DES MOINES, IA – With the current Food Truck Pilot Program set to expire Oct. 31st, the Des Moines City Council approved a three month extension at Monday night’s meeting. The program will have the same guidelines as the previous agreement and will expire on Jan. 1st.

“It’s way more successful than I ever imagined,” said Christine Hensley, Des Moines City Council. “The fact that we have had so very, very few complaints is encouraging. Those came as they were just starting the program and working out some of the kinks.”

One of the bigger bumps they are working on is the parking in Zone A or the Pappajohn Sculpture Park.

The issues arise when more than a handful of trucks are parked in the zone during lunch and tour buses drop off. The recommended fix from the city is to create a loading zone on 13th St. instead of Grand or Locust.

“We have $50 million worth of art down there that we need to preserve,” said Councilwomen Hensley. “We want to do what’s best for everyone involved.”

Most food truck owners echo Hensley excitement about the pilot program.

“It has been an overwhelming success,” said Nick Kuhn, association president of Legion of Food. “I think the biggest issue has been for us is learning how to keep up with the crowds.”

Find the entire article with video at whotv.com [here]