City Council Agenda and Packet 2020 11 24 SP

Home Browse Search

SUBJECT: RESOLUTION 94, SERIES 2020 DATE: NOVEMBER 24, 2020 PAGE 3 OF 6 March 2021. So, extending the closure through March or April would allow for that decision to be made based on public health circumstances at the time. The Resolution is otherwise essentially the same as what Council has previously approved and would allow flexibility for staff to determine the exact means and methods to carry -out the extension. However, based on the DBA plan, staff discussions, and restaurant feedback over the last several weeks, there are outstanding issues to consider. Temporary Structures Each participant in the current Outdoor Dining program is licensed for use of City right- of-way and also must provide proof of insurance. The current license agreement limits improvements that can be made within the outdoor seating areas, and when crafted, did not envision temporary structures in the ROW, such as pergolas, domes, greenhouses, etc. Early this fall staff created a streamlined process for reviewing and approving temporary tents and structures, but limited this process to private property uses and also linked requirements with Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) guidance on temporary outdoor structures (see Attachment #4). Applicants with various structure types have been approved to -date, but in both Council discussions, staff has affirmed that temporary structures are not permitted on Main Street. If outdoor seating continues in the winter, a clear determination should be made about the desired allowance for these temporary structures, as well as whether City action should be taken regarding heating and lighting. Planning and Building staff have been working with applicants who wish to place these temporary structures, but some are not designed to meet life safety standards or handle snow load. Also, certain types of heating are not permissible under a covered structure. Even with holiday lights, Main Street will be much darker at night than it was during the summer months, and supplemental lighting would need to consider somewhat limited access to power as well as trip hazards of cords run from buildings. With direction from Council to extend the closure, staff will further evaluate how to accommodate the requests that may make the areas more comfortable but will likely find limitations. Snow Removal In a typical year, businesses are responsible for snow removal from their sidewalk and City staff is responsible for snow plowing and removal in the streets for more significant snow events. If Main Street remains closed, sidewalks must remain passable and seating areas will need to be cleared of snow. There also needs to be a means to move the snow from the seating to an area that does not obstruct other seating or pedestrians. Under the current transition plan to on -street seating, restaurants would remain responsible for their sidewalks and for removing snow out of the parking area and into the street. Staff is in the process of gathering quotes from contractors to perform snow removal in the event of a continued closure. There is not sufficient staff capacity to provide hand snow removal within the closure. If the closure remains in place, staff would plan to CITY COUNCIL COMMUNICATION