Liquor License Approved, City Audit Earns Clean Report

Sep 8
2 min read

Introduction

At the October 18, 2021 Government Operations Committee meeting, St. Charles officials addressed important business items, including approval of a new liquor license and acceptance of a comprehensive audit report. The meeting highlighted transparency in city finances, careful vetting of local business applications, and a commitment to maintaining high operational standards.

Liquor License Approved for The Lucas Lewis

The committee reviewed and approved a liquor license application for Brandon Wayne Enterprises LLC, doing business as The Lucas Lewis, located at 106 East Main Street.

During the discussion, committee member Ultraman Lincoln recused himself due to a conflict of interest. Concerns about the establishment potentially becoming a “dive bar” were addressed directly by applicants Brandon Wayne, Rick Merman, and general manager Dan Thomas. They emphasized their plan to open a high-end wine and whiskey bar featuring craft cocktails, locally sourced beverages, and a sophisticated atmosphere without live music.

The Police Chief assured council members of a thorough vetting process, clarifying that past applicant background issues had been resolved without convictions. The liquor license was approved unanimously, and The Lucas Lewis is planning a mid-December opening.

City Receives Clean Audit for Fiscal Year 2021

The second major item on the agenda was the presentation and acceptance of the Auditor’s Report for the Fiscal Year ending April 30, 2021.

Colleen from the Finance Department introduced Nick Baba of Sikich LLP, the firm conducting the city’s audit. Baba confirmed an “unmodified opinion,” the highest level of assurance available, indicating that the city’s financial statements were free of material misstatements.

Key Financial Highlights:

The city voluntarily prepared a Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for the 34th consecutive year, reflecting a longstanding commitment to transparency.
Governmental activities showed a $460,000 increase in net position, bringing the total to $91 million.
Business-type activities increased by $6 million, totaling $151 million.
The reported $27 million unrestricted deficit is a common result of new accounting standards requiring pension liabilities ($53 million) to be reflected in financial statements.
A single audit of federal COVID-19 relief funding identified no compliance issues or questioned costs.

Baba praised the Finance Department, particularly for their meticulous preparation and organization. The committee unanimously voted to accept the Auditor’s Report.

Meeting Wrap-Up

The meeting was efficient, lasting roughly 15 minutes. No executive session was held, and no additional comments or items were brought forward.

Conclusion

The October 18, 2021 Government Operations Committee meeting underscored St. Charles’ commitment to fiscal transparency, public safety, and economic growth. The approval of The Lucas Lewis liquor license reflects support for local entrepreneurship, while the clean audit demonstrates the city’s strong financial management practices. Together, these actions signal a balanced approach to fostering business opportunities while maintaining trust and accountability.