Council approves food truck ordinance, receives energy efficiency award
During its July 14 meeting, the city council approved an ordinance regulating mobile food trucks in Vestavia Hills. The ordinance, effective Aug. 1, establishes operating standards and definitions for mobile food trucks operating in the city limits.
"We went through several cities' ordinances and really tried to take all our research and put everything under one umbrella," City Clerk Rebecca Leavings said.
During the meeting, the council heard from the owners of Neal's on Wheels, a food truck operating at 4220 Cahaba Heights Court, who were concerned about the limitations on operating hours stated in the ordinance.
"We've invested our life savings in this business, so it's very important to us to continue to serve our customers." said owner Cornelius Bolling.
The ordinance states that food trucks cannot operate in residential areas, within 200 feet of a restaurant during its open hours or in the public right of way. The trucks cannot operate more than eight hours a day or more than three days in a row in one location.
"We did talk with brick and mortar businesses in the area, and the biggest issue some of these places had is with the 200 feet rule," said Chamber of Commerce President Karen Odle.
The ordinance also states that food trucks must obtain an annual business license and operating permit from the city. The permit must be posted in a visible location on the mobile unit. The mobile food operator is also responsible for having the truck inspected and approved by the city’s fire marshal.
In addition, in recognition of the city’s commitment to efficiency and sustainability, Trane, a global provider of heating and air conditioning, presented the city with the Energy Efficiency Leader Award. City leaders reported that the recent replacement of outdated lighting with highly efficient illumination at the city’s sports fields, pool and tennis court is generating a nearly 50 percent decrease in energy usage. Upgrades included replacing old wooden poles at the Cahaba Heights Sports Complex.
“We’re pleased that the improved lighting has so significantly increased visibility and safety while saving the city money,” said Brian Davis, director of public services for Vestavia Hills. “It’s even better that we were able to use future energy and operational savings to fund the improvements without capital outlay.”
In other news, the council:
- Heard an introduction from Sheila Phillips, newly appointed Vestavia Hills City Schools superintendent.
- Approved a resolution authorizing the city to enter into an agreement with the Board of Education for the development of the school parcel at Patchwork Farms. The Vestavia Hills Board of Education owns 22.19 acres of land on Patchwork Farms development. Daniel Realty Company will develop the land, and City Manager Jeff Downes estimates the project will take six months to put together.
- Approved a resolution for a bid for thermal imaging cameras for the Vestavia Hills Fire Department.
- Approved a resolution to redirect grant funding for construction of a parking lot adjacent to the Library In The Forest.
During the next meeting, scheduled for July 28, the council will examine a resolution authorizing an agreement with Goodwyn Mills and Cawood for preliminary geotechnical work at Wald Park.