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The San Juan Bautista Planning Commission accepted an amendment to the municipal code to loosen some restrictions on food trucks. If the measure is passed by the council, food trucks would pay a $150 per-year fee to be allowed to operate from three designated city street locations from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Mondays and Tuesdays.
The draft amendment initially specified two street locations: in front of the soccer field on the Alameda, and across from the Valero gas station on Muckelemi Street.
The amendment does not cover food trucks on private property, such as the Hapa Bros parking in Vertigo’s lot or Taqueria El Milagro parking in the lot near 4th and San Jose streets, as they are being considered separately.
Chairman Jose Aranda initially raised concerns about the location on Muckelemi because of its proximity to the Hwy 156 freeway onramp/offramp, and the safety risks for customers who might be standing by waiting for food.
“I don’t know if I really like that area,” he said, “just because people pull off the freeway. I know there’s a stop, but with people standing in the streets, I would be really concerned about someone getting hit.”
During public comment, resident Cara Vonk also objected to The Alameda location, saying it would give a “messy and uninviting look at the entry to the city.”
Community Director Erica Fraser, who presented the proposal, said that many areas around the city had been considered and deemed unsuitable for use, and that the area on Muckelemi was “wider and not as prohibitive or restrictive” as other street sites.
She also mentioned rejected locations that were too close to existing restaurants or historic buildings. San Juan Bautista State Park officials opposed a location on 2nd Street across from the Plaza Hotel.
Several commissioners agreed that the Monday Night Lights held earlier this year had been a success. During those events, two or three food trucks were allowed to operate on 4th Street beside the youth baseball field at Abbe Park from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on designated Mondays.
“One of the advantages of that area,” Commissioner Dan DeVries said, “is that there already was a test period.”
Commissioner Jackie Morris-Lopez said she was concerned that the residents in that area would be bothered by food trucks being open late into the evening and asked if the hours could be reduced to 8 p.m. or 9 p.m.
DeVries, who identified himself as “living across the street from third base” at the park, said he was unaware of any complaints about the food trucks during the Monday Night Lights gatherings.
DeVries also asked if the area for food trucks by the soccer field on the Alameda could be extended further toward Third and Franklin streets, stopping short of the parking area designated for JJ’s Burgers at 100 Third Street.
The final resolution included that area, Abbe Park, and the two previously designated areas. It passed with a 3-0 vote, with Aranda, Morris-Lopez and DeVries voting for the amendment and Commissioner Iraida Pisano abstaining. It will go to the City Council for final approval.
Food trucks have been the subject of debate in the community, particularly following the controversial actions taken by former assistant city manager Brian Foucht in citing businesses for alleged code violations. The city began work on an ordinance in April and subsequently held public workshops, discussions with food truck vendors and drafted ordinances which it forwarded to the Planning Commission.
Aranda began the meeting by saying a major business in town was in danger of closing within a few weeks. He did not identify which one, but said, “They are a major player here in town, and I think they are a staple. They’re fantastic people, and everything about this business is great.”
Aranda asked if the commission could guide city staff in drafting a plan to submit to the City Council that would help endangered businesses. During the discussion, a consensus emerged that the City Council would need more time to pass a measure in such a shorttime frame due to parliamentary rules and its schedule.
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