WATERTOWN, S.D.(KXLG)- The Watertown “Outgoing” City Council has approved a lease agreement for the Watertown Municipal Events Center with Santo Tequila South Dakota LLC, marking a transition in the operation of the venue. The decision was made during last night’s council meeting, following the sale of the Ramkota Hotel and the termination of the previous operator, WR Hospitality, which had managed Minervas and the Events Center.

City Attorney Lisa Carrico presented the lease details.

Carrico highlighted some key details of the agreement.

A key aspect of the agreement is the revenue split for the performance theater within the Event Center.

A point of reassurance for many was the plan for the current Event Center staff.

Mayor Ried Holien extended his gratitude to all City staff involved in the extensive process, as well as “a whole lot of meetings,” including then-interim City Manager Kristen BobZien, HR Director Darcy Nichols, Chad Spellman, and Justin Petersen.

Councilman Tupper, who was involved in early discussions, expressed optimism about the new partnership.

Following the lease approval, the council also approved the transfer of retail liquor, malt beverage, South Dakota farm wine, and video lottery licenses from WR Capital (doing business as Minervas) to Saina Watertown LLC (doing business as Santo Tequila) for the same location. Finance Officer Bobzien confirmed all necessary publications and fees were in order for the transfer, which was unanimously approved by the council.