Liquor license for Hairball concert approved

Northern Lakes Youth Hockey Association (NYHLA) will host a rock concert fundraiser this Labor Day weekend that will feature the music of Hairball and concessions to include strong beer.

The Breezy Point City Council on Monday, July 2, approved a one-day liquor license for NYHLA that is limited to strong beer only.

The concert will be held outside Breezy Point Ice Arena on Saturday, Sept. 1. Gates to the event will open at 5:30 p.m. with music starting around 6:30 p.m. and ending by 10 p.m.

The resolution passed Monday night also includes stipulations for parking, garbage service, adequate toilets and a fireworks permit, should the concert feature aerial pyrotechnics.

Security for the concert will be provided by one peace officer on-site.

Hairball, according to the band's website, is a "Bombastic celebration of arena rock." A tribute band to '80s rock, the band plays songs from such bands as KISS and Twisted Sister, focusing not just on music but visual impersonations as well.

NLYHA board member Erik Lee said tickets will be sold for $20. The association hopes to raise $20,000-$30,000 from the concert to go toward youth hockey gear and activities.

Public safety

In June, Breezy Point police reported 252 calls for service, including 95 traffic offenses, three traffic arrests, 32 agency assists, 17 animal-related calls, five accidents, six alarms and 87 miscellaneous calls.

In other business Monday, the council:

Hired an assistant wastewater operator at the rate of $16.80 per hour on a 4-1 vote, with council member Scott Willer opposed. Willer said he didn't believe the position was necessary.

Agreed to have city administrator Joe Rudberg send out requests for proposals for auditing firms. The city's previous contract for auditing services has expired. The motion passed on a 4-1 vote, with Willer opposed.

Heard concerns from council members Otto Schmid and Willer regarding committee actions. Schmid requested a summation of committee meetings. The request came after some confusion over the city's financial process at the June monthly meeting.

Mayor JoAnn Weaver directed Rudberg to use his best judgement in providing a summation, as some information disclosed at committee meetings is private. Currently the city's finance committee meeting minutes are published on the city's website.

Approved purchase of a new squad car for Breezy Point police with an approximate expected cost of $40,000.

Renewed the city's contract with the Ideal Fire Department. This year's contract is slightly less than last year's contract, at $7,899.41. This is a drop in cost of $93.67.

Approved purchase of a lot adjacent to other city-owned properties near city hall for $4,500.

Passed a re-written version of the city's subdivision ordinance, as created by the planning and zoning commission. Council member Tom Lillehei said the new version "adds language that has been missing for a very long time."