On Monday the town council continued its discussion about food truck policy and how to set up a fair system balancing entrepreneurship with the preservation of locally owned restaurant businesses.
Since the existing 30-year old ordinance does not adequately address current issues, Town Manager Bill Ingersoll added additional policy language to it in response to a request from a vendor to have a food truck at Fountain Park.
High Street, Cross Street, and Park Row are being considered as possible locations for food vendors, but regulated by day and time.
Currently, two food trucks have only been permitted for operation on private property.
“There’s definitely going to be an approval process, whether it’s for a license or permit, and the best way to do this is to have a section in the ordinance for food trucks,” Ingersoll said. “And a basic background investigation should be used for any business conducted on public streets,” he added.
Fees for permits will also be considered and questions of liability insurance are being studied.
Ward 4 Councilman Marty Stetson disapproved of food vendors in general, feeling that they are unfair competition with local brick and mortar restaurants, while Ward 2 Councilwoman Linda Kuiper stated that food trucks should be restricted to private property, and Ward 1 Councilwoman Liz Gross and Ward 3 Councilman Sam Shoge seeing food trucks as a positive step for economic entrepreneurship.
Mayor Chris Cerino also sees additional designated areas for food trucks as a stimulus for downtown activity and would like to see the council finalize an ordinance during the council’s next session.
William Greene says
If restaurants are giving quality products at a decent price they have nothing to fear in my opinion