Title
A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE CREATION OF A DESIGNATED OUTDOOR REFRESHMENT AREA FOR THE CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOL IN SPECIFIED PUBLIC AREAS OF DOWNTOWN HUDSON, ENACTING REGULATIONS THEREFOR; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
Brief Description: Authorization to establish a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) within Downtown Hudson.
Body
Legislative History
None.
Purpose & Explanation
On May 22, 2020, A joint letter was submitted by The Hudson Area Chamber of Commerce, the Merchants of Hudson, and Destination Hudson requesting a DORA being established in the community and proposed a framework for consideration.
City Council discussed the proposal at a workshop session of May 26, 2020. The City Council provided input and expressed a general desire for this application to be prepared as the next step in considering enactment of a DORA.
Section 4301.82 of the Ohio Revised Code authorizes municipalities to create a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA). Upon creation, an outdoor refreshment area allows restaurant patrons to legally walk around a designated outdoor area with an alcoholic beverage that has been served by a liquor-permit-holding establishment. Patrons would be required to stay within a predetermined boundary, and only during locally established days/times/events.
In order to consider creation of a DORA the City Manager must file an application with the Hudson City Council which meets certain state requirements. The application filed must be advertised for two consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation. Not earlier than 30 days, but no later than 60 days, after the initial publication of the notice, the City Council may approve or disapprove of the application.
The creation of the DORA is intended to serve as an economic tool to attract patrons to downtown Hudson and highlight the area as a destination for dining and entertainment.
Legal Authority for Proposed Legislation
Pursuant to Charter Section 6.04, Contracts & Purchasing:
N/A Competitively bid and advertised for two consecutive weeks; bid tab attached: [Yes/No/NA])
Joint or Cooperative Purchase Program
Professional Services
Other [provide explanation]
Fiscal Impact
Currently Budgeted (Account #, $)
Supplemental Appropriation Required (Account #, $)
Appropriation Not Required
Does this legislation require use of an emergency clause?
X Yes, Staff is requesting the consideration for three reading and the conducting of a Public Hearing. The Emergency clause is requested as part of the July 7, 2020 action, so the program can be implemented to provide economic benefit to the business community as part of the City of Hudson pandemic response efforts.
No
Recommendation
Suggested Action
Staff recommends City Council review the proposed legislation, conduct a public hearing, and act on the request on July 7, 2020.
Submitted by,
Jane Howington, City Manager
Thomas J. Sheridan, Asst City Manager, Professional Services
Greg Hannan, Community Development Director