After considerable debate, a request (Jason Gandy) for a franchise to set up a commissary cart (hot dog/sausage dog, soda, water, chips) at the foot of the pier was granted by the City Council-- at its last meeting (Aug. 10).
City attorney Wynne said the agreement was for one year -- with 2 automatic extensions-- and either party could terminate at any time.
Councilman Mixon and Kingrea worried there was apparently still no standard procedure (check-off sheet) in place to get the Mayor's Office /Police Chief's approval. Kingrea joked: "What if they turn out to be some kind of mass murderers who kill people with hot dogs?"
Kingrea added, "Don't get me wrong, I'm a big hot dog fan. I guess having private enterprise on public property is my problem. The City can get sued any time, any way, any how-- these days."
Mayor Kant: "I think the real issue is do we want vendors at the pier at all . . . been there before and haven't done that well."
Council President Quinn observed the 2 restaurants already at the pier do not serve the same type food-- so competition should not be a concern.
Councilman Stankoski said he's always had concerns with private functions on public property-- but observed that weddings (routinely held on the bluff nearby) are different because they "aren't for profit." Stankoski: "Really, in my opinion, they shouldn't be doing that either."
Councilman Mixon asked the Mayor to come up with a standard checklist for all future franchise applications (Mayor's Office/Police Chief) to see if the "functionality is ok."
Kingrea: "This one will be grandfathered in, then."
The franchise was awarded on a 4-1 vote (Stankoski, no).
Comments
I always was of the impression that good competition is a desirable thing.