Food truck vote on agenda for board

TEXARKANA, Ark. — A vote on an ordinance giving food trucks more options is the only action item on the agenda for Monday’s regular meeting of the city’s Board of Directors.

The ordinance would let food trucks operate in all commercial and industrial zones, excluding those zoned O-1, office quiet. O-1 zones allow certain nonintrusive businesses to operate within residential areas.

Under an ordinance the Board passed in 2018, food trucks and trailers may operate only at Front Street Festival Plaza or the southernmost parking area of Bobby Ferguson Park.

The proposed ordinance does not change the times during which mobile food vendors can be open or their fees and permitting. They can operate seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Each needs a city permit, which costs $250 per year, as well as valid state health permits.

By law, mobile food vendors must have a commissary where they can get fresh water, dispose of waste water and clean their equipment. Vendors have the option of using a city-owned commissary at the pavilion in Bobby Ferguson Park for an additional fee of $150 per year.

During the Board’s last meeting, on Oct. 7, Ward 2 Director Laney Harris put the brakes on fast-tracking the ordinance by voting no on allowing a third reading. He said he was concerned that the Board was moving too fast and wanted to give the public full opportunity to comment.

The third and final reading of the ordinance and a vote are expected Monday.

The agenda includes a citizen communication time during which members of the public may address the Board on any topic for up to five minutes each.

The meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Monday at City Hall, 216 Walnut St.