(KLZA)-- A proposed ordinance  to amend the Falls City Municipal Code banning open containers of alcohol on public property comes up one vote short of moving forward for a second time.

City Administrator Gary Jorn explained to the Council, the intent of the amendment was to clean up language, contrary to actions the Council has regularly taken in recent years. Had the amendment been approved, Council approval for events at Prichard Auditorium and beer gardens using city streets would have still been required.

Earlier this summer it was believed the Council approved the change that would allow campers at Stanton Lake Park and those renting Candlelight  Cabin at  Stanton Lake to have open containers of alcohol. The change would also have affected other City Parks.

Research revealed that to move such an ordinance forward, it required a yes vote by a majority of the seated Council members which requires five yes votes. 

For approximately a decade, the Council has regularly approved allowing alcohol to be served during special events such as wedding receptions at Prichard Auditorium. Third Ward Councilperson Judy Murphy who has consistently voted against the special designated liquor licenses said she was not in favor of the amendment and is not in favor of allowing alcohol at the Auditorium.

Fourth Ward Councilman Jim Wisdom explained he too was voting against the proposal. Wisdom said he was not as concerned about the Auditorium where it is more confined, he does not believe there should be open containers in the parks.

Mayor Jerry Oliver noted that by not allowing alcohol at the Auditorium, it could potentially hurt a revenue stream the City has been relying on.

Administrator Jorn noted he has noticed a drop in revenue due to other facilities opening for large events. Jorn noted the events at the Auditorium do help offset the cost of operating the facility although the $100 per day rental for such events does not cover his estimate of $140 per day to have Prichard  Auditorium open.

With the amendment stalled due to the vote, it brings into question the future of  events allowing alcohol sales at Prichard Auditorium as well as events such as beer gardens that utilize city streets. Questions were also raised about events at the Auditorium with previous approval to allow alcohol sales in the building.

Council member Kirby Robidoux was not present for the Wednesday night meeting.