Parks committee approves $119,500 purchase of container bar using ARPA interest funds

The Green Bay Parks Committee voted to purchase a turnkey container bar and associated amenities from the Hock Group for a total cost of $119,500, using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) interest funds.

The item, presented by the parks director, would place the unit at Light Memorial Park for the coming season and allow On Broadway events to use it; after one year the unit would be moved to the Shipyard, where city plans call for a longer-term container building. “We’re looking at, seeking approval to purchase a container bar, along with other amenities from the Hock Group, for a total cost of $119,500,” the director said, adding the purchase is being proposed as a single-source procurement.

The purchase is intended to provide a turnkey beer garden and concession operation that includes picnic tables, lighting, lawn games, storage, point-of-sale equipment, coolers, and internet and security systems. The director said the vendor would build the unit to the city’s specifications and that time is critical if the committee wants the unit in place for an upcoming music festival; he said the vendor warned that earlier decisions improve the chance of on-time delivery.

Committee members pressed staff on operational and regulatory details. Alder DeLee asked whether the unit is mobile; staff replied the unit is “portable” in that it can be moved but “it’s not on wheels,” so moving it would require lifting equipment and a trailer. The director noted city ordinance requires a unit that sits in one site more than six consecutive months to be bolted down as a permanent structure. The director also said the unit does not require plumbing and can run on standard 110-volt power.

The committee discussed three staffing models: city-operated staff (the city would keep all revenue), contracting operations to a partner (for example a neighborhood group), or a private contractor that operates the unit and pays the city a share of gross receipts. Staff cited Milwaukee County’s experience, saying a similar arrangement generated $28,000 in the first year and doubled in year two after adding tables and amenities.

Members also raised budget and process concerns. Several alderpersons asked for specifics about the ARPA interest fund balance and other pending requests; the director said he had reviewed the item with the finance director and that there is “more than enough money in that account to cover the purchase.” Alder Johnson and others urged caution about rushing to spend for the festival deadline if the long-term plan is to place a permanent facility at the Shipyard, saying the project should be planned intentionally rather than fast-tracked purely for a single event.

A motion to approve the purchase passed on a voice vote (motion by Alder Weary; second by Alder Presley). Committee members spoke in favor and one member voiced opposition by saying “nay” during the roll call, but the transcript does not identify who cast the opposing voice vote.

If council confirms the committee action next week, staff said they will include in the council packet a single-source form signed by the city purchasing agent. The director said staff will also provide details about ARPA interest fund balances and prior allocations before the council meeting.

Because the vendor builds to specification and inventory is not on hand, staff emphasized that delay could jeopardize delivery in time for the festival. The director said the city intends to move the unit to the Shipyard after one year, where it could remain as the Shipyard’s concession area or be removed when a future Phase 3 container building is constructed.

Votes at a glance: - Motion to approve purchase of container bar and turnkey amenities from Hock Group for $119,500. Motion by Alder Weary; second by Alder Presley. Outcome: approved (voice vote). One nay was recorded on the voice vote but the speaker was not identified in the transcript.