Minutes 01/26/2016 - Laserfiche WebLink

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January 26, 2016 Background:  City Council directed city staff to evaluate whether a food truck program could work in Portsmouth and to draft options for how and where food trucks could operate for Council to consider.  Staff examined food truck programs both in Hampton Roads and across the country.  Staff found that cities with food truck programs tended to start by allowing food trucks to operate only in limited areas in a tightly regulated environment, but that these programs always expanded over time as no issues were raised.  Staff presented these findings to City Council, who recommended a focus on an “all of the above” type approach.  Staff met with representatives of the food truck industry and the Downtown restaurant and business community, where a compromise was reached and the groups agreed with staff’s proposals.  The City has already been using food trucks on a limited basis. th  City Council voted on January 12, 2016 to allow food trucks to operate on private property. Discussion:  The proposed amendment would allow food trucks to operate within the City right-of-way and on City property.  Operation of a food truck in general would be contingent on applying for and receiving a food truck permit, and in particular, operation on City property would require City Manager approval.  The proposed amendment would also regulate how and where food trucks could operate, including limiting access to the Downtown area, instituting hours of operation, subjecting food trucks to normal nuisance regulations, and requiring food be cooked fresh to order. Financial Impact:  Food trucks would have a positive financial impact through their payment of meals taxes. Staff Recommends:  Adoption of the resolution.Vision Principle: Neighborhoods and a Sense of Community. Next Steps Following Council Action:  Staff will create the internal processes for issuing food truck permits, and will coordinate amongst City departments to ensure proper administration.  Staff will work with the food truck community to create a roll-out event to raise awareness of and heighten excitement for food trucks in Portsmouth. Motion by Ms. Psimas, and seconded by Mr. Moody, to adopt the following ordinance, and was adopted by the following vote: “ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 32 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF PORTSMOUTH, VIRGINIA (2006) BY AMENDING SECTION 32-23 AND ADOPTING A NEW ARTICLE X INCLUDING SECTIONS 32-275 THROUGH 32-288 AND PERTAINING TO FOOD TRUCKS.” Ayes: Cherry, Edmonds, Meeks, Moody, Psimas, Whitaker, Wright Nays: None 16 - 28 - Adoption of a resolution in support of a Rail Enhancement Fund application for the Commonwealth Railway expansion project. Vision Principles: A Robust Economy for Working Men and Women and Efficient, Responsive Government.