04-22-24-R - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION — APRIL 8, 2024 2 Councilmember Holden requested an item be added to the agenda to allow for the discussion of Franchise Fees. She suggested this item be discussed prior to Item 3D. 3. AGENDA ITEMS (continued) B. Food Truck Discussion Mayor Grant asked if the Council wanted to continue to have the City issue licenses for food trucks and permits for residents that host a food truck. Councilmember Holden stated she did not believe issuing permits was necessary. However, she would like residents to register food trucks with the City. She commented on how bothersome it was for a particular neighborhood to have food trucks in their neighborhood every Friday night, April through October. Councilmember Rousseau supported the City eliminating the permitting process and recommended Ordinances be amended that would direct food trucks to Ramsey County for their processes. She noted a few years ago there were 180 residents who sent a petition to the City in support of food trucks. She indicated she did not see food trucks being a concern every weekend given the fact the pandemic was over. In addition, she did not see other cities keep a tab on how many food trucks were in the community. Councilmember Fabel questioned what neighborhood was having food trucks every Friday night. Councilmember Rousseau stated this occurred in her neighborhood when people were having to quarantine. Further discussion ensued regarding the disruptions the food trucks caused within the neighborhood. Mayor Grant encouraged the Council to not spin over history. He stated he was glad COVID was in the rear-view mirror and asked that the Council limit its conversation on whether or not food trucks should be permitted. Councilmember Holden asked if Ramsey County required food trucks to not park in the street. Assistant to the City Administrator/City Clerk Hanson explained the County requires food trucks to follow City requirements, which meant food trucks could not park on right-of-way or City streets. Councilmember Monson supported eliminating the licensing requirement for commercial food trucks. She indicated she was not opposed to tracking food trucks in residential neighborhoods, but noted there were only four in 2022 and three in 2023. While she understood the concern, she was of the opinion food trucks were a non -issue in residential neighborhoods at this time. Councilmember Rousseau stated Arden Hills was a complaint -based City. She reported Shoreview, Roseville and New Brighton do not register or license food trucks and therefore she did not believe it was necessary for Arden Hills to license or register food trucks.