BROKEN BOW— In 2019, it took a number of weeks to design a resolution that accommodated both sides regarding mobile food vendors. Less than two years later, it seems more changes to the resolution are on the horizon.
During the Broken Bow City Council meeting on Tuesday, May 11 City Administrator Dan Knoell asked the topic be placed on the agenda after he had received multiple complaints about mobile food vendors at the Broken Bow City Square. Knoell stated that complaints ranged from the vendors being in the same spot day after day, overflowing trash cans, vendors being an eyesore to the Square, and the biggest issue being safety.
Knoell stated that the vendors often use power from the City, but extension cords are laid across the sidewalk creating a tripping hazard. He noted there had been at least one instance where an elderly gentleman caught his walker on the cords and stumbled. Knoell said the man did not fall, but if he had and hurt himself, the City could have been liable.
Mayor Rod Sonnichsen stated some of the issues that have begun to show up this year are because mobile vendors were absent from the Square last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Knoell told KCNI/KBBN that the Mobile Food Vendor permit ordinance will be placed on the May 25 agenda for a public hearing.
Fire Chief Jason Baum briefly spoke at the meeting giving a quick update on the new ladder truck that saw its first deployment earlier this month with a structure fire. Baum said the truck worked great and was a great purchase for the City. Councilman David Schmidt thanked the Broken Bow Volunteer Fire Department for their outstanding work in outfitting the truck, training the firefighters for the new equipment, and implementing it in less than two weeks (Councilman Schmidt’s entire letter can be found below).
Other approvals included appointing Councilman Schmidt as a representative on the Custer County Communications Board and closing D Street between 8th and 9th Avenue for a car and bike show on July 24.
