Thanksgiving Day sales cost liquor store

Talk about it

An oops has turned into a big fine for one Rosemount business. MGM liquor has been fined $1,000 and will have to close its doors for five hours Christmas Eve, for selling alcohol on Thanksgiving Day.

The Rosemount Police Department received reports Thanksgiving morning that MGM was open, which is prohibited by state law and city code. An investigation by police verified sales had occurred.

The violation is criminal and has been referred to the city prosecutor. It is also in violation of MGM’s liquor license, which is handled on the city level.

Police chief Gary Kalstabakken said a meeting was held Dec. 9 with the owners of the store. During that meeting an agreement was reached on the civil penalties that would be imposed. The Rosemount City Council approved the penalties during its regular meeting Tuesday.

MGM agreed to pay a $1,000 fine and to a five-hour suspension of its license. The suspension will be served from 3 to 8 p.m. Dec. 24.

This is the first violation for the Rosemount MGM Liquors. Kalstabakken said that the penalties are consistent with other violations imposed on liquor establishments within the city.

MGM still could face criminal charges on the matter. Kalstabakken said the city prosecutor is determining whether any charges are appropriate.

Water, sewer

rates up

In other city council business most residents will see their water and sewer rates go up in 2010. For the first time in 10 years the council has revised its water rates. The city had to update its rates to comply with new state regulations requiring a conservation rate structure.

The new structure means high-volume water users will pay more than others in the community.

While some low-volume users may see a small decrease in their rates most will see a 4 to 5 percent increase for both water and sewer rates, according to a city staff memo.

In addition, stormwater fees will increase slightly. The rates will go up 5 percent to help the city meet the long range plans the council adopted several years ago.

In addition to water and sewer rates the council also approved its rates for other city services as well including special assessments and ice arena costs.

Special assessment rates will rise to $6,000 per unit, up from $5,600. Cost for overlay project, which is most of the city’s projects, will continue to be calculated at 35 percent of the projects cost.

Ice arena fees will go up $10 an hour during prime time to $185 an hour. Additionally, use of the Rosemount Community Center will go up $50 to $100 depending on the use.

City administrator Dwight Johnson said when determining fees the city and its commission try to keep rates reasonable. However, he said they want to take some of the cost burden off of taxpayers.

Tags: business news, crime and courts, news