Council considers food truck ordinance

For the Enquirer

The Hartselle City Council held its regular meeting April 8, where discussions centered around a proposed food truck ordinance, upcoming zoning changes and several open positions on city boards.

Development Director Jeremy Griffith presented several ordinances for consideration, including Ordinance 1630, which proposed the creation of a designated food truck park. The ordinance included a clause allowing the applicant to receive a permit while being given 12 months to complete paved parking for customers. However, this provision raised concerns among council members, who pointed out that permanent brick-and-mortar businesses are not allowed to open without finished parking. After a motion to introduce the ordinance, a second was not made, tabling the ordinance for further review. Later in the meeting, Mayor Randy Garrison addressed Senate Bill 275, a proposed state bill that could significantly change how food trucks are regulated. Currently, mobile food vendors must be licensed in every city and county in which they operate. SB 275 would change that requirement, only obligating vendors to be licensed in the county where their permanent commissary-their home base-is located. Garrison expressed concern that the bill would limit Hartselle’s ability to inspect food vendors operating within city limits and could impact local sales tax revenue. He encouraged citizens to reach out to their state senator and representatives to voice any concerns, noting that if the bill passes, it could render Ordinance 1630 irrelevant.

Griffith also introduced two

Council, page A-8 ordinances which will be open for public comment at the council’s next meeting on April 22. Ordinance 1628 seeks to rezone a portion of Iron Man Road and Main Street to allow for an automotive garage. Ordinance 1629 would rezone land across from Dollar General on Main Street, near Crestline Elementary, from business to residential to accommodate the construction of a duplex subdivision.

Additionally, the city is currently accepting applications for open positions on the Mental Health Board and the Cemetery Board. Interested parties can apply online or visit the city clerk’s office to pick up an application. The deadline to submit applications is April 18 by 4 p.m.

Several residents addressed the council with concerns during the meeting’s public comment period. Issues raised included noise complaints involving dogs and safety concerns related to garage sale parking. Council members encouraged residents to call City Hall with specific addresses and further details so the issues can be properly investigated.

In closing, the council announced a change to the upcoming meeting schedule. The first city council meeting in May has been moved to May 6, while the final April meeting will remain on April 22.