The Union Board of Aldermen, short one member as Alderman Paul Lowry was unable to attend, took action to charge a daily fee for food vendors to operate within the city during their Tuesday meeting.
City Clerk Tammy Ferguson said that she’s researched what other cities are charging food vendors and talked with members of the Chamber of Commerce to see how they were charging food vendors to operate during Chamber events. “The problem, that we know, is that although the Chamber is charging the vendors, we need to be charging them a license,” said Ferguson. “The Chamber wants to work with us on this.”
Mayor Brad Capps suggested that the city charge vendors when they set up in town for a non-Chamber event day. “If vendors make $2,000 a day, and they’re not coming for less than that, 2.5 percent of that income is $50,” Capps said. “So why don’t we charge them $50 per day? Not when they’re here for a Chamber-sponsored event like at Christmas, but to set up on a Friday or Saturday evening to sell food to the general public.”
Police Chief Billy Pat Walker added that vendors did not need to set up on the side of streets and have people standing in the road while they wait in line, to which the board agreed.
After the discussion, the board approved charging vendors a $50 license fee to operate in the city during non-Chamber event days.
In other action:
-The board approved a request by Police Walker to deputize two dispatchers, Tammy Bryant and Daniel Alexander, so they could help in swearing in tickets and affidavits at night.
-Approved the bid of $7,900 from Patrick Allen Companies to replace the rolling door at the Police Department that is old and not working properly.
-The board heard from Roderick Hawkins, the city’s Summer Recreation Director, who thanked the board for the privilege to work for the city he loves. Hawkins asked the board for their blessings for him to make improvements to the baseball fields to provide a better experience for the kids. The board was fully on board.
-Approved using GOC to fill the city’s gas tanks.
-Discussed the need of getting an estimate for a new shed to store equipment. Mayor Capps suggested that they have a shop that should be empty after selling some older equipment that would be a good place to store the equipment. The board decided to put the subject on the agenda for the next meeting.
-Approved appointing LaToya Harrison to the school board. Harrison replaces Shirley Walter, who has resigned.
-Approved putting the “Old Shirt Factory” metal building on Magnolia Street up for bids.
-Approved paying the claim docket.
