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City scales down plan to close street as interest low

NEW ULM — Downtown Minnesota Street will not be closing for restaurants this week and might not even close next week.

During Tuesday’s city council meeting City Manager Chris Dalton brought a proposal to the council to consider closing down a section of Minnesota Street to allow downtown restaurants to reopen. However, Dalton informed the council any action was almost moot because nearly all the businesses had pulled out of using the street to serve patrons. Lola’s is the lone business considering using the street for service, but only for the weekend of June 12 through June 14.

Dalton said Lola’s has still not committed to using the street this weekend. The bistro will open its current patio this weekend to test if this is enough space for patrons. If Lola’s requires more space they will use the street as additional patio space.

Due to the COIVD-19 pandemic, Gov. Tim Walz has allowed restaurants and bars to open with outside seating not to exceed 50 patrons. City staff held two community meetings with businesses to work out a plan for reopening. The city was prepared to close sections of downtown Minnesota Street and allow establishments to use the street for outdoor service. Multiple businesses were willing to try it for two weeks, but all except Lola’s dropped out before the council meeting

Dalton said the businesses could not make it financially feasible. Having 50 patrons every hour or two was not financially stable. Most of the restaurants have chosen instead to create back patios behind the establishments.

Councilor Larry Mack asked if the city was making it too hard for the businesses to open.

Dalton said the problem was the 50-patron restriction.

“The numbers don’t work out,” he said. “I think when the governor was looking at 50 people, he was looking at your Green Mills of the world. Places that already have patio capacity.”

Councilor Les Schultz said some businesses might be willing to open in the street if capacity was raised to 50%. The plan could be saved if Walz allows this increase.

Dalton suggested closing the street could be done at a time after restrictions were lifted as a special event. For now, he suggested approving a street closure from June 12 to June 14 for 1st North to Center if Lola’s wants to try using the street for service.

Councilor Lisa Fischer said the city shouldn’t authorize a street closure if the businesses don’t want it. She recommends doing what was possible for Lola’s and if the other businesses want to use the street at a later time they can make a request.

Mack said the city will know in two weeks if the restriction will be lifted and the city could take additional action at the next council meeting.

Dalton said staff would continue to monitor the situation and speak with the business owners to ensure cohesive plans were presented to the council.

Fischer made a motion to authorize partial closure of Minnesota Street from 1st to Center for the weekend of June 12 to June 14. The closure would begin 5:30 p.m. Friday and last through Sunday evening. This closure would allow Lola’s to use the street for dining service.

Next, the council approved a liquor license extension for restaurants and bars looking to extend licenses to new outdoor patios to accommodate outdoor patrons. This would apply to Smiley’s, Plaza Garibaldi, New Ulm American Legion, Lamplighter and Mona Lena.

Most of these establishments would use space behind the building. Plaza Garibaldi would use the front parking space.

Dalton wanted to recognize the New Ulm Area Chamber of Commerce President Michael Looft who helped develop these plans.

“He helped the city and the businesses,” Dalton said.

Even though the plan to close Minnesota Street will not go forward, the city has the option of bringing the plan back at a later date.

A resolution was approved to allow the Kaiserhoff to operate a sidewalk cafe adjacent to the building. The council approved the resolution. Related to this issue, City Attorney Roger Hippert suggested the council reinstate fence requirements for patio policies. This would require all cafes on the sidewalk to have some kind of temporary fence around the approved patio space. Hippert said the barrier could be as simple as pylons with ropes.

“The problem is the areas are not designated. They are not marked and I don’t think they are always adhered to.”

The city originally required the fence but in 2010 the requirement was removed because it was difficult for volunteers to water downtown plants. Hippert felt the fencing was more important and was consistent with other communities.

The council agreed to bring the old sidewalk cafe policy back for further discussion during the next city council meeting.

The city will seek bids for the City Hall roof replacement. Dalton informed the council the roof was leaking and during periods of high wind the rubber rises in waves on the roof.

Dalton said repair estimates were $12,500 and replacement estimates were $60,000. The roof was 24 years old. Dalton said a full replacement was more cost-effective in the long run.

Councilor David Christian made the motion to seek bids. He said this expense was anticipated.

A $30,000 Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security (CARES) grant was accepted for the New Ulm Airport. The grant would assist the airport with issues related to maintenance. The city has four years to use it. No matching was required.

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