Economic Vitality Committee Agenda and Packet 2024 02 16

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Economic Vitality Committee Meeting Minutes January 26, 2024 Page 3of5 Chair Dickinson noted that there are no restaurants on the 900 block of Main Street and wondered whether it makes sense to include Walnut Street to South Street in the closure. Public comment from Rick Kron: Mr. Kron responded that there are quite a few retail stores on this block and noted that the DBA performed outreach to the businesses on this block and that feedback was overwhelmingly in support of closing the block. Chair Dickinson stated that he is not opposed to including the 900 block, but cautioned there would be an additional loss of downtown parking sports. City Manager Durbin confirmed that staff will plan to include the 900 block, with the knowledge that it can be removed from the closure plan prior to implementation. Chair Dickinson wondered if the street can be closed to both vehicles and bicycles, with no hard boundaries within the closure. Manager Zarate commented that this could be an issue for liquor licensing. Director Zuccaro confirmed that ropes, barrels and structures were used in previous years to separate the premises with liquor licenses. City Manager Durbin noted that it's important to ensure that the closure includes barriers that will stop vehicles from entering the closed area. However, he acknowledged that there also needs to be a way for Fire to access the street. Staff acknowledged that this may not be feasible this year, but that they will work on identifying a long-term solution. Director Zuccaro noted that a solution will likely require a budget for infrastructure investment. Staff will return with a budget for closure at the February meeting. Chair Dickinson added that if patios are not rented out this year, the City will not be collecting revenue from the rentals. He noted that businesses are likely to see increased sales during the closure period, which would result in increased City revenue. The EVC collectively wondered whether it would make sense to charge a fee for businesses to participate in the street closure, but acknowledged that it may be more difficult to do so. Chair Dickinson also wondered whether sponsorships may be possible. Chair Dickinson added that he would like to explore common consumption for the closure area. He noted that he doesn't know that all businesses would be in favor of common consumption, and that he would like to hear feedback. Staff noted that they will work with the City Clerk's Office to determine the feasibility of a common consumption area for 2024. Staff will return in February with a proposed plan for the temporary closure of Main Street. 8. Discussion/Direction — EVC Outreach Meetings: Agenda Packet P. 5