ST. PAUL - The Town of St. Paul is looking at rules around food trucks doing business in town, following a complaint about a food truck from Bonnyville parking near other businesses.
"Until recently we were unable to find any rules with regard to food trucks as there is nothing in the Land Use Bylaw about them," said CAO Kim Heyman during the July 13 council meeting. "However there is a piece in the Business Licence bylaw that says that food trucks need a letter from the owner of whatever land they park on to conduct their business. As the authority for the roads, the food truck would need a letter from the town."
The CAO noted that the food truck in question has taken out a business license.
Administration recommended that the clause from the Business License bylaw be referenced in the Land Use Bylaw but also remain in the Business License bylaw so that a Development Permit is not required to operate.
Administration is also recommended that a certain distance must be maintained between where a food truck sets up and any existing restaurants.
"We do have at least one local food trucks that operates in town during the summer," said Heyman, adding, most towns do allow food trucks.
Mayor Maureen Miller questioned how a specific distance is established, and noted that with established restaurants paying taxes in town, the municipality does need to demonstrate respect to those businesses.
Heyman suggested council allow administration to look into the issue further to determine a specific distance. The motion to direct administration to research the matter further was carried.
Old bylaws
The Town of St. Paul has been reviewing old bylaws and is in the process of repealing a number of out-of-date bylaws. The first round of bylaws was presented to council on July 13.
Some examples of the bylaws to be repealed include one from 1953 that states mayor and councillors are to be paid $4 for attending each meeting. Other bylaws from the 1960s spoke to the types of sports and activities that could be held on Sundays. Similarly, in 1970 a bylaw amendment allowed public dancing on Saturday at midnight to be extended by one hour.
A second round of of amen dements is expected to be presented at the next council meeting. A public hearing will also be held in September to hear public input on the proposed repeal bylaw.
Commemorative Coins
Regional Director of Emergency Management Trevor Kotowich did a surprise presentation during Monday's council meeting to CAO Kim Heyman, assistant CAO Steven Jeffery and Town of St. Paul FCSS Director Lynn Smid, commending them for their work during the COVID-19 pandemic. Each staff member will received a commemorative coin.
"In no way does this mean our work is done," said Kotowich. While the Incident Response Team is taking a bit of a break over the summer months, the team is ready to activate at a moment's notice.
St. Paul Municipal Library
While the St. Paul Municipal Library is now open to the public, Coun. Norm Noel reported that the number of patrons visiting the library is notably down.
