Two committee actions discussed Nov. 19 drew attention to local business regulations and courthouse safety: the Executive Committee moved forward with a change to permit extended bar hours for a recently opened establishment, and the Finance Committee approved funds to improve security at the Clerk of Court civil department.

Executive Committee: bar hours

Councilmember Warren Gajasay introduced a request from the owner of Backroads seeking extended operating hours: until 2 a.m. on weekdays and until 4 a.m. on weekends. Members asked clarifying questions about the ordinance language, whether it would apply outside city limits, and how many businesses would be affected. The committee voted to pass the change; members requested the owner attend the next meeting for further discussion.

Finance Committee: Clerk of Court security funding

Clerk of Court described security incidents at the civil department — including a person who was tased and a threat made against staff — and requested $64,500 for a build-out to add walls, glass and other security improvements. The clerk said architectural and procurement work had already been advanced and that a low local bid was identified. Committee members discussed funding the work from the general fund and the use of a budget amendment; the committee voted to approve the request.

Why it matters

The bar-hours change affects local business operating rules and neighborhood impacts in unincorporated areas; the Clerk of Court funding responds to an immediate safety concern for staff and the public and involves a modest one-time cost that the committee agreed to fund and backfill in next year’s budget process.

What’s next

Committee sponsors asked for more details and the owner’s presence for further review of the bar-hours ordinance language. The Clerk of Court build-out will be processed through the budget amendment path and monitored by the finance committee.