Council Meeting October 14, 2014

The meeting started out with about 50 people, which is HUGE! Usually, there are 20 of us- and it's the same 20 every week. I will also mention that half of the 20 work for the city and kinda have to be there. So really, only 10 of us actually show up on a consistent basis who aren't somehow obligated to be there.
Back to the meeting... One of the gas stations in town was trying to get its alcohol license switched from a type 20 (beer and wine) to a type 21 (type 20 plus distilled spirits). He was trying to make the case that by upping the license, we aren't adding to the concentration just tweaking it a bit. They share a shopping center with Walmart and Walgreens, both of which have a type 21. Apparently, the gas station wants the license so that they can offer something that their customers would like to add to their list of convenient items. Now, anyone who knows me, knows that I am a woman that likes her glass of wine, but for goodness sake, the last thing that needs to be more convenient is liquor. Maybe it's my family of law enforcement talking, but that (in my opinion) level of convenience... Bad!
One of the most interesting things he said was regarding their community partnership and how that included schools, the police department and other organizations. He also mentioned how these community partnerships were a monetary commitment. Now, allow me back up for a minute.  Prior to this statement, he had said that they have received letters of recommendations in support of them obtaining this license from schools, people in the community, community organizations, etc. Hmmmm.... At this point, I'm waiting for someone on council to interject. It is just too obvious right?! Nope! Can I have an intelligent question for $500? Dramatic pause... Can I have an intelligent question for $200? More dramatic pause... Still waiting... Okay, so I realize that 500 may have been a very aggressive starting point but I have standards.  Maybe I should have started at 200. Or 100. Deep sigh! My standards just aren't being met.
Ohh, I almost forgot! The 50 of us who showed up.. Most came to speak in favor of granting the permit, which was denied. Don't worry, we still had to sit and listen to Milne battle with herself regarding her free-market principals and the fact that she felt more strongly about this setting a precedence (one of the few things I have agreed with her on). So after this agenda item, we were back to our same, cozy twenty!