Board Meeting: One Oktoberfest Officer is Enough

When 800 West restaurant and Scavuzzo's Cafe Italia host their joint Oktoberfest celebration Oct. 8, there will be just one police officer on duty to maintain order.

The Western Springs Board of Trustees Tuesday approved a request from the restaurateurs to hire a single officer for the event, rather than the two recommended by the village.

It's customary for two officers to cover such events, said Deputy Brian Budds. "If one officer needs to take a break, the other can be there. More importantly, if a disturbance occurs, we like the officers to work in pairs for their safety as well as others'.

But Andrew Bobich, 800 West general manager and managing partner, told trustees cost was a consideration for the restaurants, both of which have been in business in Western Springs for less than 18 months.

"Due to the limited budget, two police officers may be more than we can afford for the event," Bobich said.

The board agreed, noting other recent events staffed by two or more officers were considerably larger than the 100 attendees anticipated by 800 West.

The event's proximity to the Western Springs Police Department also factored into the trustees' decision. The Oktoberfest will take place on the 800 West patio and adjoining parking lot at 800 W. Hillgrove Ave.

"Less than 100 yards away is the police department," said Board President William Rodeghier. "In my view, if they went with just one officer, considering the size of the event and the size of the location, and we'll see how that works."

The 800 West event might be "easier to control because it is set back from the parking area," said Trustee Deborah Lyons. However, she asked that the restaurants cover the cost if a second officer needs to be called in at some point during the event, which is scheduled from noon to 9 p.m.

Two to four patrol units will be on duty that night, and could be called to the event if neccessary, Budds said.

Event sponsors are required by village code to contract for off-duty police personnel, he said. The officers are paid at an average overtime rate of $52 to $53 per hour.

Bobich said the cost is prohibitive for "two struggling restaurants trying to make it," adding "we want everyone to be safe."

The restaurant will have additional managerial personnel working the event, he told trustees.

Bobich said he had mentioned the restaurants' concerns to Director of Community Develpment Martin Scott, who forwarded them to the trustees. 

Plans call for the event to take place on the patio and a nearby tent. Other features include the car show and a bouncy castle for kids in the parking lot, Bobich said.

The restaurant was granted a temporary beer and wine license for patrons who leave the patio area. Hot dogs, hamburgers and brats will be on the outdoors menu, Bobich said. The restaurant also will remain open.