Jan. 30—LA GRANDE — The La Grande City Council has a packed agenda for the upcoming regular session on Wednesday, Feb. 1, including consideration of a new liquor license and agreements with local schools for use of Pioneer Park.

Liquor license application considered

The council will consider approving a liquor license application for a new establishment in The Landing, 1501 Adams Ave., called The Laurel. The application is for a full on-premise, commercial license, which would allow the business to serve distilled spirits, malt beverages, wine and cider for consumption on the premises. The business would also be allowed to sell securely covered containers for consumption off premises.

Kristen Drey and Amanda Twilegar, both of La Grande, are listed as the applicants on the license.

Entities to decide on sharing ball fields

Councilors will also consider approving agreements with Eastern Oregon University and the La Grande School District for use of the baseball and softball fields at Pioneer Park.

If approved, Eastern's agreement would last for three years with the option for a fourth year. It includes yearly payments to La Grande from the university for annual usage, which would start at $5,000 and increase by an additional $250 each year. The agreement also includes a turf replacement fee, which will go toward future replacement of the synthetic turf. Use of the field lights would cost an additional $60 per use.

Eastern provided a one-time payment of $75,000 as a partner during the installation of the new synthetic turf fields.

In turn, La Grande will provide maintenance on the fields and facilities, such as the restrooms. Eastern will be able to use the concession stand during events when arranged with the La Grande Optimist Club. The university will also have access to storage space in the dugout at Optimist Field to store equipment and supplies.

The La Grande School District has an existing agreement with La Grande to use the fields at Pioneer Park. The city council will consider approving an agreement between the city and the district in which the city would waive fees for the use of the fields and the district would waive fees for the use of gym and classroom spaces.

The school district would still pay annual turf replacement fees.

Isabella Crowley is a reporter for The Observer. Contact her at {span}541-624-6014 or{/span} icrowley@lagrandeobserver.com.