DES MOINES, IA – City officials presented a proposed food truck program to the public and answered questions at an informational meeting in downtown Des Moines Thursday.

The meeting at the downtown public library, from noon to 1:00 p.m., was the first of two public meetings held Thursday. An identical session will be held at the same location at 5:30 p.m.

The city’s Mobile Vending Pilot Program would allow street vendors to park in metered spaces throughout most of downtown to conduct business. The map below shows the “Mobile Vending District” – an area where food trucks can use meters. Areas prohibited are marked in red.

Assistant City Manager, Kandi Reindl, says if the council approves the proposal, the pilot program would be kicked off in late April or early May with a food truck festival held downtown. A location would be determined at a later date, but Reindl says it would likely happen near the Pappajohn Sculpture Park.

Some operational requirements for food trucks include:

• No sales between 1:30 a.m. And 5:30 a.m.
• Mobile vendors must be at least 100 feet from street-level entrances and exits of brick and mortar buildings
• Metered parking only with a license, costing $550 a year
• Must keep meter fed while parked

The proposal requires food truck vendors get an on-street vending permit, costing $550 a year, an Iowa Department of Health permit, and a tax I.D.

Find the entire article at whotv.com <here>