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At the May 16, 2023 Board of Aldermen meeting, Zoning director Penny Aguirre presented clarification to a 2018 existing Food Truck ordinance. Penny researched criteria for Food Trucks learning state regulations do exist and need to be added to an ordinance concerning Food Trucks.
Although the 2018 ordinance (#282) is in affect which allows food trucks, Mayor Berry has strong feelings against Food trucks. The Mayor invited local businessmen to give their opinions on food trucks. Carroll Berry, Skip Russell, Lewis, Chris Dunn, and Merika Kalman expressed their desire for strict policies in ordinance #282. Jose’, Oscar, and Jonthan Craft were also in attendance. All were in agreement for stricter policies …not no on food trucks. #282 ordinance is already in affect which allows for trucks. Although these individuals were allowed to speak without being on the agenda (Merika Kalman was on the agenda), the Mayor was out of order in allowing their comments.
(Anyone who wants to speak at a Board Meeting needs to contact City Hall no later than Monday morning before a Board meeting and request their name be added to the Agenda.). This policy allows the meeting to move in an orderly fashion.
What is your opinion on Food Trucks? Do you feel the city should allow food trucks?
(According to Ordnance 282 we have already answered the question—yes)
The revised ordinance that Penny presented to the Board brings the City into compliance with state requirements for transit vendors and defines food trucks as transit vendors. The ordinance also provides a type of sponsorship through the special us permit so that churches, schools, community groups, businesses, etc. can include food trucks in their event. The new ordinance also states tiers of fines for violations, which the current ordinance does not do.
The matter was tabled until a later date.
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