By By NORMA LERNER / Niles Daily Star
EDWARDSBURG – The Michigan Liquor Control Commission has continued to close the Escape Reality Bar at Pleasant Lake in the Village of Edwardsburg. Announced Monday night during a meeting of the village council, President James Robinson said the strip bar is closed for an additional 120 days. This is to give the liquor control more time to investigate the current property owner to enter the facility to make modifications.
Robinson said the owner claims he just wants it to be a restaurant with no outside service.
The bar was closed by the liquor control in April following a raid were eight employees were arrested on sexual related warrants ranging from conspiracy to keeping a house of prostitution, lewd and lascivious conduct, prostitution, possession of cocaine and ecstasy drugs, and one charge of failing to inform sexual partner of an HIV status.
Robinson noted the owner would be interested in getting the liquor license transferred from former bar owner Raymond Ornatowski; however, it has been revoked, he said. "This investigation is to determine if that can happen." He said if it does transfer, there would be an agreement there will be no adult entertainment on that property "ever again."
Robinson added that a lot depends on the approval of the license. He understood if there is no agreement, it could open up again as a topless bar. "We will see what happens."
The council unanimously adopted a Sexual Oriented Business Ordinance as discussed at the last meeting. The ordinance was modeled from the Grand Rapids' ordinance with a few changed presented by village attorney William LaBre. It had to do with civil remedies, grievances and seeking injunctions or damages. "There is a lot of law and it's difficult," LaBre said of the 27 page ordinance. The ordinance replaces a 1998 ordinance.
The resolution serves as a fact and legislative finding for ordinances made and adopted for the regulation of SOBs.
The council conducted other business as follows.
Discussed parking problems at the Memorial Day parade and festival at Gunn Park. Parking needs to be designated for handicapped and roped off in other places with more police control for next year.
Approved for Joel Meyers' request for Our Lady of the Lake Church to hold a picnic at Gunn Park on Aug. 30 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Continued to support Boy Scout Eli Kloswick's band shell construction at Gunn Park. He is looking for donations from businesses to support the $3,500 cost.
Heard from Dustin Long who is working on a Scout citizenship merit badge.
Did a first reading of required policies to be adopted on finance, personnel and operations.
Discussed notifying the regulars who walk their dogs in the Edwardsburg Cemetery that it is not allowed as the sign says "no pets." Complaint was received that it is disrespectful to the dead.
Adopted a millage rate of 5.7492, the same as last year. It will generate $119,380.79.
Approved for the village to create a committee to develop strategic planning for the village. Interested persons may contact the village hall at 663-8484.
Reported 175 complaints to police, 22 crashes, 25 arrests in May.
Reported nine fire calls for April and 10 for May.
Reported 11 ambulance calls for April, 10 for May.