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A resolution to approve the creation of forms that would allow food vendors at parks in Cortlandville was tabled by the town board at Wednesday’s meeting, with board members expressing concerns about the impacts to nearby local businesses.
The resolution would have granted Parks and Recreation Director John McNerney in handling applications from vendors who want to serve food at parks across the town.
The town set a $100 administrative fee for every application, and a $25 daily fee for every day the vendor is active at a Cortlandville-designated park. Applicants must show a copy of their county-issued food certification permit, as well as an insurance certificate of liability in the amount of $1 million, naming the town as an additional insured.
Food trucks would also have to get the green light from Cortlandville’s code enforcement department. Applicants will also have to submit a written waste disposal plan for trash, water and grease, and photos of the items to be sold.
Town board member Greg Leach objected to approving the resolution Wednesday, at least until the town can learn of the impacts outside vendors could have on already existing establishments set up near parks in the town.
“Without us taking a look at who’s going to be allowed at Gutchess Lumber Sports Complex, I'm going to suggest that no ice cream soft serve be sold there,” Leach said. “There are some ice cream establishments in Cortlandville that are paying taxes and I would not want to see ice cream be sold there. I wouldn’t want a vending truck taking away from anybody.”
Supervisor Tom Williams said such concerns could open a “Pandora’s box.”
“If Pandora's box gets opened, we can research it,” Leach replied. “But I think people are paying a lot of money to be in business these days. If people come in and go to the ballparks and go somewhere else for ice cream, I think that's a good idea.”
Williams said that if soft serve ice cream is subtracted from the possible applications, then the town would likely have to consider other foods as well.
“What about somebody selling pizza? If you exclude one, you exclude the other. You’ve got somebody doing pizza not far away,” Williams added. “If you want to table this and look at it in more detail, that’s good. I think that is necessary before we just unpack and take one minor thing out.”
The town board will discuss the measure at a future meeting.
