Members of the Superior City Council unanimously accepted an offer Monday night and agreed to sell the former Flatwater Bar and Grill property to Austin Karnatz and Barb Woerner for $60,000.
According to information presented at the council meeting, in the spring of 2022 the city acquired a mortgage on the property as security for a loan to Brandon Fullerton. He remodeled the former Dave’s Place and attempted to operate a business there known as the Flatwater Bar and Grill. However, he encountered several unexpected problems and the business did not prosper. In the spring of 2023, Fullerton said he was filing for bankruptcy and turned the building and contents over to the city.
The city has since sold the business inventory, installed a new heating and air conditioning system and made other improvements.
An open house to show off the property was scheduled to be held as part of the Lady Vestey Festival activities but that has since been cancelled.
Early last week Karnatz and Woerner made the offer that was accepted Monday.
In response to questions Monday evening, the partners said they are hoping for a late summer opening. However, that is contingent on finding tradesmen to assist with the planned improvements to the facility.
The new owners plan to install a hood and grill, repair the foundation and rear wall, make restroom improvements and rearrange the interior. They also plan to utilize the outdoor space which previously was used as a sand volleyball court.
Their business plan includes the recognition of Superior history. The proposed name of Herf will be a remembrance of a former popular Superior establishment known as the Hereford Inn. The 747 Burger will recall the book set in Superior with the title of “The Man Who Ate the 747.” That book caused a raucous when it included references to a former establishment known as Jugheads. Jughead was the longtime nickname for a former owner. However the publisher of Archie comics claimed to have the exclusive right to the name and threatened legal action if the name was continued to be used.
Karnatz and Woerner plan to again feature the popular sauerkraut pizza which has long been a draw for the establishment.
The Flatwater sale was but one of many items on the meeting agenda.
The council unanimously denied the request from American Response Vehicles to display the new Superior ambulance at the Nebraska Fire School planned for today through Saturday at Kearney. Members of the council said the ambulance had been stocked with supplies and the trip to Kearney would delay placing it in service.
The council on first reading approved a change in the ordinance regulating camping in Lincoln Park. According to information presented at the meeting, some people are using the spaces for camper storage and not complying with the limited stay requests.
For example some people have been known to leave their recreational vehicles unattended in Lincoln Park through the week and take them to Lovewell State Park for weekends. Others have tried various ways to get around the length of stay rules.
The ordinance,which received first round approval Monday, provides stays be limited to 14 consecutive days and the vehicle must be removed for 14 consecutive days before it may be returned to the park. Those violating the rules may be subject to a $500 per day fine.
Permission may be granted by the mayor or city administrator to lengthen the stay. To illustrate when such action might be appropriate, it was said in case of a natural disaster permission might be granted those helping with the disaster recovery to have extended stays.
Andrew Brittenham reported it was anticipated the Superior Municipal Swimming pool would open on May 27. Filling of the pool began Monday and once filled a solar blanket will be used to help warm the water.
The council approved the resignation of TJ Morris from the Superior Fire Department. Morris had served as a Superior fireman for approximately 25 years and is a former department chief.
An application from Lynn Schwerman to join the department was accepted.
The council approved the appointment of a former councilman, Ken Rempe, to the board of zoning adjustment. He will fill the vacancy created by the death of Elmer Rempe.
Wilber Young, the Superior police chief, reported the department was preparing to crack down on speeders and those making illegal mid-block U-turns.
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