the generators� output.

Other business

In other business, the council:

� Chose to give raises to non-union full-time city employees the same as the union received;

� Heard that Central Cable�s insurance company had an inspector appraising the damage done to the basketball and tennis courts;

� Heard that private group of business people was being reconstituted to promote downtown business;

� Set the terms for members of the City Charter Commission;

� Commended Public Works Director Jeff Copley and Police Chief Sam Stensgard for keeping over-time expenses down in their respective departments.

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