The Kimball City Council approved Ordinance 652 - otherwise known as the Sidewalk Cafe Ordinace - on first reading by title only at  their July 15 meeting. Council members Baliman, Schnell and Warner voted yes and Haun voted no.The ordinance allows a downtown merchant to request and receive a permit to vend food and alcoholic/non-alcoholic beverages at tables located in a designated area on the public sidewalk. The intent is to bring color, charm and ambiance to the downtown area.The ordinance came about because of a request for such permits by Roger Dohse,  the owner of Good Times Bar & Grill. In brief, the ordinance provides for: a permitting process, initial and  renewal fees, a sidewalk rental charge, insurance requirements and fence requirements.One important requirement states that there must be at least five feet of clear passage for pedestrians, unless city council gives special permission otherwise.The permit fee is $100 for first issuance and $50 for renewal. The permit expires annually on December 31. A one dollar per square foot rental is also required.A fence of at least 48 inches high to no more that 60 inches high is required for sidewalk cafes serving alcoholic beverages. No fence is needed if alcohol is not served.A menu of food and beverage is required in the permit process.Insurance requirements include one million dollars liability and property damage coverage. An additional $300,000 dram shop insurance is required if alcohol is served.The penalty for violation is $500 for each day of violation.Copies of the ordinance are available at City Hall. City Attorney Darrell Huenergardt remarked that this was the most difficult and comprehensive ordinance he has drafted in 37 years of city government.A $5,000 Keno grant request was presented by Carol Dunne -Benson on behalf of the Kimball County Visitors Committee. The grant will aid in placing four large signs promoting Kimball at key locations around town.Two of  the signs will be 10 X 16 feet and the other two will be 10 X 20 feet in size. They will feature a huge picture of downtown Kimball. The signs  will be colorful, reflective and have a five year guarantee. Intent is to have the signs in place by October 1. Total cost of the project is estimated at $31,397. The balance beyond the requested $5,000 will come from funds generated  by the Tourism Tax.Baliman, Schnell and Warner voted yes on the Keno grant request. Haun voted no.An application by the owners of The Wooden Keg for a beer garden permit for July 24 and 25 was approved 4-0.Ken Heng requested that the city simplify the request process for Special Designation Licenses to serve liquor. Heng suggested the authority to approve be delegated to the Mayor or City Administrator. Huenergardt will investigate the laws and regulations involved and report back to Council. Other routine items of business were approved and council adjourned at 6:42 p.m.Next council meeting will be August 5.