Almost every week this is the "What's on the city council's plate this week" review. I don't cover everything, so if you want the full rundown, read the packet and agenda yourself.

1. From what I can tell, the council is sticking with the 1 percent increase allowed in the Ad valorem tax under Initiative 747. While that initiative was struck down by the courts, it looks like the state legislature will put that limit back in place later next week. Here's a pdf of the draft ordinance.

2. The council will also look to remove the sunset portion out of the controversial pedestrian interference ordinance. Now, they don't have to reconsider it every year, it will just be on the books. From the staff report:

Among other provisions, the Pedestrian Interference Ordinance (PIO) created:

1. A 6-foot pedestrian Walking Lane measured from the face of a building or property line;
2. Sidewalk obstruction permits for street furniture when a
6-foot walking lane can still be maintained; and
3. Busking licensing requirements.

In summary, city staff and many downtown merchants believe that the PIO and its phased implementation appear to have been a success. The Police Department’s initial focus on an educational approach was successful and no person has been cited. CP&D has issued 35-sidewalk obstruction permits and no busking license has been issued. The Land Use & Environment Committee and staff recommend that the ordinance be extended.

(Staff had also recommended to the Land Use and Environment Committee that the ordinance be further amended to provide civil citation provisions when a business fails to comply with sidewalk obstruction permit provisions for street furniture such as tables and chairs. Upon further review, staff has discovered that this authority already exists and no further amendments are needed at this time.)

3. And, since I'm a sidewalk nerd, I'm going to include this one. New sidewalks on Decatur:

Decatur Street SW from 9th to 11th Avenues will be re-constructed as a stormwater low impact development demonstration project. As part of this project, missing segments of sidewalk will be constructed on the west side of Decatur Street from 9th to 13th Avenues. Pedestrian curb ramps at several intersections need to be installed or upgraded to meet current ADA standards. Additional right-of-way is necessary to construct these ramps.

Design is nearing completion and staff continues to work on acquiring the necessary right-of-way for the sidewalk improvements. Construction is scheduled to begin Spring, 2008. Agreement has been reached with the Hidden Creek Community Church property located at the corner of Decatur Street and 9th Avenue.