Luverne City Council members on Tuesday took action to streamline permitting processes for businesses to begin offering outdoor services on June 1.
On May 20, Gov. Tim Walz issued Executive Order 20-56 that allows for bars and restaurants to open on June 1 for outdoor service, as long as social distancing measures are maintained.
To serve customers outdoors, restaurants will need permits to operate in parking spaces, on sidewalks and public rights of way, which require a permit.
Outdoor business spaces will still need to be permitted, but city leaders indicated Tuesday they are ready and willing to help business owners with the red tape.
“Recognizing the negative impact COVID-19 has had on local businesses and potential negative impact that may continue because of lack of outdoor space, there is a need to provide flexibility for businesses to request additional space such as sidewalks and parking spaces,” City Administrator John Call said Tuesday before the council unanimously approved the resolution.
“We need to streamline the process to keep things going in the right direction.”
It essentially makes the permit process available online in a shorter timeframe. Businesses will need to show documentation of insurance and a map of the new outside operating space.
Mayor Pat Baustian suggested that concrete jersey barriers, possibly with reflective striping, could be used in streets to protect customers from traffic, depending on county highway approval.
“Mark Sehr (highway department engineer) has said he’ll approve anything with common sense attached to it,” Baustian said. “He said he won’t stand in the way of what we’re trying to do.”
Call said other communities, including those in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area, are already making accommodations for businesses to operate outdoors.
“In these times that are completely unprecedented, even MNDOT is working quickly to help businesses,” he said.
“It’s a very unique time, and I think people are looking to our government leaders to help out in this time of need.”
The city’s resolution will be in place until the peacetime emergency for the pandemic expires.