Marshfield City Council votes to suspend controversial rules for food vendors

MARSHFIELD, WI (OnFocus) – The Marshfield City Council has voted to suspend new rules for food vendors pending further review. The decision, made during the June 25 council meeting, came after concerns were raised about the impact these regulations would have on local food truck operators and community events.

Under the current ordinance, food trucks are prohibited from operating on city property, including parks, streets and parking lots, unless the event is approved by the city. This rule was put in place to address the problem of unauthorized and unlicensed vendors in the city. However, the ordinance also prohibits legitimate, licensed vendors from participating in privately organized events on city property, such as fundraisers, weddings and community celebrations.

In response to these concerns, the council agreed to temporarily suspend the rules. During this suspension, food trucks are permitted to operate in parks if they are invited by an individual or organization renting the space. The renter is responsible for informing the city of participating vendors.

The temporary suspension is intended to allow the Council to reconsider the regulation and explore alternative solutions that will ensure compliance while supporting the local food truck industry and community events.

Katrina Kroeplin, a local grocer and owner of Kat’s Sweet Escape, expressed relief at the suspension but stressed the need for a permanent solution. “We need to find a way to ensure licensed vendors can continue to serve the community at both public and private events,” she said.

The Council plans to revisit and review the ordinance at future meetings to address any unresolved issues and explore alternative solutions that will ensure compliance while supporting the local food truck industry and community events.

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