EAST PALESTINE – A law passed in Columbiana in 2018 to regulate food truck businesses could serve as a template for a similar law in the village.
Under Columbia law, those wishing to operate a mobile food truck within the city must obtain a valid mobile food vendor license through the relevant county health department and file a license application with the city. Permits are available for one day, six months, or one year, and set fees.
For example, a song day license is $25 and a full year license is $300.
Village Manager Mark McCrestry said he and Finance Director Tracy Spratt presented the council with a copy of the Columbiana Act at this week’s council meeting.
The village has not drafted any legislation to consider at this point, but is simply looking at available options.
McCrestrey said legislation similar to Columbiana’s would benefit the village by allowing A B. “Smooth Process” Annually or biannually for food vendors in the city.
Currently, food vendors on village property are required to obtain a Health Department license, proof of insurance and sign a hold harmless agreement with the village in each case, he said.
“Being able to access this year after year will make it easier to track and cut down on the repetitive nature of some papers.” He explained.
He added that currently, food vendors operating on properties outside the village or during events such as the annual street fair do not have an agreement with the village, but rather an individual or organization that coordinates their services.
“A law covering such incidents would increase liability coverage and protection for residents who use their services.” he said.
In other matters, the council passed an ordinance allowing the sale of junked properties over the Internet and passed a resolution authorizing special assessments to the county auditor for unpaid water and sewer bills, lawn mowing and the village’s completed property cleanup.
The House gave a second reading to a bill to amend the Empty Structures Act and a bill to amend parking fines.
A bill authorizing additional benefits was given first reading.
