City Council voted Tuesday night to amend its regulations for mobile food vendors. The changes will allow operators of towed food trailers the same privileges as those provided for food trucks on city streets and public property.
When City Council adopted the current mobile food vendor regulations in December, it prohibited towed trailers from operating as vendors. The amended language adopted last night by City Council provides more clarity in the general definition and allows for any towed trailer that meets the guidelines as a mobile food vendor to operate in the specified areas.
City staff consulted with the Virginia Department of Health to ensure the changes would be consistent with state regulations. The suggested changes also reflect a limitation on the number of spaces a mobile food vendor can occupy.
In addition to changing the regulations for mobile food vendors, City Council voted Tuesday night to:
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In addition to these votes, City Council held first readings on the following matters:
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A first reading is an introductory step required by City code before certain matters can be voted upon by City Council. This step serves to provide public notice of pending action. Council cannot vote on this matter Tuesday. The earliest vote that can take place will be the Oct. 4 City Council meeting.
Council's meeting included a business session followed by a work session. In work sessions, Council reviews non-routine matters that will be voted upon in future business meetings. In Tuesday’s work session, City Council reviewed four items:
• financial statements through Aug. 31.
• an amendment to the City’s budget to provide for receipt of nearly $1.2 million from the Virginia Department of Transportation for installation of a storm water drainage system on Patton Street, street and sidewalk improvements on Craghead Street, and street improvements on Lockett Drive and Beech Avenue.
• an amendment to the City’s budget to provide for receipt of $450,000 from the Virginia Department of Transportation for resurfacing of South Boston Road.
• an amendment to the City’s budget to provide for receipt of $45,000 from the Virginia Department of Transportation for installation of flashing left turn arrows at high accident intersections.
River City TV airs live all Council business sessions. The first rebroadcast will be at 8 p.m. Thursday. Watch it on cable (Comcast channel 10 and Gamewood channel 122). The taped broadcast is available now on the City’s YouTube channel -- DanvilleVAGov.
River City TV does not air work sessions, but they are open to the public.