06242002 Regular Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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178. . Regu ar Meetlng June 24, 2002 Page 10 already begun to address the disparity, but he does not think the entire problem is in this year's budget. Mayor Habingreither introduced a discussion regarding Resolutions for consideration by Texas Municipal League. Mr. Mayhew stated he would like a draft Resolution regarding State buildings not being built in accordance with City fire codes and being taken off the tax rolls. Mayor Habingreither introduced a discussion regarding extension of hours of Alcoholic Beverage Sales. Mr. Montoya stated he does not feel the Council needs to look at extending the drinking hours. Ms. Narvaiz stated she has some questions she would like answered before considering this issue. She stated she is concerned about sending a mixed message about parties and drinking. Mr. Mihalkanin stated he has some concerns with under age drinking, but feels extending the hours might help to place the consumption of alcohol in a more regulated environment. Mayor Habingreither stated he thinks extending the hours would take the loud parties out of the neighborhoods. Mr. Taylor stated he would like to see the increase in sales tax. He also stated it has been brought to his attention when young people leave the bars at midnight they drive to Austin or go to convenience stores to purchase alcohol and continue drinking in neighborhoods. Mr. Mayhew stated he is not opposed to hearing from the community, but not in favor of extending the hours at this time. Ms. Tatum stated she is not in favor of extending the hours, but would like this item on a future agenda for community input and for a Council vote. Mr. Montoya stated he disagrees with allowing more time for people to drink. Mayor Habingreither stated he would like to see the hours extended for a trial period. Mr. Mihalkanin stated he would like the Chief of Police and Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission to provide some statistics to the Council and a public discussion period for input. Griffith stated he could research and provide an analysis to Council regarding potential effects changing the hours and also talk with other University Cities whose bars close at 2:00 a.m. Ms. Tatum stated she would like all information on this issue to be provided to Council and the public. Chief Mayor Habingreither introduced a discussion regarding investigation of a campaign flyer. Mr. Mark Taylor stated he had researched and identified a provision in the Voting Rights Act. He stated he has drafted a letter on behalf of the Mayor to the U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft and a companion letter to support an investigation. Mr. O'Leary stated he had contacted District Attorney Mike Wenk, who directed he contact the Texas Rangers and ask them to contact Mr. Wenk. Mayor Habingreither stated he wanted Staff to move ahead and look at enforcing every possible action. Mr. Mihalkanin stated he would like all individuals and organizations who called for an investigation to be contacted asking them to write letters of support to Attorney General John Ashcroft. Mayor Habingreither introduced the City Council's Report. 1) Mr. Mayhew stated it was brought to his attention the City is being charged for