Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutmin.liquor-review.2014-08-26.pdfCITY CAPE GIRARDEAU Liquor License Review Board August 26, 2014 Osage Centre, Room 2A 8:30 a.m. Board Present: Lori Meyer, Human Resources Manager, Chief Review Officer Steve Cook, Assistant Public Works Director Charles "Speedy" Wagoner City Staff Present: Gayle Conrad, Director of Citizen Services/City Clerk Lt. Barry Hovis, Police Department Brian Shaffer, Fire Inspector Eric Cunningham, City Attorney Others Present: Susan Strode, Dockside The Upper Deck Call to Order Ms. Lori Meyer called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m. Ms. Meyer introduced the Board and explained the rules of procedure for addressing the Board. COMMENTS. DISCUSSION & VOTING Review of appeal of recommended denial of liquor license for Susan C. Strode, d/b/a Dockside The Upper Deck, 4 North Spanish Street a. Ms. Meyer called for Public Comment from the floor. There being none, b. Ms. Meyer called for Applicant Comment. Ms. Susan Strode, owner of Dockside, appeared and apologized for the events that have occurred at her business in the past. She submitted to the Board and read a statement entitled "Safety Improvements," and she discussed her plans for her establishment to address the safety concerns of the Police and Fire Departments. [A copy of the statement is attached to these minutes]. c. Ms. Meyer called for City Staff Comment. Fire Inspector Brian Shaffer appeared and reviewed the occupancy level and safety concerns of the Fire Department. He discussed the improvements that would need to be made in order to for Ms. Strode to reach certain occupancy levels. Ms. Meyer questioned if he had recently inspected the premise to verify that Ms. Strode had completed the safety improvements as mentioned in her statement. He indicated he had not. Ms. Strode stated that since she has not been able to rent the facility due to not having a liquor license, she does not have Liquor License Review Board August 26, 2014 CITY +GAPE IRAR[ EAU the funds to purchase the doors and exit lights as required by the Fire Department, but she is working on it. Mr. Wagoner stated that his concerns are less about the occupancy levels and more about the clientele for this business and the service of alcohol to minors. There have been fraternity parties that have caused problems, and nothing in Ms. Strode's statement addressed these concerns. Ms. Strode responded that she does not intend to book any more fraternity parties, although there is one scheduled in October, which was reserved eight months ago. She would be willing to refund their deposit and cancel the booking. She indicated she has attended a training course on recognizing valid and invalid forms of identification of patrons. Her intent is to hire security for events and bill the renter, whereas in the past she had left the security and ID checks up to whoever rented the facility. Police Lt. Barr Hovis appeared before the board and indicated Ms. Strode did meet with the Police Chief last week. However, the Chief is still opposed to the issuance of this license. d. The Board reviewed and discussed information provided. Ms. Meyer expressed concerns with the safety improvement plan as presented by Ms. Strode. She does not see that any changes have been made since the board reviewed this issue in June and revoked the license at that time. Mr. Cook stated he does understand the financial impact of not having a liquor license. However, Ms. Strode is going to need to show that she has specifically addressed all the issues of the Fire and Police Departments before he will give consideration to her appeal. Mr. Wagoner also expressed concerns with this license. He indicated that the City is in the process of considering ordinance changes relating to under 21 in liquor establishments. To him, the biggest concerns are the police reports on the shootings, underage drinking, and fighting in and near the establishment. Following discussion, a Motion was made by Mr. Cook, seconded by Mr. Wagoner, to uphold the City Manager's denial of the renewal of a Liquor License for Susan Strode, d/b/a Dockside The Upper Deck, 4 North Spanish. Motion approved 3-0. Aye, Cook, Meyer, Wagoner. Nay, none. Adjourn A Motion was made by Mr. Wagoner, seconded by Mr. Cook , to adjourn. Motion approved. 3-0. Aye, Cook, Meyer, and Wagoner. Nays, none. Meeting ended at 9:00 a.m. Minutes taken by: Gayle Conrad Director of Citizen Services/City Clerk Liquor License Review Board August 26, 2014 2 _`'v rni#ffd to L e, k,*,) 60-d61 s,�a. sty SAFETY RAPROVEMENTS c8 as W It is brought to my attention by the "Fire Marshall", "Brian Shaffer" that with the "NEW" occupancy load at "Dockside die Upper Deck" is eligible for 742 occupants providing I meet all codes, rules and regulations. This includes the main "Banquet Hall" (Lower Deck Room) and the "Landon Room" (over flow). At this time, I am not interested in accommodating that many occupants in my facility. What I am interested in, is accommodating a total of 400 occupants; 300 occupants in the "Lower Deck" and Io0 occupants in the "Landon Room". I WILL, with all respect, follow and maintain these rules and regulations and make "Dockside the Upper Deck" a better and "SAFER" establishment for my guests. After speaking with "Fire Marshall", `Brain Shaffer", he was pleased to hear that I was not going to occupy the 742 occupants allowed (providing I met all codes and regulations). Listed below are the steps to meet everyone's satisfactory and a much safer and better establishment: • Making sure that all doors are open and unlocked for easy entry and exit; • Adding panic hardware or removal of doors that separate the 2 rooms, (Lower Deck Room and the Landon Room); • Signage for the Spanish Street Exit, "This door to remain unlocked when building is occupied"; • Making sure all fire extinguishers, sprinkler system is to code and working properly (inspected annually); • Adding a "Exit Light" exiting the "Landon Room" onto the Main Street side; • When having a "Frat" I will make sure that someone with authority from "Dockside" is countin and exiting (with a Clicker) the building so that "OVERCROWDING" will no longer be an issue. I will also have that written in the contract that the customer is signing so that they are aware of such changes. • I will also have a team of security monitoring these types of events. • I will also post a "NO LOII'FRING" sign to help with the guests from gathering outside. Because I am a non-smoking establishment, this may be difficult. I do not want my facility to smell of smoke due to non-smoking guest, this sometimes prevents people from booking a party or event. I am open to suggestions on this matter. Once again, I am working hard to ensure that "Dockside The Upper Deck" is the best and safest Venue to book an event or party in town!