By Bob Strohm
bstrohm@wbcowqel.com

Galion’s laws on alcohol consumption had a second round at Galion City Council Tuesday night with proponents and opponents speaking out on the matter.

The second reading of Ordinance No. 2016-31 passed with a 5-2 vote by council, but not without an extended discussion prior to the vote. Council member Susan Bean spoke out against the issue.

“The heart of the issue is I don’t want alcohol served in the city parks,” Bean said.

Chris Stone, co-owner of Eighteen – O – Three Taproom, noted that in most instances where alcohol is served at functions with non-profit agencies controlling the beer gardens, the events limit the amount and quantity of drinks being served. Stone gave the example of the Six-One-Pour event in Columbus which limits attendees to a 10 drink limit with five-ounce glasses.

Councilman James Hedges explained he wanted to hear from the audience before casting his vote on the matter.

Roberta Wade spoke up with the same example of the problem of drugs and alcohol abuse in the area. She stated that the school system tries to promote an anti-drug, anti-alcohol, and anti-smoking stance and allowing alcohol consumption in approved public areas would go against that stance.

Eric Flick countered Wade, asking if she had ever been to Disney Land, Universal Studios, an Cleveland Indians game, or a Cleveland Cavaliers game.

“These are safe environments in which alcohol is consumed,” Flick said. “Just because there is alcohol being served at events doesn’t mean it will degrade the community.”

Marty Cecil also spoke out in favor of allowing consumption of alcohol for approved events.

“Speaking for the Depot, I am not a drinker, I have had six drinks since 1985 when each of my kids were married,” Cecil said. “I don’t drink and I don’t care, but I would like for someone to be able to have a drink for a wedding. Let them. I am not sure if I am at the local Christian Women’s Temperance Union or a city council meeting. We don’t want to turn down business at the Depot because they want alcohol. At the Depot we will see to it that the rules are followed.”

Mike O’Leary, General Manager for the Galion Graders, spoke out in favor of the plan, noting that in the Graders’ baseball league six teams serve alcohol with three of the six playing on city property.

“The idea that it corrupts the youth or a ballpark, I don’t believe that,” O’Leary said. “What I would like is a restrictive beer garden. I don’t think it would compromise the children, as the children’s area would be away from it entirely. “

Council member Bean’s brother Robert Cerar spoke out against some of the attacks being made against people opposing the issue.

“One of the things that concerns me is that those who are concerned with the issue are being vilified,” Cerar said. “In America we used to have a voice. If it were completely safe we wouldn’t have the controls. What we are saying doesn’t make it right.”

Galion Community member Mike Richards spoke last on the piece before council moved on to vote.

“This is an opportunity,” argued Richards. “By not having the opportunity we are restricting growth. People filling out paperwork for it, if something happens they won’t be able to hold an event again. They have to go through a strenuous process before they are even allowed the permit. This is an opportunity for us to step out of the box for a while. We can vote for it, and if something happens we can always rescind the vote.”

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While Galion City Council was divided on their first piece of legislation brought before them Tuesday night, they were in unanimous agreement to pass the rest of the items on the agenda with a 7-0 vote.

During the hearing of the public minutes, Wade again accused Galion City Council of breaking Sunshine Laws with last minute agendas, not giving proper notifications as well as holding discussions and votes during executive session without public discussion.

When it came time for his report at the end of the meeting Law Director Thomas Palmer responded to Wade, who had left the council meeting after the alcohol issue passed its second reading by council.

“The executive session issue which I have heard her speak multiple times about says all deliberations must be done in public unless exempted by law,” Palmer said. “One of those exemptions is in the hiring of a public official. I really don’t like the attacks she is making against city council because our council does a great job.”

During Mayor Tom O’Leary’s report to council he noted that coming out of the Planning Commission is a rezoning for a possible future deal with a restaurant. O’Leary also gave an update on the hotel project.

“The hotel project has moved to engineering,” O’Leary said. “Currently we are facing site and development issues. The financing part of it is behind us for the moment.”