Food Truck Law Tabled - Veterans Cemetery Fees Discussed

By Mary A. Crisafulli

MARGARETVILLE - The Margaretville Village Board unanimously decided to table approval of legislation regulating the use of food trucks after hearing comments from the public on Sept. 23. The board is expected to discuss adjustments to the proposed law and a fee schedule at the next regular meeting scheduled Tuesday, Oct. 21.

Before public comment, Mayor John Hubbell mentioned that misinformation had been circulating around the village regarding the proposed legislation. "The village board is here to protect the village first and formost, but also the businesses, residents, and outside vendors..." he said, "...we need the food truck around more than ever now, but we also have to protect our brick and mortar businesses because they are few and far bewtween..."

Residents Joshua and Jayme Staten, owners of the food truck Curbside Street Kitchen, attended with some concerns. Curbside, which opened in June, is typically stationed outside Freshtown. The owners have an agreement with the grocery store to park on their property on Thursdays and Fridays.

While noting the importance of regulations, Joshua noted that additional permit fees could be detrimental to food truck owners. "That trailer that I own is our life savings...," he said, "I would want to operate nowhere else..." With that said, Joshua and Jayme asked the board to consider keeping fees reasonable and waiving fees for veterans.

Joshua further noted that administrative work can take up a significant amount of time for food truck operators. Every new place they park comes with adding the spot to insurance policies and applying for permits in that municipality, noted Jayme. According to Joshua, the proposed legislation is written in a way that requires truck owners to apply for three permits during seasonal operations. He requested an adjustment to make permits either annual or biannual.

Another food truck owner who parks in Arkville said, "We are a seasonal business, and to have to pay extra money for all these items it becomes a lot." They also emphasized that administrative tasks can be time-consuming, noting that a permit to park at Bellayer ski mountain is only valid for 14 days.

Peg Ellsworth spoke in support of making food truck operations accessible in the village. She said that, having operated both a restaurant and a food truck, the latter proved to be more difficult and expensive.

A Margaretville restaurant owner spoke in support of the food trucks. "I support them," they said, adding that more places serving food help other businesses in the village.

Trustee Sarah Hubbell noted that the legislation was proposed to help protect the village from any issues. Noting that last year, an individual set up a table and was selling food. The law will ensure that the Department of Health has inspected and the village is aware of where a truck is being parked, she explained.

The board was unanimous in wanting to consider public comments and make adjustments before approving the proposal. The board is expected to bring proposed adjustments to the October meeting.

Cemeteries

Headstones for veterans are paid for by the VA; however, in some cases, the municipality is responsible for placing the stone. In those situations, the village must supply the crushed stone and blue stone needed, said Hubbell. He proposed imposing a $125 fee in such cases.

"I hate charging veterans," said Sarah Hubbell, while also understanding the need for a fee. She suggested a smaller fee of $50.

Trustee David Budin noted that this situation may be infrequent.

The board ultimately tabled a decision for one year while they gather data on how often the issue arises.

In another discussion, the board approved a variance permitting four cremations in one plot. Regulations state each plot is suitable for one coffin or two cremations. However, the board noted there is space there for more than the permitted cremations.

The requestee said there was some confusion when her mother was buried a year prior. The Grandmother owns two plots, one of which holds her husband, whom she is set to lay next to. However, both the requestee's uncle and mother were placed below her grandfather in the same plot rather than the other vacant one. With her grandmother in her 90s, the requestee sought to ensure she could lie with her husband.

In other business

Trustees will submit a letter of intent to apply for the NY Forward grant, with assistance from the MARK Project. Applications are due by November 9, and recipients will be awarded in late December. Ellsworth, Mark, Project Executive Director, stated that the village should note that Roxbury has recently received $10 million from the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and that Stamford is also working to secure NY Forward funding. The three grant opportunities would work together to repair and revitalize a whole area, she thought. Stamford was advised to do the same in its application.

Trustees approved a liquor license for 655 Main Street. The license includes liquor, wine, beer, soda, and live music. Applicants will now seek approval from the State.

Water operator John Paul's salary was increased to $29 per hour, a rise of approximately $2 per hour. A part-time Arkville water operator was hired to work one weekend a month at $18,000 per year and $25 per hour for as-needed work. Both salaries are reimbursed through the contract with Middletown.

The village received $6,700 in Chips for filling potholes and $53,400 for FEMA repair on the west end of Main Street, where the road meets County Route 3, for a sluth pipe repair that was washed out by Hurricane Debbie. The village is still working to secure roughly $3,500 from FEMA for administrative fees.