St. Charles Approves Liquor Licenses and Utility Fee Updates

Meeting Overview

On February 21, 2023, the St. Charles Government Operations Committee met to consider liquor license applications, temporary event permits, and proposed amendments to water and sewer connection fees.

Key decisions included:

• Approval of F2 BYOB license for Hunt House LLC (music performance studio).

• Approval of B1 liquor license for The Whole Lie (Vietnamese restaurant).

• Approval of E1 temporary liquor license and sound permit for the Hops for Hoops 5K charitable event.

• Amendments to water connection fees and sewer connection fees, the first increase since 1998.

These measures reflect a balance between supporting local businesses, community events, and ensuring fair utility cost contributions.

Liquor License Approvals

The committee reviewed three liquor-related items, all of which received 3-0 recommendations from the Liquor Control Commission.

F2 BYOB License – Hunt House LLC

• Location: 113 East Main Street

• Purpose: Music performance studio offering BYOB in a social setting (no food service)

• Safety Measures: Dram shop and BASSET training in place

• Outcome: Approved unanimously

B1 License – The Whole Lie

• Location: 305 West Main Street

• Details: Vietnamese restaurant seeking on-premises alcohol sales

• Background Review: Past concerns regarding the local manager were over 15 years old and deemed irrelevant

• Outcome: Approved unanimously

E1 Temporary License – Hops for Hoops 5K

• Event Date: October 14, 2023

• Location: Mount St. Mary’s Park and Wheeler Park

• Purpose: Seventh annual charity event benefiting Project Mobility, supporting adaptive cycling for individuals with disabilities

• Alcohol Service: Limited tastings within a controlled area for participants 21+

• Coordination: Emergency management, police, and fire departments involved

• Outcome: Approved unanimously

Utility Fee Updates

The committee also considered amendments to the city’s public utility connection fees, which had not been increased since 1998.

Water Connection Fees

• Proposed Increase: 28%

• Methodology: Consultant study using a hybrid blend approach, combining industry best practices with city-specific financial projections

• Purpose: Ensure new developments contribute fairly to the city’s water system costs

• Outcome: Ordinance approved

Sewer Connection Fees

• Proposed Increase: 9% to 42%, depending on sewer system area (East or West Main)

• Rationale: Similar methodology as water fees, ensuring equitable contributions for infrastructure maintenance and expansion

• Outcome: Ordinance approved

Key Takeaways

• St. Charles demonstrates continued support for local businesses and community events through liquor license approvals.

• Utility fee adjustments reflect a modernization of the city’s public services, ensuring sustainable funding for water and sewer infrastructure.

• Coordination with law enforcement and emergency services ensures safe implementation of temporary event permits.

Conclusion

The February 21 meeting highlighted St. Charles’ commitment to community engagement, local business support, and responsible public utility management. Residents and businesses alike benefit from these decisions, balancing public safety, economic vitality, and infrastructure sustainability.