A letter authored by Steven Rowland, Western Days, Inc. co-chairman, was addressed to the city council. It was the basis for a relatively long discussion concerning “street vendors” at the August 26 Chatfield City Council meeting.
Rowland maintains the number of street vendors is a growing problem, as they take away business from established permanent businesses in Chatfield. During Western Days, vendors in City Park pay 15% of their gross sales to help fund Western Days. Most street vendors don’t participate in the funding of Western Days.
Rowland believes street vendors take money and business away from the Chosen Valley. “We see unauthorized stands popping up and down Main St. during Western Days as well as doing business every day on various sites in Chatfield.” He suggested some sort of licensing of street vendors and a requirement to get authorization from the city council. Rowland is in favor of a strong ordinance or a licensing procedure.
Rowland requested the city council send this to committee (EDA or Planning & Zoning) for review.
City Clerk Joel Young said we need public input.
Councilor Paul Novotny noted the city council is not involved in Western Days other than the issuance of liquor licenses. Young said Western Days, Inc. regulates the park on Western Days weekend, but nothing beyond the parks. The city has been hands off on this event.
Councilor Mike Urban felt there is a need for more information; we should work out something to give them a fair shake. Mayor Russ Smith said the letter has a legitimate point, as those street vendors are making money from that Western Days crowd.
Novotny added if we regulate, we should be more involved in the process. He recognized that street vendors do affect brick and mortar businesses.
Councilor Pam Bluhm explained she has been on the Western Days committee since 1988. The 15% paid by the authorized vendors helps pay for insurance, the parade, and other expenses. The vendors in City Park give the committee copies of their health department paperwork. The Fire Department, Booster Club, ambulance, and some businesses also contribute. Pop-up vendors do not contribute.
Novotny said if you regulate street vendors for Western Days, it has to apply for the rest of the year. Councilor John McBroom stated he didn’t think there was a need for food trucks in town when there are established businesses in town to serve food.
Planning and Zoning along with the EDA will look into the issue. Mayor Smith suggested that we get together and have a conversation, questioning whether we want an ordinance for something we don’t oversee. “A friendly conversation would go a long way.”
Other business in brief
•Matt Mohs, WSB & Associates, reviewed a proposal to amend the city’s Stormwater Capital Improvement Plan to include the Old Territorial Rd. Drainage Improvement project. The proposal was approved; the fee to do the scope of the work will not exceed $3,000.
•A resolution was approved calling for a public hearing regarding the bond issuance for the Chosen Valley Care Center. The hearing will be on September 23 at 7 pm or later.
•A public hearing was scheduled for September 23 at 7 p.m. or later to consider the vacation of an alley near Hawley St.
•Mayor Smith reported on a Committee of the Whole meeting held prior to the council meeting. The 2020 budget and levy was previewed. The preliminary budget will be considered at the second meeting in September. The 2020 levy will be adopted during the first meeting in December.
•The Census Bureau encourages communities to establish a Complete Count Committee to get as many people counted as possible. Data gathered is the basis for the distribution of $675 billion of federal funds annually to communities to support vital programs. The data is also used to redraw boundaries of congressional and state legislative districts.