By JIMMY LAWTON

OGDENSBURG -- Ogdensburg officials moved forward a contract to bring a food vendor into the Ogdensburg Dobisky Center.

On Thursday, the city council voted to hold a public hearing that would pave the way for new vendor at the visitor center.

Mayor Wayne Ashley said he welcomed the proposal and looked forward to adding the new vendor on the city’s waterfront.

Richard P. Wright, Heuvelton, is seeking a lease agreement with the city to rent the long-empty kitchen and concession area at the visitor Center.

Wright plans to offer a food and soft drink menu, but details were not provided.

The city has been searching for an operator for years and has even considered turning the space into a museum due to a lack of interest.

Trevor Brunet last operated the kitchen as the Simplicity Café in 2013.

The city has requested proposals several times over the past few years and Parks and Recreation Director Matthew J. Curatolo says there has been verbal interest, but Wright’s proposal will be the first to reach city council in years.

On Thursday city council set a date for a public hearing where the citizens will have a chance to chime in on the leasing of the publicly owned concession.

After the public hearing the city will need to take additional action to approve the agreement. The public hearing will be held June 13 at 7 p.m. at City Hall.

Under the proposed contract, Wright would pay the city $450 a month for use of the space and kitchen at the Dobisky center.

Wright will also be responsible for metered utilities used at the kitchen.

No alcohol may be sold at the visitor center.