Communications & Legislations Committee

COMMUNICATIONS & LEGISLATION COMMITTEE NORTHBROOK VILLAGE HALL, 1225 CEDAR LANE NOVEMBER 12, 2013, 6:30 P.M., TERRACE ROOM The Communications & Legislation Committee of the Village of Northbrook Board of Trustees will hold a meeting on Tuesday, November 12, 2013 at 6:30 p.m. in the Terrace Room of the Village Hall, 1225 Cedar Lane, Northbrook, Illinois. The following will be discussed. MEETING AGENDA 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. HEAR FROM THE AUDIENCE 3. DISCUSSION – Proposed Food Truck Ordinance 4. ADJOURN Kathryn Ciesla, Chair Communications/Legislation Committee Members: Trustee Heller Trustee Israel Village of Northbrook Cook County, Illinois November 8, 2013 The Village of Northbrook is subject to the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Individuals with disabilities who plan to attend this meeting and who require certain accommodations in order to allow them to observe and/or participate in this meeting, or who have questions regarding the accessibility of this meeting or the facilities, are requested to contact Greg Van Dahm or Debbie Ford (847- 664-4014 and 847-664-4013, respectively) promptly to allow the Village of Northbrook to make reasonable accommodations for those persons. Hearing impaired individuals may call the TDD number, 564-8645, for more information.  MEMORANDUM VILLAGE OF NORTHBROOK DEVELOPMENT AND PLANNING SERVICES DEPARTMENT TO: RICHARD A. NAHRSTADT, VILLAGE MANAGER FROM: MICHAEL P. STRONG, MANAGEMENT ANALYST DATE: November 8, 2013 SUBJECT: FOOD TRUCK & MOBILE FOOD VENDOR REGULATIONS BACKGROUND The Communications & Legislation Committee is scheduled to meet at 6:30 PM on Tuesday, November 12, 2013. The purpose of the meeting is to continue to discuss possible regulations for mobile food vendor business activity in the community. The Committee last discussed this matter during the September 17, 2013 Communications & Legislation Committee meeting. During this meeting, Village staff introduced a framework for an Ordinance that would establish guidelines for food trucks in Northbrook. The Committee discussed these regulations and some guidelines concerning on-street locations where food trucks could park and operate. The Committee also requested that staff solicit feedback from the Park District, School Districts, and Chamber of Commerce. As noted in the minutes from that meeting (copy included as an attachment to this report) the Committee also requested that staff research sign height limitations for food trucks and whether such restrictions should be incorporated into the Ordinance. The Committee asked staff to work with the Village Attorney on draft ordinance language and to further confer with the Village Sanitarian on the number and types of inspections needed. FOLLOW UP ON DISCUSSION ITEMS As noted above, one general question raised during the September meeting concerned sign restrictions and requirements for food trucks. Similar to the Committee’s current position, most communities enforce their existing commercial sign regulations to control food truck signage and/or decorations where applicable. The minutes from the September 17 meeting also reflect that staff noted that one of the communities we came across in our research does not allow signage to extend a certain height above a truck unit. The Village may wish to enforce a sign provision restricting signage height that is affixed to a mobile food unit. The Committee could consider the following regarding sign regulations:  Prohibiting signs that may cause confusion or distraction that could jeopardize vehicular and pedestrian safety (i.e. illuminated, strobe, electronic variable message signs, electronic signs, etc.)  Require signage that is affixed to a truck (i.e. banner or flag) or that which extends beyond the dimensions of a truck unit be required to obtain a temporary sign permit. FEEDBACK RECEIVED REGARDING PROPOSED REGULATIONS Village staff has reached out to the Park District, School Districts, Chamber of Commerce membership and the Industrial and Commercial Development Commission (ICDC) to solicit feedback on the proposed food truck regulations. These regulations have been summarized in the table on the next page. Page 1  Summary of Feedback Regarding Proposed Regulations Type Proposed Regulation Comments/Feedback Require mobile food vendor license  Require food truck to properly display the application/permit license at all times (easily identifiable) Licensing  Fee is too low based on the number of License Fees - $70 license fee inspections needed and should be increased Time/Duration - Only between 7am –  School District 27 suggested 7 am-8 pm on 10pm weekdays, and 8am -8pm on weekends  All agree with this provision, and Refuse/Recycling Containers – Required recommend they be responsible for to provide refuse and recycling cleaning the surrounding area (30-50 foot containers for patrons radius) Operational Noise Restrictions - (Ref. 16-49e(4))  No loudspeaker(s) Signage Restrictions:  Food trucks should abide by same sign  A-Frame signs allowed regulations as restaurants and should not  No flashing/electronic signs be allowed to use banners or a-frames  Illuminated signs only when without a temporary sign permit stationary  Park District has pedestrian (park patron) safety concerns for allowable operations between Shermer Rd and Walters Ave. Downtown On-street Parking – Allowed  Not allow any parking in downtown during between Meadow Rd. and Walters Ave. special events or holidays  We have also reached out to the property owners along Meadow Road, but have not Locational yet received their comments. On-street Parking (Outside of Downtown) – Only allowed along Sunset No comments Ridge Rd. (approx. 14 stalls on south side of road and east of Skokie Blvd.) Private Parking Lots - With written  Require food truck to display and/or have Owner’s Consent copy of signed letter by authorized agent Buffer Zones (Outside of downtown) - Not within one hundred (100) feet of a  Too close – should be at least 200 feet brick and mortar food establishment Required Inspections – Require an  Food Trucks should be held to the same inspection at time of business license standards as restaurants for Health/ application health/sanitation Sanitation Proper Health Licenses – Required to  Food Trucks should be held to the same submit copies of Food Handler License, standards as restaurants for Cook County and State Health License health/sanitation Copies of email correspondence have been attached to this report including additional press releases and/or media that have been distributed throughout the community. In addition to the summary of Page 2 feedback above, the ICDC during its regular meeting on October 22, 2013, adopted the following recommendation by a vote of 9-0:  Food trucks should be required to adhere to the same regulations as a brick and mortar restaurant (e.g. food safety, signage, etc.). Regarding regulating where food trucks should be allowed to be located, the Commission could not reach a consensus. REVISED MOBILE FOOD VENDOR REGULATIONS FRAMEWORK Given this discussion and former direction provided by the Committee in September, Village staff has prepared a draft Ordinance that incorporates feedback from these constituents as well as recommendations provided by the Village Board. A copy of the draft Ordinance has been attached to this report. Staff will be present at the November 12, 2013 Committee meeting to present an overview of the materials assembled in this packet and to answer any questions. ATTACHMENTS  Minutes from the September 17, 2013 Communication & Legislation Committee Meeting  Email correspondence received regarding proposed regulations  “Feedback Sought Regarding Proposed Food Truck Regulations” Northbrook Chamber of Commerce (November 2013)  “Village seeks input on proposed food truck rules” Northbrook Tower (October 31, 2013)  “Toasty Cheese eater to get business in Northbrook” Northbrook Tower (November 7, 2013)  Proposed Amendments to Village of Northbrook Municipal Code Page 3  APPROVED MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE COMMUNICATIONS & LEGISLATION COMMITTEE BOARD OF TRUSTEES VILLAGE OF NORTHBROOK COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS September 17, 2013 Call to Order Chairman Ciesla called the meeting to order in the Terrace Room of the Village Hall at 6:43 p.m. Present: Trustees Ciesla, Heller, Israel. Also present: Trustee Buehler, Village Director T. Poupard, Village Management Analyst M. Strong, Village Clerk D. Ford, and Recorder G. Cerabona. Audience members present: J. Streeter/Communications Manager, Northbrook Chamber of Commerce. Food truck representatives present: Roadside, Toasty Cheese. Trustee Ciesla asked if anyone wanted to speak about non-agenda items; no one came forward. Hear from the Audience There was no hear from the audience. Continued Discussion: Food Truck Regulations Village Director T. Poupard introduced Village Management Analyst M. Strong to discuss follow-up items from the June meeting with framework for an Ordinance and next steps from this Committee:  Noise Regulation o Most Ordinances discuss type rather than decibel levels. The Village currently has noise pollution regulations for generators and other mechanical equipment during daytime and non-quiet hours. Therefore, staff recommended that noise regulation be cross-referenced with current Ordinance.  Waste & Refuse Regulation o There are currently public refuse containers in the downtown; however, they are regularly filled to capacity. Staff fears that future usage of these containers with food truck waste would exceed capacity. It was suggested that truck vendors provide containers for their patrons. Village Director T. Poupard advised that there would be a standard to pick up after themselves. Trustee Ciesla clarified that trucks should take refuse with them. Trustee Heller suggested that recycling should also be considered in the regulations.  Signage o The current sign regulations do not really apply to food trucks based on the nature of their business. Signage requirements are usually based on lot frontage of a business.. However, the Committee may want to prohibit certain signs, such as, illuminated signs, neon signs, flashing/strobe type signs, etc.  Time & Duration o Village enforces noise from 7 a.m.-10 p.m. Trucks could be open during these hours.  Treating Downtown Differently, Distance from Schools & Parks, Public Property o Regarding public parking, regular parking times would be adhered to. However, the Board may want to consider certain days of week/weekends.  o Trustee Heller asked how this will be correlated with the Park District, noting that 5 p.m.- 10 p.m. during a game would be opportune. Village Director T. Poupard advised that in the past, the Park District was concerned about undesirable trucks during certain times. o Trustee Ciesla asked if there are times designated not to be at schools. It was requested that the schools be contacted for input regarding safety, etc. Village Management Analyst M. Strong advised that the Ordinance could specify where trucks can and cannot be parked. o Regarding treating downtown differently, there are 134 on-street parking spaces on Meadow & Sherman. However, the majority of public parking available in the downtown is in the Metra or private parking lots. On-street parking consists of 5%. Management Analyst M. Strong stated that an on-street parking area that could make sense is Meadow, north of Shermer Road. Existing food establishments and residential areas would not be prime locations. Trustee Ciesla suggested a parking location along Village Green. Village Director T. Poupard stated he would like to avoid this parking area due to its location near restaurants and the park. Trustee Ciesla then asked if parking could take place along Shermer & Meadow in the triangular area. Trustee Heller reminded the group that this area would hurt existing restaurants. Trustee Ciesla advised this might protect existing restaurants as the Ordinance could indicate time limits and different times of day. Trustee Ciesla stated it is not realistic that downtown businesses would be affected during the lunch hour. Village Director T. Poupard advised that during Northbrook Days or other Festival Days, trucks could be invited. Village Management Analyst M. Strong stated that on-street parking outside of the downtown is more restrictive due to the lack of enforceable inventory. However, one desirable area is the one being used by Roadside (approximately 9 hours/week) along Sunset Ridge Road by Skokie & Dundee. The area currently being operated by Roadside is technically a no parking area due to the width of the street. However, Village Director T. Poupard stated that the Annual Fee Ordinance could be amended if this were an area the Board wanted to allow for parking.  Potential Buffer Zones o Village Management Analyst M. Strong illustrated that Roadside, for example, is approximately 250 ft. from Starbucks & Potbelly’s. The group generally agreed that a 100 foot buffer would be appropriate for instances where an office or commercial building adjacent to a restaurant may be inclined to invite a food truck for an event or to provide as a food option for their employees. This buffer would not apply to on-street parking locations in the downtown.  Potential Parking Locations o General on-street parking along Meadow between Cherry & Shermer, excluding the angled parking spaces at the corner of Shermer Road and Meadow Road. o Allow use of public or private lots only with the owner’s consent o Generally prohibit food truck parking adjacent to single-family residential units, schools, or parks (except along Meadow Road in the downtown). o Prohibit parking in a public or private lot within 100 ft. of any brick and mortar restaurant o To sum up these restrictions, Village Management Analyst M. Strong and Director T. Poupard illustrated the current food truck operation along Sunset Ridge, including slides that showed:  Current Roadside truck location  Location of IDOT property; and Village right-of-way  Operational concerns given this current location, including:  The patron is ordering on the street. Perhaps if truck was turned around, patron wouldn’t be in harm’s way   The generator affixed to the truck is quiet, and may not be as large of issues as originally thought.  Parking across the street is actually private parking  Signage/banners may be appropriate  Blacktop is private property  It was noted that the Public Works Director was contacted regarding parking, and it would be too narrow if cars parked on the street.  Public parking was shown (old asphalt) Food representative Greg Barnhardt from Toasty Cheese asked what the concern is to protect brick and mortar restaurants. Trustee Buehler advised that he is more concerned with allowing a level playing field; restaurants have made an investment and have longevity in Northbrook. Trustee Israel reminded that they don’t want businesses leaving. Mr. Barnhardt advised that taxes are paid by the owner regardless of the current establishment. Trustee Heller stated that there is a value about having a brick and mortar restaurant there all of the time. Trustee Ciesla reminded that there are limited food choices on Skokie Boulevard. If food trucks utilize this corridor, it may provide more options to office patrons in Northbrook. Trustee Heller agreed that trucks could provide an in-house deli which is attractive. Mr. Barnhardt advised that he has 3,700 followers on Facebook; 40% of clients (and potentially higher due to density) are from outside of Northbrook. Trustee Israel commented that food trucks are a good thing and advised that in Montreal, over 100 food trucks were at a recent event; it was astonishing. It’d be great for Northbrook. Trustee Heller advised that Austin is similarly a food truck hub. Mr. Barnhardt advised that restaurants could also be part of this food trend, and asked, regarding signs, if they can be placed in the ground and removed. Trustee Heller suggested allowing signs (i.e. sandwich board or A-frame) while the food trucks are open. Trustee Ciesla recommended no animated signs. Trustee Israel asked how the sales taxes are tracked in food trucks. Mr. Barnhardt advised that there is a Square P.O.S. system based on the location/suburb. A report is then sent to the municipality. Trustee Ciesla stated that the Chamber of Commerce may be asked to contact/solicit members. Trustee Ciesla reviewed:  Noise o Would like to connect to existing noise regulations  Waste/Refuse o Would like to proceed with containers provided by truck vendors and encourage recycling. Mr. Barnhardt reminded the Board that the commissary kitchen must be licensed by the Village. Village Management Analyst M. Strong reminded everyone of the inspection form.  Signs o Sandwich board signs to be allowed ½ hour before and ½ hour after hours of operation. Electronic menu boards are acceptable. Illuminated signs only when stationary.  Parking o Cannot serve onto the street; must face curbside  Time & Duration  o Trustee Israel suggested existing parking regulations be adhered to; block out a length of Shermer; allow on Meadows & Walter o Regarding outside of Village Green, residential areas, schools, and houses of worship, trucks would be allowed by invitation only. o Trustee Ciesla asked Staff to reach out to schools. Trustee Heller is concerned about safety. Food representative with Roadside advised that schools host their own concessions. Village Director T. Poupard advised that there may be certain times requested by schools. o Between 7 a.m.-10 p.m. is reasonable. Trustee Ciesla would like Staff to implement these suggestions as a Draft Resolution that will be recommended to the entire Board. Trustee Buehler asked about sign height (banners, etc.). Village Management Analyst M. Strong advised that one community doesn’t allow signage to exceed 1 ft. above the truck. Village Director T. Poupard advised those are illegal unless vendor obtains a Temporary Permit. Staff will look into height. Adjourn Trustee Israel motioned, seconded by Trustee Buehler, to adjourn the meeting at 7:41 p.m. On a voice vote, the motion was unanimously approved. Respectfully submitted, Gale Cerabona Recorder Strong, Michael From: village@northbrook.il.us Sent: Friday, October 04, 2013 2:50 PM To: Strong, Michael Subject: Feedback Regarding Food Truck Regulations Submission information ----------------------------------------- Submitter DB ID : 2338 Submitter's language : Default language IP address : 216.124.74.18 Time to take the survey : 6 min. , 2 sec. Submission recorded on : 10/4/2013 12:50:14 PM Survey answers ----------------------------------------- Name: Douglas Heurich, CFM Organization/Business: Northbrook School District 27 Address: 1250 Sanders Road Address 2: City, State, Zip Code: Northbrook, IL 60062 Email Address: heurich.d@nb27.org General Comments: Thank you for soliciting feedback regarding food truck regulations. Appropriate locations for food truck operation: 1 - In terms of food truck operation, we feel that if a food truck operator is locating their vehicle in a private parking lot as both school and park district parking lot would be deemed, there needs to be a way for the owner or custodian of the property to be able to verify that the food truck operator is in fact, allowed to operate in that public or private parking lot. This could be done by requiring food truck operator to publicly display their food service license from the village as well as the letter of permission from the property owner/custodian of the property, allowing the food truck operator to locate on their property. It would be far too easy for the food truck operator to get into a dispute, especially with a custodian or caretaker of that property, saying that they have the letter of permission “back at the office.” - We feel that school district properties shall be off limits at all times from food truck operations, short of authorized permission being granted in writing by the school district, allowing a food truck to be on their property for a special event or activity. School districts have worked hard to discourage individuals not having any business with the school district, to refrain from being on school district property during school hours in particular. Hours of Operation and Duration: - The hours of operation are more realistic to be from 7am to 8pm on weekdays and from 8am to 8pm on weekends, short of participating in special functions or events. - There should be no use of loudspeakers or placement of tables and chairs on the surrounding grounds by the food truck operator. - We agree with the following of all village posted time limit parking restrictions by food truck operators. Additional Requirements / Regulations: - Food truck vendors shall be responsible to check the surrounding area within a 30-50 foot radius, for any food truck related trash or recycling and to remove it before leaving the site. All trash and recycling is to be properly disposed of at the truck’s home-base or commissary location. 2 Strong, Michael From: village@northbrook.il.us Sent: Thursday, September 26, 2013 11:44 AM To: Strong, Michael Subject: Feedback Regarding Food Truck Regulations Submission information ----------------------------------------- Submitter DB ID : 2310 Submitter's language : Default language IP address : 209.7.90.2 Time to take the survey : 2 min. , 51 sec. Submission recorded on : 9/26/2013 9:43:50 AM Survey answers ----------------------------------------- Name: Larry Hewitt Organization/Business: Northbrook District 28 Address: 1475 Maple Avenue Address 2: City, State, Zip Code: Northbrook, IL 60062 Email Address: lhewitt@northbrook28.net General Comments: District 28 seems no issues related to Meadow Road and Sunset Ridge Road. The District would not allow trucks on any school/district parking lot. Thank you for the opportunity to provide feedback. 1 Strong, Michael From: village@northbrook.il.us Sent: Wednesday, September 25, 2013 2:10 PM To: Strong, Michael Subject: Feedback Regarding Food Truck Regulations Submission information ----------------------------------------- Submitter DB ID : 2307 Submitter's language : Default language IP address : 107.1.166.24 Time to take the survey : 8 min. , 12 sec. Submission recorded on : 9/25/2013 12:09:33 PM Survey answers ----------------------------------------- Name: Mike Riggle Organization/Business: Glenbrook HS District 225 - GBN Address: 2300 Shermer Road Address 2: City, State, Zip Code: Northbrook, IL 60062 Email Address: mriggle@glenbrook225.org General Comments: The GBN Athletic Booster Club handles the concessions for high school athletic events with the profit supporting the athletic department. We would like the ordinance to keep food trucks off school grounds unless they are approved in advance by the school administration. 1 Strong, Michael From: Rick Hanetho <RHanetho@nbparks.org> Sent: Friday, November 01, 2013 12:11 PM To: Strong, Michael Cc: Senior Leadership Team; Nahrstadt, Rich; Kiraly, Philip Subject: Food Truck Regulations Feedback Michael, The Northbrook Park District staff and Board of Commissioners have assessed and reviewed the Village’s request for feedback related to Food Truck Regulations. The following is a summary of our thoughts at this time. The information is listed in two sections. 1. Feedback related to Village regulations 2. Additional considerations and issues the Park District will need to continue to evaluate as we move forward. Feedback related to Village regulations:  Should not allow trucks to park in private/park district lots without consent.  Village should require trucks to provide/display proper licensing and have copies of letters indicating consent.  We will need an understanding of what the permitting process involves and how long a permit is good for? (day, week, month, etc) Based on our research it varies across the country.  Permitting should take into consideration special events and holidays. (Specific restrictions should be considered close to Village Green Park)  Proximity to other vendors, restaurants, parks, schools, etc.—especially downtown close to and/or adjacent to Village Green.  Safety concerns on Meadow Road especially close to Village Green Park.  Has and/or should the Village consider regulations for other similar vendors including: o Ice Cream Trucks o Ice Cream Push Carts o Street Vendors  Consideration to create a no parking zone on either side of the cross walk on Walters connecting Village Green to St. Norbert’s. (Ice Cream trucks frequently park on either side throughout the summer creating a potential safety hazard.) Northbrook Park District additional considerations: 1 The Park District is currently in the process of updating our Park District Ordinances. Currently there is not an ordinance that addresses food trucks, or food vendors of any sort. Staff has reached out to the Park District Risk Management Association, Legal Counsel, and over a dozen park districts throughout the Chicago area without much success to date. However, we have found several examples of food truck regulations and procedures for Parks and Recreation Departments from other parts of the country including; Minneapolis, Denver, Kyle Texas, California, Portland, and several east coast communities. It is unlikely that staff will be prepared to propose a new Park District Ordinance that addresses food truck regulations in the same time frame as the Village of Northbrook. We are planning the following next steps:  The Park District will continue to monitor your progress and provide additional feedback if and when it is necessary prior to the Village Board’s approval of a new ordinance.  Park District staff will continue to work with legal counsel to add, update, and modify all Park District Ordinances for the Park Board’s consideration, review, and approval.  Further Park District investigation is needed related to food trucks that includes: o Permitting process, duration, and fees o Identification of approved locations, designated spaces and areas o Enforcement o Beyond food trucks we need to include- Ice Cream Trucks, Push Carts, and Mobile Vendors/service providers of any sort.  Investigation, review, and consideration of no parking zones that border parks. We hope this information is helpful, and let me know if you have any questions or need additional information. Thanks, Rick 847·897·6100 rhanetho@nbparks.org Connect with us! 2 4 | October 31, 2013 | The Northbrook tower News northbrooktower.com Village seeks input on proposed food truck rules Dayna Fields, Editor cuss and receive feedback lage form. to the Village’s municipal on the potential regulations. “We just want to make code, is that all shall “pos- Proposed regulations While the Village’s Com- Anyone interested may ex- sure that these regulations sess a valid permit, issued to Proposed regulations for food trucks from the munication and Legislation press their thoughts on the on paper seem fair, and him by the Village sanitar- Committee is nearing the Communication and Legislation Committee would allow proposed guidelines at this we just want to hear from ian” (Section 13-26). end of the process of craft- for operation hours between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m., seven meeting or via an online the business community to On Sept. 17, the CLC ing rules and regulations for form prior to Tuesday, Nov. confirm that,” said Tens- discussed possible regula- days a week and would require compliance with noise food trucks — a growing 12, at www.northbrook.il.us/ ley Garris, president of the tions for mobile food ven- and parking regulations. Find all proposed regulations fixture in the local restaurant FeedbackFoodTrucks. chamber. “We understand dor business activity in at www.northbrook.il.us/FeedbackFoodTrucks. industry — staff is request- “I’ll be taking the feed- that a level playing field the community. Other proposed regulations: ing input on the proposed back we receive and pre- needs to be put in place so Prior to that discussion, • No on-street parking is allowed anywhere in guidelines from the public paring that for the commit- our brick-and-mortar res- Village staff provided a Northbrook except for specified areas on Meadow and local business owners. tee meeting on Nov. 12,” taurants and food trucks can review of food truck activ- “I think it’s their goal to Road and Sunset Ridge Road. said Strong. compete fairly.” ity in Northbrook on June allow feedback and to make After regulations are ap- Garris said the hot topic 11 and regulations passed • Food trucks may park at public or private parking lots sure the regulations that are proved, the CLC will pre- among business owners is by surrounding communi- with the owner’s consent but must remain at least 100 potentially approved by the pare a formal ordinance for the regulations overseeing ties. The CLC also heard feet from a brick-and-mortar restaurant. [Village Board] have at least the next regular Board of the downtown area, which comments from several • Inside the downtown area, no on-street parking is been vetted by some of those Trustees meeting, which would prohibit trucks except food truck vendors that at- allowed except on Meadow Road between Cherry Lane outlying jurisdictions, like means rules could be set in on Meadow Road between tended. Much of the discus- and Shermer Avenue — trucks must obey the street the schools and the park dis- place by late November. Cherry Lane and Shermer sion focused on location trict,” said Michael Strong, signs that dictate either time limits. “The goal of [the Nov. 12] Avenue for a 60-minute or standards and the need to management analyst for the meeting is really to have an two-hour time limit, depend- treat the downtown area dif- • Food trucks would be allowed to park on Sunset Village. “Anybody that has open discourse on [the pro- ing on the street sign. ferently from other parts of Ridge Road in one of 14 free parking stalls along interest in the topic is free to posed regulations] and make At a May 14 Village Board the community. the southern side of the road across from Skokie submit their feedback.” any last-minute changes [be- meeting, trustees discussed For questions or addi- Boulevard on a first-come, first-serve basis. The CLC will hold a short fore the ordinance is craft- the lack of regulations for tional information, contact • Food trucks would be prohibited from parking meeting prior to the regular ed], if there were any at that food trucks, which current- the Northbrook Chamber adjacent to any single family residential unit, school or Village Board meeting on time,” Strong said. ly fall under the category of Commerce via email at park without permission. Nov. 12 at 6:30 p.m. in the The Northbrook Chamber of “food delivery vehicle,” info@northbrookchamber. Terrace Room on the sec- of Commerce is also encour- within Village limits. Cur- org or the Village of North- • Food trucks would be responsible for collecting ond floor of the Village Hall, aging its members to submit rently, the only requirement brook at michael.strong@ and disposing of all garbage and recycling within the 1225 Cedar Lane, to dis- feedback via the online Vil- for the trucks, according northbrook.il.us. immediate area of where they operate. News Briefs To keep receiving The Tower, of charge. achieve second class mail. delivered to your mailbox Shermer Raod bridge Since asphalt plants shut for free make sure to check The process is simple. The status is essential to the free of charge on Thursday, construction starts Nov. 2 down during the winter, it In the Nov. 7 issue of The success of The Northbrook Nov. 7. The Village of Glenview may not be possible to begin out next week’s issue! repairs to the roadway and, Northbrook Tower a prepaid Tower and 22nd Century has been notified by Union The anticipation ends postcard will be inserted. 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Under order of the Northbrook Tower free the free publication for up to for your signature again for and include one admission ished by the end of the year. Illinois Commerce Commis- three years. three years and your infor- to the event at the Hilton Still be to be determined sion, the road must be open The program is a require- mation will be kept private. Chicago Northbrook. Grand is the condition of Sherm- no later than Sept. 30, 2014. ment through the U.S. Postal For more information, see prize is $10,000. Watch the er Road underneath the Service, which insists free the ad on Page 15 this week. Bears take on the Packers. crushed rock embankment, News Briefs is compiled by periodicals achieve “re- Next week, make sure to For more information, call which will be removed after Editor Dayna Fields, dayna@ quests” from their readers to read The Tower when it is (847) 309-1432. the new bridge is in place. northbrooktower.com 4 | November 7, 2013 | The Northbrook tower News northbrooktower.com Toasty Cheese eager to get to business in Northbrook Local resident gives input on proposed permit process Jamie Bradley, Assistant Editor Northbrook resident Lu- cas Buti, food truck operator for Toasty Cheese Mobile Eatery, spends his day on the road, selling his truck’s fare in many communities around Chicagoland. But he wants to bring his menu on wheels to the resi- dents of his own hometown. While the Village of Northbrook has still yet to fi- nalize a full list of rules and regulations for food truck service within its borders, Buti says Toasty Cheese Pictured is the Toasty Cheese Mobile Eatery food truck at a stop in Oak Park. hasn’t done much business in the Village, only stopping and other Toasty Cheese at a handful of locations over the past couple years. representatives, which is based in Schaumburg, at- “I’d love to be able to bring our “From a personal stand- point,” Buti said, “I’d love tended a June CLC meeting product that I’m proud of, and a to encourage Village staff to be able to bring our prod- uct that I’m proud of, and a to quickly pass regulations company that I’m proud of, to be a while offering their own company that I’m proud of, first-hand knowledge on the part of my local community.” to be a part of my local com- subject of the relatively new Lucas Buti ­— Northbrook resident and Schaum- Lucas Buti dishes out a tasty meal from the Toasty Cheese munity.” food trucks industry. food truck during an average day at work. Photos Submitted But at the stops he has Buti said he feels the pri- burg-based Toasty Cheese food truck operator on made in Northbrook, Buti mary hold up with the legis- the lack of food truck regulations in Northbrook. said, the response has lation process in Northbrook been excellent. has to do with the permits, “[My] kids go to Green- which Buti said seems to be bring it to Northbrook and the food truck has permis- briar [School], so we did the different than in some of the get it inspected. sion to be wherever it de- County Fair [at Greenbriar] other communities his food “[But] if you were to look cides to park and keeping last school year, which was truck serves. at documentation and say, a fair distance away from an overwhelming, resound- In Northbrook, he said, ‘It’s a reputable truck that’s brick-and-mortar restau- ing success,” he said. “It was the Village requests that the been inspected in Cook rants. And those regulations great. We’d like to do more truck first undergoes an in- County, that’s been inspect- don’t concern Buti at all. stuff in Northbrook, but it spection, then gathers the ed in Lake County,’ ... and “We kind of do things kind of seems like [the Vil- appropriate paperwork and let us set up an inspection a little bit differently than lage needs] to go about find- files for a permit. However, for when we have service it seems like a lot of food ing out how they want to do for Buti, that means los- booked in Northbrook, it trucks in the Chicagoland Pictured is the Toasty Cheese food truck. food trucks before we start ing out on a days’ worth makes so much more sense.” area right now,” he said. that again.” of profits. Beyond the permitting “We don’t just drive around such notice is mandatory said. “We would never in a The lack of laws specifi- “We have our Cook Coun- process, though, Buti said and randomly pick locations. don’t affect them. million years set up across cally regulating food truck ty permit, we have our Lake he’s not worried too much Just about every location we Furthermore, Buti added from a restaurant. It’s just vendors were first discussed County permit, we have our about any of the regulations go to, the people contact us that he would never park bad business, bad form.” by the Northbrook Vil- DuPage County permit,” that Northbrook might put in and ask us to come out.” near another restaurant in the The issue of food truck reg- lage Board in May, and the he said. “So [to do the in- place. As it stands, based on And before Toasty Cheese first place so, again, that reg- ulations is set to be discussed Communications and Leg- spection first], that means proposals at the most recent goes anywhere, he said, they ulation would not affect him. again at the next CLC meet- islation Committee took on I have to take the truck out CLC meeting, the majority confirm that it’s OK with the “The last thing we want ing on Nov. 12 at 6:30 p.m. in the task of crafting regu- of service for a day, during of the proposed regulations business or property owner, to do is hinder any business the Terrace Room at Village lations from scratch. Buti a weekday ... so that I can have to do with making sure so regulations stating that from making money,” he Hall, 1225 Cedar Lane. PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO NORTHBROOK MUNICIPAL CODE FOOD REGULATIONS REGARDING MOBILE FOOD VENDORS The Village's regulations concerning food are located in Chapter 13 of the Municipal Code. Chapter 13 requires the operators of all food service establishments, retail food stores, food processing establishments, food delivery vehicles, and food vending machines to obtain permits from the Village and submit to periodic inspections from the Village sanitarian. Below is a summary of the amendments to Chapter 13 that Village staff is suggesting based on feedback it received from the Communications and Legislation Committee. Definitions (Sec. 13-1) Code currently contains the following definition: Mobile food service establishment means any vehicle or trailer that provides food or beverages for retail purchase by consumers primarily for immediate human consumption. Staff proposes the following modification to this definition: Mobile food service establishment (MFSE) means any vehicle, cart or trailer, whether motorized or non-motorized that provides food or beverages for retail purchase by consumers primarily for immediate human consumption. Mobile food service establishment shall be divided into the following categories: Risk Type 1: MFSE offering only prepackaged frozen foods. Risk Type 2: MFSE offering hot or cold prepackaged foods from temperature controlled containers and dispensing beverages. Risk Type 3: MFSE offering foods that are cook or prepared with minimal assembly within the MFSE Inspections (Sec. 13-6) Staff proposes adding the following additional inspection requirements for MFSEs: (a) Frequency of Inspections: Risk Type 1 MFSE: One annual inspection; Risk Type 2 MFSE: Two inspections per year; and Risk Type 3 MFSE: Three inspections per year. (b) Right of Entry: The Village Sanitarian will have the right to inspect the food preparation or food service establishment at which the food offered by the MFSE is prepared and/or packaged, even if such facility is outside of the Village. Food from Outside Jurisdiction of Village (Sec. 13-10) Amend section to specify that any food processing establishment or food service establishment that prepares or packages food to be offered by a MFSE be licensed by the state and subject to inspection by the village sanitarian pursuant to Section 13-6. Application and Issuance of a Permit for a MFE (13-27) MFSEs will be required to obtain a permit like all other food establishments in the Village. Staff proposes special requirements for MFSE permit applications: The operator of a proposed mobile food service establishment (MFSE) must provide the following supplemental documentation with a permit application. (1) The name and address of the food preparation establishment or food service establishment where food items are to be prepared and/or packaged with copies of the facility’s most recent health and sanitation report of the food preparation establishment or food service establishment and the nature of the goods carried; (2) A letter of agreement from the food preparation establishment or food service establishment agreeing to comply with the Village's food and health regulations and consenting to inspection by the village sanitarian. (3) A list of location(s) and time(s) the MFSE will be conducting its operations within the Village. (4) Copies of all necessary licenses or permits required by state health or transportation Authorities. (4) If the MFSE will be operating on private property, application must include the written consent of the property owner stating the MFSE is allowed to operate on the property. Permit Fees (13-28) All permit fees are as established in Annual Fee Ordinance. Fee Ordinance will be amended to include the following fees for MFSE annual permits;  Risk Type 1: [INSERT]  Risk Type 2: [INSERT]  Risk Type 3: [INSERT] 2 #26401470_v1 Article IV Operation of Mobile Food Service Establishments (New) Given the unique nature of mobile food service establishments, a number of additional regulations are recommended to be added as a new Article in Chapter 13 13-50 General. All MFSEs that are permitted to operate in the Village shall be operated in strict compliance with the regulations set forth in this Article IV as well as all applicable ordinances, laws, rules and regulations, including, without limitation, all zoning, building, health, fire and safety regulations, all other provisions of this code. If a conflict arises between applicable regulations, the strictest regulation shall control. 13-51 Location review and restrictions. (a) Permitted Operating Areas: A MFSE may not serve, dispense or sell food or beverages on any public street or right-of-way in the village with the exception of those areas designated for MFSE operation in the annual fee ordinance. A MFSE will be required to comply with all parking regulations and fees in the permitted operating areas. (b) Operation in Parking Lots: A MFSE may not serve, dispense or sell food or beverages in a public or private parking lot within the corporate limits of Northbrook without having first obtaining written consent to operate from the property owner. (c) Minimum Distance from Existing Food Service Establishments: With the exception of those areas designated in subsection (a), a MFSE may not serve, dispense or sell food or beverages in any location that is within one hundred (100) feet of a food service establishment that is not a MFSE [PRIMARY ENTRANCE? LOT LINE?]. This prohibition may be waived if the operator of the MFSE provides the Village written consent of the owner of the food service establishment. (d) Minimum Distance from Special Events: Notwithstanding any other regulation in this Article IV, a MFSE may not serve, dispense or sell food or beverages within five hundred (500) feet of any fair, carnival, circus, festival, special event, or civic event that has received a [SPECIAL EVENT PERMIT?] from the village [without the written consent of the person who submitted the special event permit.] NOTE: The Annual Fee Ordinance will be amended to include the following areas as Permitted Operating Areas for MFSEs: Meadow Road between Cherry Lane and Walters Avenue; and The designated perpendicular parking stalls located on the southern side of Sunset Ridge Road east of Skokie Boulevard. 13-52 Sanitation and inspections. (a) All MFSEs shall be kept in a clean and sanitary condition. It shall be the duty of the village sanitarian to make or cause to be made such inspections as may be necessary to ensure all MFSEs are kept in a clean and sanitary condition. The village sanitarian, bearing proper identification, shall be permitted to enter any MFSE at any reasonable time for the 3 #26401470_v1 purpose of inspecting to determine whether the operator of the MFSE has complied with the terms of this chapter. Additionally, the operator of the MFSE shall, on request, provide the village sanitarian with the records of the MFSE to obtain information pertaining to food and supplies purchased, received, or used. Denial of access to the MFSE or to said records shall be deemed an interference with the village sanitarian in the performance of his/her duties. (b) All food storage, preparation and distribution of food, and vehicle equipment must meet applicable Illinois Department of Public Health standards and requirements, as well as standards to be determined by the village sanitarian. (c) All food, beverages, ice and other materials offered to the public or used in preparation of food or beverages to be sold must be obtained from an approved commercial source. (d) All off-site food preparation and food storage must be conducted at a properly licensed food preparation establishment or food service establishment. Food may not be prepared in a residences or other unpermitted or licensed facility. (e) All waste liquids, garbage, litter and refuse generated by an MFSE or its customers shall be kept in leak-proof, nonabsorbent containers which shall be kept covered with tight-fitting lids and properly disposed of at the affiliated food preparation establishment or food service establishment. No waste liquids, garbage, litter or refuse shall be dumped or drained onto sidewalks, streets, gutters, drains, trash receptacles, or any other place except the affiliated food preparation establishment or food service establishment. One (1) refuse/garbage and one (1) recycling receptacle shall be easily accessible for customer use. Operators shall be responsible for all litter and garbage left by customers within a fifty (50) foot radius of the location of operation. (f) Hours of operation. A MFSE may be open to the public between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. Daily set up of a MFSE shall not occur before 6:00 a.m. and the end of the day clean up shall be completed by 9:00 p.m. Hours of operation beyond these specified hours for private events may be authorized only with prior approval by the village manager. (e) Noise pollution. During all hours of operation, a MFSE shall comply with the noise regulations set forth in article III of chapter 16 of this code. (g) Signage Furnishing and Fixtures. All identifying information, logos, advertising, decorations, or other displays on the exterior of a mobile food vehicle shall conform to the purposes set forth in Article IX of the Village of Northbrook Zoning Code, to the extent possible. In particular, exterior displays shall be designed to minimize confusion or distraction that jeopardizes vehicular and pedestrian safety. It shall be unlawful for a mobile food vehicle vendor use or cause to be displayed while in transit or motion flashing or electronic signs, or illuminated signs. It shall be unlawful for vendors of mobile food vehicles to display or utilize any signage that is not permanently affixed to a mobile food unit unless a temporary sign permit application was filed in accordance to Article IX of the Village of Northbrook Zoning Code. 4 #26401470_v1