Food truck ordinance discussed

By PHYLLIS ZORN

Staff writer

Marion City Council members heard comments Monday from members of the public about the first draft of an ordinance that would set requirements for mobile food vendors.

“The issue was brought forward by a business owner that other cities have food truck ordinances, Mayor Mike Powers said.

He pointed to portions of the ordinance that he wanted people to consider.

The ordinance would not permit a food truck to stay in the same location more than 10 hours during a 24-hour period.

Food trucks would not be allowed to operate within 150 feet of “a brick and mortar restaurant” without written permission from the restaurant owner.

Council member Zach Collett said he was concerned that a radius restriction, however large it might be, might not deter people from going to an out-of-town food truck instead of a local restaurant.

The 150-foot rule might address a problem Josh and Alison Tajchman are having with their business.

The Tajchmans are owners of That One Place on Main St., and a competing Mexican food truck often is parked across the street from his business.

“This taco truck comes three times a week,” Josh Tajchman said. “We are considering being out of town on Wednesdays. To be honest, I’ll admit I’m frustrated that this other Mexican truck has been here probably 40 times since March.”

Tajchman said he and his wife cared about the community.

“Please, think this over and do the right thing,” he said.

Megan Jones, co-owner of Bill & Essie’s BBQ, said council members were focusing on the wrong thing. It’s not whether a food company has wheels on it but getting restaurants to locate in Marion. Mobile vendors take the money elsewhere, she said.

“I think at this point the purpose should be to encourage them to be here permanently,” Jones said.

County lake resident Byron Lange said he and his wife felt strongly about supporting local businesses ant that anyone with integrity would not set up a food truck in direct competition with another business.

Lange encouraged council members to measure 150 feet from property line to property line, not from door to door.

Rachel Collett, who owns CB Baked Goods, said she would not have a problem with competition from another bierock seller.

“That makes me be a better person,” she said.

In other business, council members:

• Appointed Bill Lundy to the zoning board.
• Appointed Darvin Markley, Bruce Skiles, and Mike Smith to the planning commission.
• Appointed city clerk Janet Robinson as temporary public information officer until a permanent city administrator is hired.
• Passed an ordinance authorizing a solar panel project.
• Approved a maintenance agreement with Mayer Specialty Service for sewer cleaning.
• Approved selling a 1980 sewer jetter to the City of Florence for $5,000.

Council member Zach Collett's concerns were misstated in earlier editions.