Othello’s council is considering a policy on strollers

OTHELLO — In an era of mobile businesses and part-time gigs, Othello city officials are working to ensure proper city regulation while promoting entrepreneurship.

Othello City Council members passed an ordinance regulating food trucks in April and considered forklift regulations at Tuesday’s regular council meeting.

Community Development Director Anne Henning said both food truck and forklift vendors were setting up shop in Othello, and city officials wanted to establish a framework for their operations.

“There are already vendors in town,” she said.

Previous business regulations did not suit these suppliers.

City authorities do not want to give up the opportunities offered by strollers and food trucks, she added.

“The cart in particular is a way to start a business with less capital than a food truck or building,” Henning said.

As a result, the Othello Planning Commission was asked to look into the issue and make some recommendations.

Under the regulation, forklift dealers will have to purchase an annual business license and each dealer will also need to have a dealer’s licence. Business licenses cost $80 per year; There are no fees for a supplier license. Vendors selling food must comply with Adams County Health Department regulations. They must carry $1 million in liability insurance.

Sellers must provide a list of what they plan to sell and a list of everyone who will be selling through their business. Operating hours are 8:00 a.m. to 30 minutes after sunset. Any signs must be attached to the cart, although vendors may apply for a free-standing sign.

According to the regulation, sellers using private land or city roads must provide written permission confirming that they are allowed to stay there. Sellers must arrange for the collection and disposal of any waste generated by the business.

The regulation also includes regulations on the size of the trolley and where and how it should be placed to avoid blocking sidewalks. They are restricted to non-residential areas.

City parks will be subject to restrictions and vendors will not be allowed to set up shop within 500 feet of a city-approved special event. No-go zones have been designated around schools, restaurants and other businesses that sell goods similar to those on the cart.

Cheryl Schweizer can be reached at [email protected].

Stroller basics:

Opening hours: 8:00 a.m. to 30 minutes after sunset
Business license required, $80.
Free reseller license required
Every food vendor must comply with Adams County Health Department regulations