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Lafayette council expands downtown drink zone, approves parks spending and several code updates
Summary
At its April meeting, the Lafayette Common Council unanimously approved an amended ordinance expanding the designated outdoor refreshment area, an $82,000 parks appropriation for two pickup trucks, amendments to employee-salary and zoning codes, updates to the farmers market rules, and a resolution transferring 2024 budget appropriations.
The Lafayette Common Council on its April meeting unanimously approved a package of ordinances and a resolution that will expand the city's designated outdoor refreshment area, authorize park equipment purchases, move an IT position, refine zoning procedures, update farmers market rules and reconcile last year's budget classifications.
Council approved the second reading of Ordinance 2025-11 to expand the downtown Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) beyond last season's pilot between 10th and 11th streets, extending it farther along Main Street and into portions of Fifth and Second streets. Council members amended the ordinance at the meeting to add La Scala as an authorized permit holder; the amended ordinance passed 8-0. Officials said signs at DORA entrances and exits indicate where the area begins and ends and prohibit taking alcoholic drinks outside the DORA footprint.
The council also approved Ordinance 2025-12, an additional appropriation of $82,000 from the Park and Recreation operating fund to buy two pickup trucks after fleet maintenance determined several vehicles had reached the end of useful life. City Controller Jeremy Deal said the Park Foundation will reimburse the city for one truck so the city fund will bear the net cost of one vehicle; the ordinance passed 8-0.
On first reading and by roll call the council approved Ordinance 2025-13 to move a civilian IT technician position from the Lafayette Police Department to the city Information Technology department. Andy Milam, the city IT director, told the council the transfer reflects a planned transition tied to an upcoming retirement and involves no change in salary or budget; the ordinance passed 8-0.
Council approved Ordinance 2025-14, a text amendment that narrows who may initiate a petition to terminate a previously granted special exception under the zoning ordinance. The change clarifies that only the administrative officer may start the termination process; council members characterized the change as technical language to clarify procedure. The ordinance passed 8-0.
On first reading the council also approved Ordinance 2025-15, which amends chapter 4.06 of the Lafayette Municipal Code governing the Lafayette Farmers Market. The ordinance expands the market definition to allow crafts and similar goods, clarifies that the market footprint is set by the Board of Public Works and Safety, and changes the towing window for parked vehicles from two to three hours before the market begins. Council said the change formalizes existing vendor practices and aligns the code with a recently approved footprint.
Finally, the council approved Resolution 2025-06 to transfer appropriations between major budget classifications for final alignment to posted 2024 expenses. City Controller Jeremy Deal said the transfers occur within funds and departments and result in no net change to the budget; the resolution passed 8-0.
Votes at a glance: Ordinance 2025-11 (DORA expansion, amended to add La Scala) ' passed 8-0; Ordinance 2025-12 (park fund appropriation, $82,000) ' passed 8-0; Ordinance 2025-13 (personnel reclassification to IT) ' passed 8-0; Ordinance 2025-14 (zoning technical amendment on special-exception termination) ' passed 8-0; Ordinance 2025-15 (Farmers Market code updates) ' passed 8-0; Resolution 2025-06 (2024 appropriation transfers) ' passed 8-0.
The council's unanimous votes complete approvals needed for the listed items to move into implementation. For the DORA expansion, city staff will finalize permit lists and signage before the summer season begins. For the park vehicle purchases, one truck purchase is expected to be reimbursed by the Park Foundation, reducing the net cost to the city operating fund.
Article ending: The council set a public hearing related to a separate item for May 5, 2025; other routine reports and committee items were briefed during the meeting.
