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Council terminates Yacht Park concession contract; local entrepreneur offers new proposal
Summary
Council voted to terminate the concession contract with James Cox at Yacht Park and heard an unsolicited proposal from a local business owner who volunteered a formal submission for the concession space.
The Connellsville City Council voted to terminate the contract with James Cox for operation of the Yacht River Park concession stand effective immediately, and the meeting included a public comment from a local entrepreneur who said she would submit a formal proposal to operate the concession.
At the July 15 council meeting, Councilman Witten (reported during the resolutions portion) moved to terminate the concession contract; council members said the city followed required notice steps and that a cure period had expired after a service notice was sent and not remedied. The resolution to terminate the contract was approved on a roll-call vote.
Earlier in the meeting, Casey Piper identified herself during public comment as a local property owner and business operator proposing to lease the concession stand at Yacht River Park. Piper said she and her husband own several properties in the city and that she runs a local salon; she described a proposed menu of grab-and-go healthy items — wrapped salads, fruit and smoothie bowls — and said she would support local vendors with pop-up opportunities. Piper said she has staff ready, an LLC application in process, and that she could complete required service and licensing steps within two weeks if needed. Council members asked Piper to submit a written proposal and to contact the city’s licensing staff (Tom) and the city solicitor to begin a license agreement.
Council members said terminating the existing concessionaire contract clears the way for the city to pursue a new operator, but they did not promise an immediate award to any individual who presented during public comment. Council members asked that formal proposals be submitted through the city’s licensing process so staff can evaluate insurance, health and operational requirements.
Clerk records show the termination resolution passed at the July 15 meeting. Council members noted they had given the tenant notice and that 10 days had passed without a cure; staff confirmed attempts to contact the concessionaire before the termination resolution was brought to the council.
