Washington’s City Council has approved a $34,000 grant for Kep’s Sports Bar & Grill, reversing its August decision to deny the funding. The grant will help pay for a roughly $68,000 project to replace doors and reseal and stripe the parking lot. The approval comes with conditions tied to the property’s ownership and use over the next two years.
Key takeaways
- Kep’s will receive $34,000 toward planned building and parking-lot improvements.
- The grant passed 6-2 after the owner agreed to restrictions on selling or listing the property for two years after the work is completed.
- Council members also approved new tobacco retailer rules, a billboard lease and a retail recruitment contract.
The decision marks another reversal by the council after it initially rejected a Washington business’s improvement-grant request. Officials also said they will review the city’s grant program in the coming months.
Grant approval comes with conditions
The council’s August vote against Kep’s request was 4-2. Members had raised concerns because the building at 313 Muller Road was for sale. This week, owner Brock Heider agreed not to sell or list the property for two years after the estimated $68,000 project is completed, prompting the council to approve the grant by a 6-2 vote.
The agreement does not prevent a sale outright. If the property is sold, listed for sale or stops operating as a restaurant and bar during the two-year period, its owner must repay the grant to the city. Heider has said he plans to sell the business.
Alderperson Paula Johnson, who voted against the grant in August, supported it this time, saying she did not want the city to appear to change its rules for an applicant who met its requirements. Other alderpersons cited Heider’s local property ownership and Kep’s community events and sponsorships. The bar was rebuilt after a fire destroyed it in 2009.
Council weighs changes to grant program
Alderperson Brandon Moss said concerns about the grant program should not be imposed on an applicant who followed the city’s instructions. The council plans to examine the taxpayer-funded program, including possible safeguards and whether to end it.
Kep’s is the second Washington business this month to win approval after an initial rejection. Cherry Tree Plaza’s owners agreed to conditions involving future leasing and could receive a $50,000 grant in two $25,000 installments if they meet all requirements.
Other actions at the meeting
The council approved an ordinance requiring licenses for smoke and vape shops and other tobacco retailers, while capping the number of smoke and vape shops at the four already operating. One shop near an educational facility will be allowed to remain, but its license cannot transfer if ownership changes.
Members also approved a 20-year billboard lease with Civic Digital Displays, including community messaging and restrictions on cannabis-related advertising. The city will pay Retail Strategies up to $50,000 annually for as many as three years to support retail recruitment, including efforts along Business Route 24 and at the “223” property.
The council declined to seek another engineering analysis of Farm Creek sewer routes, opting for staff discussions with affected property owners. It also approved up to nearly $547,500 for design work on Main Street bridge renovations and related road resurfacing. City staff reported that downtown square sidewalks are marked as pedestrian-only, and brush pickup is scheduled to begin Oct. 5 on the city’s west side.
