Hello everyone,

I would like to provide you with a summary of the last few weeks as Five Suns tries to get food trucks back.

On Feb 23, 2022

A subcommittee was held and options for the future of food trucks in downtown was discussed. The council received numerous comments to allow food trucks on private property at Five Suns Brewing from the public and business owners. The primary idea was to allow a food truck on private property with a permit.

The details of the permit were still unclear, but included options such as: limitations on how long the permit is valid, what days it is allowed, what hours it is allowed, how many trucks can be present per permit, should the permit be renewed annually, also if a food truck must have a hosting/sponsoring business. This was the start of brainstorming ideas for updates to existing ordinances.

On March 2nd, 2022

Councilmember Mark Ross proposed a reconsideration to the food truck ban. Councilmember Ross took further consideration after speaking with many downtown business owners. He determined that a fear of the possibility of MANY food trucks would take over business in downtown was a real concern. However, comments on food trucks specifically at Five Suns were mostly supportive by downtown and by the public.

Mayor Rob Schroder stated he has a good understanding of the link between craft beer and food trucks due to familiarity in the brewery industry. After Five Suns moved to Main/Ward St he received complaints about food trucks. However, due to many comments from downtown business owners and the public who wrote directly to council, he has reconsidered based on the large amount of support.

Councilmembers Lara and Brainne remain in support of Food Trucks, diversity and creating interesting new things downtown. However, comments that this example should be used to further consider ‘how’ the city follows its own rules. There are inconsistencies in enforcement to consider.

Debbie has stated that a lot has changed in the last two weeks. Many businesses that stated the petition was taken out of context was a deciding factor. Debbie is in support of Food Trucks at Five Suns and suggests working on the ordinance.

The city still has to amend the existing ordinances to allow food trucks under these permitted circumstances. The specific process and language of the ordinances was discussed based on the Feb 23 committee discussion. Generally, it was suggested to have a permit that is renewed annually, no limit on the days, no limit on the hours of operation, no limit on trucks of location, the number of permits allowed in the city is still open. We will have to wait to see what the specific language comes out to.

In the end, Council listened to your comments and revoted to overturn the previous meeting’s decision. Council now unanimously supports food trucks at Five Suns, and downtown – under the right circumstances. Your emails and support helped save food trucks at Five Suns. FOOD TRUCKS ARE BACK!

The abruptness of all this caused significant disruption into our calendar. Please be patient as we reschedule partners for the upcoming weeks. PLEASE subscribe/follow Five Suns social media, Instagram and Facebook pages for the latest news on food trucks at Five Suns.

https://www.instagram.com/fivesunsbrewing

https://www.facebook.com/fivesunsbrewing

COMMUNITY. NOT COMPETITION

Sincerely,

Dennis Boettcher

Owner/Partner

Five Suns Brewing