4. Revisions to outdoor dining policies
a. Approval of an Ordinance concerning temporary outdoor dining on public property
b. Approval of an Ordinance concerning temporary outdoor dining on private property
c. Approval of an Ordinance to amend Ordinance G-20-18 concerning temporary expansion of mobile food unit operators
I am James Schmersahl and a resident of downtown Frederick .
I wish to comment on Changes to the Outdoor Dining Policies on tonight’s agenda.
I commend you for your prior decision to allow streets and public space for outdoor dining. Extending that until 2021 is sadly necessary and so I support the first resolution you will consider tonight . I further believe expanding to include nearby private property is a prudent move given the separation / density limits placed on restaurants during the pandemic.
Parklets will be a challenge for snow removal. I see that there are provisions to eliminate them if necessary. I guess the proper approach is- hope for the best. Likewise, with stopping street closure. It appears they can be resumed without further legislation; which is good.
Several months ago you gave mobile food vendors more location options, ( nonresidential streets or lots ) You allowed them to operate longer hours and you removed restrictions on being too long in the same location during the day . I support extending these relaxations for another year.
However , there are still conditions that are not waived .As I go around town I see that many food truck vendors do not adhere to 29-10 ( d) – provide recycling and trash receptacles. I suggest this be checked on occasion.
Finally I think that providing for hand washing (wet wipes) would be a reasonable requirement . You are, after all, cutting them a break because of Covid and hand washing is key to stopping the spread of the virus .
I am James Schmersahl and a resident of downtown Frederick .
I wish to comment on Changes to the Outdoor Dining Policies on tonight’s agenda.
I commend you for your prior decision to allow streets and public space for outdoor dining. Extending that until 2021 is sadly necessary and so I support the first resolution you will consider tonight . I further believe expanding to include nearby private property is a prudent move given the separation / density limits placed on restaurants during the pandemic.
Parklets will be a challenge for snow removal. I see that there are provisions to eliminate them if necessary. I guess the proper approach is- hope for the best. Likewise, with stopping street closure. It appears they can be resumed without further legislation; which is good.
Several months ago you gave mobile food vendors more location options, ( nonresidential streets or lots ) You allowed them to operate longer hours and you removed restrictions on being too long in the same location during the day . I support extending these relaxations for another year.
However , there are still conditions that are not waived .As I go around town I see that many food truck vendors do not adhere to 29-10 ( d) – provide recycling and trash receptacles. I suggest this be checked on occasion.
Finally I think that providing for hand washing (wet wipes) would be a reasonable requirement . You are, after all, cutting them a break because of Covid and hand washing is key to stopping the spread of the virus .
Thank You