ENM Council discusses food truck locations

Over its last two meetings, the Elko New Market City Council discussed food truck sales on public property.

At the council’s Thursday, May 8, meeting city staff brought to the council the issue of food trucks and where they could be on city property. City staff wanted direction as to whether food trucks on city property should be treated the same as food trucks on residential property. The council directed city staff that food trucks should be allowed on city property similar to residential property except for the city hall parking lot, as the parking lot is needed for city business. Also, since city hall shares the parking lot with the Elko New Market Fire Department, which is needed for parking by firefighters.

During the council’s Thursday, May 22, meeting City Administrator Tom Terry said there were a few more questions and recommendations about food trucks on city property. They included:

• Food truck operators should contact the city and request to be located on city property and receive permission first. Permission will be on a first-come, first-served basis. No more than one food truck will operate on city property and may only park in improved parking lots. Permission may be revoked including, but not limited to, when city ordinances are violated such as litter, noise and operating on city property without permission.

• The number of days food trucks operate on city property be consistent with city code, which is seven consecutive days or 21 total days during any calendar year.

• Food trucks would operate between 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. any day of the week.

• The city will not receive any compensation for use of city lots by food trucks.

• Food trucks not be allowed to locate in parking lot for the Elko New Market Library/Market Village senior apartments unless it is associated with an event being held at one of the facilities.

• Food trucks not be allowed to locate in Wagner Park parking lot when the park’s pavilion is reserved.

Terry asked the council if...

To see more on this story pick up the May 29, 2025 print edition of The New Prague Times.