(Okoboji)– A liquor license application drew some controversy at Tuesday’s Okoboji City Council meeting.
Butch Parks, owner of the former Okoboji Boats building, applied for a Class C Liquor License with Sunday sales and an outdoor service area.
Parks told the council he’s planning to reopen the business as a full-fledged marina complete with a bar, ship store and a convenience-type store. Parks said it would represent a significant investment in the Okoboji business community, saying the new business would bring about 25 new jobs with up to about a million dollars in payroll; and that it would be a top-notch facility.
But councilman Jim Delperdang says having a bar in the marina would detract from the residential character of the neighborhood. Several other council members echoed the concern. An attorney for Parks countered, saying the business would still be primarily used as a marina.
After further discussion, the council voted four-to-nothing to recommend the state deny Parks’ application.
Councilman David Thoreson was absent from Tuesday’s meeting.
