The Niles City Council is helping a new business get on its feet in downtown Niles.

On Monday, the council approved Bryan Williams’ request for a $25,000 loan from the city’s revolving loan fund.

Williams will use the money to develop a new cocktail lounge at 205 N. Second St., the former Stein & Vine wine bar property. The loan, Williams said, will be used as down payment for the building.

“I want to thank the city and the council for the approval,” Williams said. “I think Niles really champions small businesses and their decision backs that up.”

The loan is contingent upon Williams securing an acceptable purchase agreement with the owner of Stein & Vine.

David Mann was the only councilman to vote against approving the loan.

“I am a strong supporter of small business growth in the City of Niles but was uncomfortable with providing city loan money for this project since it is an upper-scale bar,” Mann said. “Although it is my belief that businesses in our town should have the freedom to serve alcohol, I am uncomfortable with providing city money for such projects. However, Bryan Williams, the owner of the cocktail lounge, and I have corresponded since the vote and we have a mutual respect for our different perspectives on this issue. I remain committed to seeing business growth in the City of Niles.”

Williams, who owns the downtown Niles business Trailhead Mercantile, hopes to have the cocktail lounge, named The Brass Eye, open in time for the Hunter Ice Festival, which is slotted for Jan. 16-18 this year.

“That’s what I am shooting for,” he said.

Also Monday, the council approved a $33,892 contract with Delbert Payne, of Niles, for the removal of 122 dead, dying and dangerous trees and 126 stumps. The list of trees was complied after surveying the entire city in September and October.

City Administrator Ric Huff said many of the dead and dying trees were affected by the emerald ash borer, an insect responsible for killing millions of trees.

“It will probably be a problem for the next few years,” said Huff of the insect.