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PUBLIC WORKS MEMORANDUM <br /> NO. 2012 - 56 <br /> DATE: July 24, 2012 <br /> TO: Honorable Mayor McElroy and City Council Members <br /> FROM: Ryan P. McCrady, City Manager <br /> Richard G. Marley, Public Works Director <br /> SUBJECT: Amendments to Municipal Code, Chapter 41: Miscellaneous Street Regulations <br /> SUMMARY RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends approval of the amendments to the City of <br /> Decatur Municipal Code, Chapter 41, as proposed. <br /> The recent and ongoing changes to Decatur's Downtown streetscape have brought to light certain <br /> necessary changes, discrepancies and omissions to the current Municipal Code in regards to Outdoor <br /> Cafes as well as other right of way regulations. It is Staff's hope that these changes will make the <br /> Municipal Code more comprehensive and applicable to the changing built urban environment all the <br /> while keeping the charge of making Decatur a beautiful place to live, work and play. A summary of <br /> significant changes to City Code Chapter 41, "Miscellaneous Street Regulations" is attached to this <br /> memorandum. <br /> BACKGROUND: The proposed amendment to Chapter 41, Miscellaneous Street Regulations of the <br /> City of Decatur Municipal Code involves making changes to allow for more opportunities for <br /> outdoor dining and activities on City right of way. Currently, the Code is restrictive and does not <br /> allow for the flexibility within City right of way. <br /> BUDGET AND STAFFING IMPLICATIONS: <br /> Budget Impact: Permit fees will be collected as part of the application. The fees are intended to <br /> partially offset the cost of issuing permits, and enforcing regulations. <br /> Staffing Impact: It is expected that during the initial year, additional staff time will be expended on <br /> assisting business owners make application for outdoor cafe permits. In subsequent years, this work <br /> effort is expected to be reduced. <br /> POTENTIAL OBJECTION: Staff sent a draft copy of the changes to downtown businesses and <br /> residents. Many questions have come forward as well as concerns, but no objections to our <br /> knowledge. <br /> INPUT FROM OTHER SOURCES: Several codes from around Central Illinois were reviewed in <br /> the process of putting this Code together. <br /> STAFF REFERENCE: Richard Marley, Public Works Director will be in attendance at the City <br /> Council meeting to answer any questions of the Council on this item. <br /> Attach: 4 <br />