At the upcoming City Council meeting on Monday, sidewalk dining may be made more feasible for downtown businesses.
Last year, the Ferndale City Council approved a change to the city code enabling issuance of permits allowing dining establishments to setup tables and chairs on the sidewalk (the public right-of-way) outside their businesses as long as there was a 4-foot open area from the curb. But the cost of the permits was too high according to some.
The cost agreed to by council last year was $400; $200 for an annual encroachment permit, $100 for staff review and $100 for a sidewalk dining license ($70 to renew that license in subsequent years). According to research by city staff, similar fees in other cities ranged from $15 to $300. Businesses would also be required to purchase a $1-million liability insurance policy.
Council will be asked to review and possibly reduce the encroachment permit fee and to also eliminate the staff review fee except for when permanent fixtures are installed.
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Click for more informationWhile placement of flower pots and other minimally invasive beautification elements had been discussed in committee, that was put off to be handled as a separate item at a later date.
Other items on the council meeting agenda:
- Making the Pioneer Pavilion Community Center competitive with privately-run rental venues by purchasing tables, chairs, podium and a sound system at an estimated cost of just under $50,000.
- Approving the naming of two adjoining private roads crossing Main Street by Samuel’s Furniture and Walgreens as “Joe Moser Lane” and “Dick Stone Lane” out of respect for two local decorated WWII veterans and heroes.
- Approving upgrading council chamber technology with the purchase of three large-screen televisions, including one on brackets that could swing out to facilitate audience viewing at a cost of just over $4,000.
- Presentations from State Representatives Doug Ericksen & Luanne VanWerven