Grand Marais city councilors approved the first reading of an ordinance May 28 designed to allow brewer taprooms within the city limits.
City Administrator Mike Roth said the amendment is similar to provisions on the books in other cities, and is in response to requests to allow taprooms and off-sale of beer in “growlers.” The changes will allow licensing of and permit a brewery to serve their products on premises, and also for consumption off premises directly from the brewery.
To date, one brewery is under construction in the downtown business district, with another possible in the near future. Council has already made provisions for the new businesses by approving earlier this year an amendment to the downtown zoning ordinance. That amendment added a definition for retail uses to allow light manufacturing in combination with retail, specifically for such enterprises as a winery, brewery or coffee roaster. Those changes were necessary because of requests to the city for such types of businesses that didn’t mesh with the downtown zoning regulations, but rather best fit into the “light industrial manufacturing and processing” category in the Commercial-Industrial zone (or with a conditional use permit in the business park).
The current changes add language to chapter 6 of the City Code, “Alcoholic beverages.” Among other provisions, the amendment states that a brewer may hold only one brewer taproom license; the only alcoholic beverages sold or consumed on the premises of the taproom will be malt liquor produced by the brewer upon the brewery premises; and no taproom shall be located across a public right of way (such as a street or alley) from the brewery location.
Additionally, the license conditions stipulate that the malt liquor be packaged in 64-ounce containers (commonly known as “growlers”) or in 750-milliliter bottles, and the container or bottle must be sealed in accordance with Minnesota statutes.
Following a brief discussion, councilors unanimously approved the first reading of Ordinance No. 2014-03, with no public comment. The second reading is set for council’s June 11 meeting and may also include some refinement of other sections of the alcohol ordinance. The changes become effective upon approval of the second reading and subsequent publication in the News- Herald.
In other city news:
. Council approved an application submitted by Staci Drouillard for a peddler’s permit allowing operation of “Lola’s Sweet Life Bakery Bike.” As in past years, the bakery bike is permitted to operate in the bike lanes along the downtown streets.
. On the recommendation of Parks Manager Dave Tersteeg, David Hepler was hired as the parks facilities manager. There was a total of 11 applicants for the job, and interviews were conducted with the top five candidates. Also hired to work this season at the Rec Park were Kari Benedix, park office clerk; Karl Olson, maintenance worker; and Kayla Bronikowski and Rod Hufford, washroom custodians.
. Jack Stone of Stone Harbor Wilderness Supply submitted a letter expressing his intention to conduct stand-up paddleboard demonstrations in the harbor during the summer. Roth said that because there is no business being conducted and no money changing hands, a permit is not needed to use the public area. However, a proposal to hold a more elaborate demo weekend on July 19 and 20 was referred to the park board.
. Phil and Lorrie Oswald were granted a license to construct a driveway in an unimproved section of the 10th Avenue West right of way above Third Street. There will be no changes to the constructed area.
. Councilor Jan Sivertson said she has heard that a proposed zip line being built on the Gunflint Trail on land purchased from the city will not be completed, and asked about the possibility of the city buying the land back. (The city waived its right of first refusal at the request of developer Matt Geretschlaeger.) Although there was consensus that the city ought to try to regain possession of the 22-acre parcel near the water tower if the zip line project falls through, it was agreed that there is not enough reliable information known to pursue any action yet. “I think it’s premature to do anything at this point,” said Mayor Larry Carlson.
Roth was directed to look into the matter and check on the zip line’s progress, and report back to council.
. The meeting was followed by a closed session regarding strategy in litigation between KGM Contractors and the EDA.
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