(Cushing, Okla.) There was plenty of lively discussion at the regular meeting of the Cushing Board of Commissioners Monday evening as members of the community came out to celebrate proclamations and find out whether or not food trucks would be allowed in Cushing.
First up on the agenda – proclamations. Chairman of the Board Terry Brannon presented two proclamations – one declaring May 18 – 23 Alumni Week in Cushing and a second declaring June 8 -13 Pipeline Appreciation Week in Cushing. Accepting the Alumni Week proclamation were officers from the Alumni Association. Cushing Chamber of Commerce Director Tracy Caulfield and Chamber President Meghan Crumpton accepted the Pipeline Appreciation proclamation.
In appearances from the audience, Donna Tanner asked the board to consider changing city ordinances regarding unkempt properties she had tried to report to Code Enforcement, only to find there were no ordinances prohibiting the issues. Tanner presented commissioners photos to accompany her request. Those photos were not made available to the public or media. Brannon thanked her for her appearance and said her concerns would be taken into consideration.
Two agenda items were the “hot topics” of the evening – the discussion of a new animal shelter and an ordinance allowing food trucks in Cushing.
Following a brief presentation regarding the proposed animal shelter, local veterinarian Dr. Gary Detrich took the podium on behalf of animal welfare advocates in Cushing. Through carefully chosen words, Detrich expressed a desire for input from others in the community regarding the animal shelter, noting the committee researching a new animal shelter was made up primarily of city employees. He asked commissioners to research and consider the possibility of a facility that would partner animal control with pet adoption.
“I want to believe government can cooperate with the people who have an interest in animal welfare,” Detrich said. “I’m not against anything. I would like the chance for more discussion before excluding a partnership.”
Businessman Jim Daves weighed in on the subject, coming to the podium expressing his concern that if the city “sits on it” too long, a new shelter won’t be built. “I’m here representing the dogs,” Daves said wryly. “It concerns me if this is tabled.”
Lou Griffin, from the Alumni Association, put her two cents in asking commissioners if it would be a possibility to add on to the proposed shelter should some sort of partnership be desired at a later date.
Chairman Brannon thanked everyone for their input saying, “I don’t think delaying is a good idea, but I think we need to have a frank, honest discussion to make sure we aren’t missing anything.”
The committee comprised of City Manager Steve Spears, Police Chief Tully Folden, Deputy Chief Chuck Claxton, Animal Control Officer Steve Orton and Terry Brannon, visited animal shelter facilities in Shawnee, Glenpool, Seminole, Guthrie and Owasso before putting together a plan they felt was best suited for Cushing.
The 36′ x 40′ (1440 sq. ft.) proposed building, built on Maitlen Drive, would include 10, 4′ x 6′ runs, a 9′ x 10′ cat room, a food prep area, an office for the animal control officer, bath with shower, and a euthenasia room.
The second energy-charged topic was regarding an ordinance amending city code to add provisions relating to mobile food service establishments, better known as “food trucks.”
Chairman Brannon opened the floor to anyone wishing to ask questions or speak about the proposed ordinance.
Restaurant owner Kris Kinzie was the first to come forward to raise his questions and concerns. “I’m not here to voice an opinion,” Kinzie stated. “I’m here to ask questions.”
Kinzie quizzed the board on how much research had been done on food trucks prior to putting the proposed ordinance on the agenda.
“What type of study or review has been done regarding food trucks,” he asked. “What effect would it have economically – to the community and ‘brick and mortar’ eating establishments in Cushing? Is Cushing big enough to sustain that type of business? The pie is just so big.”
City Manager Steve Spears assured Kinzie research had been done and it would be unlikely food trucks would have a huge negative impact on brick and mortar eating establishments.
Local food truck owner Mike Yeager took the podium to give his perspective on the food truck business. “We pay taxes. We buy fuel. We are licensed and are held to the same standards set by the Health Department,” Yeager said.
He said his interest in coming to Cushing was to serve workers in the pipeline/oil industry who may not have time to come into town and sit in a restaurant to eat at lunch time. He also pointed out food trucks meet a specific need – whether it is a meal on the run or specific food items at an event. They do not provide a place for people to come in, sit down and enjoy a meal, and be out of the elements.
Lou Griffin took the podium again on this subject, saying the Alumni Association had three food trucks lined up for Alumni Weekend, waiting for a decision. She acknowledged that although they were wanting an answer regarding a four hour event, if approved, the decision would have a long-term affect on the the community. “But I don’t feel it’s taking away from merchants in town, but it’s a way to help downtown merchants,” she said.
Gabby Hurst, former owner of an eating establishment in downtown Cushing, said she had done a significant amount of research on food trucks and is in favor of allowing them in Cushing. She did suggest, however, the City limit the type of trucks and perhaps put a cap on the number of food trucks allowed, as a way of controlling the possible impact on other establishments.
After much discussion back and forth, a motion was made to vote on the ordinance and was passed unanimously.
A resolution establishing license fees was also approved unanimously:
90 day Peddler licenses tax (fee) – $25.00
72 hour Itinerant Merchant licenses tax (fee) – $25.00
365 day Itinerant Merchant mobile food service establishment license tax (fee) – $300
Code Enforcement will be in charge of making sure peddlers/itinerant merchants are compliant.
Kinzie made a final statement following the vote saying, “No sour grapes here. If it’s good for the community, then I’m all for it.”
Other business approved by commissioners:
A resolution authorizing the execution of a grant of easement and right of way to Centerpoint Energy Resources Corp. on city property located in Southgate Addition;
Acknowledgement of five expiring terms on the Youth and Community Center Advisory Board;
Vote on two nominees (to serve on the Board of Trustees of Oklahoma Municipal Assurance Group (OMAG) for three year terms;
Approval of annual update to Emergency Operations Plan
Chairman Brannon also recognized two retiring city employees – Kim Grizzle (Code Enforcement) and Tim Harrison (Street Department), saying “Thank you for your service.”
A study session will be held Thursday, May 21 at 6 p.m. at City Hall. The meeting is open to the public.
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