General

Monday, February 9, 2026 City of Sterling Council Meeting at 3:30 PM CITY OF STERLING COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA Council Chambers - First Floor 212 Third Avenue https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89251068027 1. Meeting Opening A. Call to Order B. Roll Call 2. Consent Agenda A. Approval of Minutes 3. Business Items A. Liquor License Request at 311 1st Avenue The Alibi B. Liquor License Request Dair Mart Plus Banquet Facility 4. Adjourn The City of Sterling in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, requests that persons with disabilities who require certain accommodations to allow them to observe and/or participate in this meeting or have questions about the accessibility of this meeting or facilities, contact the ADA Coordinator at (815) 632-6630 to allow the City of Sterling to make reasonable accommodations for these persons. Page 1 of 6 Tobacco Hearing Chamber Conference Room November 24, 2025 A Tobacco Hearing was held on November 24, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., regarding the unlawful sale of tobacco to a minor at Liquor and Wine 2930 East Lincolnway on October 30, 2025. Present: Mayor Diana Merdian, Police Chief Pat Bartel, Alderman Retha Elston, Alderman Aida Baker, City Attorney Tim Zollinger, Superintendent of Building and Zoning Amanda Schmidt, and City Clerk Teri Sathoff. Also present: Business owner Kalpesh Patel and employee Larry Woodyatt. At 2:05 p.m., Mayor Merdian invited employee Larry Woodyatt into the hearing. Mr. Woodyatt was the employee who sold tobacco to the minor. Attorney Zollinger gave a brief explanation of how the hearing would proceed. Chief Bartel will review the details of the incident. Then the Mayor and the Aldermen will have an opportunity to ask additional questions to better understand what happened and determine the proper action. Afterward, the owner and employee will have an opportunity to confirm or deny the allegations. Chief Bartel explained the details of the incident that occurred on October 30, 2025. He stated employee Larry Woodyatt violated city code by selling a tobacco product to a minor. He stated a female minor was instructed by his officer(s) to enter the establishment and attempt to purchase a tobacco product. The minor was instructed to provide identification upon request and not to lie if asked her age. Chief Bartel noted Woodyatt did ask the minor for identification, scanned it, and then completed the transaction. Mayor Merdian reviewed the City file before the meeting and noted there was one violation in 2024 for this business. Alderman Elston made a motion to impose a letter of reprimand and a $100 fine to Liquor and Win located 2930 East Lincolnway Sterling, IL. for the violation of unlawful sale of tobacco to a minor. Alderman Baker seconded the motion. Voting – Ayes: Alderman Elston, Alderman Baker, and Mayor Merdian. Nayes: None. Motion Carried. Kalpesh Patel and employee Larry Woodyatt returned to the hearing and were issued a letter of reprimand and the fine by Chief Bartel. With nothing further to discuss, the Tobacco Hearing closed at 2:26 p.m. Kalpesh Patel and employee Larry Woodyatt left the hearing, and the Commission proceeded with the Liquor Commission meeting. Mayor Merdian wanted to discuss the current liquor licenses that have been issued and are not in use. Azul Cantina was issued a liquor license in January of 2025, and they have not opened for business yet. Building and Zoning Superintendent Amanda Schmidt advised the commission that Page 2 of 6 Tobacco Hearing Chamber Conference Room November 24, 2025 her department has had issues with the contractor obtaining a building permit and showing up for inspections. After a discussion, it was decided to send a letter to the owner asking what their timeline is. Mayor Merdian wanted to make sure the City is being consistent with businesses that obtain a liquor license and do not utilize it promptly. The liquor license at the Artisan Oven was discussed; the owner is waiting on a pizza oven to be shipped, and the first one arrived damaged. Their timeline is to open as soon as that is received and opened. The Mercantile has been closed for approximately 4 weeks. They are looking at moving locations. With nothing further to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 3:01 p.m. Teri Sathoff City Clerk Page 3 of 6 Page 4 of 6 Page 5 of 6 Page 6 of 6