The Fenton City Council unanimously approved liquor licenses for Azteca Mexican Restaurant and Sharia Fenton LLC (Phillips 66) at a special meeting called at 2 p.m. the day before July 4, after staff told the council the two businesses had failed to submit renewal paperwork on time but subsequently provided required documents.

City staff told the council they sent at least two notices — and possibly three — through the GovBilt system and made phone calls to reach delinquent licensees. "There were, 2 notices, a minimum that went out, if not 3, that went out through, GovBilt. We sent them the orig the initial 1, and then I have tried to call them as well. Okay. Several several attempts to call," Jane, a city staff member, said when asked how the businesses had been notified.

Council members also said the city had tried to accommodate timing around the holiday but emphasized that annual compliance is expected. Council discussion noted that one business, the Pinball Museum, could not be served because it was closed, so staff could not complete service of notice. Council members and staff said businesses that post the required certificate can resume liquor sales immediately; Jane said that if staff calls and the business posts the certificate, "they could re resume selling this tonight."

Alderman Lang made the motion to approve the licenses; Alderman Wissbracht seconded. Council members voted in favor, and the chair confirmed the decision was unanimous.

The meeting record shows a quorum of five aldermen was present. Council members also recorded that they had attempted multiple forms of notice before bringing the licenses forward for approval. The council ended the special meeting with a motion to adjourn by Alderman Mazurang, seconded by Alderman Huels.