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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-08-06 Community Alcohol Coalition Minutes Minutes: August 8, 2006 Community Alcohol Coalition 4:00pm-5:30pm upstairs conference room, City building Members Present: Jenny Haubenreiser, Sean Becker, Jenna Caplette, Donna Larue, Andy Knight. Nonmembers: Heidi Donaldson, Alli Gidley, Jeff Krouse, Tracy Oulman, Earle Langland Excused members - Glenn Puffer, Becky Robideaux Unexcused member - Lori Guyer, Member Recruitment: Earle Langland from PLONK was in attendance to discuss the sidewalk café issue. He also spoke about his commitment to running a responsible business and that he would be interested in joining the CAC as a hospitality representative. Allie reported that she was aware of another hospitality person who would be interested in membership and agreed to make the contact. Current open slots on the CAC: high school student, MSU student, non-hospitality business owner, medical representative, interested citizen and up to three hospitality slots (two may be filled soon). Tracy Oulman: Tracy formally thanked the CAC for their commitment and work over the past year. She hosted a board appreciation event over the summer that was very well received. Tracy is currently gathering information from the various City appointed boards to help promote good relations between the boards and the City. One important point raised had to do with member recruitment. Apparently boards can post vacancies on the city website, although there was some confusion re: how to apply and whether the website information was accurate. One member thought the only vacancy currently posted for the CAC was a student position. Jenny will look into this. Website: The City has a new website where each board has their own page. Tracy can help the CAC get a password to access our page. CAC Brochure: Jenny reported that the new CAC brochures have been printed and will be distributed throughout the community. Earle provided some critique on the content, which will be incorporated into brochures. Many thanks to Tracy for helping to get these distributed. Open Container issue: Earle Langland from PLONK was in attendance to discuss the issue of serving alcohol at café style seating outside his restaurant. He had received a letter from the City threatening sanctions if he continued to do this. Both Missoula and Billings have ordinances or permits that allow alcohol to be served at tables outside a restaurant. Earle further explained the level of regulations and insurance necessary to do this, which should preclude irresponsible use of this practice. The CAC members present had no objection to this practice and recommended that either some permit or ordinance change be pursued. However, CAC members would also like to see language that would preclude potential problems, e.g., allowing bar patrons to gather outside a bar with alcohol. The City Commission has already been involved in this issue and the CAC expects this discussion to continue during the next month. City Attorney Paul Luwe will likely be involved in drafting the language for this change, at which point the CAC can make a formal recommendation. th Meeting adjourned at 5:30 p.m. Next meeting will be Tuesday September 12, 2006