City Council Meeting - 2020-05-18

Detailed briefing

City Council Meeting — May 18, 2020 • Council approved a revised planning and zoning fee schedule. Staff said the review followed earlier discussion of a storage-related zoning fee and involved staff plus one City Council and one Planning Commission representative. The schedule lists separate $50 applications for central-business-district retail displays and waterfront-district boat displays because they are governed by separate ordinances. • Council gave favorable feedback for the Chamber Foundation’s Street Music program, planned to start July 3 for eight Thursday evenings. The proposal removes children’s activities, places musicians at four locations, and uses volunteers to encourage social distancing. The foundation was asked to submit an event form for the city record; staff said it would not need to return to council for further review. • Council also supported continued planning for the Blessing of the Fleet boat parade. Organizers said there would be no dockside crowd or party, and they would broaden the boat route to spread viewing. A possible date closer to July 4 was discussed, but no final date was stated. • The senior car parade is planned for Friday, May 29, with lineup at Ottawa Stadium at 5:30 p.m. and a 6 p.m. start. The plan calls for one graduate per car, except graduating siblings, with an adult driver age 21 or older. Police, fire personnel, school staff, and organizers are coordinating the event and traffic control. • In the COVID-19 update, staff reported that a new state order allowed restaurants and retail in the city’s region to reopen Friday, subject to requirements. Government buildings remained closed to the public. City Hall was tentatively targeted to reopen June 1. Staff also said there was no citation available for failing to wear a mask, while businesses could choose whether to admit unmasked customers. • Council authorized purchase of five metal picnic tables, supported seeking donated matching metal tables, considered obtaining up to five wooden tables, and directed staff to research shade sails. Discussion emphasized the need for outdoor seating and shade, but also maintenance, sanitation, trash, wind, and uncertain city cash flow. Worth watching: • Staff will gather feedback before presenting any formal proposal to change downtown streets, parking, pedestrian flow, or outdoor dining areas. • Staff will research shade-sail locations and costs and pursue table donations. • Staff will develop a plan for reopening playgrounds and bathrooms, including signage and sanitation considerations. Upcoming: West Third paving was expected Wednesday, the farmers market was expected Saturday, and staff planned an MDOT call on use of the tunnel as a bicycle path. Why it matters: The meeting paired limited reopening steps and community-event planning with caution over public health, city operations, and uncertain revenues.

No open public follow-ups are linked to this meeting yet.