Council hears complaints about recurring illegal pop-up food vendors; city manager to meet with staff on options

Councilmember Paul Farmer told the Galt City Council that recurring illegal pop-up food vendors operating on county property just outside city limits are creating public-safety, health and fairness concerns for local businesses.

Farmer said the vendors operate without food permits or business licenses, often park on or next to ADA ramps and cause traffic and pedestrian-safety issues. He described repeated incidents where the city or county performed sting operations, issued citations and the vendors later returned. "This has been going on for three years," Farmer said, arguing the county has not provided consistent enforcement and that the city should explore all legal options to protect local businesses.

Farmer floated several possible responses — more frequent enforcement stings, better coordination with county health and law-enforcement agencies, outreach to Caltrans or CHP, and a council resolution as a pressure tool. "Basically, what I'm looking for from the council is... maybe we should have a resolution," he said, asking for staff help developing options.

City Manager (responding) said he and staff will meet with Councilmember Farmer to discuss strategies and bring back recommendations. Councilmembers expressed support for pursuing options and coordinating with county partners and law enforcement.

Why it matters: recurring, cross-jurisdictional vendor activity affects public health, neighborhood safety and the economic fairness for licensed local businesses; the council directed staff to develop possible enforcement approaches and report back.

Next steps: the city manager will meet with Farmer and staff; if necessary, the city will return to the council with proposals for enforcement, interagency coordination or policy changes.