Meeting Highlights: Business Permits Approved at Council Meeting

*Editor's note: An earlier version of this article incorrectly identified the location of the former Together We Can daycare. The business was located on Oakland Avenue. This article has been updated to reflect the correct location.

The planned arrival of two new businesses were among the items on the Monday agenda of the Richmond Heights City Council.

The following are highlights from the discussion as it happened. Post a comment to this article if you'd like to read more about a particular topic.

8:03 P.M.: The council has heard a first reading of the Eager Road bill. It is now voting to go into closed session.

7:58 P.M.: The council has approved the liquor license request.

The council is now considering whether to move forward with plans for trees and a tree grate project on Clayton Road outside of SSM St. Mary's Health Center.

District 2 Councilman Jim Thomson is asking how events will unfold in connection with .

"I do think that this winter will tell," Beck said. "I think that is what 's point is." He referenced an email Kenneth Gurney sent to Thomson after gave at the last council meeting.

The council has approved a bill to move forward with the tree project.

7:56 P.M.: District 2 Councilman Mike Jones asked Police Chief Rick Vilcek whether there have been issues at the future convenience store site.

He said a robbery happened in the area about two years ago and that the perpetrator was caught on the premises after a business owner fought back and disarmed him.

7:52 P.M.: Hamilton said Together We Can daycare, formerly on Oakland* Avenue, closed Aug. 29 because of low enrollment.

The council has approved conditional use permits for .

Beck indicated that stipulations of the liquor license for the new convenience store regarding the cost of alcohol that can be sold and the fact that bottles of beer cannot be sold separately should help reduce problems.

7:49 P.M.: The council and audience have applauded Reary's work in City Manager Amy Hamilton's absence.

Hamilton has returned after maternity leave and is addressing the council.

7:47 P.M.: Richmond Heights resident Mark Cockson asked that the council not approve a liquor license for a new business planned at the former In and Out Market location on Bellevue Avenue.

"We don't need another place that sells liquor," Cockson said. He said that since In and Out closed, litter and trash has decreased, as has the number of people hanging out in the area.

Beck said one of the aspects of the proposed conditional use permit would be an outdoor trash can that is maintained, and he said alcohol is part of what the business owners think will make the new site successful.

7:44 P.M.: Mayor James Beck has read a proclamation in honor of Veterans Day on Friday. He thanked council members and audience members who have served in the military for their work.

PUBLIC HEARING: VACATION OF RIGHT-OF-WAY NEAR EAGER ROAD
7:43 P.M.: At issue is whether the city will give up its right-of-way to the petitioner, Kimberly Kay Wendt.

A neighbor had expressed concern about children's safety in the event that the petition is approved.

Dave Reary, building and zoning commissioner for the city, said a barricade on the property will remain and is managed by the city.

A meeting attendee who lives in the area addressed the council about the barricade: "I really feel that the barricade needs to be there," she said.

The public hearing has ended.

7:34 P.M.: The meeting is underway. A public hearing about the vacation of some property near Eager Road is beginning.

7:25 P.M.: The meeting is set to begin in five minutes.