The Dearborn Heights City Council on Wednesday referred the proposed 2025 Spirit Festival contract with Antonio's back to the parks director and the city attorney after council members raised concerns about a perceived right-of-first-refusal clause and whether the city should preserve broader sponsorship opportunities.

Parks Director Subhan Zaboznick presented the contract and noted Antonio's has supported the festival since 2004 and the draft contract would cover up to $7,000 in any loss. "This year, they will cover up to $7,000 of any loss we had at the festival," the parks director told the council. Council members praised Antonio's long-term support but several said the contract language could give Antonio's an unfair exclusivity position or block larger sponsors; council members asked that the contract be limited to 2025 or be amended to avoid blocking other sponsors.

Councilman Robert Constant moved to refer the contract back to the recreation director and the city attorney for review and possible revision; the motion was seconded and carried. Council members said they want clearer language about the right of refusal, whether the sponsor can prevent other city sponsors from participating and whether the city could accept larger sponsorships from other businesses in future years.

Administration said the contract can be revised and that the matter will return to council. Council members asked for a version that addresses exclusivity clauses and that preserves city discretion to solicit other sponsors and tiered sponsorship levels.

The referral leaves the 2025 festival vendor relationship intact for the completed 2025 event — council members noted the festival already occurred without a net loss — but directs staff to return with revised contract language for council approval.