05052009 Regular Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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until they receive a number of them, at which time the group of applications will be sent to headquarters for processing. He is not sure how much time this will take but estimates about one to two months. He estimates half of businesses (30) in the downtown area will apply to extend their hours. Chris Jones mentioned that if 2 a.m. bar closing goes into effect in June 2009, then there will be a good opportunity to review when things are busy and when things are not. Sherwood Bishop requests that the ordinance include language stating that 2 a.m. bar closing can be repealed at any time. Pete Champion said TABC now issues permits for 2 years but if the ordinance was repealed, the permit would then be considered null and void. The Task Force agreed to the following recommendation: • Bring forward a discussion item on April 21, 2009 City Council agenda. • 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 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. • 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. • Six-month review period in late January 2010 to look at Conditional Use Permits, 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. For now, the Task Force suggests that CUPs be left as is and review at the end of the six-month period to more closely analyze the effects of 2 a.m. closing on establishments with CUPs. • 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. • 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 lot for taxi cabs and SWAT. • 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.