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Elm Grove board tentatively agrees to four‑year Third Space beer‑garden contract, declines hemp‑THC sales for now
Summary
Third Space Brewing asked to restore a four‑year beer‑garden term and to sell hemp‑derived THC beverages; trustees reached consensus on a four‑year term conditioned on relocation language and declined to authorize THC products pending more data and law‑enforcement input.
Third Space Brewing asked the Village of Elm Grove on July 23 to renew its beer garden agreement and return to the original four‑year term after six seasons of operations in Village Park, the board heard.
Andy Gehl of Third Space summarized six years of operations with “zero incidents” and community support, and requested two specific changes: restoration of a four‑year contract term and permission to sell hemp‑derived THC beverages, which he said are legal under the 2018 Farm Bill. Village Manager Harrigan recommended restoring a picnic‑table cost‑sharing clause that was removed from the redlined draft so Third Space remains responsible for 50% of future table replacements.
Trustees discussed park‑construction uncertainty and the appropriate contract length. Trustee Hillmann, chair of the Recreation Committee, said she preferred three years but would accept four years if the contract explicitly allowed the Village to relocate the beer garden to a comparable, accessible space during construction. Trustee Olson noted Exhibit A already permits modification of the service area by mutual agreement with the Village Manager. The Board reached consensus on a four‑year term provided contract language is added to guarantee an equivalent space and access if relocation is needed for park work.
On the hemp‑derived THC request, trustees expressed caution. Trustee Schindler relayed community feedback that some patrons experienced stronger‑than‑anticipated effects due to delayed onset of hemp‑derived THC products and said he was not in favor of approving such products now; Trustee Stuckert requested information from local law enforcement on any related incidents or data. President Koleski said he did not want Elm Grove to be an early adopter of THC sales in an outdoor park setting without comparative guidance. The Board agreed that THC products would not be included in the renewed agreement at this time and that Third Space could return later with more information.
President Koleski also asked for a closed‑session review of the agreement’s financial terms before final action and confirmed staff had verified the CPI adjustment in the fee schedule in the redlined agreement. Staff were directed to finalize contract language with the Village Attorney and return the item to the Board at the August meeting after the closed financial review.
