CCMIN 08172021 - Laserfiche WebLink

have commented on the importance of the fall and holiday season which was one of the factors that influenced PDAs recommendation to end the season on September 6. In response to Councilmember Testa, Ms. Ott advised the footprint of using all of Main Street was very intentional and noted if the City starts to shrink the footprint of Weekend on Main, some businesses get left out of the opportunity to participate. She noted when Weekend on Main was created the City wanted to make sure all retailers could participate equally. Mayor Brown opened the public hearing and advised speakers will have two minutes to speak. Alexis Gass, business owner on Main Street, is against extending Weekend on Main past September 6. She stated retailers normally have their biggest income from September to December and would like to take advantage of that without the street closure preventing customers from coming downtown. She would like all downtown businesses be considered equally and cited traffic and parking issues. Maurice expressed support for extending Weekend on Main. He commented for the first time in 38 years of living in Pleasanton, the north side of Main Street enjoyed a level of synergy. He advised due to COVID Oyo Restaurant is down $250,000 in projected revenue. He advised 2020 ended $32,000 in the red and if it were not for the street closure it would be bankrupt. Jaime Zile, owner of J'aime Bridal, commented the recovery time for her business is now. She stated she does not have the option for free rent in the street but noted restaurants received free rent. She commented she is having trouble getting customers into to her store even though demand is high and believes the street closure is too extensive. Jim Denham of The Wine Steward, advised they have been downtown for 21 years and have been facing the prospect of bankruptcy for some time. They are primarily a retailer and stressed the importance of visual accessibility. He agrees with keeping the parklets and encouraged closing the street less often. Cathy Denham commented she has been in Pleasanton since the 1970s end expressed her opposition to extending the Main Street closure. She does not understand why the streets need to be closed when parklets are available. Judy Wheeler, owner of Towne Center Books, expressed support for keeping the parklets. She reminded City Council that retail does 50% of its business in the fourth quarter. She noted if the variant keeps going curbside pickup is going to become important for both restaurants and retailers. She encouraged ending Weekend on Main after September 6. In response to Mayor Brown's inquiry, City Attorney Sodergren advised the City Council can continue the item 18 by a vote. Councilmember Narum expressed support for continuing the item and needs to be discussed at a more reasonable hour for the public. MOTION: It was m/s by Balch/Narum to continue item 18 to the next City Council meeting of September 7, 2020. The motion passed by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Arkin, Balch, Narum, Testa, Mayor Brown Noes: None Absent: None City Council Minutes Page 10 of 12 August 17 2021