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City attorney outlines DORA steps; council member volunteers for outreach; clerk reports fire truck funding talks
Summary
City Attorney Anne Razo summarized the legal and administrative work required to pursue a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA); Council member Abby Wilder volunteered to contact local establishments. Clerk-Treasurer reported preliminary bank discussions about fire truck funding and Assistant Police Chief named a new DARE officer.
City Attorney Anne Razo briefed the Council on the requirements for establishing a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) in Decatur, saying the city would need to account for state-law requirements and conduct outreach to affected businesses before drafting an ordinance.
Razo asked council members to assist with compiling local business input; Council member Abby Wilder volunteered to help and Community Coordinator Jamie Gephart was identified as the likely staff lead for follow-up. No ordinance was introduced at the March 18 meeting; the discussion was exploratory and procedural.
In other department updates, Clerk-Treasurer Kevin Hackman said he had contacted a bank about financing for a potential fire truck purchase and that Fire Chief Jeff Sheets had received a possible purchasing option that morning; staff will return with details when financing is finalized. Assistant Police Chief Chris Brite announced that Patrolman Zack Hess has been named the new DARE officer.
What happens next: Council members and staff will begin outreach and fact‑gathering for DORA and will report back when draft ordinance language and business input are available. Financing options for the fire truck will be presented to the council when finalized.
