The motion directs senior city staff to look at options for improving program delivery and supporting businesses impacted by installation delays and other issues with CaféTO this year.
City Council Adopts my Motion to Improve CaféTO
My motion calling for a comprehensive review of the CaféTO program was adopted today at City Council.
This comes after the city announced Wednesday significant progress on the installation of CaféTO patios. Approximately 90% of patios had been installed by mid week and the city expects the rest completed by Sunday.
My motion reflects the many issues that were identified over the last few weeks, such as moving up the application and permitting process to ensure patio installations are done for the start of patio season, improving communications to small businesses and BIAs and incorporating feedback from stakeholders.
Some other highlights of the motion include directing the City Manager to:
- Consider refunding 2023 or modifying 2024 program fees.
- Determine if any additional financial assistance can be provided to program recipients for capital costs relating to patio installs
- Look at automatic renewals for all approved 2023 locations and permits
I also moved to have the City Manager report on creating a business model for CaféTO led by a single city division to ensure a coordinated, efficient and effective delivery of the program going forward.
I would like to thank city staff for working with me these last few weeks to address immediate issues with the program's roll-out and for their hard work to complete the patio installations over this last week.
You can read my full motion here.
I'll be sure to keep you updated on the review process and how small businesses can participate.
