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Chief Dunphy stated the need to approach the issue with caution, to not affect other businesses negatively and affect safety needs. He suggested looking at other alternatives, such as dining on sidewalks or in private property parking lots, instead of bringing it out onto the roadway. Councilmember Shachner noted the extraordinary circumstances that the city is in and the unlikeliness that municipalities or small businesses will receive aid in another federal stimulus bill. He issued a challenge to the city to think creatively. Acting Director Milius reiterated that the city does want to find ways to expand outdoor dining, however that the residents and businesses drive the best and most successful projects. Commissioner Meyers stated that the building code decides how many occupants are allowed in a restaurant and that he would like to be included in the discussion of this topic in the future. Public Comment: Ms. Jennifer Potter of 2089 Morrison Ave. stated her interest in the topic and noted the opportunities to expand dining into parking places based on what she's seen in other cities. On the motion: A roll call vote was taken as follows: Yeas —Bullock, Kepple, Litten, Neff, O'Malley, Rader, Shachner Nays —None Motion passed. The communication was referred to the Housing, Planning, & Development Committee. 9. Communication from Councilmembers Bullock, Kepple & Shachner regarding permitting parklets as a tool for economic relief for Lakewood businesses. (pg. 15) Councilmember Bullock made a motion, seconded by President O'Malley to receive and file the communication and refer it to the Housing, Planning, & Development Committee. Discussion: Councilmember Bullockprovided background and history on parklets, as well as their implementation in a variety of cities. He noted the need for expanded dining space and how parklets can be tailor made to blocks under these abnormal circumstances. President O'Malley expressed safety concerns regarding the proposal, especially car crashes into parked cars. Councilmember Kepple reiterated the need for urgency on these proposed solutions. In speaking with a merchant group last week, she detailed a conversation that she had with a local fitness business owner who recently closed her business due to space requirements. She stressed the need to balance safety with other community needs.