Council directs staff to extend downtown street-seat pilot for two years after split vote

The City Council debated the downtown "street seats" pilot program on June 15 and, after a split discussion, directed staff to prepare a resolution to extend the pilot for two years.

Scott Sele, community development director, summarized the pilot that began in 2015 as a way to permit on-street dining in the downtown C3 zone. Usage dropped since the pandemic, and a 2013 parking study showed overall downtown capacity was not at the cited 85% threshold, though the study did identify localized parking hotspots.

Councilors split on whether to let the pilot sunset or extend it. Supporters said keeping the pilot available helps small restaurants and allows newly opened downtown businesses to consider the option; opponents worried that on-street use could reduce scarce downtown parking and that exclusive use of public curb space requires careful policy and possible fees. One councilor suggested outreach to downtown businesses and a work session on parking policy. Another councilor expressed concern about free exclusive use of public parking and favored sunsetting the program.

After debate, a motion to direct staff to draft an extension resolution for two years passed 4–3. The council also requested staff outreach to nearby downtown businesses to determine interest and to bring a proposed resolution back to council for formal adoption. Councilors discussed potential permit fees but did not adopt a fee structure at this meeting.