The Grand Forks council is one vote away from dropping the age for those serving and collecting money for alcoholic beverages in restaurants from 19 to 18 years of age.
The Committee of the Whole endorsed the move on a 6-1 vote last night. City Administrator Todd Feland says the request comes from the business community and is allowed under state law.
A letter from The Chamber suggests the move would be of significant help to impacted license holders given the current workforce shortage.
Council member Katie Dachtler cast the lone “no” vote.
— — —
The Grand Forks council gave formal approval last night (Monday) to a resolution paving the way for tax incentives on the former St. John’s Building downtown.
The so-called PILOT exemption was adopted back in February and will help reduce costs for the developer over a 15 to 20 year period. City Attorney Dan Gaustad says the payment in lieu of property tax program only covers a portion of the increased value to the city (90%).
The renovation of the five story building includes commercial space on the lower floor and a mix of apartments on the upper levels. The estimated completion value on the property is around $7 million dollars.
— — —
In other council action members approved a budget amendment to allow for the next phase of renovation on the second floor of City Hall. The $545,000 dollar project will cover work for the Engineering and Inspections Departments.
FOLLOW US FOR INSTANT UPDATES!
