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Story County limits vendor placement on part of RAGBRAI route over safety concerns
Summary
Story County approved Resolution #26-85 restricting vendors from county right-of-way and banning vendors on the segment between US-69 and I-35 because of heavy-truck traffic near a Martin Marietta mine; the Board directed staff to return with vendor-count processes next week.
Story County’s Board of Supervisors on May 5 approved Resolution #26-85 to limit vendor placement along parts of the Register’s Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI) route because of right-of-way safety concerns and heavy truck traffic near the Martin Marietta mine on Riverside Road.
Planning Director Leanne Harter reviewed prior county actions, noted that vending in the right-of-way is already forbidden by Ordinance No. 33, and discussed options to add setbacks from the right-of-way and to exclude vendors from the portion of the route between US Highway 69 and Interstate 35. Sheriff’s Captain Nick Lennie, Emergency Management Director Melissa Spencer, and Engineer Darren Moon all flagged safety issues for cyclists and motorists if vendors occupy the right-of-way where trucks operate. Several public commenters, including representatives of Iowa Craft Beer Tent, and residents from Milford Township opposed the resolution. The Board voted to approve restrictions—specifically barring vendors in the right-of-way and along the stretch between US-69 and I-35—and directed staff to return next week with information on limiting the overall number of permitted vendors.
Public commenter Maverick Boerma remarked, "I look forward to having a lemonade stand," expressing objections from residents who said vendor limits would curtail small community participation. Chair Linda Murken noted the Board received numerous calls and emails and asked staff to bring process details for Board consideration next week.
