The Platteville Common Council was in a tabling mood, so to speak, Sept. 25.

In addition to tabling a proposal to rent downtown parking spaces (see story, page 1), the council tabled a proposal to allow outdoor restaurant seating downtown.

A council resolution would have set various regulations to allow downtown restaurants and taverns to have outdoor seating on downtown sidewalks.

At-large Ald. Steve Becker echoed comments made during discussion of renting parking by saying, “There’s no big hurry in passing this.” Becker suggested city staff contact businesses they “think might be interested or qualify” for their input.

Main Street Program Executive Director Jack Luedtke noted the incongruity between a provision to require metal, not plastic, chairs and tables, and another provision to require that chairs and tables be removed at the end of the business day.

He said requiring furniture to be “secured” would be sufficient.

“The question is whether you want to permanently narrow the sidewalk, which is what that would do,” said Becker.

Another question focused on whether outdoor cafes would be allowed to have music played. Community Planning and Development Director Joe Carroll said having music would be part of the permitting process with the city Plan Commission.