HomeMy WebLinkAbout1980-04-28 (Special) Meeting MinutesPUBLIC ME~TING:
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
CITY OF ENGLEWOOD, COLORADO
April 28, 1980
The City Council of the City of Englewood, Arapahoe
County, Colorado, met in special session on April 28, 1980, at
7:30 p.m.
Mayor Otis, presiding, called the meeting to order.
'lbe invocation was given by Council Member Fitzpatrick.
The pledge of allegiance was led by Mayor Otis.
Mayor Otis asked for roll call. Upon a call of the
roll, the following were present:
Council Members Higday, Neal, Fitzpatrick, Keena,
Bilo, Bradshaw, Otis.
Absent: None.
'11le Mayor declared a quorum present.
* * * * * *
Also present were: City Manager Mccown
Assistant City Manager Curnes
City Attorney Berardini
Deputy City Clerk Watkins
* * * * * *
Mayor Otis stated the purpose of the public meeting was
to hear residents' views of whether or not the City should estab-
l ish a liquor licensing authority with the power to grant, deny,
suspend, transfer or revoke liquor licenses. Mayor Otis explained
the proposed board's composition and membership qualifications. The
Mayor asked if anyone in the audience wished to speak to the matter.
* * * * * *
Jo Ellen Turner, 4630 South Cherokee, appearad before
Council and spoke in favor of establishing the authority. She
stated Council could beat serve the conaunity by establishing
a liquor board with an expertise in liquor matters; thereby,
allowing the Council to devote their time to other City matters.
* * * * * *
April 28, 1980
Page 2
Isabella Knight, 3021 South Lincoln, appeared before
Council and spoke against establishing the authority. Ms. Knight
:-;LuLcd Council wuH more in conLucL with the public un<l its nee<ls
re garding l iquor maLLcrs because Lhcy were elected officials.
T he uuLhoriLy would be appointed. She expressed her concerns
that the authority would have the power to make decisions regard-
ing liquor matters without going through Council.
* * * * * *
Don Mowery, 3001 South Pearl, appeared before Council
and asked several questions concerning the authority and its re-
sponsibilities.
Council and City Attorney Berardini provided informa-
tion to Mr. Mowery, in that the authority would be responsible
to the citizen• and the courts; Council had the prerogative to
replace any member at any time; the reaaoning behind the change
was to alleviate a time-conauminf function from the Council;
and it would not make it any eaa er or harder to obtain a liquor
license because the same guidelines exiated to determine denial
or approval.
Mr. Mowery stated he would be againat the authority
if Council was only trying to get rid of the responsibility;
but would be in favor if the job waa too time-consuming and
time could be better devoted to 1ervina the colllDWlity in other
ways.
* * * * * *
City Attorney Berardini pointed out the possibility
of eliminating prejudices about certain cases by establishing
an independent liquor board.
* * * * * *
lbad Carson, 3990 South Jason, appeared before the Coun-
cil and spoke in favor of the board. Mr. Carson stated this was
one way to get more people involved in City government, although
Council should have more input into the decision-making process
of the board. Mr. Carson stated he did not think Council was I
shunning their responsibility by appointing a liquor licensing
board.
* * * * * *
April 28, 1980
Page 3
Council Member Higday expressed his disappointment in
the low response that was given by the citizens in this matter.
* * * * * *
Discussed ensued among the Council of whether or not
Council would be remiss in delegating liquor licensing responsi-
bility to another body; and if time consumed in studying and
preparing for a liquor hearing necessitated the creation of a
separate board. It was suggested making the board an advisory
body to the Council wherein the board would make a reconmenda-
tion to Council who in turn would render the final decision.
The suggestion was taken under consideration.
* * * * * *
Council Member Neal instructed the City Manager to
place the matter on the agenda for the regular Council meet-
ing, May 19, 1980.
* * * * * *
COUNCIL MEMBER HIGDAY K>VED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING.
Mayor Otis adjourned the meeting without a vote at
8: 10 p.m.
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