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Board backs staff negotiating license for souvenir vending machine at Riverside train station
Summary
After hearing from an entrepreneur, the Village of Riverside gave staff direction to negotiate a license for a 24-hour souvenir vending machine at the Riverside Train Station; the vendor will share the small estimated electrical upgrade cost and village staff will draft a limited-use trademark provision.
The Village of Riverside Board of Trustees on March 6 directed staff to negotiate a license agreement with an entrepreneur seeking to place a souvenir vending machine inside the Riverside Train Station.
Assistant Manager Monroe presented a follow-up to a January discussion, saying staff had identified an outlet installation cost of approximately $200 for the preferred placement and that the vendor agreed to cost share. The entrepreneur, identified in the meeting as Mr. Maguire, described a machine that would sell souvenirs such as local-author books, key chains, umbrellas and postcards; he said a small attached mailbox would allow visitors to drop a postcard for the vendor to mail.
Board members expressed general support for the concept as consistent with the visitor-center intent for the station. Trustee Gallagose said the proposal “fills the intentions of what the visitor center was supposed to entail.” Trustees asked staff to address trademark use and branding: village staff noted the Village of Riverside logo is trademarked and that permission would be required for any use of the official logo. The board signaled openness to a limited license allowing brand use for specific items, subject to village approval.
Trustees also discussed what merchandise should be permitted. Mr. Maguire said his preference was to stock primarily nonperishable souvenirs but that he could include snacks if the board preferred; trustees signaled no strong objection to snacks, and some suggested the vendor could set aside a portion of space for local business coupons or child-friendly items.
Assistant Manager Monroe said staff will proceed to draft a license agreement with terms to return to the board for final approval and to include technical details such as the power outlet installation and any cost-sharing arrangement. No formal vote was taken; the board’s instruction was to continue negotiating and bring a proposed agreement back for consideration.
