Kewaskum board reviews mobile food vendor and special-event permit drafts; no action taken

The Kewaskum Village Board discussed draft ordinances July 6 to regulate mobile food vendors (food trucks) and special-event permits, but took no votes and left both items in a discussion stage pending further edits and public hearings.

On mobile food vendors, staff said the proposed ordinance would create permit and licensing requirements and allow the clerk to collect fees and confirm state-level documentation. "Mobile food vendor or food truck... they create a situation that is difficult to regulate if you don't have it in your ordinances," a staff member said, noting the village had received frequent inquiries following fireworks events. Staff recommended adopting permit language modeled on neighboring municipalities and said the police department would handle enforcement.

For special events, staff explained the draft aims to capture events both on and off village property, giving examples such as sales in industrial districts or private festivals that could spill onto public rights-of-way. The police chief recommended changing a mandatory requirement for officer coverage to discretionary language so the department can decide when an officer is necessary for large gatherings: "The change shall to may... I think some more discretion... would be more advantageous for us," he said, citing examples such as Music in the Park where large crowds occur but officers are not always assigned.

Nut graf: Both drafts are in an early stage; board members asked staff to refine permit language, clarify when off-property events need village authorization, and prepare the ordinances for public hearings. No public commenters addressed these items during the meeting.

Board members signaled support for continued work: staff will update the drafts to address enforcement mechanisms, clarify permit triggers for off-site events, and return with public-hearing notices.