Council Approves Graydon Cafe Concession With Hesitation

With reluctance and lingering fiscal questions, the Ridgewood Village Council voted to outsource the Water's Edge Cafe at on Wednesday night.

Pitched initially in budget meetings as a win-win, cost-saving measure by the Parks & Recreation Department, the resolution awards "Vending to Please LLC." to provide snacks and meals to Graydon attendees during the 2012 summer season for $15,000.

rubbed Deputy Mayor Tom Riche the wrong way. He noted from 2004-2006 the village-run stand could boast positive revenue streams but the good feelings ended, with negative revenue streams from 2007-2011. Even with a detailed report, it's unclear why the village is bleeding into the red on the concession stand.

"It's disturbing to me this situation hasn't been addressed up until now," Riche, the lone 'no' vote to the resolution, said.

Other council members expressed similar sentiments, but approved the measure because Graydon's opening date is on the council's doorstep and the village could simply not renew the bid option next year.

Councilman Steve Wellinghorst said the village should take time out during the off-season to more closely analyze the revenue numbers to better understand what it's dealing with.

Should the council extend the bid next year, it would receive a 4 percent increase (worth $18,000). Parks officials said by eliminating salaries and food costs, privatizing the cafe could realize an annual savings north of $75,000.