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Posted on Mon, Jun. 08, 2009

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HIGH PARK, REC CENTER ON LIST

Derby public venues could allow alcohol

BY JOE RODRIGUEZ

The Wichita Eagle

The city of Derby may start allowing alcohol at special events in some city-owned facilities.

Under an ordinance being considered, the city would issue a special-event permit that would allow alcohol at these public venues:

• Community rooms inside a library that is under construction and scheduled for completion late this year or early next year.

• Community rooms inside the Derby Recreation Center, where events such as wedding receptions are held.

• A shelter and an amphitheater at High Park.

The city is in its early stages of soliciting public feedback, said assistant city manager Stephanie Knebel, the lead staff person on the issue.

Knebel said the measure is unlikely to get to the Derby City Council for a vote until September at the earliest.

"It's a work in progress," she said.

But the issue has already shown the potential to be divisive. Several residents oppose it and at least one City Council member has already said he's against it.

Knebel said the City Council has heard requests for years from the public about the desire to serve alcohol at events such as wedding receptions, fundraisers and family reunions that are held in public facilities.

"Here in Derby, we don't have large meeting rooms, we don't have event halls" that are privately owned, she said.

So such events are held in places such as the Derby Recreation Center community rooms and the park.

But people opposed to the ordinance have raised several objections.

Derby resident Paul Muehring said there is a "major disconnect between the city officials and the citizens of Derby on this issue."

If alcohol is permitted at events such as concerts at High Park, he said, he's concerned that drivers who've had a few drinks might be more prone to accidents involving pedestrians.

"We're going to have an accident, we're going to have a death, we're going to have a serious injury," he said.

Jim Craig, a Ward 1 council member, also said he's not in favor of the idea.

"I'm just opposed to having special permits for alcohol on public property and facilities that are paid for by the taxpayers," he said.

Other council members said they are holding off on stating their positions until they are presented with more information and hear more feedback.

"It's always the details of these things that determine whether it's an unacceptable situation or an acceptable situation," said Chuck Warren, a Ward 3 council member.

Cheryl Bannon, also a Ward 3 council member, said she hasn't decided either.

However, she said she's been approached several times by people who've expressed concern about not being able to serve alcohol at an event such as a wedding reception at the community center.

"I'm open-minded enough, I want to look at all the information" about the ordinance being considered, Bannon said. "But there's an awful lot to be considered."

Knebel, the assistant city manager, said the city is taking the issue before public boards -- including boards for the Derby Recreation Commission and the library -- for feedback.

"Because this is such a large issue, the City Council wants a lot of community discussion," she said.

Reach Joe Rodriguez at 316-268-6644 or jrodriguez@wichitaeagle.com.