City Council on Oct. 23 approved rules to permit the service of alcoholic beverages at Venue 1921, accepted a grant to cover surveillance and security equipment for the new facility and voted to extend the project’s substantial-completion date after contractors cited weather delays.

The council adopted Ordinance No. 1235 on second and final reading, clearing the way for Parks and Recreation to book events with alcohol service at the multipurpose rental space. The ordinance follows a Parks and Rec presentation explaining that alcohol authorization would allow the venue to begin booking private and community events. Councilmember Cagle voted no on the ordinance; Vice Mayor Tyler, Councilmembers Ezell and Witt and Mayor Williams voted yes.

City Manager Mike Miller updated the council on construction progress at Venue 1921, reporting finishing work on interior systems and landscaping. Miller said restrooms are complete except for sinks and partitions and that drywall, painting and ceiling work in the main 7,000-square-foot “high bay” were largely finished. He said the kitchen equipment was expected in mid-November and that staff anticipated booking events into January while interior furnishings and catering equipment are finalized.

Council also approved Resolution No. 37-51, granting the city manager authority to record 33 additional weather days for the Venue 1921 contract; the change extends the substantial-completion date from Oct. 27 to Nov. 29, 2025, with no additional cost to the city. Miller said the extension reflects industry-standard allowances and a documented list of claimable days between Nov. 24, 2024, and Oct. 25, 2025.

Separately, Council accepted a Public Entity Partners property conservation grant to reimburse costs associated with installing surveillance and security systems at Venue 1921. City staff said the grant will offset the city’s outlay for cameras and related equipment needed to secure the new facility.

The council packet included a draft alcohol-service policy and an event management packet that city staff and the city attorney drafted to govern permit applications, service standards, liability and compliance. Parks staff said the venue manager is preparing marketing and pricing; at the meeting staff said bookings were already being discussed for January and that the city aims to host its employee holiday party at the venue in December if punch-list work is complete.

Councilors asked staff about kitchen readiness, parking and punch-list items; Miller said power and utilities are mostly in place and that remaining exterior paving and irrigation work are scheduled to follow sidewalks and final grading. He warned that heavy interior punch-list work could push event booking later, but expressed optimism that the venue will be operational for limited events by December and more broadly in January.

The approvals leave the venue legally able to host ticketed or private events with alcohol under the city’s municipal code once staff issues the required permits and the venue manager completes operational protocols.