Council approves liquor store remodeling

by Dave DeMars

news@thenewsleaders.com

A remodeling project at the Sauk Rapids Municipal Liquor Store, estimated to cost up to $110,000, was approved by the Sauk Rapids City Council at its March 14 meeting.

Jack Kahlhamer, the city’s finance director, discussed a previously approved expenditure to remodel the store. He reminded the council its members had basically approved the first several items on the liquor store remodeling budget: painting, flooring, light fixtures, lighting installation. Those four items had a budgeted cost of $66,688.

“A few other things we are looking at doing include the vestibule entry way – redoing the fixtures in there, new fixtures in the entry way . . .  currently it is the hanging lights – we’ll replace those lights in there. That’s about $450,” Kahlhamer said.

Kahlhamer also talked about replacing the checkout counter. The bid from Ron’s Cabinets for cultured marble checkouts was about $22,295 and would be higher if the council opted for Corian material. Some expense could be saved if members of Public Works were to haul out the old counters rather than have Design Electric do it.

“We haven’t replaced the counters since about 10 years ago,” Kahlhamer said.

Final cost for the remodeling is estimated to be between $100,000 to $110,000, which would be basically covered by the receipts of the liquor store prior to transfer to other budget areas so that no new money need be levied for the remodeling, Kahlhamer said.

Council member Steve Heinen questioned the wisdom of not completing the full installation of an automatic door since the remodeling would be underway.

A motion to approve the liquor store remodel using the estimated cost was approved unanimously.

Police officer

The other item the council dealt with was the approval of another police officer. Target date for completing the background investigations and interviewing was set for the end of May.

Council member Heinen questioned Police Chief Perry Beise as to staffing patterns for the force and how many officers were now serving the city. Beise said 15. Heinen then suggested a part-time corrections officer be employed for the summer. Heinen expressed concern about coverage during the summer months.

Council member Kurt Huntstiger said even with the hiring of a police officer, the department would not be adequately staffed and wondered whether it would be a good idea to look into creating a Police Officer Reserve program similar to what Sartell has. Part of the reason had to do with the fact there were a number of officers in training, and some were new to the force, and the city is growing.

“I think we are short,” Huntstiger said. “I really do . . . The area is changing a lot.”

No action was taken.

Citizen of Year

The council then moved on to the final item of the evening – the nomination of the Citizen of the Year. Mayor Brad Gunderson announced the nominations are due April 11. Nomination forms and information are on the city website and in hard copy at city hall. A reception for the honoree will be held at 4:30 p.m. Monday, April 25 at the Sauk Rapids Government Center. The winner will be introduced to the full council at that evening’s council meeting.