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Committee waives fees for non–food vendors but approves $100 inspection fee for food trucks
Summary
The Centennial Committee voted to waive booth fees for non–food vendors at the Centennial Festival and to charge food trucks a $100 inspection fee; the decision drew limited objections and prompted staff to note that some grant rules require vendor fees be retained for park maintenance.
The committee voted on vendor-fee policy for the Centennial Festival after extended discussion about parity, grant requirements and event administration.
Motion and vote: A committee member moved to waive fees for non–food vendors (craft and booth vendors) and a second was recorded; the motion passed on a voice vote with some members opposing. The committee then moved and seconded a separate measure to charge food trucks the standard inspection fee (discussed at $100 per truck). That motion also passed on a voice vote.
During discussion several committee members expressed concern that waiving fees for non–food vendors would shift inspection and administrative costs onto the city. One member noted that fees collected from vendors have historically been used for park maintenance under the city’s Florida Communities Trust grant obligations and urged caution. Supporters of the waiver said many booth vendors were small craft sellers or cottage-food vendors who would not generate significant revenue and that waiving fees would increase participation.
Staff and organizers agreed that all vendors must still complete the city’s vendor application and provide required documentation (insurance where applicable); food trucks were to be treated separately because of fire-safety, generator and propane requirements. Staff said they would track vendor participation and follow up after the event to collect any additional information needed for grant reporting or to reconcile fee revenue where required by grant conditions.
Outcome: Non–food vendors will not be charged a booth fee for the festival; food trucks will be charged the $100 inspection fee. Staff will confirm whether the fee-waiver needs formal council approval or whether committee authorization is sufficient, and will ensure vendor applications are collected and tracked.
