Culver Town Council unanimously passes DORA Ordinance amendments

The Culver Town Council convened a Special Meeting Tuesday evening, July 28th, to address two minor amendments to an ordinance originally approved earlier this year establishing a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area, commonly known as a DORA.

Town Manager Kevin Danti explained that after the ordinance was passed and submitted to the state's Excise division, he received an email from the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission identifying a couple of issues that needed to be corrected before the commission could grant final approval.

The first amendment addressed the need for stronger language specifically stating that the DORA complied with the Town of Culver's zoning ordinance for the C-1 area. A whereas clause was added to the ordinance to satisfy that requirement.

The second amendment called for the addition of a yellow star on the town's map to clearly designate the location of Cafe Max, the only authorized retail permittee currently within the DORA.

"These were the only two changes the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission requested," Danti said.

Also addressed during the meeting was a question from a merchant located within the DORA boundaries. Councilwoman Ginny Munroe noted that the merchant wanted confirmation that their property would be eligible to apply for a permit as well. A review of the updated map confirmed the property is included within the designated area, resolving their concern.

The DORA encompasses the block of Main Street between Jefferson Street and Madison Street.

The amended ordinance was unanimously approved by the Council and has been forwarded to State Excise for review. The Culver Town Council will await the state's final approval before implementing the DORA, and officials anticipate that approval will come in short order.