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Council hears preliminary presentation on social districts; police staffing and liability concerns flagged
Summary
City staff and Carol Schaffer (LARA) outlined how a social district would operate, including permitting, signage and container rules; Police Chief Scott Sutter cautioned that other jurisdictions assign a dedicated officer and said dedicating such coverage could be difficult here. Staff said more research is needed before any formal proposal.
City Manager Ellen Glass summarized prior correspondence and the Chamber’s interest in a social district and introduced a presentation by Carol Schaffer, who described how social districts operate, required permits, container and signage rules and enforcement models.
Police Chief Scott Sutter said he has spoken with officers in other departments that staff social districts by designating an officer to the district, and he warned that maintaining that level of coverage would be difficult for Linden. Staff, Schaffer and council members discussed the current number of licensed establishments, enforcement and liability considerations, potential common-area boundaries for serving and consumption, and application types and costs.
A public commenter suggested the area between Down The Hatch and the Linden Brewery might serve as a common area for a social-district event. Glass and Schaffer said additional research into models used by smaller communities is needed before the City advances a formal application or ordinance. No vote or ordinance action occurred at the special meeting.
