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Commission also suggested shifting the parklet east and strengthening the barricades. Planning <br /> Commission offered to hold a special meeting to expedite the application once these items were <br /> addressed. <br /> Chairman Shachner inquired if the Planning Commission had discussed the possibility of making <br /> parklets permanent. <br /> Director Leininger replied that the City only has one parklet and so it has not had ample <br /> opportunity to learn and study parklets. He noted that additional concerns have continued to <br /> come up around parklets such as sight lines and general safety of customers. He acknowledged <br /> that the City has guidelines in place to mitigate these concerns but that not all risk can be <br /> mitigated. He further noted that other communities are facing issues with parklets as well. <br /> Director Leininger stated that the City has learned some lessons about outdoor dining in general <br /> and will be revisiting outdoor dining regulations again as the temporary outdoor dining program <br /> begins to sunset. He provided some initial thoughts on this matter. <br /> The Committee discussed how other communities are currently managing outdoor dining and <br /> parklets. <br /> It was clarified that although parklets are not discussed in Resolution 2020-31B, that the Mayor <br /> is asking for a substitute to explicitly exclude them from the temporary outdoor dining program. <br /> Referencing the recent robust discussion in Planning Commission around the newest parklet <br /> proposal, Councilmember Rader observed that the current process for vetting parklet proposals <br /> has seemed to operate smoothly. <br /> Mayor George stated that she wants to be on the record with her safety concerns about parklets. <br /> She stated that parklets are not fully vetted and that more needs to be done to make them safer <br /> before the City commits to them. <br /> Director Leininger acknowledged that while Planning Commission is doing well managing the <br /> process, the process is set up to allow Planning Commission to overrule the City safety forces, <br /> which presents a potential conflict. <br /> The Committee asked if the express parking will also be extended. <br /> The administration clarified that that program was enacted through separate legislation. It was <br /> stated that the Mayor has the authority to create, extend, or modify this program through <br /> executive action and so there is no need to pass legislation because the Mayor plans to continue <br /> the program. <br /> Councilmember Bullock expressed support for extending the temporary outdoor dining program, <br /> noting the success of the program. He stated that he would like to allow for the continued <br /> possibility of parklets and explained his reasons. <br /> 2 <br />