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MINUTES
DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
April 11, 2022 7:00 P.M.
1. Call to Order, Roll Call, and Establishment of a Quorum.
Alderman Stout called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Roll call found Aldermen Melissa Birch Ferguson, Christine Dettmann, John Jakabcsin,
Jayme Sheahan, and Rebecca Stout present.
Also in attendance was Community Development Director, Tom Dabareiner.
2. Approval of Minutes.
A. March 14, 2022.
Alderman Dettman moved and Alderman Jakabcsin seconded a motion to approve
the minutes. Voting Aye: Aldermen Birch Ferguson, Dettmann, Jakabcsin, Sheahan
and Stout.
Alderman Stout announced a change in the Agenda order whereby Item for Discussion 5.
A., The Preserve at West Branch, would come next.
5. Items for Discussion.
A. The Preserve at West Branch — Last month, the Plan Commission voted
unanimously to recommend a proposed 226-unit single-family Pulte development
known as the Preserve at West Branch, located north of the St. Andrews Golf Course
property. Staff has received a request for continuance from a Homeowners’
Association (letter included). Upcoming available meeting dates include a special
meeting date of either Wednesday, April 27 or May 4, or the next regularly scheduled
Development Committee meeting on Monday, May 9.
Tom Dabareiner indicated that a request was received to continue this discussion to
another meeting. Staff selected some possible options to schedule a special meeting or the
Committee may proceed with the discussion.
Development Committee Minutes
April 11, 2022
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Alderman Birch Ferguson moved to table this discussion until the next regularly
scheduled Development Committee meeting on May 9, 2022, and Alderman Dettman
seconded the motion. Voting Aye: Aldermen Birch Ferguson, Dettmann, Jakabcsin,
Sheahan and Stout.
3. Public Participation. None.
4. Items for Consent. None.
6. Unfinished Business. None.
7. New Business.
A. Outdoor Dining — Discussion is requested on whether the Development Committee
wishes to see Outdoor Dining in the Public Right of Way continued, at all, or either
seasonally or year-round, as a Special Use (recommended) or Permitted Use, and
have Staff develop formal regulations for consideration at the next available Plan
Commission Meeting.
Alderman Stout stated they are always looking for ways to help their small businesses.
The COVID Pandemic affected many businesses, but some adaptations were made in
order to help them keep functioning. Tonight’s discussion is to explore the potential for
making permanent some of the allowances given during the Pandemic and to have staff
look into corresponding language for text amendments.
Alderman Birch Ferguson said she is in favor of allowing businesses to continue doing
this.
Alderman Stout recognized Alan Gilbert, owner of The Bunker Bar & Grille, 216 Main
St., to speak. He thanked the Members for the opportunity to speak and that it means a lot
to the owners and patrons of his business to explore this option. He relayed the City
provided for the purchase of and allowed them to put tables and chairs in front of this
business. Eventually, they found a way to make the setup work while still allowing for
proper sidewalk clearance. The surrounding businesses also benefitted from the increased
foot traffic. It made the downtown look lively. Now he has to store the outdoor tables and
chairs, however, as he has no other place to put them.
Alderman Dettman asked if there were ever any problems with accessibility. Mr. Gilbert
said they did once, but they made some adjustments to make it work. He stated he has
heard that some cities have businesses sign agreements regarding outdoor seating in the
Public Right of Way.
Alderman Sheahan said she thinks it is a good idea, but she believes more structure needs
to be put in place. Alderman Dettman stated the Pandemic is not really over as businesses
are still playing catch up. The tables, chairs and tents purchased should not go to waste.
Outdoor dining makes the City look vibrant, and as long as it is safe she is all for it.
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Alderman Jakabcsin stated he is all for it as long as there is a walking path for strollers
and passersby. He mentioned other cities allow for this and it seems to work quite well.
Even the outdoor tents in winter seem to work well. Mr. Gilbert mentioned smoking and
hat he has had to work with smokers to ensure they are a proper distance away. Mr.
Dabareiner indicated that smokers would need to be at least 15 feet away from any
outdoor patrons. Mr. Gilbert said he is happy to comply with whatever rules he needs to
follow. Mr. Jakabcsin stated that he would like to see this change come about as quickly
as possible as he has heard case counts are rising in some areas of the country. Mr.
Gilbert indicated he also would like to have the two parking spots in front of his
establishment for table use.
Alderman Stout indicated the members seem to have unanimous support. Mr. Dabareiner
said that more direction is looked-for regarding the serving of alcohol on public property.
Alderman Birch Ferguson said she is in favor of allowing it seasonally with their liquor
license. She supports a Special Use, but does not want the businesses to pay an additional
fee. Mr. Dabareiner stated that a Special Use is proposed by to ensure that other
requirements, such as ADA regulations, are met. Alderman Stout asked how to put limits
in place to not allow alcohol to be served on public property everywhere. Mr. Dabareiner
suggested making allowances for the Downtown TIF area, but indicated these types of
restrictions are difficult to put in place. Alderman Dettman asked if liquor licenses could
be limited. Mr. Dabareiner said yes, but they could not control in which areas they would
apply. Alderman Sheahan said she does not feel it would be fair to only allow for this in
the TIF area. Alderman Stout asked if it would be possible to add stipulations within a
Special Use to define the allowable areas.
Alan Gilbert mentioned he is one of the few establishments looking for use in the Public
Right of Way. Alderman Dettman asked about limiting the number of current licenses,
and then allowing for more if needed. Further discussion ensued among the Alderman,
Mr. Gilbert and Mr. Dabareiner about special use options and changing the liquor license
requirements for outdoor dining with seasonal restrictions. Mr. Dabareiner said this Item
would come back to the Committee for discussion and he asked about timing. Alderman
Stout suggested it be the first Item on the Agenda in May to address this matter promptly.
8. Reports from Staff. None.
8. Adjournment.
Alderman Birch Ferguson moved, and Alderman Dettman seconded the motion to
adjourn the Development Committee meeting at 7:23 p.m. Voting Aye: Aldermen
Birch Ferguson, Dettman, Jakabcsin, Sheahan and Stout.
Respectfully submitted,
Jane Burke
Development Committee Minutes
April 11, 2022
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