1994-06-06 - Laserfiche WebLink

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284 PUBLIC HEARING: AMENDING VENDING ORDINANCE TO ALLOW KIOSK ON DOWNTOWN MALL Mr. O'Connell explained that the ordinance would allow a larger structure to be erected in conjunction with a lease with the City and noted that the proposed kiosk design has been approved by the Board of Architectural Review. Mr. Clyde Gouldman, City Attorney, reviewed the terms of the proposed lease: 5 year lease for $1,800 a year for 100 square feet, with a 5% escalator clause after 5 years; requirement of a certificate of appropriateness and certificate of deposit; sublease assignment for a similar use only; and a requirement that the premises be returned to its current condition if the lease is terminated. Mr. stated that it had been suggested, and he concurred, that the definition of a newsstand be included in the lease. The public hear'rog was opened. Ms. Sarah Greenfield, owner of Gemstone Collection, stated that while she did not oppose the City leasing space for the kiosk, she thought the issue should be address in a separate ordinance and not in the vending ordinance. Ms. Greenfield stated that she thought having the kiosk would help clean-up the numerous newspaper boxes. Ms. Greenfield stated that she thought the rent for the kiosk should be increased 5% per year. Mr. Tim Snyder, 239 East Jefferson Street and a North Downtown Residents Association Board member, stated that while he thought downtown needed a newsstand he was not sure the current proposal was the best one, adding that the downtown malt is developing a very haphazard appearance and the kiosk could make matters worse. Mr. Snyder noted that there are several vacant spaces on the downtown mall which could be used as a newsstand and he thought that leasing space on the mall would create a precedent that would be difficult to control. Mr. Robert Tobey, 1654 Shady Grove Court and a downtown businessperson, stated that he was supportive of the proposed kiosk and the ordinance amendment, but thought that prior to agreeing to any other leases in the future the City should set up guidelines for future vendors and leases. Mt-. Baugham Roemer, a downtown resident and businessperson, stated that he was strongly in favor of the concept of the proposed kiosk because he thought it would enhance the downtown malt, though he did express concern with the cluttered appearance of the downtown mall, especially the "fly-by-night" vendors. Mr. Roemer stated that he would be happy to work with the City on future vendor/kiosk issues. Mr. Larry Engle, owner of a business on the mall, stated that he felt a plan should be created for the downtown mall and he felt the roof size of the kiosk should be the dimension used in the lease, and he expressed concern about the height of the kiosk. Ms. Sue Lewis, 16 t5-B Amherst Street and Chair of the Planning Commission, stated that she is personally in favor of the kiosk but stated that she hoped that Council will begin to look at long-term planning for the downtown mall, with the assistance of the Urban Design Committee and Board of Architectural Review. Ms. Betty Siegner, 201 Sunset Avenue, spoke in favor of the kiosk because she felt the mall needs stimulating things and more aCtivity. Ms. Siegner stated that she thought the City needed to speed up infrastructure improvements and economic development efforts and increase policing. Ms. Siegner also spoke in support of a curfew. Mr. Jerald Barnes stated that he thought there should be a curfew for youth. Mr. Lee Danielson, a partner in the proposed kiosk, stated that he was looking forward to working with the City and downtown residents and businesses.