Print Reading Mode Return

TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the Common Council FROM: Lynn Lorenson, City Attorney DATE: December 10, 2024 SUBJECT: Ord 24-671 Create Chapter 4 Article III-A Pertaining to Alcohol Beverages - Issuance of Special Class “B” and Special “Class B” Licenses

BACKGROUND

At a recent special meeting for the purpose of issuing a Special Class “B” license, the Council questioned whether it was permissible to authorize the City Clerk to issue Special Class “B” and Special “Class B” licenses without the need to bring those licenses to Council for approval.  Section 125.17(1) of the Wisconsin Statutes permits a municipality to designate an official authorized to issue Special Class “B” and Special “Class B” Licenses.

ANALYSIS

Staff reviewed the current Municipal Code for the purpose of authorizing the City Clerk to issue Special Class “B” and Special “Class B” licenses. Staff recommends creation of a new section of the Code: to authorize the City Clerk to issue Special Class “B” and Special “Class B” licenses for persons meeting all statutory and ordinance requirements and to set forth an appeal process for persons who might be denied a license or who believe conditions of a license approval by staff through this staff administrative process are unreasonable.  This process will allow for quicker issuance of Special Class “B” and Special “Class B” licenses, which will no longer need to wait for formal Council approval.   A copy of an annotated redlined version of the proposed ordinance changes and clean copy of the revised ordinance are included with this memorandum.

FISCAL IMPACT

The proposed changes allow issuance of Special Class “B” and Special “Class B”  licenses directly by the City Clerk.  There is some time savings in the preparation of council items, but there is no substantial fiscal impact anticipated from passage of this ordinance.

RECOMMENDATION

It is recommended that if Council wishes to delegate this authority to the City Clerk, that the Council approve the proposed amendments to Chapter 4 to Create Chapter 4 Article III-A Pertaining to Alcohol Beverages - Issuance of Special Class “B” and Special “Class B” Licenses.

Attachments ORD 24-671 Chapter 4 - Special Class B Licenses - clean Chapter 4 - Special Class B Licenses - Annotated

AgendaQuick ©2005 - 2025 Destiny Software Inc. All Rights Reserved.