License committee advances temporary outdoor beer-garden extension for Cactus and Company

The License Committee recommended that the Common Council approve a temporary outdoor beer-garden license and a premise extension allowing Cactus and Company (1610 11th Street) to use three adjacent stalls on the square for a fundraiser supporting those affected by a recent fire.

Administrator Windy introduced the late request and said the license would keep drinking to the three stalls directly in front of the business while the city would block the outer lane on the south side of the square and provide barricades to discourage vehicle traffic near the licensed area. Windy said police and fire were consulted and that a special-event permit would be considered by public safety.

Chief Kelly raised public-safety concerns about pedestrian circulation and the potential for crowding: if the sidewalk and a corral area in front of the tavern fill up, it could be difficult to preserve an accessible five-foot walkway and people might spill into the street. Committee members discussed keeping an inner lane for vehicle movement while blocking the outer lane.

A committee member moved to approve the premise-extension request and the clerk called the roll; affirmative votes were recorded and the recommendation was advanced to the Common Council.

The transcript records the operational plan described by Administrator Windy and Chief Kelly’s public-safety concerns; it does not attach further conditions or provide a finalized special-event permit in the committee minutes. Additional approvals and operational details (exact barricade placement, signage, and enforcement) were described as matters to be coordinated with public safety through the special-event permitting process.