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Council authorizes staff to pursue lease talks with restaurant operator for Lakeside (VFW) venue
Summary
Council agreed to let staff begin negotiating a lease with a restaurant owner interested in using the Lakeside VFW venue as a restaurant and event space; members asked staff to confirm building readiness and whether alcoholic beverages could be sold on the city-owned site before any final lease is presented to council.
Council authorized staff to pursue lease negotiations with a restaurant operator interested in leasing the Lakeside VFW venue and converting part of the banquet space into a restaurant and bar.
The staff presentation said the prospective tenant is a restaurant owner from Aberdeen who would initially use part of the banquet area and the bar space and may seek to open portions of the outside terrace. The presenter said kitchen equipment is generally sufficient and the prospective operator has experience outfitting his previous restaurant.
Council members supported pursuing negotiations but asked several operational questions, including whether the city would permit alcohol service on the city-owned property. One council member asked, "This being city property and owned by the city family, is would there be any difficulty or any problem with selling alcohol at the establishment?" Staff said the question was valid and that alcohol on city property could pose constraints and would need to be evaluated during negotiation and with legal review.
A motion to pursue the opportunity and begin contract negotiations was moved and seconded and passed by voice vote. Staff said any final lease would be returned to council for approval after negotiation and legal review.
