The Kewanee Park District’s license for gaming machines has been approved and they could be operating by March.
“We received our license in the mail and we’re ready to go,” said Brian Johnson, parks and recreation director.
The district will place three machines, and a credit redemption machine, at the 19th Hole Restaurant, separated from the restaurant area by a partition as required by law.
Johnson said the district recently had a site visit from the company installing the machines and there were no red flags raised. He said the district plans to use the proceeds to support district programs.
“We just want to see how it goes this year,” he said, though there is the possibility that more machines could be added if the games are popular.
But to do that, according to Johnson, the restaurant facility would have to be reconfigured to fit the additional machines.
Commissioners discussed several other issues related to the district’s golf course restaurant.
One is the development of a dress code for the restaurant’s waitresses.
“I’d like us to be professional and look good while we’re doing our job,” said Commissioner Andrew Verstraete.
Commissioners agreed that a general khaki pants/polo shirt ensemble would provide uniformity for waitresses, though restaurant cooks would be exempt from the dress code due to the messy nature of their work.
The only unresolved question was whether the park district would pay for the uniforms, or require workers to supply them.
Johnson said district employees would further research the issue concerning costs.
The district restricted dress last year as well, banning employees from wearing flip flops on the job.
“We’re going to have to establish something,” Verstraete said.
Johnson also reported that there also would be slight changes to the restaurant’s menu this year.
He said half-sandwiches and a few other items had been taken off the menu, and that the “early bird” special had increased in price from $5 to $6.
District staff members are investigating ways to save money at the restaurant, which includes finding cheaper paper products.
While the restaurant’s staple foods, such as hamburgers and hot dogs, will still be served, he said alternatives were being sought for some of the other food items.
Johnson said the restaurant’s manager had recently undergone updated food service training offered by the Stark-Henry County Health Department.