City Council Minutes 2013 06 18 - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Meeting Minutes June 18, 2013 Page 6 of 12 manage the remaining Food Truck events scheduled this year and inform discussions regarding future events. The Parks and Recreation Department issued special event permits authorizing 8 food trucks in Community Park on May 22, June 12, June 26, July 10, July 24, August 7 and August 21, 2013. The event sponsor requested authorization for four additional food trucks to better serve the public and mitigate some of the long lines. The event is popular among families with younger children however staff has received complaints from residents of neighborhoods surrounding Community Park about parking /traffic issues, noise, trash and persons not respecting private property. Downtown restaurants have voiced concern the events negatively affect their revenue and the Downtown Business Association submitted a letter opposing the Food Truck events. Staff will work with the DBA and local restaurateurs to evaluate the impact of these events on existing businesses and coordinate a follow -up discussion for planning next year. COUNCIL COMMENT Council member Sackett voiced his concern the success of the Food Truck event is at the expense of the downtown restaurants. He felt this part-time program is detrimental to the full -time businesses in Louisville. Council member Jasiak reported attending both events and felt they provide for a wonderful family outing. She heard comments from the DBA and the downtown restaurants relative to their lost revenue and from some downtown merchants, who would like to take part in the event by providing packed to go picnics or having the attendees return to the downtown for drinks and dessert. She felt there was room for cross promotion. PUBLIC COMMENT Todd Stevenson, Project Louisville LLC, event sponsor, reported on the success of the first two events. Four additional trucks will be added to the eight, three of which will be from Louisville. He emphasized very little trash has been collected from the first two events. He explained they have tried to address all the issues regarding noise, trespassing and parking through Facebook, by asking people who attend the events to be conscientious where and how they park. They encourage people to bring a picnic lunch, or pick up some dinner downtown and bring it to the park. They have requested guidance from both the food trucks operators and the event attendees on how to make this event more neighborhood friendly. They provide free maps, which have the names and addresses of all 23 restaurants, the types of food they provide and any special offers they may want to advertise. COUNCIL COMMENTS Council member Jasiak inquired whether downtown businesses could circulate coupons or information about their specials to attendees. Mr. Stevenson stated they try to keep it