Lilydale Council to Pursue Civil Fine for Moose Country

Lilydale City Council has decided to pursue a civil fine for the owner of in response to liquor license violations allegedly observed by police on the property Christmas night.

The business hasn't had a violation in the past two years, and faces a "first offense" penalty of $500.

A number of skirmishes broke out shortly after bar close Dec. 26, prompting a call to police at 2:16 a.m. According to the police report, officers arrived to find drinks still out on tables and customers still paying out. The fighting quickly dissipated after police arrived, and no suspects were taken into custody.

Alcohol cannot be consumed or displayed between 2 a.m. and 8 a.m. according to the city's ordinances.

Owner Joe Schaefer faces a misdemeanor for violation of the business's liquor license. Initially the council had decided to wait for the results of the criminal process before pursuing civil penalties. But city attorney Michael O'Brien said at their last meeting that the case could take a few more months to sort out.

Schaefer did not return a message left at the business after March's meeting requesting an interview.

"My preference is to get it done and over with as soon as possible," Police Chief Mike Aschenbrener told the council. Taking action sooner rather than later will allow the city to take December's activity into consideration should the bar's liquor license be violated again, said the chief.

In other business:

• The city is scheduled to review Census data released last month. The population of Lilydale has grown to 623 according to 2010 Census data. The 2000 census count was 552. The slight growth in population reflects an increase in housing units of 61 over the past decade.

• The council will also receive a report regarding the 2011 summer construction on Highway 13. Objections have been raised by residents about the need for traffic lights at the interchange of Highway 13 and Interstate 35E.