Liquor Control Board - February 18, 2026 Minutes

Agenda Items:
1) Approval of Minutes – January 21, 2026 Regular Meeting
• Motion: To approve the minutes of the January 21, 2026 regular meeting: Brekke
• Second: Doyle
• Vote: Passed Unanimously
2) Liquor License Applications – Instructions & Process Update
Presenter: Angie Bear (City Clerk/Deputy City Auditor)
• The Auditor’s Office is sending quarterly application packets. Current quarter packets are going out now to allow sufficient time for PD background checks before renewals.
• Common completeness issues delaying processing:
o Missing signatures.
o Incomplete background check forms.
o Manager/owner roster discrepancies. When a manager is not listed, applicants must submit a New Manager form or a Transfer form.
• Incomplete packets result in back and forth, often on short timelines, leaving PD insufficient time for checks and risking renewal delays.
• Background check cadence: Commissioner Piepkorn asked how the catching up with background checks was going. All licensees have completed checks at least once; the process is now on an annual cycle, split into four quarters to distribute workload.
• Board discussion: Splitting into quarters has helped, provided forms are complete before sending to PD.
Action Items
• Auditor’s Office: Continue quarterly distribution; reinforce completeness checklist with applicants.
• Applicants/Industry: Return fully completed packets, including manager changes and signed forms, with enough lead time for PD.
• PD & Auditor’s Office: Maintain quarterly flow and pre check completeness prior to PD submission.
3) Police Department – Monthly General Report
Presenter: Lieutenant Nick Kjonaas
Incidents reported (6 total; 4 involving over serving):
1. Over serving: Officers responded for a service call (initially a theft investigation); found a female overly intoxicated. A liquor establishment check form was completed.
2. Criminal incident: Patron reported a firearm was pulled on them; officers conducted a criminal investigation and filed reports.
3. Over serving (employee initiated call): A male who had been served one shot appeared overly intoxicated; officers assessed prior consumption likely occurred before arrival. Staff proactively requested response.
4. Intoxication with fall: Individual fell due to intoxication; resulted in a narcotics related criminal report; transported to hospital.
5. Unique—intoxicated store clerks: Patrons reported heavily intoxicated clerks; one vomiting and unable to stand; store was closed; management contacted.
6. Over intoxication with injury: An injured patron exhibited signs of intoxication; assessment complicated by injury; transported by ambulance.
Board Q&A & Discussion
• Video review/use: Commissioner Piepkorn asked about using video to review incidents. Lieutenant Nick Kjonaas stated they may review records to determine what was served; in the one shot incident, field assessment indicated prior consumption off premises.
• Proactive calls by establishments: Positively noted—staff contacting PD out of concern is encouraged.
• Overserving liability process: Robert Nelson asked about how an overserving finding triggers business liability. Attorney William Wischer noted changes in ND Century Code § 5 02 10, imposing a 14 day window for bringing violations to the Attorney General or local governing body, which constrains enforcement timelines and limits the City’s ability to process liquor violations through the Liquor Control Board/City Commission within that window. City Attorney Ian McLean and Nancy Morris are exploring options—including whether to engage the Attorney General or alternative routes—to continue focusing enforcement on businesses rather than on patrons. More to come.
4) Airport Terminal – SkyDine License Update
Presenter: Angie Bear (Deputy City Auditor)
• Following last meeting’s presentation by SkyDine seeking a terminal wide license at the airport, a smaller, productive follow up meeting was held with law enforcement present.
• Next requirements from the applicant:
o Submit a revised plan with an updated floor map.
o Provide a security plan covering airport wide service controls.
• Status: No Board action required today. SkyDine is currently operating at a temporary location. City Attorney Nancy Morris spoke with their attorney; no new updates received today. Commissioner Piepkorn stated that the meeting was very productive.
• Timeline discussion: Applicant indicated they won’t need terminal wide coverage until full opening (referenced as 2027), but the Board expressed preference to move sooner or consider alternate licensing approaches, ensuring clarity on the floor plan and security before proceeding.
Action Items
• SkyDine: Provide updated map and security plan to the Auditor’s Office.
• Auditor’s Office/City Attorney/PD: Review plans on receipt; schedule Board consideration when materials are complete.
5) Public Visitors – NDSU Nursing (Policy & Public Health)
• A group of NDSU Nursing students attended as part of a public health course on policy implementation and nursing’s role in public impact.
• Commission Piepkorn highlighted the city’s voluntary ID card reader initiative used by some bars as a beneficial measure to keep minors out and reduce liability for owners.
• The Board welcomed the group and expressed appreciation for their interest and future service in nursing.
• Meeting Adjourned 1:42 PM