City council paves way for golf course beer

ROYAL CITY — The Royal City Council paved the way for the serving of beer at the Royal Golf Course at its Oct. 6 meeting.

Though it’s not operated by the city, the golf course on Dodson Road is on city property. After it was built in the 1980s by a group of community-minded farmers, it was turned over to the city.

The golf course has been strapped at times in the past few years, barely able to make it through the winters. It is struggling now.

In its efforts to put the course on better footing, the Royal Golf Association thought of beer sales as one way to attract more players. But until Oct. 6, alcoholic beverages couldn’t be sold on city property.

The Council amended chapter 4.08 of Ordinance 15-07 and section 11.12.070 of Ordinance 15-08 to exempt the golf course from the rules against alcohol sales on city property.

According to City Finance Director Greg Pike, only beer will be allowed at the golf course. The golf course still has to go through state liquor licensing, he said.

In other business before the Council on the 6th, Police Chief Darin Smith announced a one-day training on response to active shooters. He also discussed the possibility of purchasing a new patrol car.

“That may be included in the budget for 2016. We’ve been saving for that for several years,” Pike said.

Public Works Director John Lasen reported that the city had installed two water services on Ahlers Road to serve a beautification project under way. About 50 new trees have been planted along the walkway.

“We have a beautification fund in our budget every year. This year we’re doing the Ahlers project,” Pike said

Lasen reported that his crews have been doing pothole or minor road repairs and will continue as long as hot mix (asphalt) supplies last.

Mayor Kent Andersen told the Council he and Lasen were going to an auction in Chehalis to look for a replacement street sweeper. It was purchased last week and was expected in town this week.

“The old sweeper had an engine problem,” Pike said. “We thought about getting a new engine but got a street sweeper instead.”

The used street sweeper is powered by a 1991 International 4600 truck.

City Planner Darryl Piercy reported that building activity has slowed considerably. But there is an organic flower mill going up on Camelia Street. If not finished, it’s close to finished.

In discussion of legal matters, the Council learned that the Sparks Apartments at 120 Royal Ave., near the new car wash, have been taken off the auction block.

Grant County had scheduled a tax sale for Nov. 13 but, Pike said, owner Lloyd Sparks was able to pay the taxes owed. According to Pike, the Sparks Apartments at 310 Acacia remain condemned.

The Council approved a consent agenda that included the Council meeting minutes from September 15, payroll for 09/30/15 in the amount of $39,594.37 and claims for 10/06/15 in the amount of $32,339.79.