HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-09-10 Community Alcohol Coalition Minutes
Minutes: Community Alcohol Coalition
February 9, 2010
Members present: Rick Gale, Marty Kent, Glenn Puffer, Jenny Haubenreiser, Jason Karls, Jenna Caplette,
Susanna Darr
Guests: David Madison (Institute for Public Strategies), Allyson Bristor & Brian Heaston (Engineering & Planning
Dept. staff)
The CAC welcomed new Commission Liaison Cyndy Andrus.
December minutes were approved by members present.
No public comment.
Special presentations
-Jenny announced a change in the agenda due to a request from City staff to collect CAC input re: a
current proposal to expand sidewalks downtown to accommodate outdoor seating. City engineering
and planning staff presented their proposal re: long-term encroachment of public right-of-way for
private use in our downtown area, which would expand the areas available for outdoor seating, which
could include alcohol service.
- The CAC reviewed the proposal and voiced perspectives related to the service of alcohol in these
areas, along with the potential for negative impacts on the late-night downtown environment (a key
challenge for law enforcement). Much of this was covered during the CAC’s work on the Sidewalk Café
ordinance in 2006; however specific points made included: making sure business owners are aware of
the existing City ordinances (Sidewalk Cafes and Open Containers), as well as compliance with state
regulations, and ensuring that businesses take steps to ensure drinks are kept within the confines of
the café. Other points included additional server training for restaurant/bar staff (ensure consumption
is limited to those of legal drinking age), ways to ensure drinks are not being passed over the barriers,
ensuring service is limited to “seat & serve” only (not allowing people to stand in outdoor areas with
drinks), and having some means to address emerging problems, such as noise.
-Members acknowledged that while the existing Sidewalk Café ordinance has been generally effective,
use of this related to alcohol service has been limited, so it is hard to know if expansion of outdoor
alcohol service will create problems. The group acknowledged the variance among clientele – e.g.,
establishments that attract the younger, late-night “drinking crowd,” which have a greater potential
for problems than other types of establishments.
-The CAC expressed an interest in some means to monitor impact on law enforcement, compliance and
other possible issues, should the proposed plan go into effect.
-The CAC will review the Sidewalk Café ordinance at the next meeting. The engineering staff will
incorporate CAC feedback in their communication with the City.
Other presentations
-Glenn gave an overview of the MSU Drug Free School & Campus Act policy review process,
emphasizing the activity is intended to consider both policies and practices, on and off campus. He
would like to draft an ‘integrated’ plan prior to June 30, to involve a smaller group of campus staff,
students, faculty, as well as relevant community members. This group will consider “holes” in the
existing campus policy, along with community impacts of substance abuse among college students.
Glenn thanked the CAC members who have provided feedback thus far. Updates will be made
throughout the spring.
Action Items
-Jenny briefly discussed current efforts to increase public awareness about the social host ordinance
within the community. Rick & Becky are scheduled to talk to a parents group at BHS. They will be able
to report on this at a future meeting. Jenny & Jason are discussing the possibility of giving a short
presentation to the City Commission, date TBD. David is continuing with projects at IPS involving state
and local alcohol policy, which will help inform future CAC actions.
New Business
-Jenna announced the annual Swimming Upstream Awards in April. A brief discussion ensued re:
possible recipients.
-Jason’s presentation on community liquor licenses was postponed due to time. He will present this
information at the March meeting.
Meeting adjourned at 5:30 p.m.