City Council Agenda and Packet 2020 11 24 SP

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SUBJECT: RESOLUTION 94, SERIES 2020 DATE: NOVEMBER 24, 2020 PAGE 4 OF 6 anchor the existing wood walls and reinforce the metal barriers, but there would still be a great deal of workaround since concrete barriers would block each intersection and could not be easily moved to plough snow. The Council may wish to consider if the DBA could assume some or all of the cost for contractual snow removal. Notice and Engagement In June, prior to the official closure of Main Street, and then again in August when there was the consideration to extend the closure, letters were sent to residents and businesses in the surrounding area. Based on the timing of this discussion, that level of notification was not feasible. Staff did share the planned special meeting with residents and businesses through e-news, e-blasts, website calendar, and social media. Staff does not feel we have a complete understanding of the business viewpoints. More restaurants may support winter outdoor dining due to capacity restrictions than did at the end of September or beginning of October. Staff conducted a survey of restaurants in early November and it showed that there will likely be some who do not wish to participate. Staff has surveyed other Main Street businesses about the potential impact of a much longer closure. For the Small Business Season campaign underway, staff proposed offering grab-n-go parking spots to retailers as well as restaurants. It will not be possible to provide these spots directly in front of any Main Street business if the closure remains in place, though staff could place them for businesses on Front Street or on the east -west streets that remain open. Staff is also aware there have been resident concerns about the increased neighborhood traffic that results from the closure. It is likely that if the closure extends, RTD will continue to use LaFarge Avenue as its alternate route. As the DBA suggests, there may be some measures to mitigate speeding, but the parking pressure is most likely to affect the surrounding neighborhood and RTD has shown little willingness to create a new detour. Public Safety Concerns The Main Street closure has necessitated close coordination and ongoing communications among staff as well as with other affected entities. Both Police and the Fire District worked on the initial closure planning and consented to the significant restriction a full street closure posed on their life safety services. In light of considering a further extension, staff reached out to both Police and Fire. They appreciate the especially difficult times for local businesses and have agreed to continue working cooperatively, but they did share concerns from a public safety perspective. Primarily, concerns shared include: code requirement for 20' access in front of buildings for fire attack and fire sprinkler support; alleys lack 20' access, conflict with power lines, are further from sprinkler connections, and many times blocked by delivery vehicles; downtown buildings pose unique fire hazards because of age, proximity, and lack of sprinklers; and a full closure limited use of ladder truck and additional fire apparatus. CITY COUNCIL COMMUNICATION