Powell council amends ordinance to allow alcohol at Powell Airport for city events

The Powell City Council voted to amend ordinance 5.08.095(d) to include the Powell Airport among city-owned properties where alcohol may be permitted for special events.

Council member Rebecca, speaking at the podium, said the change is intended to help recruitment and fundraising at airport receptions. She told the council that a reception planned for April 10 would need to be moved if the ordinance change was not completed in time.

The amendment does not override county permitting. Rebecca and other council members noted the airport is outside the city limits and any alcohol service there would still have to comply with county permits; if the airport were annexed later, city permitting would apply. Rebecca referenced an earlier ordinance from 1989 indicating the airport had been annexed on the city’s records but said it was not recorded with the county and city staff and legal counsel will need to research the annexation record.

Council discussion focused on limiting the amendment to the airport rather than broadly allowing alcohol on all city property. A council member moved to amend 5.08.095(d) specifically to add the Powell Airport; another council member seconded. After brief discussion, the motion passed with the council voting “Aye” and the mayor declaring the motion carried.

Council members said the reception planned for April will be moved to another date while the city completes the ordinance process. Staff indicated that amending the ordinance will require three readings and that legal review of annexation records may be necessary before any change to permitting responsibilities.

The council followed the motion with routine meeting business.