Council untables mobile‑vendor fee schedule and approves amended fees (Res. 202518)

The Hawarden City Council on Dec. 10 untabled a previously tabled item and approved Resolution 202518, which amends the city’s schedule of fees related to vendors. The action followed extended discussion about whether the existing language — which currently targets mobile food trucks — should be broadened to include non‑brick‑and‑mortar vendors such as temporary flower sellers, coffee vendors operating inside private businesses, and farmers market sellers.

Council members expressed differing views about the policy purpose and scope. Some members said the broader language should protect public safety and sanitation; others warned an expansive definition (for example, “non‑brick‑and‑mortar”) could unintentionally require farmers market vendors and Labor Day vendors to pay city fees in addition to chamber or event fees, placing an undue burden on local small businesses. Staff and council discussed overlap with existing peddler/pedlar rules and the need to be intentional about the ordinance’s public purpose.

After those exchanges the council took the necessary motions: first to take the fee schedule off the table, then to approve the proposed fees attached to the existing ordinance framework. Both motions passed, and the resolution to amend the schedule of fees was approved 4–0. Council asked staff and the city attorney to draft clearer ordinance language before any broader regulatory changes are finalized to avoid unintended consequences for short‑term or community vendors.

The item will return with specific ordinance language for first and second readings if the council chooses to expand the definition and impose new fees. In the meantime the updated fee schedule will be attached to the existing ordinance framework as approved by Resolution 202518.