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Kenyon council declines to renew Taco Express contract on city land, points to fairness and maintenance concerns
Summary
Staff recommended and council approved not renewing the Taco Express permit to use a longstanding city-owned site, citing concerns about perceived favoritism, maintenance and safety; the vendor was offered alternative permitted locations such as the farmers market.
Kenyon — Councilors directed staff not to renew the Taco Express agreement that allowed the food truck to operate from a city-owned site, saying the arrangement raised concerns about fairness to other local businesses and created maintenance burdens on city property.
Staff described recurring maintenance needs (mowing, electrical cords and ruts when the ground is wet) and said the $450 annual fee did not justify keeping the truck on city land. "The recommendation . . . is that we will not reup the contract with the taco truck," the staff presenter said, explaining the rationale and offering assistance to help the vendor find another permitted location in town.
Council members said other businesses that pay taxes deserve parity; one councilor noted the vendor could participate in Thursday-night farmers market dates as an alternative. A motion directing staff to convey the nonrenewal decision for 2025 passed on a voice vote.
Council clarified that the change does not restrict vendors at established events such as Rose Fest and that the city remains open to vendors at permitted community events.
No specific compensation or replacement-location plan for Taco Express was recorded in the meeting transcript.
