Council OKs HYPE alcohol request

By Tracy Runneberg — Daily Freeman-Journal
The Webster City City Council approved Webster City H.Y.P.E.'s request for a New Outdoor Class B Beer License, on a four to one vote Monday night, with Mayor Gene Gray voting against the measure.

The organization intends to use the license primarily for "Friday after Five" events, along with at least two other events throughout the year, including the Boone Bash River Dash, and the Raspberry Festival.

Councilman Jerry Kloberdanz said that his main concern centered around insurance, keeping order and clean up after the event.

H.Y.P.E. President Todd Lovelace and board member Tyler Abens assured the council that cleanup would be done each night, and the insurance has already been taken care of.

Mayor Gray said that he had received a card and a few phone calls regarding the license, and the fact that the organization would be hosting the events on city property, whether that be the plaza or one of the city parks. Gray stated that although he doesn't object to the event, he does object to permitting beer and liquor on the plaza.

"I object to the promotion of that sort of thing (alcohol use) on property owned by the city."

Gray asked if any of the other communities Lovelace mentioned in his request with similar events, held theirs on private property or city property.

Lovelace stated that he knew for sure that the Clive after Five event was held on city property, and that particular event was well known and attended in that community.

Lovelace and Abens also stressed to the council that the activity was not only meant for anyone (21 and older) to attend for networking, unwinding after a long week and as a social gathering, but also in hopes that those in attendance will stay downtown and go out to eat or to a movie.

"We are working with the Chamber, to see about getting promotional items from different downtown businesses, for those who attend the "Friday After Five" events," stated Abens. He added "maybe some of the restaurants would be willing to offer a free drink or appetizers for those attendees who decide to go out to eat afterwards. Some of the retail businesses might be willing to offer coupons or specials on Saturdays for those in attendance, to bring them back downtown the next day. We are really trying to keep people in town."

"I think today's (letter to the editor) by Dan Corrow in today's paper was very timely," Gray said. "Our city spends a lot of time and money promoting programs for kids to keep them away from drugs and alcohol, and allowing drinking on city owned property would be thumbing its nose at the things these groups are trying to do."

But council members Kloberdanz and Janet Adams each stated that adults can also use this as a way to set a good example on the proper use of alcohol.

"I am a little conflicted on the matter, and if First American Bank is willing to allow you to use their new plaza, that wouldn't hurt my feelings at all," said Councilwoman Melissa Borer. "But other cities do allow alcohol on their property, and more importantly, the city (Webster City) has already set a precedent by allowing street dances where alcohol is sold, and they are held on city property. So an adult gathering on city property shouldn't be out of the realm of possibilities."

Gray and City Attorney Gary Groves said that beer and wine were not allowed in city parks at this time, but Assistant City Manager and Recreation and Public Grounds Director Kent Harfst stated that according to city code, legally adults can have beer and/or wine in any of the city parks, with a limit on the size or amount of the beverage.

"The idea for these events is not to have a big party and for people to drink too much," Abens said. "It lasts two hours, and we are only trying to be good hosts. We want to welcome people from the community, and be able to offer them refreshments, both with and without alcohol."

Kloberdanz added that it would beat having residents go out of town, and encourage citizens to stay in Webster City to socialize and network.

In a separate request, the council then approved on the same four to one vote, a request from Travis and Gina Hurt, Tee Gee's Bar & Grill, to close the 700 block of Second Street for a Street Dance on Friday, June 20, from 7-12 midnight.

The council approved the third reading of the proposed Ordinance, which will amend the code for the additional well surcharge fee. The Ordinance has passed and will be adopted. This additional fee will fund a new well for the city, and once the funds have been raised, the fee will taken off resident's bills.

A contract was awarded under unanimous vote, to Moulder and Associates of Des Moines for services concerning the organizational structure of the Police Department. Sadler said "The principle partner in the company is the former police chief of Des Moines, he is well respected in his field. The proposed amount of this contract is $6,250, but I ask that you approve the contract to a maximum of $7,500 since this amount is based on actual hours and would like the extra amount authorized if indeed slightly more time is needed. We have gone through some cutbacks in recent years, and I want to insure that we are both adequately staffed for safety reasons, but also to insure that we are getting the maximum benefit from the staff we have."

The public hearing on the proposed rezoning of property located along Burgess Street and East Second Street, met with no objections. The council unanimously voted to approve the rezoning from an A-1 (agricultural) district and C-3 (highway business) district to an M-2 (heavy industrial) district. According to City Planning Coordinator Karla Wetzler, this allows the area to be contiguous to the land adjacent. The property, 1425 Burgess St., is owned by Jim Gatewood. Wetzler said that Gatewood has outgrown his home occupation limits with his business, Jim's Tree Service, and he asked the commission to help him get into compliance. He is in the planning stages of constructing a new building for his growing business, and requested his property be changed to M2 for compliance reasons for the purpose of contractor storage and maintenance for his business.

Contracts were awarded to J.R. Stelzer Company, Lincoln, Nebraska, in the amount of $26,596, for the 2008 Fire Hydrant Painting Project. The Water Plant Aerator Rebuild Project was awarded to Siemens Water Technologies Corp., Ames, in the amount of $66,822.

The council reluctantly accepted the resignation of Henry Witt from the Airport Commission. Witt has served on the commission since 1997, and also serves on the Hospital Board. With all that is happening now for the hospital, Witt felt he would not be able to offer adequate time to the Airport Commission. His term was due to expire this month.