The request is for City Council to conduct a discussion regarding the continuation of the closure of Railroad Square on the weekends and to direct staff as to an appropriate course of action.

As Council is aware, Railroad Square has been closed on the weekends since May of 2020 to allow for businesses to utilize the space for social distancing purposes as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.  City Council last discussed this matter at their regular meeting on June 15, 2021 and voted to continue the closure.  Councilman Peters spoke regarding the closure and whether it needed to continue during the Communications portion of your meeting on January 4, 2022.  After a brief discussion, it was suggested by Councilman Altman that this item be placed on your January 18, 2022 meeting agenda for further discussion. During the discussion, Council decided to defer this item until the February 1, 2022 meeting in order to allow for input from the affected businesses to be received.