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Council authorizes Icicle Brewing ownership transfer while requiring wastewater agreement update
Summary
The council approved an ownership transfer for Icicle Brewing that results in a >50% equity change, allowing the sale to proceed while directing staff to update the industrial wastewater discharge agreement within 60 days to address biological oxygen demand (BOD) and total suspended solids (TSS) safeguards.
Leavenworth City Council on June 23 authorized the planned transfer of more than 50% equity in Icicle Brewing Company, allowing the buyer (a company associated with George and Shelley Dearis) to complete a sale effective June 30, while requiring staff to update the brewery’s industrial wastewater contract within 60 days.
Under a 2019 industrial wastewater agreement, the city must approve any ownership change exceeding 50% equity. Selby, a staff presenter, summarized that the current contract permits staff to allow the sale to proceed to avoid disrupting the transaction timetable, but the city will use a 60‑day period after the transfer to negotiate updated terms focused on protecting the wastewater treatment plant from excessive BOD and TSS loads.
Council members thanked outgoing founders Oliver and Pam Brouot for their stewardship and noted the business will remain family‑owned and operating locally. Council voted unanimously to authorize the mayor to sign the contract transfer authorization, with the condition that a revised industrial discharge agreement will be returned to council for review within the 60‑day window.
Why it matters: Industrial dischargers can affect wastewater treatment operations; updating permit terms for BOD and TSS will clarify monitoring and limits for alcohol production facilities and protect the city’s wastewater infrastructure.
Next steps: Staff to return with a revised industrial wastewater agreement addressing BOD and TSS testing and monitoring requirements.
