UPLAND – The future of the Upland police chief and a new downtown restaurant may be decided during tonight’s City Council meeting.
Chief Steve Adams’ claim for medical retirement from the city will be discussed in closed session at 6 p.m.
Mayor Ray Musser said he cannot comment on the details of the item because it is scheduled for closed session.
“We’re hoping to come to a conclusion. That’s all I can say,” he said.
Adams has been on sick leave since December. He is seeking a medical retirement with the city.
The City Council held off on making a decision on Adams’ retirement claim until the conclusion of an investigation by a third-party private investigation firm. The investigation wrapped up last month.
Adams was being investigated for alleged mishandling of an Upland police report taken in 2008 that involved the former Upland city manager and an ex-fiancee.
Adams’ attorney, Stephen Larson, said that the allegations were termed “unfounded” and “not sustained” by the investigator.
The City Council will also consider approving a lease agreement with Eden Gardens Sports Bar and Grill for the recently rehabilitated Lemon Growers Building at 392 E. A St. in downtown.
The agreement will include a $60,000 loan to the restaurant owner from the city to help facilitate final improvements to the building including flooring, a kitchen hood system, drywall in the kitchen area and utility connections,
http://liarcatchers.com/employee_investigations.html
according to a city staff report.
Musser said the city needs to be cautious in lending money to the restaurant.
“We’re not in the banking business. We are in the business to loan money for incentive to help them get started and get on their own, but they do need to repay all the dollars,” Musser said.
Musser said he would prefer to see a family-oriented restaurant move into downtown.
“What I think is best, however, is we need something that we can take our children to, our grandchildren to for celebrating birthdays or Mother’s Day or whatever it is,” Musser said.
“A bar tends not to lean that way. It’s usually adults and there’s nothing wrong with sports bars, but we already have one in downtown.”
Councilman Gino Filippi also believes the city should be promoting a family friendly business atmosphere.
“I support the concept of a family dining restaurant coming to downtown,” Filippi said. “More importantly, the city has much invested in the restored building and the city should take its time in reaching agreement with any proposed proprietor/tenant.”
The council will meet in closed session at 6 p.m. and enter open session at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 450 N. Euclid Ave
