There have been exploratory discussions related to possible partial lane 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.

Items of Consideration:

Possible Permits Required

• This pursuit is premised on economic development and the ability for the downtown businesses to continue operating while maintaining social distance requirements and possibly expanding capacity.
• Discussion needs to be had as to what permits, if any, are applicable.

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 barricade seating areas with removable barriers for the safety of patrons on the street.
• Additional insurance requirements for businesses extending their premises listing the City as an additional insured.
• Proposal may not have to alter existing traffic patterns.

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 Downtown businesses to be presented to Council on August 18, 2020.
• 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.
• A CCR will be provided to the Council with additional information to consider in advance of the meeting after summer break.