Polson to take over restaurant

POLSON — The city of Polson moved to take control of the restaurant at the golf course during Wednesday’s city council meeting. The commissioners voted 5-0 to make the commitment, after months of discussion. Commissioner Ron Boyce abstained after citing conflict of interest and commissioner John Campbell was absent.

After seeing eight different vendors in the last nine years occupy the location, the city commissioners moved to hire a full-time food and beverage manager as one of the first orders of business. City manager Todd Crossett said the hiring process will be thorough, but must be done soon as unseasonably warm weather may accelerate the opening date of the golf course.

In addition to the food and beverage manager, who will also be a working manager, two employees will overlap during the high and shoulder seasons to form the working staff.

“It’s important to have someone that’s experienced,” Crossett said, especially the food and beverage manager, who will then be engaged in hiring the part-time employees.

The council agreed that the preliminary plan is pretty solid, and Crossett noted the plan is flexible, with the city hoping to “track where it’s going and adapt” as they learn what works.

Roger Wallace, the golf course pro, said during the meeting the course food and beverage cart will operate from 8 a.m. until mid-afternoon, perhaps sometimes until 5 p.m. One idea Wallace and Crossett discussed was putting the cart beside the first tee in the morning and providing quick, easy breakfast items, like burritos. That way, Crossett said, almost every golfer will have exposure to the cart, and a chance to purchase on-the-go items.

Crossett and Wallace worked together to form a business plan for the city-run restaurant. Crossett has said throughout the discussions he believes the city can break even with just a small increase in business.

Commissioner Elsa Duford asked about serving breakfast inside the restaurant, but Crossett recommended not providing the service. He said most golfers don’t want to sit down for breakfast, and that if they do, there are plenty of diners around town the course restaurant would rather not compete with.

In other news, the council appointed two members to the city/county planning board. Mayor Pat DeVries made clear that one member would be appointed by a council vote, while she, as mayor, retained power to appoint the second. Trustee Judy Preston motioned to appoint Mike Lies, a trustee himself. He was appointed, obtaining four votes. DeVries then moved to appoint Bob Fulton to the other open seat.

The board also needed to appoint four members to the Polson redevelopment agency. Having only received three letters of intent to serve, from former Mayor Lou Marchello, Ivy McGowan and Jules Clavadetscher, respectively, the board voted to appoint all three interested parties, and to advertise in the newspaper for the remaining open spot.

During the “city manager comments” agenda item, Crossett announced Polson had received a $12 million TIGER (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) grant.  Crossett said one of the big projects the grant will pay for is Skyline, set to begin this summer. The city is one of 51 places in the country to receive such a grant, and one of only two in Montana.

Crossett also mentioned that the water line replacement would begin March 1 on Main Street. He said superintendent Tony Porrazzo of the Streets Department has been speaking with business-owners on Main Street about the project.

In anticipation of warmer weather, Crossett touched on the farmer’s market, a summer staple. The organizers of the market are exploring alternative locations to their current spot in the parking of the Masonic Temple. The vendors are hoping to move to a more central, downtown location. One proposed venue would be on 3rd Street in front of the Cove and Quinn’s Wrap Shack. The proposal would see the street closed down during the market, on a Friday, with hopes of turning the weekly event into part of a day where residents and tourists utilize downtown businesses. 

The council will next meet on March 1.