The Preston City Council held a special meeting, via Go To Meeting, on May 26.
A third amendment to the option agreement with the state of Minnesota was approved unanimously for the property that could be the future location of a veterans home. The option agreement was to expire on May 31. A regular Preston City Council meeting will be held on June 1. However, the state did not want even a 24 hour lapse of the option. The amendment extends the option through May 31, 2021.
Liquor license extensions
The state will allow bars and restaurants to reopen on June 1 with outside seating. Establishments that serve liquor in Preston and that have liquor premises licenses were contacted about an outside seating option. Four businesses responded that have on-sale liquor licenses.
Trout City Brewing asks to temporarily extend their licensed premises to include the public sidewalk and two parking spaces in front of their business on St. Anthony St. This request was discussed at length. Councilman Robert Maust was concerned about the city’s liability as the sidewalk and parking spaces are city property. City Administrator Joe Hoffman said the Biseks will close at 9 p.m. He added they will have to get their insurance coverage to extend to an outside area.
Councilman David Collett asked about blocking the sidewalk from public use. Mayor Kurt Reicks said the tables will be out just during business hours.
Concrete barriers were considered for the street, but Reicks maintained the city’s wooden barriers could be moved more easily for nonbusiness hours. The Biseks had suggested using orange cones.
City Attorney Dwight Luhmann asked, “What risk are we willing to assume to help get businesses open?” He admitted there could be some liability. Staff will work with the owners to limit liability concerns. Luhmann said in his opinion this gives some of these businesses an opportunity to survive. Several on the council expressed their agreement.
The Branding Iron has asked to extend their licensed premises to include private sidewalk in front of the building and 20 feet of the parking lot to the north of the building.
B & B Bowl wants to extend their licensed premises to include 21 feet of the parking lot to the west of the building, for the length of the building.
Preston Servicemen’s Club did not request a change to their liquor licensed premises. They don’t plan to reopen until there can be inside seating.
Reicks said, “We have to do what we can to keep businesses in our town.” Councilwoman Holly Zuck suggested Hoffman, Police Chief Sass, and Jim Bakken help get the outside seating areas set up so people are safe. Reicks said, “We will verify they have the proper insurance to expand outside their establishment.”
Shelly Hanson requested some assistance from the city for awnings, which can make it more appealing to sit outside on a hot day. Reicks felt that this would open a “can of worms.” “If we help one business, all businesses may ask for help,” he said. Hoffman told Hanson that he would speak with the EDA and the Chamber about her request.
A motion to extend the “liquor premises” to include the outside areas as described was unanimously approved.
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