Economic Vitality Committee Agenda and Packet 2020 11 20

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CXtyof ECONOMIC VITALITY COMMITTEE Louisville COLORADO • SINCE 1.878 SUBJECT: STAFF UPDATES DATE: NOVEMBER 20, 2020 PRESENTED BY: MEGAN E. PIERCE, ECONOMIC VITALITY DIRECTOR SUMMARY: In the following, staff provides updates on recent activity related to core economic vitality functions. Louisville's Outdoor Dining Program: On October 29, staff notified the participants in the downtown Outdoor Dining program that City Council had agreed to continued use of the street parking right-of-way for outdoor seating areas. Staff is currently working on the supplies necessary to transition to on -street parking seating areas and re -open Main Street to vehicular traffic. To preserve the life of the patio parklets and ensure the safety of customers seated near traffic in adverse weather, staff plans to purchase concrete barriers. The new set-up for the winter program, including barriers and signage, will likely cost between $20,000 - $25,000. Staff has surveyed the downtown restaurants about their desires for winter. Approximately 10 have responded that they would like seating areas and four have requested curbside grab-n-go spots. Staff will accommodate all the requests received to the greatest extent possible, though it has been difficult to get input from the entire list of potential participants. Staff received a thank you and photo collage from Integral Steps, which did the Main Street Community Art Program this summer, which is included as Attachment #1. The program was funded by the Louisville Cultural Council and took place in the Main Street closure area over four Saturdays in August. Temporary Signage Allowances: On October 16, staff was directed to extend the waiver of permitting requirements for temporary commercial signage. On October 20, staff shared the extension from the original October 31 expiration with the business community; a copy of the e-blast with this information is included as Attachment #2. The waiver period is noted to extend through the pandemic recovery. Staff will determine a new end date and then give businesses a one -month notice prior to returning to the rules and enforcement of the 2019 Sign Code. RECOMMENDATION: No action required; for information only. Agenda Packet P. 18