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New Liquor License Classification and Hotel Baker TIF Termination Approved

  • Sep 8
  • 3 min read

Meeting Overview

Meeting: Government Operations Committee MeetingDate: September 20, 2021 (Held) / September 24, 2021 (Uploaded)Video ID: 6jmM7TRLENwDuration: 12 minutes, 2 seconds

This session focused on updates to city liquor license classifications, approvals for local businesses, and the conclusion of a decades-old tax increment financing district.


Key Topics Discussed

  • Liquor License Amendment: Creation of a new A7 license category for specialty stores (~1:19)

  • Business Approvals: Licenses for Jindo Space of Life LLC and Taco Madre (~5:02, ~5:49)

  • Massage License: Approval for Massage World’s relocation (~6:45)

  • Hotel Baker TIF Termination: Dissolution of the redevelopment district (~8:31)

  • Meeting Management Suggestion: Adjustments to chair visibility and labels (~10:48)


Decisions Made

  • Approved an amendment to Title 5 Business License Regulations to create a new A7 liquor license classification for specialty stores (~4:37)

  • Approved a Class A7 liquor license for Jindo Space of Life LLC (~5:31)

  • Approved a Class B2 liquor license for Taco Madre (~6:30)

  • Approved a massage license for Massage World’s relocation (~8:08)

  • Approved an ordinance terminating the Hotel Baker TIF District (~8:31)


Action Items

  • Advance the A7 license amendment to the City Council on October 4, 2021 (~4:37)

  • Implement feedback to improve meeting management and chair visibility (~11:30)


Attendees and Speakers

  • Chair: Alderman Sulkita/Silkatis

  • City Staff: Chief of Police, Tracy (Roll Call), Mr. Pepper (License Language), Ms. Copeland (Massage World)

  • Mayor: Mayor Vitek

  • Aldermen: Bancroft, Patrona, Bala, Weber, Lightner, Spongard


Important Notes

  • The A7 classification was designed for specialty stores selling alcohol as a minor portion of their inventory, limited to 10% or less of store space (~2:09).

  • The Hotel Baker TIF District, established in 1996, had reached its 23-year statutory limit after successfully revitalizing the historic hotel (~10:03).

  • A suggestion was raised to improve meeting chair visibility due to plexiglass barriers and technical challenges (~10:48).


Timeline of Discussion

  • 0:05: Meeting called to order and roll call

  • 0:24: Administrative updates: fuel tax, revenue, gaming stats

  • 1:04: Member recusal for liquor license items

  • 1:19: Discussion on A7 license classification

  • 4:37: Motion to advance A7 classification

  • 5:02 - 6:30: Liquor license approvals for Jindo Space of Life LLC and Taco Madre

  • 6:45 - 8:08: Approval of Massage World’s relocation license

  • 8:31 - 10:03: Hotel Baker TIF termination discussion

  • 10:48 - 11:41: Meeting management suggestion

  • 11:47: Motion to adjourn


Detailed Meeting Discussion

The meeting opened with roll call and administrative updates before quickly moving to new business.

Liquor License Amendment (A7 Classification)

The committee introduced a new A7 liquor license designed for specialty businesses, such as Jindo Space of Life, that sell alcohol as an ancillary product. Alcohol sales areas will be capped at 10% of gross square footage. This carefully drafted amendment was approved and will be forwarded to City Council for final consideration.

Business License Approvals

  • Jindo Space of Life LLC: Approved for a Class A7 license, supporting their relocation from Batavia.

  • Taco Madre: Approved for a Class B2 license, reinstating service after COVID-related disruptions.

  • Massage World: Granted a massage license for relocation to a previously restricted site; owners were fully vetted and compliant with regulations.

Termination of Hotel Baker TIF District

The Hotel Baker Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District, established in 1996 to revitalize the landmark hotel, officially reached its statutory expiration. Having fulfilled its redevelopment purpose, the district was dissolved, and its special tax fund closed.

Meeting Management Feedback

An alderman suggested changes to chair visibility and screen labeling to improve meeting efficiency, especially given plexiglass barriers that limited communication.


Conclusion

The September 20, 2021, Government Operations Committee Meeting focused on streamlining business licensing, modernizing city code, and closing a historic financing chapter. The introduction of the A7 liquor license reflects the city’s adaptability to evolving business models, while the termination of the Hotel Baker TIF District signifies the success of long-term redevelopment initiatives.

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