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City Council Minutes <br /> May 5, 2020 <br /> Page 12 of 19 <br /> ----------------------------- <br /> Council Member Akerson was concerned about the City budget. Ms. Malecha <br /> stated that it will be a revenue shortfall for this year of$3,485. <br /> Council Member Pederson stated that these businesses are not in business right <br /> now and there is no indication that they are coming back anytime soon and when <br /> the do open it will be at 25% or 50% capacity. He stated that his recommendation <br /> would be to eliminate the fees for the rest of the year and that it is something that <br /> will help them directly. Ms. Malecha asked for clarification as to if he means for <br /> the rest of 2020 because the liquor licenses run from July 1st through June 30th. <br /> Discussion ensued about the license periods, the length of time to reduce the <br /> fees and if the license will be legal if the fees are reduced. Ms. Malecha clarified <br /> that there will be a license but the City will just not receive revenue for that <br /> license. She stated the City will still go through the approval process with the <br /> council approving them and that some licenses have to go to the State for <br /> approval. Discussion ensued to approve the current four month reduction and to <br /> discuss the license fees again in June to determine if the Council will reduce <br /> them more. <br /> COUNCIL MEMBER SEILS MOVED APPROVE A FOUR MONTH REDUCTION <br /> IN THE RENEWAL LIQUOR LICENSE FEES FOR ON SALE/SUNDAY <br /> LICENSE HOLDERS AND ON SALE 3.2% MALT LIQUOR/WINE/STRONG <br /> BEER LICENSE HOLDERS AS PRESENTED FOR A TOTAL REDUCTION IN <br /> FEES OF $3,485 DUE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC. COUNCIL MEMBER <br /> AKERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. <br /> 10.1.C.Re4uest to Defer Rent for Peauot Lakes Chamber <br /> Nancy Malecha stated that they received a request from the Brainerd Lakes <br /> Chamber of Commerce to forgive for five months of lease payments to the City <br /> for the Pequot Lake's Welcome Center for a total amount of$3,875. <br /> Ms. Wassermann informed the Council that they are a Non-profit and their <br /> organization's mission is to give back to the members that they serve. She stated <br /> that unfortunately the ones that they serve are the ones who are being hit right <br /> now and the Chamber took a 65% revenue hit too. She stated that Chamber is <br /> facing the same challenges as businesses yet Chambers have not been <br /> prioritized to receive any sort of financial help. She also stated that they are <br /> going to be on the front lines and they are now for their businesses and <br /> communities. Ms. Wassermann said that this will really help them get through the <br /> next couple of months. She said they had to lay off their welcome and summer <br /> staff. She also said they cut their hours by 20%, to try and take advantage of <br /> some of the federal programs that are available. She stated that they have really <br /> done everything they can and this was just another item on the list that they had <br /> to see if they could make this humble request. <br /> Council Member Swanson asked if they were able to get any funds. Ms. <br /> Wassermann stated they have a job share program so they did not have to lay <br />