Savor and Grace Receives Liquor License; Constitution Week Proclamation Read

SIDNEY--The City of Sidney Council met for its regular meeting on Tuesday, August 27, and among items on the agenda was a Public Hearing concerning the granting of a liquor license and the Certification of Street Program compliance.

After approving minutes from the previous meeting and budget workshop, the first order of business was approving a proclamation to designate Constitution Day and Constitution Week. Glenda Gay Condon of the Fort Sidney chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution addressed the council. Condon explained that the organization is open to those who can trace direct lineage to anyone who supported the American Revolution, not just those who fought in the conflict. Constitution Day is September 17, and Constitution Week runs from September 17 through September 23. Area libraries will have displays commemorating the event along with copies of the Constitution available. Copies of the Constitution will also be available at Sidney City Hall.

Next, the council meeting switched to a Public Hearing concerning the application for a Liquor License at Savor & Grace, in the Hickory Square area of downtown Sidney. Owner Jill Sauder addressed the council and said it would be proper for a business that serves cheese, charcuterie boards, and other delicacies also to have wine available. Mayor Brad Sherman agreed and noted that Savor & Grace is located at the former home of Boss Brewery, which had a liquor license at that address. The council unanimously approved the application but noted that Sauder would have to fill out all of the forms and go through the approval process with the state of Nebraska, which can be complex and time-consuming.

The council then heard from Catarina Hernandez of the Fairfield Inn and Suites concerning a Manager Application for the hotel. Hernandez has been with the company for three years and has spent the last year as a Manager. However, because the establishment has a liquor license, new Managers must be approved by the City Council. Since assuming Manager duties the hotel has stopped serving alcohol. The council approved the application unanimously. The council then heard from City of Sidney Street Superintendent Hank Radtke concerning the Municipal Annual Certification of Street Program Compliance. Radtke said the certification is a formality and ensures that municipalities are complying with state laws concerning street maintenance and signage, booking and budgeting. The city meets all of the requirements and Radtke just needed approval from the council to send in the documentation to the state. The council approved the request unanimously.

City Manager David Scott then gave his report and noted that the Forrest Street project on the North Side of Sidney had been completed. Scott and Radtke said the work was excellent and that there were no complaints from citizens during the construction process. Scott noted that the parking lot repaving at the Living Memorial Gardens had been finished, and next the Hillside Golf Course, paving would be started. He also said the new EMS Advisory Committee would have its first meeting concerning the new ambulance service at Sidney Regional Medical Center. Scott then told the council that he had been nominated to join the Nebraska League of Municipalities, which would require him to attend meetings in Lincoln a few times per year. He felt it was important for the City of Sidney to have a voice in Nebraska State Government concerning issues that affect cities and municipalities. Mayor Sherman agreed and the council granted permission for Scott to accept the nomination.

Some final notes from department heads ended the meeting. Radtke noted that the city would be painting new crosswalks around the city, and these would be like the "square box" style of crosswalks that are near schools. He said the visibility for these crosswalks is much greater than the current two lines. He also noted that the crossing light indicator on 11th Street near Legion Park had been fixed and can be seen from as far as the Bowling Alley on top of the hill. He noted that the crosswalk signal had not been operable for some time, so many who use the crosswalk don't realize it has been repaired. Councilman Brock Bucker said that the council was seeking public input on the North Side Park revitalization project, and any input or suggestions that citizens would like to make would be welcome. Economic Development Director Brandy Stone said that although they had not received approval yet concerning the grant that will fund the North Side Park project if they don't receive that grant, they have alternate grant and funding mechanisms in place to help fund the park project.