[OMS_MANAGERS] Notes: Mornings on Main weekly call

Tue May 19 11:48:48 PDT 2020

Since I had to leave our call early, I’ll mention that I shared some info about parklets from San Marcos, TX (Sheri, I think you originally shared the link) with City staff here in Klamath Falls, along with the heads up that restaurants and others may be interested in increasing their footprint using public space. They jumped right on it, and we already have a draft of policy for parklets/pedlets!

Not sure it’s ready to share yet, but as soon as I get the go ahead from the City, I’d be happy to share the policy if anyone would like to “borrow” it. 😊

From: OMS_MANAGERS <oms_managers-bounces at listsmart.osl.state.or.us> on behalf of STUART Sheri * OPRD via OMS_MANAGERS <oms_managers at listsmart.osl.state.or.us>
Reply-To: STUART Sheri * OPRD <Sheri.Stuart at oregon.gov>, Oregon Main Street program managers <oms_managers at listsmart.osl.state.or.us>
Date: Tuesday, May 19, 2020 at 11:31 AM
To: Oregon Main Street program managers <oms_managers at listsmart.osl.state.or.us>
Subject: [OMS_MANAGERS] Notes: Mornings on Main weekly call

Re-opening Discussion – what’s been happening in our network communities
Klamath Falls Downtown Association: about 60-70% of normal traffic; some restaurants chose not to re-open and keep doing take-out; others are doing reservation system to control traffic and to get comfortable working with guidelines. This seemed to be working on Friday night. To welcome people back downtown, KFDA did a photo opp w/ a small group of business owners participating in a ribbon cutting and demonstrating appropriate social distancing (see attached screenshot). Business owners are working on a collage photo. Klamath Idea held a virtual business summit via zoom with an overview of the guidelines for re-opening and then break-out sessions led by a topic leader in retail, restaurant, outdoor recreation, and personal services. Click Here for link to recordings.
Greater Bandon Association: estimate at about 35-40% of capacity with re-opening starting very slowly. Some folks were ready to go on the 15th but others are penciling it out and waiting closer to Memorial Day. Chamber has been doing a lot of messaging around being safe and business openings on Facebook. On the south coast, Regional Solutions coordinated reopening discussions w/different sectors as well Click Here for a link to recordings. 
McMinnville Downtown Association: it’s a mixed bag on what’s opening and what’s not. There were a lot of people strolling around downtown over the weekend and seemed a little confused by the # of businesses still closed. Seems like businesses are targeting June 1. 
Reedsport Main Street: there is a strong dichotomy locally about people’s perceptions of safety.
Lakeview Community Partnership: opening was quiet there as well. Restaurants are continuing their take-out. Going into it slowly. Although, people do feel relieved to have a choice.
City of Cave Junction: they also are having a slow re-opening but have noticed an uptick in traffic going to the coast. 

New Initiatives
City of Woodburn is focused on safe practices for those that are open. Amada is going to go out and do in-store videos to showcase efforts to be safe and open. In addition, the City of Woodburn is going to order a mass quantity of re-usable face masks for all businesses and residents. They are exploring the possibility of a local business’ capability of expanding operation to meet this need. Their preference is to buy from an Oregon business or made in the USA if possible depending on cost.
Beaverton Downtown Association: a neighborhood group is looking at making face masks for downtown businesses.
Greater Bandon Association: they have a nonprofit in Coos & Douglas county offering PPE at cost with one day turnaround https://www.sowibsupply.com/. They also have a local distillery making hand sanitizer.
Lakeview Community Partnership: Ginger might have a lead on masks from a business who has re-tooled to make them. She will follow-up with info.

Follow-up on previous ideas
Have any communities moved forward with plans to use sidewalks and streets for restaurants?
Kelly mentioned California has just approved this type of use: Click Here to see an article on this.
The City of Beaverton is moving forward with developing a process to do more on-street parking. Exploring whether OLCC can grant an area-wide permit to group businesses under one permit.

Future thought:
As new ventures are tried on a temporary basis, like use of public space for restaurants, think about whether some things should be a permanent new way of doing business to build business resiliency. At a minimum, we need to collect these stories and provide to communities to incorporate as part of disaster preparedness planning. 

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