05052009 Regular Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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Summary of Recommendations The Task Force recommends the following timeline regarding an implementation plan for 2 a.m. bar closing: 1. City Council Discussion item on April 21, 2009 2. If the City Council so directs, draft an Ordinance to implement 2 a.m. bar closing and review in 6 months and 12 months. This time period was chosen to coincide with when the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) can issue revised permits for restaurants/ bars wishing to extend their hours to 2 a.m. The Task Force says implementing during this time period will also provide the best diversity of sample since it will begin during the Summer semester, includes a time when the University has final exams, and captures the holidays. 3. The Ordinance revisions would be considered on first reading at the May 5, 2009 City Council meeting and on second reading on May 11, 2009. 4. Six-month review period in late January 2010 to look at Conditional Use Permits (CUP), Emergency Medical Services, and Central Texas Medical Center data. City Council may need to look at the makeup of Downtown businesses from a policy perspective to re-assess numbers of bars and restaurants Downtown. For now, the Task Force suggests that CUPs be left as is and review at the end of the six-month period to see to more closely analyze the effects of 2 a.m. closing on establishments with CUPs. 5. The Task Force asks staff to work with the University and CARTS to create a route in student-populated areas and work with the Students with Alternative Transportation (SWAT) group. 6. The Task Force also recommends updating the Taxi and Limousine Ordinances and recommends that staff talk with Hays County about using areas of their parking lots after hours for taxi cabs and SWAT. 7. If the City Council agrees, the Task Force recommends placing a link on the City's website encouraging citizens to email their comments to the City Council between April 22nd and May 11th final reading. Next Steps Following the April 21 discussion, the City Council agreed to move forward with consideration of amending the ordinance regarding the extension of alcoholic beverage sales. They also asked that a 12-month and 2-year review period be added to the proposed ordinance. The City Council agreed to allow the Extended Hours Task Force to review and provide recommendations regarding how 2 a.m. closing affects CUPs and provided additional