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Local food cart pitches park permitting policy to Mitchell board
Summary
Cliff Chamberlain of Clifford's Dog Gone Cart pitched a permit process allowing non-stationary vendors in Mitchell parks, citing coach support and examples of other cities' fees; staff noted the municipal code requires written permits and the board will consult the city attorney before drafting a policy.
Cliff Chamberlain, owner of Clifford's Dog Gone Cart, asked the Park and Recreation Board to create a permitting process to allow food carts and trucks to vend at city parks and tournaments. “Most companies operate at a much, bigger profit margin than we do… Our most expensive thing actually on our card is $8,” Chamberlain said, describing a family-operated operation that seeks to serve families at youth sporting events.
Chamberlain said he had spoken with local coaches and heard demand for concessions at soccer, baseball and softball events where city concession stands have not been leased or are unused. He provided comparisons from other South Dakota cities: Yankton charges a modest annual fee (about $10), Sioux Falls requires a higher annual permit (about $150) and a park day fee (Chamberlain cited roughly $50/day), and Madison handles permissions case by case (SEG 644–726).
Board staff noted the existing municipal language limiting sales in parks. An unidentified official read the code provision aloud: “No person shall sell or offer for sale any article or operate any concession without first securing a written permit with the park and recreation board,” and noted the board has authority to set fees (SEG 587–591). Members discussed potential approaches including limited-site permits, per-event day rates, restricted park lists, coordination with tournament organizers, and involvement of the city attorney to draft policy language.
Questions from board members addressed waste management, insurance and health inspections. Chamberlain said his cart is self-contained, runs on propane, bags its trash and would bring its own waste containers; he also said he is licensed and insured and undergoes periodic health inspections like a restaurant. The board gave no final approval but agreed to explore a permit framework with legal review and to consider fee structures tailored to Mitchell’s market.
Next steps: staff will consult the city attorney and return with draft permit language and fee options.
