East Palestine considers using food truck business law like Columbiana’s | News, Sports, Jobs

EAST PALESTINE — A law regulating food truck business that was implemented in Columbiana in 2018 could serve as a template for a similar law in the village.

Under the Columbiana law those wishing to operate a mobile food truck in the city must have a valid mobile food vendor license through the applicable county health department and file a permit application with the city. Permits can be obtained for a single day, six months or one year, and have set fees.

For example, a singe day permit is $25, while a permit for an entire year is $300.

Village Manager Mark McTrustry said he and Finance Director Traci Spratt presented council with a copy of the Columbiana law during this week’s council meeting.

The village has not put together legislation to consider at this point but is simply looking over available options.

McTrustry said that a law similar to Columbiana’s would be beneficial to the village by allowing for a “smoother process” for food vendors in town on an annual or bi-annual basis.

He said that currently, food vendors that are on village property must provide their health department license, a certificate of proof of insurance and on each occasion sign a hold harmless agreement with the village.

“Being able to have this on a year-by-year basis will be easier to track and cut down on the repetitive nature for some of the paperwork,” he explained.

He added that food vendors who currently operate on non-village owned property or for events such as the annual Street Fair do not have an agreement with the village, but rather the individual or organization that arranges their services.

“Legislation that includes such events would add a layer of accountability and protection for the residents that use their services,” he said.

In other matters, council passed an ordinance allowing for the internet sale of unneeded property and a resolution certifying special assessments to the county auditor for annual outstanding accounts like unpaid water and sewer bills, grass mowings and any property cleanups the village completed.

Council also gave a second reading to legislation amending the vacant structure law and legislation updating parking fines.

A first reading was given to legislation authorizing supplemental appropriations.