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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2. Minutes 04/12/2011 (Special)MINUTES OF THE SPEICAL MEETING OF THE MAYOR AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE VILLAGE OF MOUNT PROSPECT April 12, 2011 CALL TO ORDER Mayor Wilks called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.. ROLL CALL Present: Mayor Irvana Wilks Trustee Paul Hoefert Trustee Arlene Juracek Trustee John Korn Trustee John Matuszak Trustee Steve Polit Trustee Michael Zadel Mayor Wilks stated after the Special Meeting adjourned and a brief recess, the April 12, 2011 Committee of the Whole meeting would be held as scheduled. NEW BUSINESS NEW BUSINESS Mayor Wilks presented for a first (1 reading an ordinance amending Chapter 13 AMEND CHAPTER (Alcoholic Liquors) of the Village Code. This ordinance amends the Village Code 13, (ALCOHOLIC by increasing the number of Class "S -5" liquor licenses by one (1) for American LIQUORS) OF THE Multi- Cinema, Inc. d /b /a AMC Randhurst 12, 200 Randhurst Village Drive. VILLAGE CODE Mayor Wilks stated at the April 6, 2011 Village Board meeting an ordinance adopting the new liquor license classification "S -5" for movie theatres was approved. Initial discussions for the creation of a new liquor license that would authorize the sale and consumption of alcohol in a movie theatre began over one (1) year ago when AMC Theatres requested a liquor license for the new state of the art AMC theatre at Randhurst. The state of the art theater was presented as part of the business plan for the Randhurst Development. Mayor Wilks had detailed discussions with the Developer regarding the importance of the proposed AMC theatre to the success of the mall. After watching the failed attempts to revitalize the "old" Randhurst, Mayor Wilks felt it was important to the community that she work with the developer and AMC for the long -term success of the new Randhurst; the 'Jewel" in our community. Recognizing the importance of the new theatre to the success of Randhurst, as Mayor and liquor commissioner the question became; could the sale and consumption of alcohol in a theater be done in a manner that would maintain the integrity of the Village's alcohol regulations and enforcement. After year- long discussions with Village staff, the Village Attorney, Police Chief Dahlberg, Village Manager Michael Janonis and AMC Theatres, an ordinance was crafted that addressed many of the concerns associated with this type of liquor license classification and incorporated numerous requirements specific to a movie theatre liquor license. Although the ordinance for the new "S -5" liquor license Classification was approved at the April 6, 2011 Village Board meeting, its passage did not authorize the issuance of a liquor license to AMC Theatres. Mayor Wilks stated AMC Theatres has submitted their application requesting a liquor license that will allow for the sale and consumption of alcohol and have made previous presentations to the Village Board regarding the new theatre. She stated Mr. Patterson, Senior Vice President of AMC Theatres was in attendance to again address the Village Board and respond to questions. I of Special Village Board Meeting April 12, 2011 Mr. Patterson stated AMC appreciates the concern of members of the Village Board who are encouraging AMC to walk before running. AMC believes a compromise is workable and provided an overview of the measures AMC has taken to address those concerns. AMC developed and strictly adheres to a compliance process and utilizes technology that ensures a safe, positive experience for AMC guests: • All staff are trained • Alcohol monitors /bartenders professionally trained • Zero Alcohol tolerance • All individuals are carded regardless of age/ carded each time purchase is made • Mystery shoppers • Partner with local regulatory authority • Tap dynamics — monitor bar tap • Cameras • Wristbands — used at other locations • Alcohol containers are clear cups and of limited size. In addition, AMC has created a 'safe haven" for young families by limiting the hours of alcohol service; 4:00 pm to 11 pm. AMC will have information regarding the service of alcohol and hours on their web site. Alcohol monitors will be on staff at all times and additional monitors will be added based on attendance projections and movie content. Private security staff will also be on -site. Mr. Patterson stated these additional measures will be instituted as part of a walk before you run approach and indicated AMC would like the opportunity to re- evaluate down the road. Village Board Comments • Appreciates the efforts of AMC • Wants Randhurst and AMC theatre to succeed; a vote against liquor license is not a vote against Randhurst or AMC • AMC has not taken this lightly, however, the issue of alcohol in the theatre remains • Village Code is enforceable; Police and Liquor Commissioner will do everything to enforce requirements • Liquor license can be taken away faster than issued • Limiting service until 4 pm; parents can send children to movie before 4 pm • Theatre was never a "kid zone" — Chuckie Cheese a "kid zone" serves alcohol • Theatre liquor license has more controls /restrictions than other businesses with liquor licenses. • Restrictions are in place to make this work — give theatre a chance before deciding not to go; go before 4 pm • Concerned there is no process defined on items such as frequency of service, wristbands. • Concern is not with AMC or staff; concern is alcohol consumption in a theatre with underage patrons. • AMC proven itself — deserves opportunity to partner with Village • AMC has listened to the Village Board and community, and came back with a compromise. Mr. Scott Stipsits, Director US Operations, identified other standard procedures followed by movie theatre staff to prevent underage drinking; 1) theatre is cleaned after each movie, alcohol cups removed 2) wristbands found on floor anywhere in the theatre are discarded 3) it is the responsibility of the alcohol monitor and bartender to recognize customer frequency; do not anticipate high volume at bar. 2 of 3 Special Village Board Meeting April 12, 2011 Wristband is viewed more of an ID in theatre; customers will be carded each time a drink is purchased. In response to questions from the Village Board Village Manager Janonis stated the additional compromises AMC brought forth this evening are "inducements" not conditions of the liquor license.. AMC will come back in sixty (60) days to revisit the additional items of compromise. Trustee Zadel, seconded by Trustee Juracek moved for approval of Ordinance No. 5847: ORD 5847 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 13 (ALCOHOLIC LIQUORS) OF THE VILLAGE CODE OF MOUNT PROSPECT Upon roll call: Ayes: Juracek, Korn, Wilks, Zadel Nays: Hoefert, Matuszak, Polit, Motion carried. As there were no further items for discussion Mayor Wilks asked for a motion to adjourn. ADJOURN Trustee Juracek, seconded by Trustee Polit, moved for approval to adjourn the April 12, 2011 Special Village Board meeting. Upon roll call: Ayes: Hoefert, Juracek, Korn, Matuszak, Polit, Zadel Nays: None Motion carried. The April 12, 2011 Village Board meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m. Mayor Wilks called for a brief recess before convening the April 12, 2011 Committee of the Whole meeting. M. Lisa Angell Village Clerk 3 of 3 Special Village Board Meeting April 12, 2011