Council tables event protection area after heated discussion between food-truck operators and DBA; approves event permit without buffer zone

A lengthy public discussion on March 10 focused on a proposed vendor contract and a requested event protection area (buffer zone) for the Second Street Stage concerts. Several food-truck operators raised concerns about late delivery of the contract, restrictions on menu items, and the financial burden of fees when combined with existing city permit costs. Kelly Trumpold, owner of the Three Bears food truck, told council operators had received a revised contract within the past 24 hours and said the proposed menu limitations and fee structure were unfair and risked discouraging participation.

Anthony Schiller, representing the Park Rapids Downtown Business Association, said the DBA drafted a simple agreement to protect event revenue and safety and to keep the volunteer-run event financially viable. “It costs money to run the event, so they need to be in participation and pay money to be a part of the event. Otherwise, the event doesn't happen,” Schiller said. Council discussion included whether menu restrictions and a limit of four to five food trucks were appropriate; Councilmember Stone expressed concern about restricting menus and limiting vendor numbers, and recommended more research on how other cities handle similar events. Mayor Pat Mikesh said the DBA and vendors should continue working together. After deliberation the council voted to table Resolution #2026-48 until April 14, 2026, and approved the Park Rapids Downtown Business Association Public Facilities Use Permit for Second Street Stage without the requested protection area. The council and attendees agreed to form a task force (including Councilmembers Stone and Engholm and Mary Thompson as organizer, DBA and food-truck representatives) to meet and report back.