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GLADSTONE -- Saunders Point Brewery, which has been preparing to open at 1000 Delta Ave. in Gladstone, was granted approval by the Gladstone City Commission to include an outdoor seating area. The state liquor license for which brewery owner Jake Mills has applied requires local permission to utilize an outdoor area, hence it being brought to the meeting.
Mills was not in attendance at Monday's commission meeting himself, so Community Development Director Renee Barron presented the plan on behalf of Saunders Point. The building, which had previously housed Old Glory Firearms, is on the corner of Delta Avenue and North 10th Street in Gladstone, across from Dairy Flo.
The state requires an outdoor area to be enclosed in such a way as to deter people from wandering off with alcoholic beverages. Mills's plan is to use whiskey barrels and rope for the boundary. The area is not large, and will only hold about three tables. It leaves at least three feet of sidewalk space for pedestrians.
When Commissioner Robert Pontius asked whether Dairy Flo had been contacted and whether they were okay with this, Barron replied that Saunders Point Brewery's operation should not affect that of the ice cream shop. She said that while she personally had not spoken with Dairy Flo, Mills had said that he had checked with local businesses -- particularly in regards to supplying food to his patrons -- and that according to him, neighboring businesses were on board.
Barron said that this was the first time they've had a formal request of this nature.
"During COVID… we were encouraged by the state to consider outdoor dining options, and this is kind of in pursuit of that," Barron said. "Our master plan does encourage us to support outdoor or alternative arrangements for people in the event of needing more space again, so this kind of fits along with our plan."
She also said the brewery will not be a typical bar, aims to be family-friendly and that the proposed hours (not past 10 p.m.) reflect that goal.
Also at the meeting:
– Following the recent election, three officials were reappointed: Joe Thompson as mayor and Judy Akkala and Bradley Mantela as city commissioners. Thompson named Mantela as mayor pro-tem.
– Steven Viau, who sits on the Delta County Board of Commissioners representing District 2 -- the City of Gladstone and part of Escanaba Township -- spoke during public comment to remind commissioners that he represents the citizens and to request input on current issues at the county level.
– A proposal from Coleman Engineering Company for preparation of the new pickleball site was approved. City Manager Eric Buckman said he wants to make sure the job is done properly to avoid cracked pavement.
– Department of Public Works Director Barry Lund shared that ratings of road conditions within the City of Gladstone have increased and should continue to. The next area to be redone will likely be near the Saloon.
– Treasurer Vicki Schroeder presented updates to the City of Gladstone cash handling policy and credit card policy.
– City Clerk Kimberly Berry was authorized to sign an agreement for election services in Delta County to be handled jointly. Early election training is ongoing.