On Wednesday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program, Downtown Development Director Kaine Riggan addressed the recent discussion on allowing food trucks to park and operate in the downtown Henderson area.
At their July 9 meeting, with a vote of 5-3, the Henderson City Council nixed a proposal to allow food trucks to operate in designated areas downtown.
Gavin Jackson, owner of Gavin’s Grub Hub, proposed parking and serving food from his food truck in the City-owned parking lot at the corner of Garnett and Orange streets, next to Gupton’s Sporting Goods.
Garry Daeke, a member of the Henderson City Council, called in during Town Talk to provide insight into the Council’s initial decision. Referring to the Council, Daeke explained, “I don’t think anybody is afraid of having food trucks downtown. Most of us are fairly progressive and we think it is a good idea.”
According to Daeke, the outcome of the vote was simply a matter of the City Council not having enough information. “It comes down to having the information to make an informed decision,” said Daeke. “At the last meeting, we didn’t have enough information to make a decision.”
Riggan explained that he moved quickly when he learned of Jackson’s interest in bringing his food truck downtown. “I went at the speed of light to the City and said ‘hey, let’s make this happen.’ So that was a five-day process and I think that ended up being what caused us to get slowed down.”
A typical procedure for such a request, according to Daeke, involves a proposal that goes before a committee to review for liability issues, a discussion on fairness to other businesses, a public hearing to allow the community’s opinion to be heard and then a vote from the City Council.
In reference to the disappoint that the community has expressed in the initial vote, Daeke said, “I think if that process had been done, none of this would be going on now. If we had that process, it would have come up at our August meeting and we would have voted for it and moved on.”
Riggan agreed with Daeke’s sentiment and stated, “That was my first presentation for the City Council, so I’m still learning. I walked out of that meeting and got some advice from the Assistant City Manager about some things I could probably have done differently.”
All hope is not lost for downtown food trucks, as Daeke said he felt sure there would be an upcoming public hearing to discuss the matter further. “We’ll get that ordinance, probably at the next [City Council] meeting and it will have details about the responsibilities of both parties, then a public hearing and then a vote.”
Both Riggan and Daeke expressed their appreciation for all of the local talk this issue has generated. “This has created some great discussion and a lot of community input. We just didn’t get it in the format that we could act on,” said Daeke.
