With the clock ticking toward midnight and frustration mounting Monday, village council members reached a consensus on a long-awaited matter.
They agreed to grant Dia Zaraga, owner of the rebuilt Sagebrush Cantina, another 90 days to pay for his water and sewer tap-ins.
By giving the restaurant owner three months to pay the bill, the council effectively set the stage for Zaraga to re-open the Broadway Street establishment– possibly within a few days.
Zaraga said he needed extra time to pay $18,010, which was determined to be the cost for a single 2-inch water meter tap-in and other costs with the opening. The figure was based on a seating capacity of 160 in the restaurant’s first-floor dining room.
Zaraga explained that he had to get approval for temporary occupancy before he could re-obtain his liquor license. The license has been in escrow with the state’s Liquor Control Commission since a fire destroyed the original building in March 2004.
The compromise agreement came after nearly two hours of lively debate about how many seats Zaraga needed, and whether it was necessary for him to pay for three tap-ins, as was originally planned.
‘I’m not trying to get away with anything,? said Zaraga, who added that he hadn’t understood that the tap-in costs would be required.
‘I should have been told earlier,? he said. ‘When I got a bill for $18,000, it was shocking to me. Just give me the time to hook up one meter so I can open up.?
While being empathetic to Zaraga’s request, the council was concerned that the village might get stuck paying for water going to the building’s upper level, which the owner intends to rent out once completed.
Village Manager JoAnn Van Tassel was adamant that the village must be notified in advance of any usage of the building’s second floor.
Zaraga’s consultant, Rick Morrow, stressed that village approval would be needed before the upper level could open up to the public.
‘We have approval to finish the upstairs, but it can’t be opened up until it’s inspected,? said Morrow. ‘Any tenant spaces would have to be approved by the village.?
Along with the many amenities included in the new building, Zaraga has added a sprinkler system throughout, Morrow pointed out. Installation of the fire suppression system required the inclusion of an 8-inch water line.
Following the council’s decision to grant Zaraga’s request, the business owner extended a gracious thank you to the council.
‘Thanks very much,? said Zaraga. ‘I really appreciate it.?
While Zaraga can’t say exactly when he’ll officially open the doors to the Sagebrush Cantina, he promises it will be ‘soon.?
For more information, see next week’s Lake Orion Review.