Liquor license transfer on hold pending state investigation
By Jennifer Mitchell
Rocky River
Published August 2, 2006

In May, Economic Development Director Kory Koran purchased the 1,750-square-foot vacant Dorutina’s Deli on Lake Road with his wife, Angela. Besides the building, the $150,000 storefront purchase included a liquor license for beer and wine, and wine sales on Sundays.

The license transfer came before City Council Friday, and, because of an upcoming investigation, members unanimously voted to object to the switch.

Published reports have raised the question of whether Koran’s purchase was an abuse of office. An investigation by independently elected city Law Director Andrew Bemer showed no wrongdoing, but he and city officials decided Thursday to ask the Ohio Ethics Commission to review the purchase also.

City Council had until Aug. 14 to object, or the transfer would have taken place automatically. Council is scheduled to recess for the month of August and Councilman At-Large Brian Hurtuk said he wanted more time to look into the details of Koran’s purchase.

Council President Brian Hagan echoed Hurtuk’s request. Both said that the decision was not an implication that Koran had done anything wrong, but that council just needed a little more time to make sure it had the facts.

Before voting, Councilwoman At-Large Linda Bartalozzi asked the law director what repercussions such a decision would have on the applicant, Koran.

Bemer said that Koran had the opportunity to appeal, and that the burden of showing why such a transfer should not take place would be on the city.

If, after the council feels it has had time to look at all the facts, members want to withdraw the objection, Bemer said they can.

Hagan explained that the vote by council wasn’t a final objection; it was just the next step in requesting a hearing on the matter, giving members’ time to further investigate.

Bemer planned to file the paperwork for the license transfer following Friday’s meeting. A hearing date has yet to be announced.

The actions of Rocky River city officials are being closely followed by residents and the media since last year when an investigation began into former Mayor William Knoble for hiring his son and brother at the city-operated wastewater treatment plant.

The Cuyahoga County court ruled in June that the hirings were a violation of Ohio ethics law. As part of a plea deal, Knoble resigned from the office of mayor.

In response, City Council adopted its first hiring policy July 10. It mirrors state ethics law and spells out exactly what is allowed and what isn’t. The delay in approving Koran’s license transfer is part of city officials’ efforts to scrutinize themselves as closely as the public is, Hagan said.

“Being public officials, I think there is a higher standard (expected of us),” Hagan said.

Previous West Life articles:

• City clears Koran of wrongdoing
• Spotlight on Koran purchase