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Williston commissioners approve Johnny’s Tavern liquor license transfer, advance landscaping ordinance and pass consent agenda
Summary
At its June 11 meeting Williston commissioners approved transfer of an off‑sale beer and liquor license to Johnny’s Tavern (24 Main Street), gave Ordinance 1151 its first reading to amend landscaping rules, approved routine consent items including $1.92M in vouchers/payroll, and appointed two library board members.
Williston’s Board of City Commissioners handled a slate of routine items June 11, approving an off‑sale alcoholic beverage license transfer for Johnny’s Tavern, advancing a landscaping ordinance to first reading, approving the consent agenda (large vouchers and payroll), and confirming library board appointments.
Deputy Auditor Karen Larson presented an application from Johnny’s Tavern owner Jason Esperum to transfer a First State Bank & Trust Off‑Sale Beer & Liquor license for premises at 24 Main Street. The Liquor and Licensing Committee recommended approval; Mayor Howard Klug opened the public hearing and, after asking for comment three times, heard none. Commissioner Tate Cymbaluk moved and Commissioner James Bervig seconded approval of the license transfer; the motion carried 4‑0.
City Planner Kent Jarcik introduced Ordinance 1151, which would amend Ordinance 613 Section 25.R to add flexibility on when landscaping is required for project expansions, adjust industrial landscaping thresholds based on acreage, and restrict applicability to core corridors (Highway 2, the frontage road and the 1804 truck route). Jarcik said Planning & Zoning recommended approval 6‑2. He explained the compliance timing tied to a Certificate of Occupancy: if the CO is issued before Oct. 31, landscaping must be installed by Oct. 15 of that year; if after Oct. 31, installation is due by May 31 of the following calendar year. Commissioner Deanette Piesik moved, and Commissioner Cymbaluk seconded, approval of the first reading; the motion carried 4‑0.
The consent agenda — moved by Cymbaluk and seconded by Bervig — included the May 28 regular meeting minutes, business and contractor licenses, and auditor/finance claims. The voucher total presented was $1,169,855.65 and payroll totaled $748,085.77 for a grand total of $1,917,941.42 covering 535 checks; the commissioners approved the consent agenda by voice vote.
Library Director Andrea Placher recommended two appointments to the Williston Community Library Board: Jeri Engberg and Rachel Laqua for three‑year terms running July 2024–July 2027; the commission approved the appointments unanimously. The meeting closed with commissioners and the mayor offering remarks recognizing Commissioner Piesik’s service; the commission adjourned at 7:00 p.m.
No public testimony was recorded against the license transfer or the ordinance at the June 11 proceedings. The ordinance remains at first reading and will return to the commission for subsequent readings and potential final action.
