Thursday, March 28, 2024

Food trucks approved for summer in Chelan park

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CHELAN – In a previous Chelan City Council meeting, the Council heard from City Administrator Mike Jackson and his idea of bringing food trucks to Chelan during the summertime to the Lakeshore Marina area.

After doing more food truck research, Jackson brought up the topic once again on March 26 as an Administrative Report. “The concept is to bring in a variety of foods that aren’t currently available in the City. Food trucks generally can be an attraction for tourists and bring people in,” said Jackson.

A few food trucks members of the Washington State Food Truck Association would qualify as contenders since they do not duplicate any of the foods already sold in Chelan. “There would be local representation amongst the people there,” said Mayor Mike Cooney. As he explained, so far there has been three locals who have food trucks or are in the process of acquiring one.

The space for the food truck would be rented out on a daily basis for $100 to offset any expenses the City might have. “We anticipate a seven-day time limit versus all summer, at least on a starting basis,” said Jackson. To start off, the City would allow two to five food trucks to be parked at the Marina. The food trucks would be required to collect their trash and recycle from the bins; no loud music and alcohol would be permitted.

Amy Mack owner of the Lakeview Drive-In was invited by council member Ray Dobbs to state her opinion as her business is “ten steps away from the path.”

“I have a couple of questions and concerns I want the Council to consider in further discussions,” said Mack. Mack’s first comment was geared towards parking, and how the food trucks would impact that. “We do not have the resources day-in and day-out when we are at the volume we are at, to be able to monitor the walk-offs ourselves,” she said. As mentioned parking, is a major concern to her and her family.

She also showed concerns with the food truck’s food offerings. She was relieved after Jackson clarified that they won’t be competing with other local businesses. Another thing she touched bases on was the bathroom at the Marina and whether or not that would be always open and clean. Mack also proposed that the Council encourage more bike and foot traffic to the area.

Jackson mentioned that a list of requirements would serve as a guide to select the trucks. Some of the things the City would look for are: the truck's background, past performance, pictures of the truck, how it would enhance the Chelan experience, insurance, references and so on. “We are looking to bring in quality,” said Jackson.

Council member Tim Hollingsworth sees the potential in creating an environment that attracts people in which everybody would benefit. Council member Kelly Allen also had a few things to say regarding the garbage and bathroom cleaning. Allen mentioned that she would like to see an action plan on these two items before moving forward with the food truck establishment. “It’s a beautiful location and if it’s not taken care of it can go from a beautiful location to one that is just trashed,” she said.

With the feedback received from Mack and the rest of the Council, Jackson will be back with a proposal for the Council to vote on.

In other business:

  • Dani Kroll, Lake Chelan Bach Fest Board member, spoke in front of Council to request a $2,000 contribution to construct and install retractable acoustic panels for the Riverwalk Pavilion. The current panels are difficult to install and have deteriorated in last the 17 years of use, she said. The total project will cost $22,445 and the Lake Chelan Bach Fest Board has already raised half of the monies. The project goals are to improve the acoustic and visual environment for the performing art events. Mayor Mike Cooney stated that Council will have a discussion on the request.
  • Mayor Mike Cooney recognized Rich Watson for his community service in Chelan. Watson was one of the first three people to help start Chelan Valley Hope. He is member a of the Lake Chelan Rotary and also served 12 years as Board member of the Columbia Valley Communty Health among others contributions.
  • Link Transit will be starting a free shuttle service in Chelan beginning on Fourth of July weekend. Right now it is set to go from Walmart to Lakeside, seven-days a week.



 

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