Council delays decision on City Hall snack shop and possible Project Restore use; asks staff for report

Councilmembers debated whether the planned snack shop space in the new City Hall should be put out for a competitive RFP or used to support Project Restore and a broader ‘‘city store’’ concept that would promote city-branded goods and employ program participants.

Councilmember Hernandez, who called the item special, recounted the history: a snack shop previously run by Project Restore on the second floor after the old cafeteria closed. He and others said the space can be used to advance employment and historic-preservation goals. Councilmember Deaton said private-sector interest might be required if terms are commercially viable; Councilmember Padilla and others urged staff to explore ways to mesh a snack shop with a city goods/store concept.

Councilmembers raised several operational concerns: who would operate the shop, how proceeds would be used, whether Project Restore is interested or capable of running it long-term, and whether the city should aim for an employee cafeteria rather than a small snack shop. Several members asked staff (CLA, CAO and General Services) to return with a report addressing the options.

Outcome: the council agreed to continue the item to the next Tuesday so staff could prepare a report and stakeholders could be consulted. The transcript records the item continued to the next Tuesday; no final contract or RFP was approved on the floor.