Oakwood resident proposes annual permit for event-based "beverage" trucks to ease permit burden

Brad Eaton, owner of two mobile beverage businesses (Kona Ice franchise and Travelin' Toms), asked the Oakwood City Council to consider an amendment to the city's food truck ordinance that would create a seasonal or annual pass for event-based, beverage- or specialty-only trucks. Eaton said the proposed change would reduce repetitive paperwork for operators who attend invited events such as school fundraisers, community festivals and the Farmers Market.

Eaton described a recent example in which the Oakwood High School athletic director emailed at about 4:45 p.m. asking him to attend a bonfire; Eaton said he had to download and complete a permit form, pay the $10 fee and submit it to city staff that evening. "If we had an annual pass option ... it just causes unnecessary work," Eaton said, adding he would be willing to pay a single larger fee to obtain season coverage.

Eaton proposed narrowing any annual-pass eligibility to trucks that serve beverages or snacks and operate only by invitation for events (rather than meal-based trucks that park to draw crowds). He provided the council with handouts that included suggested ordinance language and asked that the law director review the proposed changes.

Council members thanked Eaton for bringing concrete suggestions. Mayor Duncan invited Eaton to share materials with the law director; Vice Mayor Byington praised the approach and noted the council has used moratoriums or trial runs in the past to evaluate ordinance changes. Council members emphasized the city's interest in retaining control over where meal-based food trucks can operate while making it simpler for event-based vendors. No ordinance change was introduced at the meeting.