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Small-business owner raises liability concerns over sidewalk license agreement
Summary
Laura Hutchens of Scattered Wishes told trustees she is worried that a sidewalk license could make her legally responsible for loose bricks and trip hazards; the village attorney said he would revise the agreement and Clerk Katie Garber confirmed active collection of business agreements.
Laura Hutchens, owner of Scattered Wishes at 116 N. Davenport St., addressed the board with multiple items affecting downtown businesses. Hutchens said she was concerned about the village's sidewalk license agreement and that she did not want to be held liable for existing hazards. "There are loose bricks in front of her business and does not want to be liable for this trip hazard through her agreement," Hutchens said.
Village Attorney Brunton responded that the liability language can be changed and that he would review and add necessary changes to the agreement. Clerk Katie Garber confirmed that businesses actively utilizing sidewalks have been asked to complete the agreements and that some have already been returned while others are in process. Trustees did not vote on changes at the meeting but directed staff and counsel to update the draft language and continue collecting signed forms.
Hutchens also asked whether food trucks could be rotated for the Dinner on the Bricks event so multiple businesses benefit; staff said location consistency is important but agreed to explore options. Garber also affirmed that a date is set in early May to refresh website photos for village publicity.
