(Okoboji)– The ongoing legal battles between the city of Okoboji and businessman Butch Parks are being ratcheted up another notch.
The city council fired the latest salvo in a special session Tuesday, voting unanimously to appeal a Court of Appeals ruling that ordered the city to issue a liquor license to the O’Farrell Sisters Restaurant, which Parks owns, to the Iowa Supreme Court.
The council took the action following a closed session.
Prior to the closed session, the council heard from the restaurant’s Manager, Sharon London, who pleaded with the council NOT to appeal. She said this marks the 60th anniversary for the restaurant, and said it’s vital they have the license in order to remain in business, so as to compete with other establishments in the lakes area. London also vowed not to operate the restaurant as a bar.
But a neighbor said they’ve heard a similar story before (referring to a bar in Okoboji Boats, which Parks also owns).
Following the vote to appeal the liquor license ruling to the Iowa Supreme Court, councilman Jerry Robinson said they’re taking the action based on principle. He told the audience…quote…”This decision has much broader consequences for the city than just the O’Farrell restaurant situation, that it goes to our zoning rules and what the city can and can’t do under our own zoning ordinances and how we can or can’t enforce them”…unquote. Robinson added…quoting…”We need to uphold our right as a city to make and enforce our zoning rules”…unquote.
The license issued to O’Farrell Sisters as a result of the Court of Appeals ruling will remain in effect during the appeal process. City Attorney Mike Chozen said the city could get a ruling as soon as 60 days.
The city had 20 days from May 23rd in which to decide on an appeal, or the Court of Appeals ruling would have become final.
