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He asked the Committee and the administration to weigh in on the draft, add anything that is <br /> missing, and identify questions that still need to be answered and how we can answer them to <br /> move forward. <br /> Chairman Shachner asked the administration to help the Committee understand how the City will <br /> evaluate the safety of parklets. <br /> Chief Dunphy explained that public safety forces will evaluate the type of structures in place to <br /> ensure proper protection of parklet occupants from vehicles. He stated that jersey barriers should <br /> be sufficient as they have been approved by traffic engineers. He stated a general willingness to <br /> evaluate safety based on accepted standards and guidelines from trusted institutions if the Law <br /> Department is comfortable with that approach. He also stated that the site will have to be <br /> evaluated to ensure access to the building, hydrants and fire department connections (FDCs). The <br /> Chief agreed that since parking spaces are already spaced apart from hydrants and most FDCs, <br /> that this shouldn't be a major barrier to achieve compliance. <br /> In response to a question, Chairman Shachner explained that the guidelines are not intended to <br /> exclude businesses without parking spots that are adjacent. <br /> In response to a question, Engineer Papke stated that the City could inspect parklets to ensure <br /> that barriers are of the correct size and anchored properly. <br /> Mayor George acknowledged the good work but stated that there is more to do. She expressed <br /> concern about the impact on other businesses by occupying parking spaces. She also objected to <br /> the use of three spaces and expressed a preference for one. She pointed out that an application <br /> process still needs to be created and that Planning Commission should review the guidelines. <br /> Chairman Shachner responded that that the guidelines allow more than one business to share a <br /> parklet. He emphasized that parklets are currently permissible under the temporary outdoor <br /> dining legislation and that these guidelines were prepared at the request of the Planning <br /> Commission and the administration in order to provide additional clarity. <br /> Councilmember Kepple relayed that the Small Business Task Force has been discussing the issue <br /> of equity. She envisions the use of parklets for businesses other than restaurants such as fitness <br /> and retail. She relayed that businesses are seeking greater access to designated curbside pick up <br /> spots for quick pick up. <br /> Mayor George expressed support for finding a way for businesses to share parklet spaces as <br /> suggested by Ms. Hennie. She emphasized the need to be fair to all businesses regarding parklets <br /> and curbside pick up spots and that she would like to develop a comprehensive policy to ensure <br /> equity. <br /> Chairman Shachner expressed confidence in Planning Commission and the administration to <br /> determine fairness and the impact on neighboring businesses on a case by case basis. <br /> 2 <br />