An anonymous person contributed to this post.
Something stood out in Tuesday’s City Council Informational meeting.
It was during the Overlook Cafe presentation.
Mike Milstead’s wife, Rhonda, appeared at both meetings. She did a small event at the Overlook last year for Winter Wonderland, and now is the only vendor that submitted a proposal for the five-year contract. Somehow she has convinced them to allow alcohol in the park.
There are over 70 parks in the system and 12 of them prohibit alcohol, Falls Park being one of them. I am surprised that none of the councilors questioned this.
So, at the same time they are discussing safety at the Falls, the Mayor is going to approve a long-term contract to allow alcohol? This seems somewhat incongruent!
The management agreement is up on the website (agenda item #16).  (PDF of Document: agreement) The only place that I even see this mentioned is under liquor liability insurance, and then again in Exhibit A under Manager Responsibilities. #7. Manager agrees that the use of beer and wine is intended for private rentals/caterings and to complement park patrons dining experience. Alcohol may not be the focus of advertising or offered as a “special” such as “bucket night” or 2-for-1 promotion.
This seems like a major shift in policy regarding this city property.
I also question why the county sheriff’s wife is the only person to submit an RFP, which includes selling alcohol?