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REGULAR MEETING September 14, 2015 <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />Ms. Adams replied we have discussed that but have not come to any resolutions thus far, but <br />there are programs we are looking to investigate more. As of now there isn’t anything yet that is <br />ready to go. <br /> <br />Councilmember Davis stated that his concern is that only a few will be able to participate given <br />the fees associated with developing this endeavor. <br /> <br />Mr. Fielding responded one of the bills that will be deployed in the fall will be a fund that people <br />will have the ability to borrow money through the city at a flat four percent (4%) for up to ten <br />(10) years that offers more flexibility for businesses. <br /> <br />Councilmember Davis stated he is aware of that fund, but not confident that will be the cure all <br />or a fix or even a help. He would suggest that there be a partnership with a local bank or credit <br />union to help develop a more inclusive process for those that want to do this. His experience <br />with the IRL in my eight (8) years on Council that they have not been inclusive, only a few have <br />received it. My second question is are you opposed to zones, reason being so that food trucks are <br />not in direct competition with the restaurants. As there are areas that are open that would be ideal <br />downtown as opposed to in front or nearby the Oyster Bar or Linden Grill. <br /> <br />Councilmember Scott answered one thing to keep in mind that food trucks are only allowed for <br />four hour parking, and most parking on those streets is for one hour parking. <br /> <br />Councilmember Davis interjected you stated that they will have a four (4) hour parking pass. <br /> <br />Councilmember Scott replied only in a two (2) hour parking spot not one (1) hour parking. <br /> <br />Councilmember Davis stated Wayne Street is two (2) hour, and another conversation would be <br />needed for the two way streets and who gets to park and for how long. I am not against it, but I <br />just want to make sure we have a healthy environment for everyone down there. Where you’re <br />limited the only thing to do is to fight. <br /> <br />This being the time heretofore set for the Public Hearing on the above bill, proponents and <br />opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. <br /> <br />Those wishing to speak in favor: <br /> <br />Steven Smith, 630 W. LaSalle, South Bend – I am familiar with the food truck process, I <br />purchased a food truck over two years ago. I have invested over $70,000 in it, I’ve had it in <br />storage for over two years. We decided to move our business to the west coast as we buy from <br />the same economic systems, food trucks are booming as it is invigorating. America is about <br />competition that the best food and product wins. I spend $75 a month to house a vehicle that is <br />ready to go. The questions that are being asked today are common knowledge and how it is a <br />positive to the entire community. It is a progressive thing where most brick and mortars are <br />getting food trucks. We should be allowed to see how this thing works. If there are still <br />questions there are places people can go to do their research. <br /> <br />Jason Banicki-Critchlow, 3822 W. Ford St., South Bend – I think this is a fantastic idea. Look at <br />me I obviously like food. I’m a graduate of IU, I look forward to the food trucks down there. <br />This will improve the quality of life and give people more options. <br /> <br />Rebecca Kaiser, 913 Diamond Ave., South Bend – I am in favor of the food trucks. I too like <br />food. I have a couple issues, the commissary kitchens, many food trucks will spend thousands of <br />dollars on the kitchen stating they have to have a commissary kitchen makes me nervous. I have <br />a friend who uses a commissary kitchen and vandals tried to blow it up four (4) times and now <br />they are out of work and can’t do business as they don’t have a commissary kitchen now. There <br />are so many restaurants, as many cities don’t require that your truck be kitchen ready. The other <br />issue is zoning, this country is not a communist country. We don’t make rules to make it <br />beneficial for someone else. If you have better food on your truck, then the restaurant as a result <br />will have to make better food. That’s how this county has been built, you go to the guy with the <br />best food. <br /> <br />5 <br /> <br /> <br />