HUNTINGTON — Huntington City Council approved on a 5-2 vote Tuesday the Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area without any further discussion or public comments.
Council Member Dave Funk voting no, saying members in his district didn’t want it and he represents them.
After the meeting Mayor Richard Strick referred to the passage as a “win win” for the community.
“Ultimately we had people speak out in favor of it and opposed to it,” Mayor Strick said after the meeting. “Council took that into consideration with the understanding that we had with other communities that are well ahead of us that have DORA for a year or two years, so we were able to address those public safety concerns.
“I don’t view this a win for the council or the mayor’s office, this is a win for our community, and I think it will be a good opportunity for some of our downtown businesses and vendors. Those that wish to participate in it they’ll have the freedom to do that now within a good structure and those that don’t want wish to participate don’t have to. That’s kind of the beauty of how this works. Sometimes you can have a ‘win win.’”
Police Chief Cory Boxell noted after the meeting that activating a DORA still needs to go through the Huntington Board of Public Works and Safety, be coordinated with the downtown businesses and the sponsoring event. It gives the police time vet the event and establishments and determine the number of officers to assign.
“What I like about this ordinance is it’s specific to certain events like Heritage Days and certain holidays,” he said.
Director of Community Development Bryn Keplinger explained that DORA signs still need to be made and posted in the district. Also, a final review by Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission is required. The city’s map shows up to 23 signs will be posted around the designated area to help delineate DORA area boundaries.
Four establishments have already begun filing for compliance to be included in the district, said Director of Public Works and City Engineering Adam Cuttriss, who oversees the city's Board of Public Works & Safety.
Council President Charlie Chapman, who served on the DORA subcommittee, said the mayor wants to have a contest to design the DORA cups that the drinks would be sold in.
Huntington’s DORA encompasses the south curb line of Park Drive, east curb line of Cherry Street, south bank of the Little River, west curb line of Warren Street, except for the three buildings on the west side of Warren Street between Market and Washington streets.