HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012/05/21 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study Session IIISt. Louis Park OFFICIAL MINUTES
MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA
MAY 21,2012
The meeting convened at 6:45 p.m.
Councilmembers present: Mayor Jeff Jacobs, Steve Hallfin, Anne Mavity, Julia Ross, Susan
Sanger, Sue Santa, and Jake Spano.
Councilmembers absent: None.
Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Harmening), Director of Community Development (Mr.
Locke), Planning and Zoning Supervisor (Ms. McMonigal), City Clerk (Ms. Stroth), and
Recording Secretary(Ms. Burr).
Guests: Jason Schoneman, Steel Toe Brewery.
1. Brewer Taprooms
Ms. McMonigal introduced the staff report, noting that allowing brewer taprooms requires
zoning and liquor ordinance amendments. She requested direction on the ordinance changes. If
approved, staff would come back in four to six weeks with ordinance changes.
Mayor Jacobs as well as Councilmembers Spano, Hallfin, and Santa voiced support for an
ordinance change.
Councilmember Sanger indicated the need for ordinance clarification and different license type
for a brewer taproom license that would not create an issue with requirements of other liquor
license classifications.
Councilmember Mavity asked about the zoning requirements for a brewery.
Ms. McMonigal responded that creating a specific classification for a taproom would be in the
City's best interests. She noted the City cannot list every type of use that comes forward in a
zoning ordinance, and judgment calls have to be made. The current zoning is industrial park,
and it is one of the parcels approved for business park zoning.
Councilmember Mavity expressed support for the idea, particularly since the taproom is locally
owned. She also asked that the City consider how to manage potential growth so the area does
not become a bar district
Councilmember Sanger noted this is much more appropriate for a business park than industrial.
Councilmember Santa stated this could potentially be the first application of business park
zoning, if that is the direction the city takes.
Ms. McMonigal explained all of the properties for potential business park will be reviewed as
part of the comprehensive plan.
Councilmember Spano commented that the primary function of the brewery is for brewing and
distribution for wholesalers, not for consumption on site.
Study Session Minutes -2- May 21, 2012
Ms. McMonigal confirmed that is correct.
Councilmember Hallfin suggested the City follow what other cities are doing in this area.
Ms. Stroth indicated the brewery taproom state statute language requirements is what most other
cities used who adopted ordinances to allow taprooms. She stated the process for the liquor
license amendment would be similar to the brewer off sale license amendment adopted by
Council in 2010 allowing brewers to sell "growlers".
Councilmember Sanger asked about the sale of non-alcoholic beverages in the taproom. Ms.
McMonigal responded they can only be sold if brewed on-site.
Ms. McMonigal also noted that staff is looking at the question of food trucks, since there are so
many operating in Minneapolis.
Jason Schoneman, Steel Toe Brewery, stated he is encouraged by the Council's discussion.
It was the consensus of the City Council to direct staff to move ahead with ordinance
amendments necessary to allow brewery taprooms.
The meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m.
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