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CITY MANAGER REPORTS 4. Mobil Food Vendors (707 -06) Report: Police Chief 8/1/87 In response to questions, Police Chief Guardino said that complaints about mobil food vendors, known as taco trucks, are related to gatherings around the parked vehicles, litter, rumored illegal activities, traffic and safety hazards, and violations of the Health and Safety Code. In further response to questions, Chief Guardino said that the penalty for violation of the proposed ordinance is a mandatory court appearance with the taco truck operator required to appear in person before the Traffic Commission with no bail permitted; that the proposed ordinance is more stringent than that of the County; that the County is considering making their ordinance more restrictive; that the appropriate fine for the infraction will be determined at the Commission hearing; and that his department would commit whatever resources are necessary to enforce the proposed ordinance. Senior Assistant City Attorney Case and Chief Guardino replied that if a taco truck operator attempted to make an agreement to allow the truck to stand on private property, then the operator would be subject to the Health and Safety Code, Zoning Ordinance, Building Code and all other legal requirements pertaining to any other stationary restaurant operation. Jesse Monroy, 1796 Broadway, said that he represents the taco truck operators and asked to speak last. Myrna - - - - -- Newark, representing Concerned Merchants, favored regulation of the taco trucks. Fernando Veqa, 321 Spring Street, reported that he represents a group of businessmen in the Middlefield Road area who are negatively affected by the taco trucks and inquired regarding interpretations of the proposed ordinance. Mr. Vega suggested an environmental impact report should be required for each vehicle and stated that Middlefield Road is congested by traffic; the vendors should not be permitted to operate 16 hours daily; they create safety hazards on sidewalks and at corners; they generate litter which must be cleaned up by others; he fears permits may be granted only for the East Redwood City area; and that the taco trucks contribute to a ghetto -like atmosphere there. Mr. Vega said that he opposes the ordinance because it is not sufficiently restrictive. Jesse Monroy, (see above) suggested the proposed ordinance violates the right of free enterprise of the taco truck operators and reported that three in Redwood City have received citations amounting to more than $7,000 during the past two months for a variety of violations of the law. Mr. Monroy said the proposed ordinance offers too many restrictions; the vendors need more than 30 minutes standing time; they would like designated places where they may stand indefinitely; they wish to operate 16 hours daily; that requiring the Reg.Mtg. 8/24/87 Page 5 MINUTE BOOK NO. 47 Page No. 340