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City Council explores temporary DORA tied to special events
Summary
Council discussed creating a designated outdoor refreshment area (DORA), with staff recommending a model tied to special events as a pilot. Council asked staff to consult downtown stakeholders and the special‑events review committee and noted enforcement and cleanup concerns flagged by police.
City Attorney Miss Hoffman introduced the concept of a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) as an input item, outlining options that range from year‑round entertainment districts to temporary event‑tied DORAs. She said staff could return with detailed alternatives if council signaled interest.
Several council members favored a DORA limited to special events and suggested using the city’s special events review committee and downtown business partners to define boundaries and rules. "I think DORA might be best served if it's tied into special events and special events only," said Mr. Heistler, urging a cautious, event‑based pilot.
Police Chief Goldstein said the department had reviewed example ordinances and raised enforcement concerns — container rules, minors in a DORA area, crowd control and cleanup — and asked that department heads provide operational perspectives before council adopts any ordinance.
Council members asked staff to survey downtown businesses and event organizers, involve the alcohol licensing commission and report back with concrete options. No vote was taken; the item was recorded as an input directive to staff to continue research and stakeholder outreach.
