The East Ridge City Council on Nov. 13 approved multiple measures to ready Venue 1921 for bookings, including a new alcohol-service policy, a preferred-vendor program, landscaping work and purchases of chairs, tables and linens.

City Manager Miller presented the alcohol-service resolution that defines Venue 1921 as the pavilion structure at 1501 Thomas Avenue together with adjacent city-owned parking and green space. Under the policy applicants must apply at least 30 days in advance, show insurance, pay a $50 nonrefundable alcohol-event fee, and use city- or venue-approved bar-service staff. “If you are not approved by the city, you do not serve alcohol at this establishment,” Miller said. Final approval authority was delegated to the city manager, subject to conditions recommended by police, the parks and recreation director or the venue manager.

Council debated public-safety staffing levels tied to events. Staff recommended requiring at least one police officer for events with 100 or more people; several council members said 100 seemed low and raised concerns that a single officer could not effectively manage unruly crowds. Miller said the number could be adjusted and offered 75 as an alternative to consider moving forward, but the council approved Resolution 37-63 on a 4–1 roll call (Council member Cagle opposed).

Related approvals included: a $58,150 landscaping contract with Big Sky Landscapes to screen and plant around the pavilion — staff said the landscaping was reduced in scope to meet budget and would be planted in the November–December window if possible — and a $15,004.78 purchase of folding tables, resin chairs with cushions and dollies to outfit the space for events up to 500 meals. Staff said some equipment will come from Camp Jordan inventory and that additional orders may be phased over time to limit upfront cost.

Council also approved moving forward with a preferred vendor list for catering, bar service, rentals, AV, floral and photography; the list is advisory and vendors will be vetted through a formal bidding and qualification process. Staff noted drone operators will need FAA licensing, insurance and likely police review before being added to any preferred list.

The package of Venue 1921 items is intended to make the new pavilion operational for weddings, community events and rentals; staff said they will publish the preferred-vendor list and begin scheduling events once vendor vetting and training for approved bar staff are completed.