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Council reviews draft DORA ordinance; downtown business owner asks to delay fencing changes
Summary
Council members discussed an early draft of a DORA (Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area) ordinance that would define map boundaries, signage and vendor lists; downtown business owner Al Bartley asked whether to delay investing in outdoor fencing while rules are finalized.
Mr. Wagner introduced an early draft of a DORA ordinance and walked the council through elements that still need work: a map (Exhibit A), legal descriptions, sample sign designs and a vendor sign exhibit for participating businesses. He said several policy choices remain, including whether to set seasonal dates, which businesses to include, and whether the street committee can add signs for public safety.
Mr. Wagner noted the ordinance draft could allow participating alcohol-serving establishments to remove patio fencing in the designated area, which prompted concern about how that would affect businesses and patrons. "If you read it that way we're going to tell them you got to take that fencing down," he said, noting that could be heavy-handed and may need further revision or statutory review.
Al Bartley, owner of HooPoles, spoke during public comment and said he is preparing to invest about $15,000 in outdoor fencing and asked whether to delay the work. "I'm getting ready to invest about 15 grand in it now. So, should I hold off till next year and let the falling one stay there?" Bartley asked. Staff recommended he meet with Keith to discuss the design and insurance implications and suggested convening a meeting with downtown business owners and the chamber to answer practical questions and determine buy-in.
Mr. Wagner said the town intends outreach to businesses and the chamber before finalizing the ordinance and that the ordinance will return to the council several times for refinement. He suggested a target of next spring to implement the DORA, but emphasized the draft is preliminary and subject to change.
Next steps: staff will coordinate a stakeholder meeting with downtown businesses and the chamber, consult statutory language if needed, and return draft language and sample exhibits to the council for further review.
