Mayor Johnny Smith explained that the applicants, who had originally proposed the deli at 208 Mountain Street as an alcohol-free establishment, found themselves in a tight spot when the chain restaurant’s corporate staff requested they sell alcohol.
But the business, Foraker, cannot get a beer and wine license without having a building constructed and inspected, and didn’t want to risk building a restaurant without having the franchise secured, the mayor said.
“We’re trying to help them get around that issue,” Smith said
So the city approved a future license to sell beer and wine that carried a number of stipulations, including construction of the restaurant building at the location in accordance with all building and zoning codes, reciept of a Jacksonville business license for a restaurant there, receipt of a Calhoun County Department of Public Health permit and Jacksonville Fire Department fire prevention inspection permit for the restaurant, and receipt of the appropriate licenses by the Alabama Alcohol Beverage Control Board.
The plans for the proposed 2,640-square-foot, single story restaurant have already been approved by the Planning Commission.
Councilman Truman Norred cast the lone vote against the application, noting the restaurant’s proximity to the university. In addition, he said, the council was voting on more than just the license with the many limitations set forth.
“There were too many variables for me to deal with it as it was,” Norred said.
Councilman Derek Raulerson abstained for what he said were personal reasons.
Attempts to reach Patrick Smith, owner of record, and project manager Bill Jones were not successful.
In other business the council:
* Adopted a report from the Planning Commission outlining a proposed zoning change that would exempt police and fire stations from certain city ordinances regarding curb cuts. According to City Planner Lynn Causey, the provision is designed to aid in response time for police and firefighters responding simultaneously as well as provide extra space for larger fire apparatus to enter and leave the proposed public safety complex. The council set a public hearing for the code change for May 29 at noon.
* Approved amended job descriptions for a range of positions on the city staff.
* Approved the $11,989.02 purchase and installation of equipment for new police vehicles.
* Approved a $3,181.85 payment to Matt’s Computer for onsite service calls in March.
* Approved budget amendments to accommodate a $2,000 donation from Norfolk Southern Foundation to assist in the purchase of a camera and equipment and a $1,000 grant from Wal-Mart for police training.
- Approved $1,139.58 for Police Chief Tommy Thompson to attend a summer conference and training.
* Approved $1,500 for Jacksonville Water Works business manager Michael Rinker to attend the an annual-conference and problem solving forum.
