STRATEGIC PRIORITY: Mobility Solutions, Infrastructure, and Sustainability
AGENDA DATE: October 28, 2020
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): All
DEPARTMENT: Department of Convention and Event Services
EXECUTIVE: Joey Zapata
______________________________________________________________________
SUBJECT
title
Authorize a request to (1) amend the Temporary Parklet Program to include funding for temporary parklet program approved applicants under the Temporary Parklet Program as part of Sections 42A-2, 42A-6 and 42A-12 of Chapter 42A, “Special Events; Neighborhood Markets; Dallas Farmers Market Farmers Market; Streetlight Pole Banners,” of the Dallas City Code; (2) allocate funding pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to provide financial assistance to approved small business temporary parklet program applicants impacted by the COVID-19 Pandemic; (3) secure standardized plans for parklet design; and (4) administer construction grants and providing road safety sign-off from a consultant engineer for the location before December 30, 2020 - Not to exceed $150,000.00 - Financing: U.S. Department of Treasury - Coronavirus Relief Fund
body
BACKGROUND
On June 24, 2020, City Council approved the amendment of Sections 42A-2, 42A-6 and 42A-12 of Chapter 42A, “Special Events: Neighborhood Markets; Dallas Farmers Market Farmers Market; Streetlight Pole Banners,” of the Dallas City Code through CR 200970 to establish the Temporary Parklet Program through December 31, 2020.
The program was conceived and authorized by the COVID-19 Economic Recovery and Assistance Ad Hoc Committee in response to the impacts of COVID-19 to permit the activation of on-street parking or sidewalk areas into additional seating or service areas in an effort to assist local businesses with their economic recovery. The parklets offer an opportunity for businesses to offer outside space and seating with appropriate social distancing, while the city and state reopen for business after the lifting of shelter-at-home orders at both the state and local levels.
Creating a temporary parklet program through the Convention and Events Services-Office of Special Events (CES-OSE) allows the City to accept applications and issue permits in an expedited fashion with a low fee structure. The temporary program is designed to provide immediate assistance to those businesses seeking this additional space to expand seating capacity. Under Article II, Special Events, of Chapter 42A-12, temporary parklet permits are issued for 10 days with extensions not to exceed 60 days in a calendar year and eliminate the need for renewal fees through December 31, 2020.
Businesses submit their applications online with a 3-day response time from CES-OSE. Applicants are responsible for securing other necessary permits, such as permission from Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission to serve alcohol. Permit fees as follows: $50.00 per permit (no alcohol) and $200.00 per permit (includes alcohol).
In September 2020, the department of Economic Development and Convention and Event Services were tasked with identifying a strategy for appropriating CARES Act funds to Temporary Parklet Program applicants before December 30, 2020. Funding will be used to provide financial assistance for the Temporary Parklet Program, securing standardized plans for parklet design, administering construction grants and providing road safety sign-off from a consultant engineer for the location.
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
The Quality of Life, Arts and Culture Committee was briefed on CES-OSE permitting authority and functions, known challenges, planned operational improvements and process enhancements on April 9, 2018.
The Quality of Life, Arts and Culture Committee was briefed on proposed updates to the special events ordinance on November 26, 2018.
The Quality of Life, Arts and Culture Committee was briefed on proposed changes to permitting for special events on February 11, 2019.
On February 27, 2019, consideration on proposed amendments to Chapter 42A was deferred by Councilmember Sandy Greyson.
On March 27, 2019, City Council adopted proposed amendments to Chapter 42A, by Resolution No. 19-0449; Ordinance No. 31144.
The Quality of Life, Arts and Culture Committee was briefed on the implementation of Chapter 42A and High Impact Areas on December 3, 2019.
On April 22, 2020, City Council authorized the acceptance of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) to aid the COVID-19 response throughout the City.
The Ad Hoc Committee on COVID-19 Recovery and Assistance was briefed regarding CES-OSE permitting temporary parklets through the special event permitting process and requirements on May 12, 2020.
The Transportation and Infrastructure Committee was briefed by memorandum regarding this matter on June 15, 2020.
City Council was briefed on the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES) funds to facilitate assistance to eligible communities and households economically impacted by COVID-19 on June 17, 2020.
On June 24, 2020, City Council approved amendments to Chapter 42A to allow for parklet permitting through December 31, 2020 by Resolution No. 20-0970
The Ad Hoc Committee on COVID-19 Recovery and Assistance was briefed on a strategy for providing $150,000.000 of CARES Act funding assistance to Temporary Parklet Program applicants on October 1, 2020.
FISCAL INFORMATION
|
Fund |
FY 2021 |
FY 2022 |
Future Years |
|
U.S. Department of Treasury - Coronavirus Relief Fund |
$150,000.00 |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |