Nicky Boyette – On April 11, Eureka Springs city council convened a joint workshop with members of the Planning Commission to discuss what to do about food trucks in relation to City Code. Vigorous discussion brought to light opposing points of view which were not getting resolved, so the group asked Mayor Butch Berry to appoint a committee to winnow the wheat from the chaff.
For the committee, Berry chose alderman Bob Thomas, Planning chair Steve Beacham, and city clerk/treasurer Ann Armstrong. The committee held its first meeting April 28.
Armstrong noted location for the mobile food vendors was one of the sticking points. Space would be available in parking lots along the highway, but in the downtown area, only the North Main lot and parking lots near the courthouse have enough space, but food trucks and their trailers would take away valuable parking.
Beacham also mentioned that Oscar’s and Ermilio’s on White Street have parking lot space available when not operating, but Thomas commented the whole food truck controversy began because the owners of Café Amore on US 62 allowed Frank and Lisa Rebiejo’s food truck to operate in its lot contrary to the peddler ordinance. Thomas also asked if a food truck were allowed to open for business in a parking lot, would other types of vendors be ushered in as well.
Conversation wended back to locations, and Beacham identified two areas to focus on: the old part of town and along US 62. After particulars were considered, Beacham offered this suggestion: private property owners would apply for a permit to host a food truck and permits would be for one-year and one food truck. The private property owner would make arrangements with the properly-licensed vendor.
Thomas then followed that a food truck operator would get a permit only by having an agreement with a property owner who has a permit. Armstrong asked about a food court, and Beacham agreed to amend his proposal.
The committee eventually arrived at the following suggested framework as a solution to the food truck situation:
- Private property owners would apply for a permit to host mobile food vendors.
- Permits would be for one year and awarded by lottery. The drawing would occur in December with the permit to begin January 1.
- There would be one permit available for a food court (two or more vendors) on US 62.
- There would three permits available for one mobile food vendor only on US 62.
- There would be one permit available for Main Street and one for White Street for one mobile food vendor.
The committee acknowledged there were details to work out regarding times for operation and eligibility criteria, and agreed to meet again Thursday, May 5, at 2 p.m.
There is tons of information to be learned from other cities about food trucks. I understand that Eureka has space problems…but allowing the trucks to work with brickfront stores has brought everyone together in other cities. Variety of food trucks is often shared with restaurants of different cuisine…especially bars and microbrew establishments.