DRAFT – These minutes are not official until approved at the next regular City Council meeting.
City of Bigfork
Members Present: Mayor Amy Tendrup, Bob Zimmer, Jean Lexvold, Amy Pifher and Richard Salmi
Absent: none
Also Present: Mark & Connie Maki, City Attorney Andy Shaw, Gus David, John & Marianne Sonsteby, Dave Schminkey, Bob Johnson, Nathan Hale, Blessing Rahier, Troy Miller, Dave Zins, Chris Miller, Gene Rajala, Bob Bushway, Nita DelCastillo
Mayor Tendrup called the special meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and announced that its purpose was to entertain all proposals for the municipal liquor store building.
The first offer presented was from John Sonsteby. He was proposing to purchase the building for $153,000 on a contract for deed and to purchase all remaining inventory at wholesale cost. Shaw asked if he was aware that the building had been appraised for $175.000. Sonsteby stated that his offer may change due to that fact.
Next up were Chris Miller and Dave Zins. They had previously presented their proposal to the City Council and briefly reviewed that they were offering $1500 a month for a lease payment. They are proposing a one year lease with an option to buy. They have looked at the facility and the remaining inventory. They also are interested in purchasing the inventory.
Bushing stated he would like to make a proposal but had not heard anything about how much taxes would be, what the liquor license fee would be or if Sunday liquor sales would be allowed. Tendrup explained that the Planning Commission would be recommending fees at the August 9th meeting and had come up with $1600 for a proposed combination fee. Storlie reported that the property taxes would be slightly over $4000. Sunday liquor is an issue that would have to be approved by the voters before it would be allowed.
Shaw stated that any final proposals or changes to current proposals must be received by noon on Tuesday August 9, 2005 in order to be considered by the Council on that date. A final decision will be made at that meeting.
Connie Maki asked what types of establishments were being planned. Miller answered that they would like to have a sports bar type atmosphere and bring in live bands every now and then. Sonsteby had a similar plan. Tendrup noted that the city does have some control over the type of establishment and their actions with the granting or denial of the liquor license which is renewed each year. She added that our new ordinance states that any council member can go into any liquor establishment licensed by them in order to do an inspection. Johnson asked if the City had an ordinance in place to prohibit strip bars and Tendrup answered that they do.
Shaw asked if the any of the parties owned other liquor establishments. Sonsteby has owned five in the past but does not currently operate any. Miller and Zins are currently operating other establishments.
Rajala asked if this has been advertised beyond word of mouth. Tendrup answered it was in minutes which are on the City website, put out around town, and emailed out to a mailing list.
Connie Maki asked who would be responsible for repairs, snow removal, etc. Shaw answered that if the building is sold, the new owner would obviously become responsible for everything. He stated that he has drafted the lease so that the lessee is responsible for everything other than major repair items. The lessee is also responsible for covering the cost of the property taxes if the property becomes taxable due to the lease.
Zimmer asked Zins and Miller how much of their time would be spent on premises. Miller stated that they would have local management in place and on site on a daily basis. Their management would be there on a weekly basis and either he or Zins would be present bi-weekly. The same question was asked of Sonsteby and he replied that they would be buying a home in the area and would be on-site. Bushing also would be on site as they currently live within fifteen miles.
Tendrup reiterated that noon on Tuesday August 9th is the final cut off for changing or submitting new proposals and adjourned the meeting at 7:22 p.m.
Angie Storlie
City Clerk