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Committee approves special privilege for Taylor’s to install 14 fail‑safe gas boxes for heated outdoor dining
Summary
DPW approved a special privilege for JT Wells (Taylor’s) to install gas deck boxes in the public right‑of‑way after engineering review and conditions to manage liability and maintenance.
The committee approved a special privilege allowing JT Wells Milwaukee LLC (doing business as Taylor’s) to install 14 gas plug deck boxes and a trench drain in the public right‑of‑way to support heated outdoor dining.
James Washington, Public Works coordination manager, told the committee DPW required stamped engineer drawings and product data and coordinated with We Energies. He described the units as designed to be fail‑safe: "They're designed to cut off the gas, should there be an accident ... if the tables are knocked over." DPW said the special privilege is a liability instrument that places maintenance responsibility on the applicant and that a future maintenance agreement will be presented to the council for ongoing upkeep.
Aldermen asked whether the privilege attaches to the business or the property owner, how DPW will ensure license compliance, and how the city would recoup removal costs if the LLC dissolves. Committee members suggested attaching obligations to the building where possible and recommended DPW coordinate with licensing and property owners. The motion to adopt passed; one alderman registered an objection on a separate easement item (file 12) but the special privilege moved forward.
