SUBJECT
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An Ordinance of the City of Laredo, Texas amending Chapter 28, Article I, Section 28-4 of the Code of Ordinances by replacing the existing section (entitled fee for temporary lease of a street for private use”) in its entirety with new Section 28-4 (entitled “permits required for temporary street closure”); to allow temporary street closures for certain purposes; providing for the repeal of any conflicting provisions; providing for fees; providing for penalty and providing an effective date.
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PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION
Ordinance 89-O-195
BACKGROUND
The City of Laredo is committed to ensuring the safety and efficiency of temporary street closures for events within our community. In line with this commitment, Community Development has undertaken the task of updating a 35-year-old ordinance to enhance safety measures and optimize the allocation of resources across multiple departments.
After extensive collaboration and input from department heads in Traffic, Police, Legal, Risk Management, Community Development, and the Fire Department, we have carefully reviewed the feedback gathered from planning meetings held over the past year. This inclusive process has allowed us to identify areas for improvement and develop a comprehensive solution.
Our primary objective in updating this ordinance is to streamline the application process for event organizers, making it more convenient and efficient for them. We aim to introduce a one-stop shop for payments and facilitate online applications through Docuware, ensuring a seamless experience for organizers seeking temporary street closure permits.
In addition to enhancing operational efficiency, we have also considered the financial impact of these changes. To address last-minute applications, we have introduced a late fee, incentivizing organizers to submit their requests in a timely manner. This approach, developed with input from all relevant departments, ensures that safety plans, insurance verification, traffic management strategies, neighbor notifications, and security measures are thoroughly evaluated before approval by the City Manager.
To further improve the effectiveness of the application process, the amendment mandates a 30-day submission period from event organizers. This adjustment is based on the analysis of 37 temporary street closure requests, 30 of which were submitted with less than 7 days for processing. By extending the submission period, we aim to enhance the accuracy and safety of each event application processed.
This updated ordinance reflects our commitment to fostering a safe and vibrant community. We believe that by implementing these changes, we can effectively streamline the temporary street closure process, ensure thoroughness in evaluation, and ultimately enhance the safety and enjoyment of events within our city.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
N/A
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends the passing of this ordinance.
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Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Year: 2024
Budgeted Y/N?: N/A
Source of Funds: N/A
Account #: N/A
Change Order: Exceeds 25% Y/N: N/A
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no financial impact.