City Commission Packet 05-21-2008

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                                        City of Muskegon
                                    Special City Commission
                                          May 21, 2008
                                   City Commission Chambers
                                             5:30 PM

                                           MINUTES


2008-44
Present: Commissioners Warmington, Carter, Wisneski, Gawron, Shepherd, Wierengo, and
Spataro.
Absent: None.

Liquor License and Business Registration for Spotlight Night Club - 435 & 441 W Weste1·n
Police ChiefK.leibecker gave details ofa shooting incident at the Spotlight Night Club on
Saturday, May 16, 2008.

The establishment has had four shooting incidents since its opening on July 1, 2007.

All persons involved in the incident on May 16, 2008 were in the club at some point during the
evemng.

Conunissioners discussed details of the shooting incident.

Cathy Brubaker-Clarke, Community & Economic Development Director, stated that diversity is
important in our community; however, a negative image downtown makes downtown
development very difficult.

Lacey Jones, owner of the Spotlight, clarified the incident that happened at the Spotlight Night
Club indicating not all persons involved in the incident were in the establishment on May 16,
2008. He is only aware of two shooting incidents since its opening on July 1, 2007.

Continuing discussion ensued amongst the City Commissioners and Mr. Jones.

Several members of the audience made comment.

Commissioners discussed the issue in further detail.

Motion by Commissioner Spataro, seconded by Commissioner Wisneski to authorize staff
to suspended and/or revoke the Certificate of Busiuess Registration in accordance with
City of Muskegon Code of Ordinance Section 50-43(7).

                                                                    ROLL CALL VOTE:

Ayes: Spataro, Warmington, Wisneski, and Gawron.
Nays: Shephe1·d, Wierengo, and Carter.

                                                                MOTION PASSES.

Motion by Commissioner Spataro, seconded by Commissioner Wisneski to request that the
Michigan Liquor Control Commission issue an emergency suspension of the on-premises
license because the public's safety is at risk, as evidenced by recent incidents.

                                                                ROLL CALL VOTE:

Ayes: Spataro, Wisneski, and Gawron.
Nays: Warmington, Wierengo, Carter, and Shepherd.

                                                                MOTION FAILS.

Motion by Commissioner Spataro, seconded by Commissioner Wisneski to begin the
process to consider requesting that the Michigan Liquor Control Commission revoke,
suspend, or direct a transfer of the on-premise liquor license. This should include the
retaining of a third-party hearing officer who would hold a hearing and present their
findings to the City Commission.

                                                                ROLL CALL VOTE:

Ayes: Warmington, Wierengo, Wisneski, Gawron, Shepherd, and Spataro.
Nays: Carter.

                                                                MOTION PASSES.

Adiournment
Motion by Vice Mayor Gawron, seconded by Commissioner Wisneski to adjourn at 7:48
p.m.

                                                                MOTION PASSES



                                                       \J~~~
                                                          Ann Marie Becker, MMC
                                                               C ity C lerk

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