Winona Restaurant Owners Seek Three-Way Licenses
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By Zach Davidson-
The restaurants currently have two-way liquor licenses, allowing the businesses to serve beer, wine and sake, prohibiting the restaurants from serving hard liquor or mixed drinks.
France told the council they had been talking to community and church leaders, and had not met any opposition. France said he felt the two businesses had proven themselves and had a good reputation in the community.
Under current law, the restaurants are not eligible to apply for a three-way liquor license through the state's Alcohol and Tobacco Commission.
Town Coordinator Craig Allebach said in order for a three-way liquor license to be granted in communities less than 5,000, the council would have to grant an enabling ordinance. France claims Winona Lake is only about 90 people less than the required population of 5,000.
Courtney France, Cerulean general manager, said, "The three-way liquor license is something we have been deliberating over for quite some time now at Cerulean. We feel, at this point in time, that we can thoughtfully move forward in pursuing it in a manner that is responsible as well as beneficial to our customers. Our intention has always been to just add another facet to the overall unique fine-dining experience we strive to provide."
Councilwoman Sue Gooding said, "I respect the request from the owners of Cerulean and the Boathouse. They are indeed, at a competitive disadvantage. However, I am elected by the people of Winona Lake, so I will be listening closely to their discussion before making any decision."
Councilwoman Joy Lohse said, "Both Cerulean and the Boathouse restaurant are seeking a three-way liquor license. I believe that the owners of both establishments understand the liability involved. I believe Caleb and Peter are speaking with community members and addressing concerns from citizens. Both owners are proven responsible business owners. I do not foresee either establishment allowing alcohol abuse by patrons due to their integrity and liability issues. Ultimately, it is the owners' right to seek a three-way liquor license."
According to Allebach, the restaurants had sought an enabling ordinance for a three-way liquor license in 2006, when Cerulean Restaurant opened, but the ordinance was not granted due to community opposition.
In other business, during a report from supervisors, Councilman Randy Swanson apologized to Clerk-Treasurer Retha Hicks for his personal e-mails addressing her and some discrepancies in her reports. Hicks had found the e-mails offensive.
Swanson explained his reasoning for questioning and continuing to bring up the issue of reports, produced in allegedly faulty software costing $25,000. Swanson said local municipalities couldn't go the way of the federal government, and lose track of public funds.
"There's a saying, 'That's the way government works,'" Swanson said. "'What's a million or a billion,' is the mindset of the government. Maybe I haven't been in government long enough."
Hicks said the issue had been addressed and had been taken care of.
She said, "There is nothing wrong with that report. I am very cognizant of expenses, it won't cost us anything. I am tired of the attacks."
Swanson replied, "This is about efficient government. Do our people need more training to run the software?"
Hicks left the room and returned moments later, to continue with the meeting.
"Based upon the exchange during the council meeting, Councilman Randy Swanson implied that Clerk-Treasurer Retha Hicks has accounting discrepancies comparing these discrepancies to how our national government operates. Clerk-Treasurer Retha Hicks indicated that the information in her reports is accurate. This is what I summarize from the exchange. The public exchange embarrassed me as a council member. It appeared to me to demonstrate an ongoing lack of teamwork. My opinion is that the exchange was unnecessary, thoughtless and unhelpful, having no positive purpose," said Lohse.
Gooding said, "Randy has a strong financial background and believes that all computations need to be precise. Retha is comfortable with differences and doesn't mind when the financial reports are incorrect, believing they can be rectified later."
In another matter, the council discussed ways to improve and beautify the viaduct on Argonne Road.
Gooding said, "The viaduct on Argonne as you enter Winona Lake is simply an eyesore and an unattractive entry way into our lovely town. We are exploring various options to beautify the area."
The council discussed issues with the Stonehenge neighborhood and golf course, which is in limbo according to Lohse.
"The town is seeking ownership of a pond pump that currently is controlled by, and belongs to, Stonehenge golf course owners. The reason the town needs access and control over the pump is to prevent future flooding that can continue damage the streets long term. Five years ago, a previous council approved road construction work to be done in the neighborhood. The town will not begin repair of the streets knowing that pond water will collect and overflow onto the streets, as this is one cause of the street damage. The owners of the golf course are not responding to the town's written communication with them concerning the request for ownership and control of the pond pump. We are now asking for the owners of Stonehenge to communicate with the town and have sent letters to the owners and their attorney. We've not received a reply. The town does not wish to spend tax dollars on litigation while alternatives are being exhausted,"said Lohse.[[In-content Ad]]
The restaurants currently have two-way liquor licenses, allowing the businesses to serve beer, wine and sake, prohibiting the restaurants from serving hard liquor or mixed drinks.
France told the council they had been talking to community and church leaders, and had not met any opposition. France said he felt the two businesses had proven themselves and had a good reputation in the community.
Under current law, the restaurants are not eligible to apply for a three-way liquor license through the state's Alcohol and Tobacco Commission.
Town Coordinator Craig Allebach said in order for a three-way liquor license to be granted in communities less than 5,000, the council would have to grant an enabling ordinance. France claims Winona Lake is only about 90 people less than the required population of 5,000.
Courtney France, Cerulean general manager, said, "The three-way liquor license is something we have been deliberating over for quite some time now at Cerulean. We feel, at this point in time, that we can thoughtfully move forward in pursuing it in a manner that is responsible as well as beneficial to our customers. Our intention has always been to just add another facet to the overall unique fine-dining experience we strive to provide."
Councilwoman Sue Gooding said, "I respect the request from the owners of Cerulean and the Boathouse. They are indeed, at a competitive disadvantage. However, I am elected by the people of Winona Lake, so I will be listening closely to their discussion before making any decision."
Councilwoman Joy Lohse said, "Both Cerulean and the Boathouse restaurant are seeking a three-way liquor license. I believe that the owners of both establishments understand the liability involved. I believe Caleb and Peter are speaking with community members and addressing concerns from citizens. Both owners are proven responsible business owners. I do not foresee either establishment allowing alcohol abuse by patrons due to their integrity and liability issues. Ultimately, it is the owners' right to seek a three-way liquor license."
According to Allebach, the restaurants had sought an enabling ordinance for a three-way liquor license in 2006, when Cerulean Restaurant opened, but the ordinance was not granted due to community opposition.
In other business, during a report from supervisors, Councilman Randy Swanson apologized to Clerk-Treasurer Retha Hicks for his personal e-mails addressing her and some discrepancies in her reports. Hicks had found the e-mails offensive.
Swanson explained his reasoning for questioning and continuing to bring up the issue of reports, produced in allegedly faulty software costing $25,000. Swanson said local municipalities couldn't go the way of the federal government, and lose track of public funds.
"There's a saying, 'That's the way government works,'" Swanson said. "'What's a million or a billion,' is the mindset of the government. Maybe I haven't been in government long enough."
Hicks said the issue had been addressed and had been taken care of.
She said, "There is nothing wrong with that report. I am very cognizant of expenses, it won't cost us anything. I am tired of the attacks."
Swanson replied, "This is about efficient government. Do our people need more training to run the software?"
Hicks left the room and returned moments later, to continue with the meeting.
"Based upon the exchange during the council meeting, Councilman Randy Swanson implied that Clerk-Treasurer Retha Hicks has accounting discrepancies comparing these discrepancies to how our national government operates. Clerk-Treasurer Retha Hicks indicated that the information in her reports is accurate. This is what I summarize from the exchange. The public exchange embarrassed me as a council member. It appeared to me to demonstrate an ongoing lack of teamwork. My opinion is that the exchange was unnecessary, thoughtless and unhelpful, having no positive purpose," said Lohse.
Gooding said, "Randy has a strong financial background and believes that all computations need to be precise. Retha is comfortable with differences and doesn't mind when the financial reports are incorrect, believing they can be rectified later."
In another matter, the council discussed ways to improve and beautify the viaduct on Argonne Road.
Gooding said, "The viaduct on Argonne as you enter Winona Lake is simply an eyesore and an unattractive entry way into our lovely town. We are exploring various options to beautify the area."
The council discussed issues with the Stonehenge neighborhood and golf course, which is in limbo according to Lohse.
"The town is seeking ownership of a pond pump that currently is controlled by, and belongs to, Stonehenge golf course owners. The reason the town needs access and control over the pump is to prevent future flooding that can continue damage the streets long term. Five years ago, a previous council approved road construction work to be done in the neighborhood. The town will not begin repair of the streets knowing that pond water will collect and overflow onto the streets, as this is one cause of the street damage. The owners of the golf course are not responding to the town's written communication with them concerning the request for ownership and control of the pond pump. We are now asking for the owners of Stonehenge to communicate with the town and have sent letters to the owners and their attorney. We've not received a reply. The town does not wish to spend tax dollars on litigation while alternatives are being exhausted,"said Lohse.[[In-content Ad]]
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