Call to Order
Chairperson Bob Cramer called the meeting to order at 10:00 AM with
a quorum present.
Minutes of Previous Meeting (Available upon request)
Chairperson Cramer asked for discussion of the April 30, 2002 Minutes.
There was no discussion.
| |
Motion: |
Commissioner Shirley Daggett moved the Minutes
of April 30, 2002 stand approved as submitted. Commissioner
Dick Stoffer seconded the motion, and it passed by unanimous
vote. |
Recognition of Service
Jenny Thompson was recently honored at the Governor's Golden Dome
Award Ceremony in recognition of her 25 years of service to the State
of Iowa. Chairman Cramer and Lynn Walding presented Ms. Thompson with
a certificate recognizing her dedicated service for the past 25 years.
Ms. Thompson does the wholesale audits for the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages
Division.
Tobacco Report
Gary Marker reported fiscal year 2002 compliance checks are completed.
In late June, the Division entered into partnership with 58 law enforcement
communities doing approximately 735 hours of “Cops in Shops”
activities throughout the state. The Division also partnered with
communities to do enforcement activities at Waterloo Days, Clive Festival,
Spencer Flag Fest and the Quad City Air Show. The Iowa Alcoholic Beverages
Division tobacco program supplied the money for officers to look for
and issue tickets to juveniles who were in possession of tobacco at
these events.
The Division will host a Conference on Tobacco Enforcement in Des
Moines in late August. Agenda items will include the new 28E Agreement,
procedural changes, an overview of the past year, etc.
Nicole Watson reported the Division was 88% compliant for fiscal
year 2002 representing a 6% improvement over last year. The information
will be available by county on the website in the near future.
Approximately 9400 checks were completed last year in comparison
to 16 checks done statewide two years prior to the Iowa Alcoholic
Beverages Division’s involvement. Mr. Walding commended Mr.
Marker and his staff on the progress made. It took a social norm
change in law enforcement to recognize the importance of the checks
and the $50 paid per check by the Division helped to bring that
to the forefront. Mr. Walding however, is not satisfied with the
12% noncompliance rate; his goal is single digits.
Chairperson Cramer asked if data indicates any trend that one particular
group has a better compliance rate than another. He also suggested
the focus be shifted to noncompliant groups to get them in compliance.
Ms. Watson replied that some corporations do have a significantly
better compliance rate overall statewide. Chairperson Cramer would
like to see a copy of the report. Mr. Walding wants the report broken
down by region, retailer type and individual retailers.
The Division had adequate funding the first two years to do two
checks of each retailer. Due to the cuts in funding this fiscal
year, the Division will probably check every retailer once and conduct
second checks only on retailers that have been noncompliant.
According to Nicole Watson, in approximately 60% of the cases where
violations have occurred, the employee asked for ID and made the
sale anyway. ID checking brochures have been designed to help address
the problem. In addition, decals were made to complement the age
to purchase calendar. According to Mr. Walding the age to purchase
calendar is an effective tool; however, it costs about $43,000 to
print and distribute 5000 calendars. As a cost-saving alternative,
the Division may distribute only decals next year. There is also
a 5-step ID check card available to the retailers and the Division’s
five investigators continue to provide on-site training free-of-charge.
Chairman Cramer believes those under 21 who sell succumb to peer
pressure. The Chairman is interested in data on demands to have
an individual 21 or over be the supervisor for selling tobacco.
Mr. Marker stated that the division does not track the age of the
seller; however, the trend is that of those retailers who are noncompliant,
their older employees (50 and older) are more likely to sell to
minors than are their younger employees.
Dram Shop Administrative Rule Update
A letter, along with a copy of the proposed Dramshop Administrative
Rule, was mailed June 28th to all on-premises licensees. The next
step, according to Judy Seib, is to publish the Regulatory Analysis
in the Administrative Rules Bulletin, followed by a Public Hearing
20 days after the publication of the Analysis. The rule can be presented
to the Commission for final approval sometime in August making October
23rd as the earliest date the rule can become effective. Currently,
there is a dilemma as to how the rule should be implemented. Designating
a specific date by which all licensees must have an amended Dramshop
Liability Certificate on file with the Division would create a nightmare
for both the insurance industry and the Division’s licensing
section. It appears that the best method of implementation would be
to specify a date-certain and require all licensees to have insurance
coverage that is compliant with the amended rule over a 12-month period.
While that seems unfair to the public in that some licensees would
have more insurance than other licensees, that is the present case.
Although not mandated to do so, many licensees currently carry more
dramshop insurance than is required. Others carry the minimum amount
of insurance only because it is required. Ms. Seib has also been working
with Angela Burke-Boston, a deputy with the Iowa Insurance Division
in determining an implementation date. Ms. Burke-Boston has indicated
that the insurance industry will need approximately 6 months to rate
the amended rule. Mr. Cramer suggested that it would be most logical
to follow the normal pattern of renewal. Mr.
Walding and Ms. Seib recommended that the Commission set the implementation
date of this rule as July 1, 2003 and during the following 12-month
period until July 1, 2004, as the renewals become effective, the licensees
would have to have the new minimum limits on file.
Mr. Kuhlman stated that licensees have called complaining about
the sensationalism of the letter as well as taking exception to
the rate increase. Ms. Seib said the letter has also resulted in
a panic situation for some because they are not reading the letter
carefully.
Counsel’s Report
According to John Lundquist, a large number of sales to minor violations
appear on the report. This is attributed to the Department of Public
Safety receiving a federal grant for alcohol enforcement through
June 30th. The alcohol age compliance checks done by the DCI resulted
in a 50% - 70% failure rate, much higher than tobacco noncompliance.
Mr. Walding expressed concern about the large number of sales to
minors as well as the fact that there are some retailers that appear
disproportionately on the report The Etc. Bar case in Iowa City
where the bar fire stunt injured several people has been settled.
The licensee agreed to not seek renewal of their license. They were
required to pay the statutory maximum fine in addition to being
placed on suspension until the end of their license period. A new
owner has applied for a license. Mr. Walding has asked to review
a decision on Vito's Bar in Iowa City and Peggy's Bar in Des Moines.
He is concerned about college bars serving summer suspensions and
he wants to determine whether an adequate penalty has been assessed.
Chairman Cramer expressed concern over one company that also sells
petroleum who appeared on the report with a 90% failure rate. Ms.
Seib pointed out that the company at one time held the greatest
number of Class C beer permits (carry out beer) in the state and
there may be a correlation between the number of violations compared
to the number of stores.
Sales Report
Total sales for FY02 were approximately $114.1 million, an increase
of $3.7 million over the prior year. Jim Kuhlman reported the increase
reflects a 3.4% dollar increase for the year. It appears that volume
will be up 1½ - 2% for the total year. Sales were up .94% through
September 2001 with the balance of the year resulting in sales up
$3.5 million dollars, a 4.1% increase.
Product Buy-Out
Report
Fewer products were purchased through the Buy-Out Program this year.
Industry members watch their inventory levels more closely resulting
in fewer products available to purchase at a discounted price. Revised
inventory quantities maintained in the warehouse have contributed
to the reduction as well. Less cases were purchased resulting is $150,000
less profit; however, the rate of return on product purchased was
8.9%.
Financial Report
The Liquor Trust Fund balance through May is less due to transferring
as many dollars as possible to the General Fund. Net income is up
$834,000. Transfers to the General Fund were up $1,000,000 through
May and an additional $500,000 has been transferred since the report
was prepared.
Commissioner Collins asked if the markup is less when sales are
up. Mr. Kuhlman responded the markup is basically 50% markup; however,
there has been discussion about looking at that policy this summer.
Certain items may have the markup reduced to see what effect it
has on products and profitability.
Wine tax receipts have steadily increased the past decade. Mr.
Deaton pointed out that the wine tax is $1.75 per gallon in comparison
to the beer tax of 19¢ a gallon. Beer tax receipts increased
in 2002. There is speculation that increase may be partially due
to the malternatives now available.
Space Inventory Management Update
The Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division has received approval from
the Department of Management to initiate the bid process for warehouse
rack. The rack would be purchased with Liquor Trust Fund money and
the payback on the purchase of the rack is estimated to take two
years. Mr. Kuhlman showed the Commissioners the current warehouse
layout plan and the proposed plan using vertical space freeing approximately
18,000 square feet for state government use, possibly by Records
Management in the Department of Cultural Affairs. The cost to another
state agency for using the warehouse space would have to be negotiated.
Currently, the Lottery Division pays $5.25 per square foot.
The Division needs over 4900 picking and storage slots. The proposed
plan allows for 5,304 slots allowing room for growth. Mr. Kuhlman
explained the proposed warehouse set-up, noting the width of the
aisles, the staging area and various other aspects of the plan.
The Division will develop a computer program to assist the Jones
Company in the transitioning to the new plan.
The original plan called for 3 categories: 1) bulk storage of bigger,
faster-moving items; 2) storage for items that don’t move
as quickly; and 3) a storage room for specialty items of 5 cases
or less. The plan has been revised to 2 categories: 1) rack with
a picking area underneath and with storage above; and 2) the use
of A-B slots, in which two separate products share the same slot
space. Gravity flow rack was explored for use in the refrigerated
room and rejected because it was expensive, items could not be stored
above the rack, and industry members were concerned that they could
ship in only 5 cases. The A-B slot system is less expensive and
offers more flexibility.
Mr. Walding is looking at the project from the perspective that
the Division might be required to take over the shipping at any
time. Therefore, labor costs, as well as the warehouse costs, must
be addressed. Once the plan is finalized, Mr. Walding will meet
with the Jones Company regarding their labor concerns. Areas of
contention with the Jones Management Company are: 1) Jones would
like to have 16’ aisles across the warehouse as opposed to
12’ aisles; and 2) Jones wants the warehouse set up to run
east and west to accommodate broader spacing, whereas the Division
wants it to run north and south to take advantage of the natural
light and the spacing between the columns. The Jones Contract is
in effect for four more years with options to renew for 2 additional
5-year terms. Chairman Cramer commented that 12’ aisles are
more than adequate to pick both sides and to pick six tall with
the proper equipment.
The goal is to have the new warehouse plan implemented by July
1, 2003 and to have other agencies move in to fill the void created.
With the dissolution of Administrative Services, only 3 information
technology people remain on the second floor in the space formerly
occupied by Administrative Services. All other personnel retained
by the Alcoholic Beverages Division have moved to the first floor.
Eventually the 3 IT people will also move to the first level leaving
the entire second floor for use by other agencies.
Energy Audit Report
The Department of Natural Resources runs a program called State
of Iowa Facilities Improvement Corporation (SIFIC). SIFIC acts as
a conduit between finance companies and state agencies that operate
buildings to get financing for energy improvements. Michaels Engineering,
an engineering firm from LaCrosse, Wisconsin, contracted with the
state to review state facilities from an energy perspective. They
reviewed the Alcoholic Beverages Division facility and came up with
12 projects for consideration:
- Replace exterior lighting
- Replace the yard sign lighting
- Install sensors on the lights in the warehouse to turn lights
on when needed
- Retrofit the fluorescent fixtures
- Install new fixtures as opposed to retrofitting existing fixtures
- Replace incandescent lighting
- Replace the exit signs with LED as opposed to old technology
- Incorporate warehouse day lighting
- Refurbish the current air and heating system
- Install a geothermal system for air and heating system
- Replace the inoperable solar curtains in warehouse
- Convert to low-volume toilets and urinals in the building
The payback on some of the items did not warrant any financing. Michaels
Engineering commented that even if they refurbished the current air
and heating system, it would be a nightmare. The system was high-tech
in the late 1970's and early 1980's but is no longer adequate. Items
suggested for consideration were 2, 4, 6, 7, 10 and 12. There are
specific guidelines for financing. The engineering company charges
DNR for the study; submits projected costs of construction and retrofits;
estimates the resultant energy payback from the savings on the retrofits;
and establishes a simple payback period. Michaels Engineering will
seek financing for anything that has a payback of 12 years or less.
SIFIC then finds a lending institution willing to fund the project,
Michaels Engineering's fees, DNR's fees and the total cost of the
project. The Alcoholic Beverages Division then pays only the projected
savings amount during the period.
Program Elimination Study
The legislature passed HF 2627 at the end of the second special session.
A section of that legislation establishes a Program Elimination Commission
consisting of 5 voting members and 3 nonvoting members. The voting
members will be comprised of 1 representative from the Auditor’s
Office; 2 representatives from the House (1 from the majority and
1 from the minority parties); and 2 representatives from the Senate
(1 from the majority and 1 from the minority parties). The 3 nonvoting
members will consist of 1 representative from the Executive Branch,
the Judicial Branch and the Legislative Branch. Staff support will
be provided by the Legislative Fiscal Bureau. One of their many charges
is to look at the Alcoholic Beverages Division warehouse to determine
whether it should be privatized or possibly sold.
Mr. Kuhlman addressed the two reports included in the Commission
packet. The first was done by the Division and is updated on a regular
basis. It looks at the wholesale system, how much money is generated,
expenses associated, etc. Approximately 5 employees are dedicated
full time to products and wholesaling with the balance of the employees
working in licensing, administration, accounting, tobacco, and buildings
and grounds. The Division estimates approximately $3,000,000 net
could be saved by getting completely out of the business. That would
still require tax on a new private wholesaler of over $13 a gallon
to make the same money the state now makes. The highest tax rate
in the region now is Minnesota at $5.03.
There are currently three profit layers in Iowa – supplier
of the product, the state wholesale operation and the retailers.
If the state doesn’t want to be directly involved in the business
but still wants the money, a fourth layer, the private wholesaler,
will be added. If the state wants to continue to generate the same
amount of money for the General Fund, prices to the consumer will
probably increase approximately 18%.
Commissioner Stoffer asked what state has the highest tax rate
to which Mr. Kuhlman replied Florida has a $6.50 tax per gallon
on liquor and Alaska has the highest on beer with $1.50 tax per
gallon.
Commissioner Collins pointed out that if an out-of-state company
purchases the wholesale operation, the money would go out of state.
Mr. Kuhlman replied that out-of-state wholesalers have pushed for
this legislation in the past.
The second report was a draft report prepared by the Auditor’s
Office that was never issued publicly. The Auditor’s report
addressed a proposal that Iowa match Minnesota’s tax rate
at $5 a gallon. To do that consumption in the state would have to
increase 267% to make the same money currently being made. The report
concluded that there is really no alternative to the present system
to continue making the same amount of money.
It was pointed out there would be no windfall from selling the
building because the top floor will be occupied by other state agencies,
at least 1/3 of the warehouse will be used by other state agencies
and the space that would be freed up will likely be used by other
departments.
Budget Update
The Division is in the process of finalizing the tobacco budget with the Department of Health. Last year the budget was $1.4 million, down from $1.5 million the previous year. This year the Department is proposing a $1 million budget. In addition the Division will be allowed to retain any money not spent during fiscal year 2002, an amount of about $40,000. Since each round of checks cost about $250,000, the Division will probably eliminate the mandatory second check of all retailers. Retailers who are in violation will be checked a second time. Some educational tools will also be eliminated. In preparation for the cuts, some educational tools were prepared prior to the end of the fiscal year. The 5 field agents will continue to conduct educational seminars on location.
The alcohol budget is down about 30% collectively from the past two
fiscal years. The overall alcohol appropriation resulted in a $335,000
reduction for FY02 and FY03. A series of reductions has occurred this
year due to the severe cut. Due to the fact that alcohol enforcement
is not absolutely required by the Division, the decision was made
to lay off the 4 alcohol field investigators. There has been concern
expressed regarding the elimination of the alcohol enforcement. Jim
Green expressed concern regarding support for RAGBRAI. In the past
the Division did training prior to, and enforcement during, the event.
This year the Division will have employees available to handle complaints,
do emergency shut downs if the facts warrant and to provide a list
of licenses to law enforcement. Mr. Walding relayed his concern about
the number of compliance violations in alcohol. Compliance runs tantamount
with enforcement. Unless it is brought to their attention through
penalties, retailers are not going to make compliance a priority.
Retailers have told Mr. Walding they don't like to send clerks for
training because it costs too much.
The decentralization of Administrative
Services resulted in some staff being absorbed into the Alcoholic
Beverages Division. The Division asked for $545,000 for the additional
staff and was given only $300,000. In addition, there was a reduction
of $44,000 for furloughs. The Administrator will try to avoid furloughs
if possible because he believes furloughs drive good employees away.
Staff will receive 3% pay raises effective in November; however, the
raises are not fully funded which results in another $45,000 shortage.
Collectively, that amounts to $344,000 less in the budget this year.
ABD Reorganization
The alcohol field investigators were eliminated and accounting and
IT staff were added in the reorganization schedule.
Regulating the 'Wretched Refuse'
Lynn Walding just returned from the National Conference of State Liquor
Adminstrators (NCSLA) where he moderated a panel titled "Regulating
the 'Wretched Refuse': Immigrations Patterns and Practices Affecting
the Beverage Alcohol Industry." Based on Mr. Walding's concept for
the cover, Shelly Winscott designed the cover. Mr. Walding presented
Ms. Winscott with a framed copy of the cover, as well as a framed
cover from another presentation she designed.
"Person of Good Moral Conduct"
In response to a comment by Commissioner Collins at the last meeting
regarding the use of the word "moral" in the division's language,
Mr. Walding stated that his interpretation of "moral" refers to gambling
and those items specifically designated in the Code as prohibitive
practices. John Lundquist's interpretation is that it is not to regulate
morals but to look at someone in an effort to predict the likelihood
they are going to operate a liquor establishment in compliance with
the laws. The Division is authorized by statute to look at the applicant's
past criminal history and past compliance with alcohol laws as well
as the OWI statute. When advising the agency on this issue, Mr. Lundquist
looks at past practices in determining if the person is someone the
Division wants operating a liquor store. Commissioner Collins commented
that is okay if they are definitive things and not subjective with
no criteria. Mr. Lundquist replied that the Division does have a rule
that lists many of the things the Division looks at, which is generally
one's criminal history and past practices in the business. The Division
has the responsibility to act consistently. Commissioner Collins asked
how "financial standing" is determined. Mr. Lundquist commented that
is clarified in the rules and the applicant has to demonstrate that
they can have control of the premises and that they have sufficient
financial resources to pay their bills and their insurance. Commissioner
Collins asked who determines "good reputation" and expressed concerned
about the use of the word "moral" as one of the charges of the Commission.
She commented she thought there was legislation passed at one time
to strike the word "moral" from all codes.
Zippers Article
A copy of the article about Zippers jello shots, which appeared in
the Des Moines Register, was distributed. A similar article ran in
the Quad City Times. The product was marketed to the Division as a
product that would be sold in nightclubs; however, the record indicate
that the product is sold in grocery stores. Idaho and Pennsylvania
have also delisted the product.
White Paper Feedback
Nicole Watson recently attended a Higher Education Center meeting
in Colorado where several people had read the White Paper and were
very excited about it. They were very complimentary about the writing
style and the thoroughness of the report. Many states are considering
doing something similar using Iowa's White Paper as a model.
Carolyn Cavitt, representing the Stepping Up Project in Iowa City,
thanked the Commission for their work on the White Paper and the support
they have given the Stepping Up Project. Ms. Cavitt commented they
are very pleased with the White Paper and enthusiastically endorse
it. The report captured two points that the Stepping Up Project feels
is very important: 1) defining the problem and 2) underscoring the
idea that there is no single solution to the problem. Ms. Cavitt agrees
that a statewide law against drink specials is a very important step
and hopes the legislative committee will give it serious consideration.
In Iowa City there is a proliferation of drink specials and they have
an ordinance in place. Some charges have been filed; however, they
have not yet come to court so the ordinance has not been tested. If
a legislative committee is appointed, Ms. Cavitt asks the Commission
to encourage the committee to look at a statewide age of 21 for admission
to bars because easy access to alcohol escalates irresponsible drinking
behavior. In addition, the Stepping Up Project asks the Commission
to recommend statewide keg registration to the legislative committee.
The Higher Education Center is mandated by their grant from the Robert
Wood Johnson Foundation to work in any state that has a matter of
degree grant, which is what the Stepping Up Project grant is called.
The Higher Education Center will come to Iowa and help set up a statewide
coalition if that is what the Commission wants.
Ardys Glace, representing
the Iowa Substance Abuse Program Directors Association (ISAPDA), thanked
Mr. Walding for speaking to their group recently and expressed appreciation
for Mr. Walding's quick response and action on the delisting of the
Zippers jello shots. The ISAPDA is an association of prevention and
treatment professionals from around the state of Iowa. Although they
have only 46 members, they see approximately 86% of the state funded
substance abuse treatment people in the state. Ms. Glace commented
they were thrilled with the White Paper. With regard to Recommendation
Number 2, Ms. Glace commented their organization would willingly provide
background information in terms of treatment and costs to the legislative
committee. Ms. Glace also relayed that she had met with Representative
Betty Grundberg who is exploring the idea of state funding for all
substance abuse treatment and prevention. Recommendation # 4 may fit
into Representative Grundberg's plans. The ISAPDA would like to see
restrictions on the length of time for "happy hours". They were also
concerned about the dollar allocation for funding based on population
because some of the college campuses where there is a large problem
are not located in the largest cities.
The ISAPDA highly supports
the Commission's recommendation to lower the BAC to .08 primarily
for the safety issue of driving. Many of the prevention messages do
work for the bulk of the population; however, it will not help with
the problem drinkers.
Mr. Walding reported that one of the questions
addressed in his meeting with ISAPDA was how much money goes to substance
abuse. He has always been led to believe $9.5 million from the sale
of alcohol is dedicated for that purpose; however, according to Janet
Zwick from the Department of Public Health, they only get approximately
$1,000,000. The Code dedicates the $9.5 million to the General Fund
for the treatment of substance abuse but it doesn't appear it gets
appropriated in that amount. Marty Deaton suggested that Mr. Walding
speak to Joel Lundy regarding the matter. Mr. Walding will check with
the Department of Management to see how the $9.5 million for substance
abuse treatment is distributed.
Chairman Cramer commented about the mass exodus from the legislature.
He stated the Commission needs to personally present the White Paper
to new legislators. Chairman Cramer has had several discussions with
high school officials who are crying for help. They want to see the
recommendations passed with consequences in the legislation so the
culprits really lose something, such as driving privileges. Commissioner Cramer said this is a major
issue that should not be allowed to go dormant and the Commission's
job is only partially completed. The Commission needs to continue
to press the issue enough to get the Governor to ask the legislature
to discuss it and get it to a vote.
Administrator Walding commented the Commission's
role was to put the issue out there for public debate. Copies have
gone to the Governor's Office, copies are going to each current legislator
and the newly elected legislators will also receive a copy. Mr. Walding
said groups such as the Stepping Up Project and ISAPDA need to keep
the debate going and see what the legislators are saying and how they
will act. Mr. Walding believes the Division has taken it as far as
they can by putting the issue out there.
Chairman Cramer wants copies
of the White Paper provided to any and all organizations that want
to "lead the charge" to the capitol. He suggests that the organizations
take what the Commission has put together and get their individual
grass roots support, county by county, to take to their own legislators
to get it to proceed.
Ms. Glace commented the Alcoholic Beverages
Commission lends weight to the issue and adds credibility to what
the associations have been saying that high risk drinking being a
problem and the need for .08 BAC. It is the Commission saying there
is a problem and it needs to be addressed. The associations can find
people to support and "lead the charge".
Mr. Walding said the Division
is working with the Department of Human Rights in regard to Recommendation
# 3. The state of Virginia currently has a program in place that Iowa
could follow to set up one state entity to fund a program where state
and private universities help incoming freshmen and their families.
Commission's Next Mission
Lynn Walding suggested the Commission's next mission might be to expand on Recommendation # 3 of the White Paper with regard to enforcement. The Administrator wants to explore setting up a program for alcohol enforcement similar to the tobacco enforcement program where funding can be obtained to distribute to local officials to do enforcement. Local law enforcement will do enforcement if it is funded. Local officials get money; however, it tends to go into the General Fund just like state money does. Some of that should be used for enforcing existing laws.
The Division helped fund a recently completed study by Dr. Krevor of Brandeis University dealing with responsible training in Iowa and will b doing a test model in the Des Moines area this year. Dr. Krevor is also trying to set up a national center for responsible retail training. Another mission for the Commission could be to explore the appropriate parameters for responsible training.
Election of Officers
Commissioner Stoffer nominated Gayle Collins as secretary.
Commissioner Daggett seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.
Commissioner Stoffer nominated Shirley Daggett
as vice-chairperson. Commissioner Collins seconded the motion. The
motion carried unanimously.
Commissioner Stoffer nominated Bob Cramer as chairperson.
Commissioner Collins seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.
Other Business
Jim Kuhlman is working with the beer wholesalers and data processing personnel to develop a program for the beer wholesalers to transmit their beer excise tax information electronically. The program will be much easier and quicker; however, the disadvantage for the wholesalers is that the Division will no longer collect data for them. The program should be completed in late summer.
The accounting staff will handle audits previously done by the field investigators. The accounting staff will focus on accounting audits whereas the field investigators' focus was more on regulatory audits.
Adjournment
Commissioner Stoffer moved the meeting adjourn. Commissioner
Collins seconded the motion and motion carried unanimously.
The meeting adjourned at 12:30 PM.
GAYLE COLLINS, Secretary |
