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Commission awards Charlotte Yeoman concessions to Jordi's after debate over youth-focused criteria
Summary
After debate about whether to prioritize the highest bid or a youth-serving nonprofit, the Commission awarded the Charlotte Yeoman concession to Jordi's Cantina (bid $5,135). The vote was 4–1; Commissioner Beaudette dissented and urged favoring the youth-operated Anaconda Hurricanes.
The Commission reviewed two bids to operate concessions at the Charlotte Yeoman Complex: Jordi's Cantina ($5,135) and the Sandovals/Anaconda Hurricanes ($2,500). Commissioners debated whether the county should accept the higher financial bid or prioritize a nonprofit arrangement that supports youth sports.
Commissioner Mike Beausoleil argued that the county's prior practice had been to award the highest bidder and urged consistency. Commissioner Ed Beaudette countered that youth teams operating the stand provide value to the community beyond the dollar amount, saying, "I think it is important for us to look at the overall function of this concession as an operation for the youth." Legal counsel (County Attorney Morgan Smith) said the Invitation for Bid was minimal and did not contain specific evaluative criteria, leaving selection to the Commission's discretion.
Jana Roe, who bid on behalf of Jordi's, told commissioners she planned to involve junior and senior high cheerleaders and local volunteers to support fundraising. Mary Sandoval, who previously operated the stand with the Anaconda Hurricanes, said smaller community groups cannot always outbid established businesses. After discussion the Commission voted to award the concession to Jordi's Cantina (motion by Commissioner Paul Smith; seconded by Commissioner Mike Beausoleil). The motion carried 4–1, with Commissioner Beaudette voting no.
Commissioners and public commenters urged revising future Invitation for Bid language to allow explicit weighting for youth-serving or nonprofit bidders if the Commission wishes to prioritize that outcome.
