Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Food Trucks topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commissioner urges firm 250-foot buffer for food trucks; vote deferred to next meeting
Summary
At the July 20 Princess Anne meeting, councilors discussed a proposed food-truck ordinance and a contested 250-foot buffer from brick-and-mortar businesses. Commissioners asked who could waive the buffer and asked staff to return with enforcement and waiver authority before the scheduled final vote.
Commissioner (S3) told the council the food-truck ordinance had its first reading at the July 6 meeting and said a formal vote will be needed at the next meeting. “When we left last time, we had done the 1st reading at our 7 6 meeting,” the commissioner said, asking for discussion now so outstanding questions could be resolved before the vote.
The key point of contention was a 250-foot distance from brick-and-mortar businesses included in the draft. The commissioner said that distance “could be waived” in the document but asked directly, “who’s waiving it?” and argued, “I just think that there shouldn't be food trucks… that close to brick and mortars in town at all.” Council members debated whether a designated vendor area would balance benefits to vendors with protection for existing businesses.
Chair (S2) said staff would follow up to clarify who can approve waivers and how the rule would be enforced. No formal vote on the ordinance occurred; the chair confirmed the council intends the final vote at the next meeting and asked members to submit any concerns beforehand.
