The zoning change for the location of the Free State Winery was approved on second reading Tuesday by the City Council in Orange. The change was approved for the zoning to be an Interstate Development Corridor.
The Free State Winery was originally grandfathered in to what was zoned a residential district for their location. The rezoning will permit the business to operate with the wholesale distribution of wine and allow the consumption of wine on the premises if the wine is produced on-site which is the case with Free State Winery.
A contract with the low bidder Allco Inc. was approved for Phase 1 construction of the Eagle Point Boulevard-Medical Center Drive. The cost will be $1,440,669 for the road project.
The Economic Development Corporation requested an additional $340,669 to fund the budget shortage for the Phase 1 of the project at Interstate 10 and Highway 62. A medical center and clinic are being planned to be built in that area and the road will provide access to it.
City Manager Mike Kunst discussed with the City Council in a closed executive-session the collective bargaining negotiations with the Orange Police Association and the International Association of Firefighters local in Orange. No action was taken after the meeting, but Kunst indicated he is waiting for the city to receive the certified property values which are due about July 24 before finalizing any contract offers to the two associations for next year.
-Dan Perrine, KOGT-
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