Nicky Boyette – Last Thursday the committee appointed by Mayor Butch Berry continued to fine-tune suggestions for fitting food trucks and trailers into compliance with City Code, or even in some cases revising City Code to accommodate their suggestions.
The committee’s considerations:
- Alderman Bob Thomas asked when City Attorney Tim Weaver would be involved in the process to ensure their suggestions were legal. City Clerk/Treasurer Ann Armstrong replied the committee is presenting a rough sketch, just suggestions for city council to consider. When council is ready for an ordinance, it would be Weaver who drafts it.
- Thomas also asked how to ensure the property owners hosting the food trucks would be responsible for abiding by City Code. Chair Steve Beacham of Planning responded that according to their plan the property owner would have the permit to host the food truck, so the property owner must comply with all regulations. “The property owner must be serious about it,” Beacham said. The owner would make arrangements with the vendor using the property regarding trash and other considerations.
- The committee agreed that permits would be for one year with no carry-over. The lottery would be held at a televised council meeting in November before Thanksgiving. All applications would be drawn to establish a waiting list. The person or persons drawing the selections were not yet determined.
- Thomas asked if a property owner with enough room to host a food court could also apply to host a single food truck in case someone else is drawn for the food court, and ensuing discussion revolved around fairness. The idea was floated that the food court host could be drawn first and that name eliminated from the single vendor drawing, but the eventual sentiment went toward a property owner applying only once. Committee members agreed these guidelines are in the nascent stage and suggestions could morph.
- Armstrong advocated adding Hwy. 23 South to areas to be considered, and Thomas and Beacham agreed to include Hwy. 23 South to the city limits with US 62 as a possible lottery location for either a food court or one of two food truck vendors.
- Armstrong also recommended that Harmon Park and Lake Leatherwood City Park be included in the ordinance, not in the lottery, as possible sites for a food truck. She said this inclusion would require amending the peddler ordinance.
- Beacham presented a draft of an application a property owner would use to apply for the lottery. The committee reviewed and amended it.
- The committee agreed a $25 inspection fee would be appropriate once a site is chosen since the Building Inspector would have to visit the site to ensure compliance.
Thomas stated the intention of the committee would be to present a broad set of suggestions, and council or the city attorney could add restrictions. Beacham added that, above all, they want it to be beneficial for everyone.