Hartland board tables vote to set mobile food‑vendor fees, asks staff for options

The Village of Hartland board on July 14 discussed a proposed fee schedule for mobile food vendors — food trucks, carts and trailers — and voted to table a resolution establishing specific fees so staff can bring back recommended amounts. Staff, led by Village Manager Bailey and administrative staff (Sandy), presented existing practice and asked trustees whether to set one‑time, annual and permanent permit fees for private property and parks. Trustees and staff referenced peer communities: Oconomowoc charges $500 for an annual license and $1,000 for a permanent site; Pewaukee charges $300 annual and $40 per event; Sussex charges $200 plus investigation fees. Questions and concerns raised Trustees debated whether the village should deter permanent commercial operations in parks, whether non‑Hartland businesses should pay a higher fee, and how to handle enforcement for trucks that appear to be operating like brick‑and‑mortar businesses. A trustee said the ordinance should not encourage a “Wild West” of permanent trucks and suggested higher fees for non‑resident operators; another trustee noted special events should be handled separately and that the board can limit the number of trucks at village‑approved events. Staff and trustees discussed sample fee scenarios: one‑time private‑property fee ($25), possible annual private‑property fees ($300–$500 suggested), permanent‑placement fees ($1,000 cited from other towns), and park cart fees (current $75/day, $150 annual for carts; trustees suggested raising park annual cart fee to $300 and higher rates for non‑resident operators). The existing enforcement fine referenced in village code is $187 per violation. Board action Trustee motioned and the board voted to table Resolution 07142025 and asked staff to return with a proposed schedule of fees and suggested enforcement language at the next meeting (July 28). Trustees directed staff to add a special‑events carve‑out for permitted village events and to present recommended rates for resident vs. non‑resident vendors. Next steps Staff will prepare a fee schedule that compares peer communities, clarifies limits on permanent placement, defines resident vs. non‑resident rates, and proposes a recommended fine structure and enforcement plan. The board is expected to revisit the resolution at its next meeting.