The city of Mandan wants to have three class A liquor licenses available, and perhaps a fourth, depending on what plans the holder has for it.

In approving applications for liquor licenses on Tuesday, commissioners noted that Jokers and Buckhorn bars had not reapplied for the annual license. Buckhorn has been closed for more than two weeks, and Jokers is up for sale. A third license is available with the revocation of the Ratz Bar license last year.

Commissioner Tim Helbling said developer Mike Koch also has a Class A license but isn't using it. Koch, who has had the license for two years, is asking that it be approved for one more year.

"I think we should give Koch 30 days to exercise the license or remove it," Helbling said.

Commissioner Dan Ulmer agreed, saying Koch holds the license but doesn't have an establishment.

Mayor Ken LaMont didn't agree with Helbling, saying that Koch "has done some nice projects in Mandan over the years; we should approve the license for another year."

City attorney Sharon Gallagher told commissioners that, by city ordinance, the nonuse of a license could lead to its revocation. She said that holding the license could be a detriment to anyone else who wanted one and has specific plans for its use. Gallagher suggested that the city not approve Koch's application and that he should have to come back and apply for it when he has specific plans.

Helbling said he is worried that other people will attempt to purchase available licenses and then hold them without using them. With expectations of solid redevelopment, Helbling wants the licenses put to use.

"We have to be very careful, because there is not a property interest in that liquor license," Gallagher said. "Clearly, a liquor license is not a property right, simply a permission."

Helbling made a motion to approve the liquor license applications as amended, with the exception of Koch's. In the case of that license, Koch was asked to come back to the city within 30 days with concrete plans for the license and a property in mind.

Koch is confident he will have a plan and property that will meet with the commission's approval. He added that he has plans for a property he owns on Main Street.

City administrator Jim Neubauer said the city is still looking at ways to make the licenses available. Plans include putting them up for bids. Currently a class A license, with the inclusion of a beer license, will cost about $2,500 annually.

In other action, the Mandan City Commission on Tuesday:

3 Approved assessment districts for water and sewer work on Collins Avenue, and called for bids. The engineer's estimate for the project is $1,413,583.52. Helbling asked that the commission consider funding mechanisms other than property special assessment, including up to $250,000 from city sales tax.

3 Approved the purchase of a new phone system for the fire department.

(Reach reporter Gordon Weixel at 250-8255 or gordon.weixel@;bismarcktribune.com.)