SMCC not receptive to mobile food trailer
The city council here was not inclined to accommodate a request to allow an itinerate food vendor to operate in the city.
John Williams, who was scheduled to attend the Aug. 3 council meeting but did not appear, was requesting permission to set up a trailer at various locations, including city parks, to sell food.
Zoning Coordinator Danielle Fontenette asked for a clarification on the city’s ordinance concerning food trucks/trailers, as the ordinance does not specifically address detachable food trailers. The issue of locating in parks was dispensed with immediately as being against a number of regulations. But Councilman Craig Prosper added a note of concern about the effect such an operation would have on local restaurants, especially while they are all struggling with the COVID crisis.
Prosper added that the city would be constantly “chasing our own tails,” to keep such an operation from locating in areas that could cause traffic congestion or other problems. He said he would have no problem if Williams made a deal with a business owner to locate at a fixed location.
“But I can imagine him pulling up beside an existing restaurant, whose owner had gone through all the steps to operate a legal establishment, on their busiest day and taking away their customers,” he commented. “That would not be fair to people who are contributing to the community.”
Councilman Mike Fuselier added, “We really don’t need to spend time on this until he comes to the council and answers our questions.”
Prayer Breakfasts
The council approved the rental of the Maison Duchamp, or alternately, the Duchamp Opera House, for use as a location for a regular Sunday prayer breakfast.
Fontenette said the Main Street Associaton was recommending the accommodation on a temporary basis while COVID restrictions have both city-owned facilities unused. Fontenette said the organizers will pay rental fees, fully comply with COVID distancing and safety practices, thoroughly disinfect the facilities after each meeting, and work around any other event rentals.
In other business:
•A mobile home type office that was moved to Adam Carlson Park will be sold. It was moved to the park after being purchased by the city in a settlement agreement with business owners who were mistakenly allowed to locate the trailer on Main Street in violation of zoning ordinances.
•Councilman Edmond Joseph’s recommendation to install GPS tracking devices on all city vehicles was approved. Only the vehicles used by Police Chief Ricky Martin and certain other police personnel are exempt for reasons of security.
•Former Police Officer Andrew Broussard was rehired.
•Superintendent Brian Touchet was approved to hire Air Force veteran James Barnett for a newly-established position of supply/warehouse clerk at the Public Works department. He also hired a truck/equipment operator, carpenter,concrete finisher, and grass cutter. A part-time employee was moved to full-time and given a raise.
•Grant writer Keith Guidry and SMEDA Director Jennifer Stelly joined St. Martinville Zoning Coordinator Danielle Fontenette to promote and explain the Louisiana Main Street Grant Program.
The program will make up to $15,000 available to a qualifying business to offset any COVID-19 related losses or expenses related to maintaining safe working conditions, such as installation of plastic shielding.