Last night, city commissioners unanimously voted to decline a Cereal Malt Beverage license for Jason Lembright, owner of Lemmy's Pizzeria and registered sex offender. The commissioners also unanimously voted to accept the proposed plan for the Community Development Block Grant.
The commissioners decided that former K-State football player Lembright does not meet every requirement to qualify for a CMD license. In addition to meeting the objective qualifications to obtain a CMD license, a citizen must be deemed "of good character and reputation in the community which he or she resides."
Lembright was convicted of sexual battery against a 21-year-old female in Manhattan. His 10-year sex offender registration began in 2007. He was sentenced to 12 months in prison and 25 hours of community service, which he served.
When completing his CMD license application, Lembright informed the city of his status on the sex offender registration list.
"I let everyone I hire — especially females — know I am on the [sex offender registration] list," Lembright said. "I'm not trying to hide anything. I can't change the past, but I am putting forth my best efforts to run an honest and family-friendly business."
Before the commissioners voted, Lembright said he has raised over $1,000 for schools in Manhattan, given leftover food from Lemmy's Pizzeria to a homeless shelter and held fundraisers for the K-State marching band.
However, commissioner Jayme Morris-Hardeman said, "It is difficult for me to find anyone on this list of good character."
The other commissioners said they agree with Morris-Hardeman.
"I will continue running the restaurant," Lembright said. "I get more joy out of seeing people happy when they leave my restaurant than by making money."
Mayor Bruce Snead said this had set a precedent and hoped the commission had been fair.
The proposed plan for the CDBG outlines how the $565,734 allotment from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development would be allocated. Manhattan City Director of Community Development Karen Davis said the money is being divided up for use in four different categories. $181,200 will pay for owner occupied housing rehab.
"This money will pay for things like sidewalk repairs and emergency and accessibility repairs," Davis said.
$171,400 is being set aside for infrastructure repairs, such as the sidewalk gaps in City Park.
Community facilities would receive $100,000 of the grant money, which will help the Riley County Senior Center replace its roof and help with its heating and air conditioning systems.
"I am so grateful the Senior Center is included in this grant," said Jamie Ramsey, director of the Riley CSC. "We have had shingles fall off the roof and the expenses with the heating and air conditioning are adding up." $113,134 will be used for program administration.
The commissioners unanimously accepted this plan. It will be submitted to HUD by May 14.
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