AURORA | A vote on potential socioeconomic impact permits for businesses like liquor stores and vape shops was delayed until the Sept. 14 city council meeting so that adjustments can be made to the proposal.

Councilmember Alison Coombs asked for two agenda items to be delayed during Monday’s city council meeting: the socioeconomic impact permits and changes to the council’s decorum rules. Coombs told the Sentinel she received feedback about changes to both items that she wanted to address before council discussed and voted on them.

“I want to make sure we get it right the first time,” Coombs said.

Coombs said there are two potential changes for the socioeconomic impact permit, including maybe changing or expanding which convenience stores are exempt from the permit. The proposal currently applies to convenience stores that sell liquor or tobacco while exempting convenience stores that mostly sell groceries and large grocery stores that also sell liquor and tobacco products.

The other change would identify an exception process for centers with high vacancy rates if they can meet certain criteria, though the criteria is still being drafted. 

Similarly, Coombs said she has suggested amendments for the decorum rules after hearing additional feedback on removing the one-hour limit for public comments.

“I would be open to a conversation about the unlimited period being at the end of the meeting instead of the beginning of the meeting, but I do think we need to have some period of time in which individuals can come address the council on the public record without the limitations that are in place,” Coombs said.

Coombs would also like to add language about the accessibility options for public speakers and require closed captions on the livestream of the meetings.

Other potential amendments would soften the proposed ban on public speakers for going over the time limit and moving when council members give their reports.

All of the proposed changes are expected to be on the Sept. 14 agenda.

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