Madeira considers Snack Shack uses
History, food and drink may be in the mix for the Archibald Park building
By WAYNE AYERS
| Article published on Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2009 |
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MADEIRA BEACH – Beachgoers visiting the Snack Shack cabin at Archibald Park in coming months may be able to order snack food and beverages, possibly alcoholic beverages, while viewing historical exhibits or a veteran’s museum.
Those ideas were offered by finalists competing to take over operation of the facility. They were chosen by Madeira Beach commissioners at a Dec. 1 workshop from among nine proposals submitted to City Manager W.D. Higginbotham.
Higginbotham gave no indication of his favorite, but warned some could end up costing the city money. Qualifying proposals must be beneficial to the city and also acceptable to the National Park Service, he said.
Historical pictures of Madeira Beach, along with hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza, ice cream and deli favorites would be offered in a concept proposed by Keith and Jan Hines.
“Since the Shack itself – as well as the town of Madeira Beach – has such an interesting history, we would certainly want to highlight that aspect,” the Hines stated in a letter detailing their proposal. They also mentioned serving beer, wine and frozen tropical drinks.
The couple owns the Conch Republic restaurant in North Redington Beach, and said they would like to bring a similar formula to the Snack Shack. Their proposal did not mention finances other than to say the operation would provide “an additional revenue stream for both the city and ourselves.”
Vice Mayor Nancy Oakley and Commissioner Carol Reynolds favored the Hines’ proposal.
The most extensive proposal was submitted by Michael and Rita Janecek of Paradise Sweets LLC. The Janeceks want to recreate the old Snack Shack concession stand. They propose “a fun, friendly old-fashioned store” offering a variety of beach foods and beverages, including beer and wine along with beach gear, souvenirs and gifts.
The Janeceks have operated concession stands at Pass-a-Grille and Upham Beach since being selected by the city of St. Pete Beach in June 2008, and cite their experience in managing those facilities.
A detailed financial analysis that projects the city of Madeira Beach would receive a minimum of $174,000 over the first five years of operation was enough to win the backing of Mayor Pat Shontz. She said the Janeceks stand alone with the experience needed to successfully operate the Snack Shack. This concept also gained the support of Commissioner Terry Lister.
Commissioner Steve Kochick, a Vietnam veteran, liked an idea to create a veteran’s museum in the Snack Shack along with a concession stand featuring “healthy food.”
The concept would honor veterans and recall the days when the cabin served as a rehab center for VA hospital patients, according to the proposal submitted by John M. Greco of Veterans Rights Inc. The original Snack Shack was operated by a Disabled American Veterans group, Greco noted. A veterans’ memorial would also be incorporated into the site plan.
Greco provided no financial information on his idea, but claimed the concept would best fit the original intent of the Archibald and Welch families for the property’s use.
Each of the proposals selected include a concession stand for selling food and beverages which is unacceptable to Archibald family heirs, said Maureen Cadzow, a family friend representing Archibald interests. Deeds conveying the Archibald Park property to the city prohibit leasing it for any commercial use, she said.
Cadzow urged the commission to “deal with the facts,” and “quit dancing around the issue.”
Shontz told Cadzow the commission was familiar with her concerns, which she has been expressing for the past seven years.
Among the concepts not selected was a proposal for a fine art gallery, a concession featuring “high quality nutrition food,” and a sandwich/salad shop.
Each of the finalists will now be asked to answer a series of questions and provide specific financial information regarding their plans. This will allow the commission to better compare the proposals, Shontz said.
“We need to get everybody on the same page,” Oakley added. “These (proposals) are all over the page.”
Adis to stay
The commission rejected a move by Oakley to replace a library board member who allegedly failed to represent the commission’s wishes on a recent vote.
Member Denise Adis was one of four library board members to vote against a renewal of Madeira Beach’s agreement to provide financial administration for the library. The assistance has been credited with bringing financial stability to the library, ending a period of turmoil and uncertainly.
Adis stated she objected to a clause in the contract which states the library “will provide no services that are unlawful or offensive.” She feared that language could lead to censorship of library materials.
Oakley said that, based on comments Adis made in the Nov. 18 Beach Beacon, “I don’t think that our representative to the board has any idea … as to what her responsibilities are.”
Shontz said questioning of Adis’ conduct was uncalled for.
“We still have a democracy,” she said. “We can express our wishes to Denise, but that doesn’t mean she has to go for it.”
Kochick said the commission needs to define specific issues where the city wants to instruct the library representative, and leave the rest up to the members’ discretion.
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Article published on Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2009
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