There have been exploratory discussions related to possible street closures to assist in the downtown core and perhaps other areas, in terms of adding new spaces to enhance social distancing. The desire is to increase table capacity outside to better accommodate social distancing requirements and reduced capacity inside the businesses.

Terry Madeksza with the Downtown Business Alliance is available to answer questions and provide information concerning the proposal.

Items of Consideration:

Special Event Permit

• Event producers submit a special event application which includes what the event is about, dates/times, whether alcohol is served, insurance, traffic control, sound amplification, site plan, portable restrooms, etc.
• This process could be used for the street closures we are discussing, but some questions may be who is the applicant, who arranges for and pays for traffic control or other expenses, etc.

Liquor Licenses

• The idea of allowing restaurants to extend to the streets is permissible in the views of liquor laws. If the Council decided to allow this the following will have to happen:
  • Each individual business would have to apply for a temporary extension of premise which will include a detailed drawing of where they propose their new seating will be
  • Each business would have to figure out a way to clearly mark their boundaries in the street as co-mingling business serving alcohol is not allowed.
  • The extension request can be as long as the council desires (i.e. weekends or ongoing). To be consistent we have signed off for a two-month extension in the past.The extension is signed and approved by the Police Department.

Safety Considerations

• Arrangements to block the streets with a large removable barriers (ability to provide for access for safety personnel) for the safety of patrons on the street.
• Additional insurance requirements for businesses extending their premises listing the City as an additional insured.

ParkFlag Operations

• ParkFlag and Downtown Business Alliance staff are meeting with the Downtown Master Plan consultants, PUMA, to understand what they've been learning through their planning process about the business community needs, and what some best practices for re-engagement are they are seeing in other communities. That information will be combined with stakeholder feedback and internal discussions to consider possible re-implementation options.
• The intention is to develop two or three scenarios for re-implementation that would be discussed with the Board of Directors for the Downtown Business Alliance and be presented to Council.
• These options would likely involve different timelines related to re-implementation of the employee permits and ways to best begin managing pay parking again. The success of the downtown, the rebound of the businesses, and the fiscal realities of the program will all be considered.
• The discussion would be brought to the Council shortly after the Council Break. Any guidance on the intended process or thoughts on the re-opening are welcome.